saving money

2021- It’s Earth Day, Y’all!

Abby H.1 Comment

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Once again, there are not too many freebies for Earth Day. Between the pandemic and stores not being open or making a lot of money, there are barely any freebies. I’m not posting deals for Earth Day, because really, do we need to go out and shop?

While the free day to visit the National Parks has passed for earth Day/National Parks Week, don’t fret. There are several other days as well. You can find the complete list here. The only National Park in San Diego is Cabrillo Monument on Point Loma. If you have a 4th grader in your home (We do!!), Check out Every Kid Outdoors. It’s a free program for 4th graders and their families to visit National Parks for free through August 2021!

The next Freebie isn’t super fun, but it might be needed. We’ve been doing a lot of deep purging and cleaning the past year, and I’ve got a bunch of papers that need to be shredded (oh hi 20-year-old tax paperwork!). Check out your local Office Max/Office Depot- Armed with this coupon (Scroll to the bottom of the page)  you can score up to 5 lbs of shredding for FREE!! This deal is valid through 4/24/2021.

And perhaps my favorite freebie this April: if you live in Southern California and have utilities with SDG&E, PG&E, or SoCal Edison, you can join OhmConnect for free and start conserving electricity and earning money (as well as saving on your utility bills). And through the end of April, when you sign up and connect your utility account (it literally takes 5 minutes), You’ll earn $25 straightaway! You can learn all about OhmConnect here. We’ve been using it for 5+ years, and have saved hundreds on our SDG&E bill, and earned almost $1000 from OhmConnect.

And once again, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but…

Despite what you read online there are NO Origin Freebies, Disney Store Freebies, Free milkshakes on the west coast, Mac Freebies, Sephora Freebies, Ice Cream Freebies, or free coffee from Starbucks. 

So, that’s it. I know, it’s kinda depressing, but I’ll be on the hunt for freebies for you this week, and I’ll report back on Friday morning.

 

Today is National Garlic Day!

Abby H.

Hot Damn! I love garlic. I decided to celebrate with a new recipe: Roasted Garlic (below), and a round-up of recipes that feature garlic.

Roasted Garlic is easy to make and is great in recipes that call for garlic. It’s very mellow, rich, dare I say, creamy? It’s also super good on toast or warm, crusty bread.

Roasted Garlic 

Ingredients:

  • 1 or more (I suggest more) heads of garlic
  • Your favorite cooking oil

Directions:

  1. Remove the excess papery skin on the garlic heads, leave the bulb intact.
  2. Slice off the pointy tops (about 1/4-1/2 inch)of the garlic bulbs. You want to expose the garlic.
  3. Brush the heads of garlic with oil and wrap them in foil.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes. The garlic is cooked once it is tender (poke it with a toothpick or knife usually after 40-ish minutes). but you can continue to roast it until all of the sugars caramelize, and it turns a light brown color. This caramelization makes the garlic very mellow and slightly sweet.

You can store the garlic in the fridge for 10-14 days, but it won’t last that long. It’s good in dips (like hummus), on its own, in soups, or any recipe that calls for garlic. Use roasted garlic in recipes where garlic is called for 1:1.

Garlic Recipe Round-up:

Mid-Month Coupon Round Up April 2021!

Abby H.

I was cruising my favorite coupon sites this morning and I found some great stuff.

The two sites I use the most for printable coupons are:

Here are a few coupons that have me kinda stoked:
Save $1.00 on ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Fructis® shampoo, conditioner, treatment or styling products (exclusions apply)
Save $1.00 on ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Whole Blends® shampoo, conditioner or treatment product (exclusions apply)
Save $1.00 on ANY ONE (1) L’Oreal Paris Elvive or Ever conditioner (excludes any 1oz. & 3oz. product, twin packs, value packs and kits)
Save $2.00 on any ONE (1) Degree Maximum Recovery Body Wash & Soak, Massage Bar Soap, Epsom Salt Muscle Soak, Deep Clean Bar Soap, or Body

And if you are looking for more ways to save, check out my Smart Phone App Page. It’s got all kinds of great apps to help you save and earn cash back on all of your grocery and home essential shopping!

Fetch Rewards: Add 4,000 bonus points to your weekend plans

Abby H.

 

It’s back!

There are thousands of referral bonus points just waiting to be claimed. If you want some, simply tell all your friends about Fetch. Through 4/11/2021, you’ll get 4,000 points for anyone who signs up using your code.

There’s no limit to the Rewards you can earn, so tell everyone. It’s super easy, and each friend who signs up gets 2,000 points.

Referring friends is easy. Step one: share your referral code with friends. Step two: friends enter your code and snap a receipt. Step three: points are deposited into your account.

Let’s get started! If you are new to Fetch Rewards, you can learn more here. When you sign up, use my referral code ND2TB and share the love (and referral points!).

When you sign up, leave your referral code in the comments!

 

Fine Print: In order for you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM PT on 04/11/2021. After 11:59 PM PT on 04/11/2021, the referral bonus will expire.

April is Financial Literacy Month! Budgeting and Savings Tips

Abby H.

Today I learned that April is Financial Literacy Month. Which is just in time for tax day (which has been extended this year, but it traditionally April 15th).

One of my favorite topics for this blog is how to save money. So I thought I’d put together a post with links to some of my best ways to save money and throw out some tips and tricks that work for me.

Last year I wrote a three-part series about making a practical budget that a family can adhere to and how to get some extra help if you need it. This was written during the pandemic, so there is a lot of information and resources especially for those feeling the financial panic that many felt during the height of the pandemic last year.

If you already have a budget or feel that your spending is out of control and you aren’t to the point yet where you feel that you need a budget, I did a series of posts in late 2019 about how to reign in the out-of-control spending.

  • Part One- Start in the Kitchen
  • Part Two- Entertainment Some of these tips may not be applicable right now, as so many public places are still closed or have limited services (Like gyms and libraries).
  • Part Three- Shopping Around to Save. Internet, cell phones, health insurance (and that’s just three examples), a lot of times you can save money with a few clicks or a phone call.

Keeping an eye on your Credit Score is another great way to be financially literate. I wrote this morning about Credit Sesame, which I personally have used for at least 9 years.

And finally, if you feel like you need a little more help than the posts above to get a handle on your finances, check out Simplifi by Quicken. To celebrate Financial Literacy Month, Simplifi is offering a 30-day FREE Trial of Simplifi by Quicken.

  • Simplifi by Quicken was named the Best Budgeting App & Tool by the New York Times’ Wirecutter!
  • The app helps you stay on top of your money in less than 5 minutes per week.
  • After your free 30-day trial save 38% off the regular price. That’s $29.99 billed annually for the first year. For the cost of one lunch date, you can have a year of budgeting at your fingertips.

Talkback: What are your tips and tricks to saving money and staying on budget?

Today is National Beer Day!

Abby H.

Today is National Beer Day! What better way to celebrate an awesome day than with my favorite beer-related recipes, crafts, and DIY fun?

  1. Beer Bread. Seriously- It’ll change your life. It’s quick, easy, versatile.
  2. Ever buy a six-pack and realize after a beer or two that it isn’t your cup of tea? Beer makes great snail and slug bait. Pour one out into a shallow pan (like a disposable pie tin) and set it in your garden. Turbo and his buddies will be drawn to the smell and fall in. No poison, no gross traps to deal with, and if the neighborhood squirrels or gophers find it, they will just get a little drunk.
  3. If you don’t have a garden but have an unwanted beer, take it into the shower with you! Because most beer has an average pH of 4 (acidic), it makes a great clarifier for hair that gets a lot of styling products in it daily. Wash with your regular shampoo, rinse with water, apply beer and allow to sit in your hair for a few minutes, rinse out and follow up with your conditioner. If that’s not your bag, Amazon sells a lot of beer-based shampoo and conditioner. 
  4. More than ever, beer bottles are being painted or printed on instead of a glued-on label. Some bottles have cool art. Instead of saving the bottles to gather dust on a shelf, why not use a glass cutting kit like this one, and make cool glasses or a vase?  I have a friend who does this, and she has a collection of incredible beer glasses.
  5. All this talk of beer got you thirsty? My favorite beer cocktail is a shandy. Depending on where you are from a shandy is either beer and lemonade or beer and lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. It’s delicious.  A lager or pilsner are the best choices for beer. Something light (in color). Its 1/2 beer and half lemonade/lemon-lime soda/ginger ale.

Time to Buy a New Laptop (With Gazelle)

Abby H.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Last year or so, our desktop died (video card). I took it to the magical wizards at our local Apple Authorized repair shop and the very nice dude looked at my (at the time) 8-ish-year-old computer and said.. “Ma’am, I can’t fix that. Apple doesn’t make parts for it.”

In the meantime I’ve been using a laptop a friend loaned me. It’s time to rejoin the 21st century and buy a new laptop. As much as I appreciate the loaner, it’s older, and I need something faster and with a functioning webcam.

So I’ve been looking online. First, of course, I went to Amazon, because, well that’s where most people start these days. Honestly, I do not want to buy a laptop on Amazon. I bought an iPad through them last year and after 6 months, it died. I had insurance, so they replaced it for free, but it was a pain in the tuchus.

I remembered that Gazelle sells refurbished laptops! So, I took a look at their website. In addition to phones and tablets, you can sell and buy laptops through Gazelle!

And if you are a new customer, you can receive $20 off your first purchase of $200+ on Gazelle using Coupon Code AFF21NEW.

There are a few great options for my laptop needs, so I’ll be making my choice in the next week or so. I am so looking forward to a new laptop!

If you aren’t looking for a laptop, but a phone, check out this deal! Get $75 off Galaxy Note 20, 10+, 10; $50 iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max; and $25 off iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XR at Gazelle (Through 4/12/2021)

I’ll update y’all as soon as I make a choice. I’m really looking forward to having something new (to me) that’s all mine. And if you have any recommendations on where to get a laptop, I’m all ears!

April 2021- New Month, New Coupons!

Abby H.

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

Check out the following sites:

One of my favorite websites is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks! New offers are added on the Smartphone Savings Apps all the time!

April is here! Easter Sunday is this coming Sunday, so there will be deals for candy and egg dying supplies (and don’t forget markdowns in the days following the holiday). April is National Gardening Month, keep your eyes peeled for deals and sales at home improvement stores, as well as stores like Dollar Tree and Walmart. For a complete list of types of foods and items that will be on sale, check out this post on the cycle of sales.

 

Here are a few of my favorite new coupons:


Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker™ Fruit Shapes OR Mott’s® Fruit Flavored Snacks
Save $2.00 when you buy ONE (1) Nature’s Own® Perfectly Crafted Loaf and ONE (1) Sabra 8 oz – 10 oz Hummus (Available at Walmart)
Save $1.50 any ONE (1) Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Product
Save $3.00 ONE Venus® Razor (excludes Venus® Disposable Razors and trial/travel size)

3/26/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

This week was the first week of spring break. It was pretty busy: library, park, zoo, and lots of play time outside (weather permitting). This week there aren’t as many freebies, but there are some pretty good ones! Quality over quantity!

A new year means new birthday freebies. I put together a list for 2021. Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Eva NYC Mini Styler
Free Johnny Rockets Burger for Joining & On Your Birthday
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Subscription to GQ Magazine
Free Cottonelle Down There Care Box
Free Sample of Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner
Free Sesame Street Fire Safety Color & Learn Activity Book
Free Gardening Gifts at Lowes in April
Free End Gun Violence Sticker
Free Lamination of COVID-19 Vaccine Card at Office Depot/Max
Free Subaru Drive & Drive Performance Magazine
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Subscription to Bon Appetit

Deals:

KidKraft Magnetic Dollhouse Set ONLY $59.79 (Reg $130)
Paint by Sticker Zoo Animals ONLY $5.01 (Reg. $10)
6 Pairs of Water Drop Flower Rhinestone Earrings ONLY $3 Shipped
Girls Dresses 2-Packs ONLY $6.79 Shipped at The Children’s Place
Comfy Buckled Cork Thong Sandals ONLY $21.99 (Reg $45)
Shark ION Robot Vacuum ONLY $149 (Reg $300)
MUK LUKS Women’s Camila Boots ONLY $34.99 (Reg. $65)
AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds ONLY $17.99 (Reg. $50)
Green Toys Shape Sorter Truck ONLY $14.00 (Reg. $30)
Peter Rabbit Book and Toy ONLY $9.98 (Reg. $17)
Peter Rabbit Blu-ray DVD ONLY $10.00 (Reg. $20)
WowWee Ploosh Kissimal Interactive Plush ONLY $5.43 (Reg. $13)
Green Toys Dune Buggy Pull ONLY $8.50 (Reg. $20)
8 x 10 Rugs up to 90% Off + Exclusive Extra 10% Off at Zulily
2 Scoops Plush Tie Dye Unicorn ONLY $7.50 (Reg $15)
MUK LUKS Men’s Moccasin Slippers ONLY $13.99 (Reg. $30)
Nike Kids Shoes ALL $34.99 (reg $80)
Fire HD 10 Tablet 64GB ONLY $107.99 (Reg $190)
Platform Perforated Sneakers ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60)
Portable Makeup Bag ONLY $9.99 Shipped (Reg $20)
WowWee Pixie Belles ONLY $4.79 (Reg. $15)
Twin Waterproof Mattress Protector ONLY $37.99 (Reg $64)
Conair Hot Curling Brush 2 for $6.43 on Amazon
MUK LUKS Men’s Camouflage Slippers ONLY $14.99 (Reg $40)
Bella Pro Series Touchscreen Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $24.99 (Reg $50)
Leggings by Marika All Styles ONLY $10.99 (Reg. $60)
Under Armour Adult Sackpack ONLY $10.99 (Reg $15)
6 Piece Travel Bags ONLY $12.99 Shipped (Reg $25)
Bella Egg Cooker ONLY $7.99 at Best Buy (Reg $15)
X Marks the Spot Dresses as Low as $4.99 on Zulily
Sheet Sets up to 70% Off + Score Free Shipping Through Sunday
LEGO Sale + Score Free Shipping Through Sunday

March 2021: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

There are a lot of really awesome products available to sample right now. From Broth to snacks, protein powder, meat alternatives- There is something for everyone to try.

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out. There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too!

So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!