New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 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.

Most of the time, Social Nature will mail me a coupon for a free product and I go to my local Target, Sprouts, or other retailer and pick up the item. I’ve gotten products valued at $20+ too. I recently sampled and reviewed skincare products, kombucha, frozen entrees, and veggie burgers to name a few.

Right now there about a dozen new products that you can apply to try from Social Nature!

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!

 

Rare $15/$100+ Coupon at Sprouts (ends today)!

I love Sprouts! We grew up shopping for produce there, and as an adult, I love shopping there too. I discovered this coupon buried in my email, and it expires today!

This coupon is perfect if you are primarily a Sprouts shopper, or if you want to stock up on some of the goodness that Sprouts sells. I love that you can use other coupons too (either paper coupons, or in-app coupons from the Sprouts app). And to sweeten the deal, you can use cashback apps too- that saves you money after the fact.

However you use this coupon- It’s a rare deal!

2/5/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

bright boxes

Friday Fun Times! We’ve got a three day weekend ahead of us- The kids and I are planning on a trip to the zoo sometime over the weekend.

My birthday was earlier this week and I rocked a bunch of freebies. Wanna check out my list of goodies? 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 $135 Snacks Research Study
Free Sample of IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Cream
Free Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Duo Samples
Free Medicated Shampoo
Free Casey’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Subscription to People Magazine
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Mountain Dew Melon at Publix
Free Hand Cream
Mack’s Free Ear Plug’s Giveaway – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Free Coors Light 6-Pack
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free 4 Hass Avocados at Winn-Dixie
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
2 Free Setting Powders + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Valentines Day Postcard
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Good Housekeeping Institute Panel – Free Products
Free Cool Beans Frozen Wrap
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free COOLA Great Barrier Cream Sample
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Become a Funovation Toy Tester & Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
Free Pinkberry Yogurt for Your Birthday
Free Subscription to Parents Magazine
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Progresso Toppers Soup at Publix
Free Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Hood Degreaser Wipes
Free Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion for Healthcare Workers
Free Macy’s Fragrances
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Sample of Tim Hortons Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free L.A. Girl Jetsetter Mascara or Eyeliner
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide at Sam’s
Free Collagen Gold Eye Mask & Collagen Lips Mask Set
Free Hot or Iced Coffee at Pret A Manger on Fridays

Deals:

Dinosaur Bring Along Backpack and Dinosaur Toy $6.50 (Reg. $23)
KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table $85.26 (Reg. $230)
Disney Plush & Stuffed Animals as Low as $1.98 at ShopDisney
Relative Insanity Party Game ONLY $12.18 (Reg. $21)
Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana SOLO $29.99 Shipped (Reg $120)
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Baby Alive Tea n Sparkles Doll ONLY $7.49 (Reg $20)
Sun Joe Cordless Handheld Vacuum ONLY $20.99 (Reg $28)
Hello Kitty Modern Kitchen Play Set ONLY $47.99 (Reg $100)
Finding Nemo Baby Bath Toys Set ONLY $6.64 (Reg $11)
TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner ONLY $2.53 (Reg. $8)
Kim Rogers 3-Piece Handbag Set ONLY $31 (Reg $78)
Multipet Loofa Dog Plush Dog Toy ONLY $3.99 Shipped (Reg $10)
Frigidaire Portable Retro Mini Fridge ONLY $24
Dental Tools 6-Piece ONLY $8.47 (Reg $17)
MUK LUKS Women’s Janet Boots ONLY $24.99 (Reg $65)
Walgreens Custom Photo Poster $1.99 with Coupon (Reg. $11)
10-Piece Food Storage Set ONLY $11.99 at Amazon
Bella Pro Series Analog Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $17.99 (Reg $40)
Women’s Sherpa Jacket ONLY $7.88 at Walmart (Reg $20)
Wakeman Folding Utility Cart ONLY $89.99 (Reg $159.99)
NUK Rest Easy Spoons 6-Pack ONLY $2.82
Free $10 Nordstrom Rack Gift Card When You Ship to Store
T-fal Nonstick 10 Saute Pan with Lid ONLY $31.81 (Reg. $56)

Earn Rewards with DSW VIP!

Designer Shoe Warehouse (aka DSW) has some really great deals and rewards! While doing research for Birthday Freebies over the weekend, I discovered that DSW‘s rewards program called DSW VIP is chalk full of perks and benefits:

Donate Shoes, Earn rewards: DSW VIP members can donate shoes and Rewards to those in need through Soles4Souls and Be Strong. Your donations help keep shoes out of landfills and create better opportunities for kids and families. For each pair you donate in-store, you earn 50points (that’s halfway to a $5 reward). You can donate and earn points once a week. You can find out more details in the store.

Birthday rewards: each Year, you’ll receive a $5 off coupon to be used in-store or online. That won’t get you a new pair of shoes, but DSW has all kinds of great socks, hosiery, and personal care items in store for $5 or less.

Free Shipping: Free ground shipping on every single purchase, no exceptions. Yup. Pretty cool, right.

And right now DSW is rocking a pretty sweet sale! Check it out:

Up to 70% off Women’s Clearance
Up to 70% off Men’s Clearance
Up to 70% off Kid’s Clearance

1/25/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgMy Word- It’s cold outside! The forecast for the week here in San Diego is cold, rainy, breezy weather. I’ve planned meals around warm, filling, comfort meals.

I did my weekly trip to the store yesterday for bread, milk, eggs, and snack/lunch items.

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. If you are looking for a 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.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

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.

  • Sunday:  Lasagna Soup and Sourdough toast (Dream Dinners)
  • Monday:  Hashbrowns, Egg/veggie scramble, Fruit
  • Tuesday:  Soup (we’ve got a batch of Potato Cheese soup in the freezer)/Meal of Snacks
  • Wednesday: Chicago Style Chicken, Roasted Veggies, Salad (Dream Dinners)
  • Thursday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches, Salad, Soup
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

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?

Reset, Recycle, and Refresh and get up to $100 off New Clothes!

Universal Standard is a pretty cool clothing company that I learned about from a friend a few months ago. What I like is that are very inclusive- They sell from size 00-40.

Right now they are partnering with Marimole (a clothing recycler) to help keep your unwanted clothes out of a landfill. Pay $4.50 for postage, and you’ll receive a bag- fill it with up to 4 pieces of clothing, seal it up and send it off (postage is paid- the $4.50, remember?).

Universal Standard will credit you $25 per item, up to $100. A $100 merchandise credit at Universal Standard is pretty cool! You can definitely find something nice. I’ve got my eye on a few pieces!

So if you’ve got some clothes that you’ve been meaning to drop off at the local charity/thrift shop, try this instead! You’ll be helping the planet.

Purchase of $4.50 + tax (if applicable) recycle bag required to redeem offer. Promotion expires 3/1/21 at 3:00 AM ET or while supplies of Reset, Recycle, Refresh bags last, whichever is sooner. All credits expire 4/1/21 at 3:00 AM ET. US, 18+ only. Limit 1 per person. Terms apply.

1/18/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThe kids have off today for MLK Day, so we’re planning some socially distanced shenanigans (shell collecting at the beach, picnic lunch, and picking up our Dream Dinners order). The past few weeks have been so busy, and this week plans to be jam-packed as well.

My friend Brooke recently hosted a Dream Dinner Virtual Party, and I took advantage of one of the deals- 6 dinners (each dinner serves 2-3 adults) for $99.00. I’ll be posting more info and details in the coming weeks, but for those of you who want to meal plan, but don’t know if it’s for you, Dream Dinners is a great resource.

I did my weekly trip to the store yesterday for bread, milk, salad, and ice cream. The kids have requested chocolate chip cookies, I’ll try to make a batch tomorrow.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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. If you are looking for a 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.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

No school tomorrow, but I think we’ll have a picnic while we’re out and about. The rest of the week it’s 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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.

  • Sunday:  Veggie Burgers on Salad (that’s what we ended up having, I had planned to do smoothies and caulifries too, but nah…)
  • Monday:  Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread
  • Tuesday:  Frozen Entrees & Salad
  • Wednesday: Protein shakes/smoothies, toast, and fruit
  • Thursday:  Dream Dinners Meal & Veggies
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Dream Dinners Meal & Veggies

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?

1/11/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe’re starting to get into the swing of our 2021 schedule, and this week is going to be my OMG busy week. Have you ever noticed that there is usually 1 week each month that is crazy busy? Lots of appointments, phone calls, errands, etc.? This is my week- Insanity.

I had some free time over the weekend, and I spent it in the kitchen doing some meal prep for this week. I made a lot of lunch stuff for the littlest kiddo and myself. I also prepared veggies and stuff for stir fry.

I’ll go to the store this morning and get some more fruit and veggies. And Milk. Always milk.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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. If you are looking for a 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.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

The kids go back to school tomorrow! 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers (we all had big lunches, so it was mostly light snacking)
  • Monday:  Salad and Soup (We’ve got leftover beef stew from a few weeks ago- I stashed the extras in the freezer)
  • Tuesday:  Chicken and Cauli-rice casserole (It’s a frozen meal from Birdseye)
  • Wednesday: Veggies Burgers, Veggies Nuggets, fruit, and chips
  • Thursday:  Stir Fry with Veggies and rice
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Egg scramble (with veggies and cheese), Toast/Bagel, and Fruit Salad

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?

1/3/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe stayed home a lot last week, so I really need to hit the grocery store for snacks and lunch food today.

I batch cooked a few things yesterday, so we have ready to go dinners for two nights this week, but additional meals for later weeks.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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. If you are looking for a 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.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

The kids go back to school tomorrow! 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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.

  • Sunday:  Hot Beef Sandwiches and salad (I cooked the beef in the crockpot yesterday during my batch cooking day)
  • Monday:  Spaghetti Bolognese, steamed veggies, and garlic bread (I made the bolognese sauce yesterday during my batch cooking day)
  • Tuesday:  Frozen Entrees and salad
  • Wednesday: Waffles and fruit salad
  • Thursday:  Chicken Satay, salad, rice
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Shenanigans

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?

12/28/2020- Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe were given a Grocery Outlet Gift Card for Christmas! I used most of it yesterday to stock up on pantry staples, but I also bought us a few treats too.

There is a balance on the card, so I’ll be using it over the next few weeks to pick up some deals.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty. This week, we are having a lot of easy to make meals that will give us leftovers for lunches.

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. If you are looking for a 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.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  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.

This is the second (and final) week of Winter Break. It’s cold and rainy today and will continue for a few more days. Our plan is to stay inside, play with new toys and games, read, and cuddle under warm blankets. If the weather clears up, towards the end of the week we’ll go check out some cool places that have water features after rain (Adobe Falls area for sure). Don’t Forget- I am giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card- Entering is super easy!

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.

 

  • Sunday: Leftover Beef Stew, Garlic baguettes, Fruit Salad
  • Monday: Vegetarian Chili, cornbread, salad
  • Tuesday: Bean, Rice, and Cheese bowls
  • Wednesday: Skillet casserole (probably Chicken Tetrazinni)
  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (fruit salad, protein shakes, toast with butter)
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Shenanigans

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?