Ooly: Awesome Gifts for your Little Artist!

Recently our friends over at Ooly sent us a little box full of creativity. The kids and I love to do art, make stuff, and express our creative sides. I was stoked to receive the Rainbow Sparkle Glitter Markers, and Chunkies Paint Sticks.

Margaret and I had a blast! The glitter markers are incredible. The glitter is very fine and sticks onto the artwork, even after the marker ink has dried. We colored and colored, without any loss of color or glitter coming from the markers. Parents, I repeat: There is NO glitter transfer!!

And the Chunkies? Perfection. She loves to paint, but I don’t love the setup and mess. These Chunkies solved my problems and let her express her creativity with paint. She loved that the paint dries quickly, and it didn’t get all over her hands (issues that we’ve had with other brands of paint sticks).

Ooly has art supplies for any level of an artist, in several mediums. If you haven’t embraced your inner artist, but love planners or journaling, Ooly has you covered too. They have a pretty extensive of cool journaling and planner supplies!

They’ve put together a Gifts under $20 section, which is perfect for holiday gift exchanges, as well as 8 Bonus Boxes. OOLY’s Holiday Bonus Boxes offer an array of goods to keep you crafting, drawing, painting, and molding. Find the one that’s just right for you and bring your vision, story, or design to life! I’m picking up a bonus box for each of the kids for the winter holidays. I know the kids will love the freedom and creativity each bonus box brings.

And shopping with Ooly gets even better- Now through November 7th, score a free set of Stampables Scented Double-Ended Stamp Markers with any purchase of $60+. Details can be found here.

Disclosure: Ooly sent us samples to try without an expectation of a review, however, once I received the markers and paint sticks, I was so excited to share them with you, I jumped at the chance to share their deals. I love supporting local companies!

 

10/28/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week has been a doozy friends. I’ve been driving the big kid up to and home from camp all week, in addition to working and momming. It’s about a 45 minute drive each way in the morning, and in the afternoon there is traffic, so it’s up to an hour each way. Ah, the things we do for our kiddos.

I’ve got some great freebies and deals for you this week, and today should be chock full of posts too!

Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

Freebies:

Free Perfect Bar After Rebte
Free RIND Snacks Product at Select Stores
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Bulgari Le Gemme Tygar Fragrance Sample
Cotton Patch Cafe -Dress Like a Chicken & Get a Free Dessert
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sample of Creed Aventus for Her
Free Bloomingdale’s Dior Little Beauty Box
Free Box of Cappello’s Ravioli at Select Stores
Free Prada Paradoxe Fragrance Sample
Free Haircut for Vets & Military at Great Clips
Free Josh Cellars Reserve Personalized Wine Bottle Labels
Free Clusterbucks Superfood Snack
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free Sesame Street Fire Safety Color & Learn Activity Book
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free MA Novelty Treats Boutique Stickers
Free Sadler’s Smokehouse Brisket Burnt Ends
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen Sample
Free Yogi Tea Samples
Free Michele’s Granola
Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More
Free ELF Primer or Serum
Free Walmart Welcome Baby Registry Box
Free Lupii Plant-Based Protein Bar
Free Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
Free Meal & Drink for Military at BJ’s on Nov. 11th
Free 4-Pack BioSteel Sports Drink at Select Stores
Free 4pk of Chick-n-Minis at Chick-fil-A
Free Doughnut & Coffee for 1st Responders at Krispy Kreme
Free Bag of Chubby Snacks After Rebate
Free BrightFarms Crunch Kit Salad After Rebate
Free Pantene Daily Moisture Renewa at Select Stores
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen Sample

 

iPhone 14 Pro Max Case ONLY 12.99 (Reg. $59.99)

Picky Kitty Game ONLY $5.70 (Reg. $29.99)

NINJA Foodi Digital Fry Convection Oven ONLY $89.99 (Reg $200)

Gabbys Dollhouse Bakey with Cakey Oven ONLY $17.99 (Reg. $29.99)

Women’s Plus Size Puffer Vest ONLY $27.96 (Reg $70)

Kid’s Ball Pit ONLY $9 (Reg. $35)

LeapFrog 100 Words About Places ONLY $7.87 (Reg $20)

Cotton Hammock w/ Stand and Carry Bag ONLY $50.78 (Reg $140)

Portable Lightweight Folding Table ONLY $38.05 (Reg $68)

Victoria’s Secret PINK Panties 10 for $35

 

Deals:

iPhone 14 Pro Max Case ONLY 12.99 (Reg. $59.99)
Picky Kitty Game ONLY $5.70 (Reg. $29.99)
NINJA Foodi Digital Fry Convection Oven ONLY $89.99 (Reg $200)
Gabbys Dollhouse Bakey with Cakey Oven ONLY $17.99 (Reg. $29.99)
Women’s Plus Size Puffer Vest ONLY $27.96 (Reg $70)
Kid’s Ball Pit ONLY $9 (Reg. $35)
LeapFrog 100 Words About Places ONLY $7.87 (Reg $20)
Cotton Hammock w/ Stand and Carry Bag ONLY $50.78 (Reg $140)
Portable Lightweight Folding Table ONLY $38.05 (Reg $68)
Victoria’s Secret PINK Panties 10 for $35

10/24/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

 

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This week is going to be a lot of time in the car. The big kid’s school has 6th-grade camp this week, but because of the nighttime medication he takes, it’s better if he comes home each night.  SDo I will be driving him to and from camp (about a 50-mile round trip) each morning and afternoon.

That means no therapy appointments this week, which is great because I’m getting a little run ragged.

I went to the grocery store on Saturday afternoon and meal prepped yesterday for this week. We had a lot of veggies and fruit left over from the week before, so I made a big fruit salad and 2 trays of roasted veggies.

We’ll be eating a lot of vegetarian/low meat meals this week. With the ever increasing cost of groceries, we’re leaning on pantry staples and what’s in the freezer. Luckily I’ve got so good stuff stashed away.

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. The big kid will have lunch at camp every day this week and the littlest buys her lunch at school about half the time. In California, all public schools provide breakfast and lunch for free.

Dinner: This week is packed as far as appointments, so I’m leaning on stuff that’s easy and tasty. I prepped fruits and veg over the weekend and made up the last Dream Dinner and portioned it into lunch-sized servings.

  • Monday:  Roasted veggie frittata, homemade bread

  • Tuesday: Moosie’s Pot Roast, Roasted Veggies, rice (didn’t make this last week)

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, crackers, and cheese

  • Thursday:  Taco Soup, quesadillas

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:    Grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, fruit
  • Sunday:  Leftovers

Cents of Style: Jewelry, Accessories & Slippers All 2 FOR $10 This weekend only!

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

I love when Cents of Style has these sales- It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts!

Now through 10/25/22, TWO Jewelry, Slippers & Accessories for ONLY $10 which makes each item ONLY $5 a piece when two or more are purchased!

There are over 30 AMAZING items to choose which include hats, jewelry, slippers, glasses, gloves, and hair accessories!

Remember to use coupon code HIGHFIVE  at checkout to take advantage of this deal!

I’ve already picked out some stuff for my littlest fashionistas stocking. She loves jewelry!

 

10/21/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Halloween is in 10 days! Woo hoo! I’m making costumes for the kids this weekend, and I’ll have photos up on Instagram as I get them finished. I’m stoked to have a weekend of creativity ahead of me.

Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

Freebies:

Free Everything Legendary Plant-Based Burgers After Rebate
Free Bliss CBD Sparkling Water
Free Childrens Hospitals Week Bandages
Free Energy Health Supplements
Free Car Care Check at GoodYear
Free Kids Halloween Beanie at Big Lots
Free Sample of Enfagrow Toddler Formula
Free Sample of Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia
Free BISSELL Vacuum
Free Build-A-Bubble Party Pack
Free Dude Wipes at Sam’s
Free Children’s Toothbrush Kit
Free Witch Hazel Skincare Sample
Free Hot Dog at Dog Haus
Free Softsoap Body Wash
Free Glossier Cloud Paint Sample
Free WD-40 Specialist Gel Lube Sample
Free BabyCozy Diapers Sample
Free Playtex Clean Comfort Tampons
Free Sample of Dickinson Deep Cleansing Astringent
Free Shiseido Hydro Master Gel
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Free Kids Book Every Month
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Moisturizer
JCPenney Portraits – Free 8×10 for Military Families
35 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free House Defender VR Game for Oculus Quest

Deals:

Old Navy Halloween Bodysuits 3-Pack ONLY $9.97 (Reg $30)
Today Only: $25 Women’s Cozy Sweaters at Old Navy
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam ONLY $33.74 (Reg $70)
Genuine Dickies Men’s Hooded Shirt Jacket ONLY $29.99 (Reg $70)
Pyrex 22-Piece Food Storage Set ONLY $25.49 (Reg $60)
Ulta Beauty: Save 50% Off Drybar, Gimme Beauty & More
Crystal Pendant Necklace & Stud Earrings Set ONLY $8.95
3-Piece Matte Liquid Lipstick Set ONLY $6.99 (Reg $14)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
LCD 10-Inch Writing Tablet ONLY $16.99 (Reg $30)
Mainstays Student Desk ONLY $39 (Reg $69)
Cuddl Duds Flannel Sheet Set ONLY $25.49 (Reg $60)
Door Closer 2-Pack ONLY $9.92 (Reg $38)

TODAY ONLY: 99¢ Sundaes at Sonic!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with 99¢ Sundaes.

This tasty deal is available today only, so be sure to stop by your local SONIC® and enjoy. This deal automatically applies in the app.

Already at the drive-in? Mention this deal to redeem!*

*Each Sundae is 99¢ plus tax. Valid only on October 20, 2022 at participating SONIC® Drive-In locations while supplies last. Add-ins cost extra. Limit 5. Valid when you order online or in the SONIC App as a registered user or mention deal while ordering. Not valid with Combos, delivery or any other offers.

10/17/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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Sometimes I have to remember to give myself some grace. Last week was full of stuff, and we didn’t end up sticking to the meal plan, however, I did some batch cooking Friday. I made a huge batch of red sauce/gravy, and a huge meatloaf.

Most of the sauce went into the freezer for future meals. We had some of it for dinner on Sunday.

The meatloaf was had for dinner Saturday, with leftovers being used for meatloaf sandwiches for lunch this week. I individually portioned and froze servings of leftovers for weekday lunches.

I grocery shopped Saturday morning and meal prepped on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. We’ve got a lot of fresh fruits and veggies this week.

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. The big kid brings his lunch from home daily, and the littlest buys her lunch at school about half the time. In California, all public schools provide breakfast and lunch for free.

Dinner: This week is packed as far as appointments, so I’m leaning on stuff that’s easy and tasty. I prepped fruits and veg over the weekend and made up the last Dream Dinner and portioned it into lunch-sized servings.

  • Monday: The Best Salad Ever, garlic bread, butter noodles (Bitty Bird’s request)

  • Tuesday: Moosie’s Pot Roast, Roasted Veggies

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, crackers, and cheese

  • Thursday: Breakfast for dinner (I’m hoping for omelets and sourdough toast)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:   Soup and sammiches, and fruit
  • Sunday:  Leftovers

10/14/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

This was a week of appointments and business. I apologize for the lack of posts over the past few days, hopefully, this batch of fresh Freebies and deals will make up for it.

Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

Freebies:

Free Subscription to Out Magazine
Free COLUMBUS Craft Meats Charcuterie Board
Free Colive Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Free wood Puzzle, Cinche Bag & Markers at JCPenney
Free Hefty Trash Bags at Select Stores
Free Trick or Treat Wall Décor Craft at Michaels
Free Last Bubbles Bouchon
Free Coffee Every Friday at Cumberland Farms
Free Speck iPhone 14 Phone Case
Free Nature’s Fynd Meatless Breakfast Patties
Free ILY Stickers
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Injection Serum & Mask + $50 Amazon eGift Card
Free eos Stickers (Email)
Free Light & Lean Recipe Booklet
Free Above MS Recipe Book
Free 19 Crimes Coasters, Hat, Tumblers & More
Free L’Oreal Le Color Gloss Sample
Free Green Garden Freeze Dried Herbs
Free Darkwood PC Game
Free CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Halo Top Light Ice Cream Chatterbox Kit
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Moisturizer
Free Lancome La Vie Est Belle Fragrance Sample
Free Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze at Taco Bell
Free Marco Sweet & Spices Internationally-Inspired Ice Cream
Free Fenty Fat Water Toner
Free Sample of Erborian CC Creme
Free Sample of AERIN Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free 3-Months of SiriusXM – $54 Value w/ No Credit Card Needed

Deals

Champion Women’s Crop Top T-Shirt ONLY $8.69 (Reg $25)
LOL Surprise OMG Movie Magic Doll ONLY $14.78 (Reg $37)
Vera Bradley Large Travel Duffle Bag ONLY $74.68 (Reg $155)
Revlon Root Booster Styler Brush ONLY $32.49 (Reg $65)
Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can Set ONLY $61.75 (Reg $110)
OneSpace Craft Station w/ with Blue Glass ONLY $100 (Reg $205)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Martha Stewart Holiday 2-Pc Cocottes ONLY $14.99 (Reg $50)
Chefman Countertop Blending System ONLY $29.99 (Reg $80)
Kate Spade Perry Small Backpack ONLY $79 (Reg $329)

October 2022: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right 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.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

      • Veggie Pasta by Veggiecraft Farms
      • No Sugar Bacon by Pederson’s Natural Farms
      • Uncured No Sugar Kielbasa Sausage by Pederson’s Natural Farms
      • Almond Yogurt by AYO Almond Yogurt
      • Squeezable Smoothie by Sweet Nothings
      • Barley Milk by Golden Wing
      • Plant-Based Protein Bar by Lupii
      • Quick and Easy Breakfast by Belgian Boys

And More!

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, and 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!

10/10/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis coming week is full of extra appointments and errands, so I’m leaning heavily on the meal prep I did yesterday, and stuff that can be cooked quickly.

We’re leaning heavily into the pantry this week as well, and I found a large package of ground beef in the freezer (under a few large bags of frozen veggies), so we’ll be using that to make both meatloaf and a big batch of bolognese sauce (half will go into the freezer for future use).

The big kid and I went to the grocery store yesterday, redeemed a bunch of coupons (thanks to Social Nature), and did our usual weekly shopping.

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. The big kid brings his lunch from home daily, and the littlest buys her lunch at school about half the time. In California, all public schools provide breakfast and lunch for free.

Dinner: This week is packed as far as appointments, so I’m leaning on stuff that’s easy and tasty. I prepped fruits and veg over the weekend and made up the last Dream Dinner and portioned it into lunch-sized servings.

  • Monday:  Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit

  • Tuesday: Waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, crackers, and cheese

  • Thursday: Meatloaf, Roast Veg, Rolls

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Spaghetti Bolognese, garlic bread, salad
  • Sunday:  Leftovers