Top 10 Birthday Freebies You Need to Sign Up For
It was recently my birthday and there are SO many birthday freebies that it can almost get overwhelming. There are some birthday offers that really aren’t that great and you still end up spending more money than normal. I’ve decided to only use the top 10 that are actually worth my time and make me excited. I thought I would share them with you so you can sign up for them too!
- Red Robin. This birthday freebie is an entire meal. You can choose a select burger and you automatically get the unlimited fries. Sign up for their eclub here.Â
- Rubios. We love this place, even my kids do. Sign up for their Beach Club and you automatically get a FREE taco. Then on your birthday you will get a FREE meal. YUM.
- Cafe Rio. For your birthday you get a $5.00 credit on your account when you are a member. This would make a super cheap lunch if you used it on a daily special.
- IHOP. You will get a FREE Full stack of any pancakes when you sign up with their rewards program. This would be a yummy breakfast on your big day.
- ULTA Beauty. If you shop here often, then you definitely want to sign up for their rewards program. You will get a free gift just for being a member and making at least one purchase before your birthday. If you are a Platinum or Diamond member, you will also get a FREE $10 birthday coupon!
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit. If you have one of these close by, then sign up for a FREE classic sandwich.
- Baskin-Robbins. Sign up for their club and get a FREE 2.5 oz scoop or a 3 oz swirl ice cream.
- Denny’s. Sign up for their club and get a FREE Grand Slam on your birthday.
- Corner Bakery Cafe. If you have one close by then sign up for their reward program and get a FREE sweet for your birthday- no purchase necessary. This place has REALLY good desserts, so this is one that is worth a little alone time.
- Benihana. This is a nicer meal that my husband and I love to go to. For your birthday you get a $30 Birthday Certificate that you can use on your order. That’s close to a free meal. This place is super yummy if you haven’t been there before!
Top 5 Things to Buy During Labor Day Sales
Have you seen all of the ads and commercials showing awesome Labor Day savings for this weekend? If so, you’ll want to be aware of what you’ll definitely want to buy this weekend. There are some really great discounts that will save you a TON of money. Here are 5 things you’ll want to buy this Labor Day weekend.
- Big Appliances. This is a definite buy during this sale. Be sure to check the big stores like Home Depot, and Lowe’s and compare prices. They have some CRAZY good prices going on where you can save up to 40% on big appliances like refrigerators, washer & dryers, stoves and more.
- Furniture. Again, you’ll want to compare prices on the stores near you. I’ve seen so many flyers and commercials with furniture sale, which shows you that now is the time to buy your new furniture. Be aware of freebies that are offered as well with your purchases. You could always go in-store and ask what Labor Day sales and freebies they have going on.
- Mattresses. If you have a mattress in mind, chances are they will be on sale this weekend. Check the websites and see if there are additional coupons you can add to your purchase.
- Patio Furniture. Labor Day means the end of summer which also means outdoor furniture is on sale! If you’ve realized you need new furniture for the fall and next year, then this is the time to buy. A lot of stores will have items that are going to be discontinued to make way for the new year items, these items will be discounted and great ones to grab.
- DIY Items. If you have a DIY project you are working on then be sure to check out your craft stores for coupons and deals. Michael’s and JoAnn’s has doorbuster deals this weekend that will save you big on many DIY projects you may have going on.
What other items have you seen on sale? I hope you all find some amazing deals this weekend. Happy shopping!
How to Make the Perfect Dole Whip
Summer is not over and now is the time to enjoy a yummy Dole Whip right from your own home. If you’ve been to Disneyland then you know all about this yummy treat. It’s one that we tend to get every time we go to Disneyland. This treat would make a great family night treat or Friday night friend night treat. Enjoy!
Copycat Dole Whip Recipe
From: Magical Recipes
Ingredients:
- 2 20 ounce cans Dole crushed pineapple with juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
Directions:
- Drain pineapple; reserve 2 tablespoons juice. Set aside.
- Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender or food processor container; cover and blend until smooth.
- Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags and store bags flat in freezer.
- Freeze 1-1/2 hours or until slushy.
- Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended, in large bowl.
- Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour.
- Enjoy
How Much Should You Be Spending on Date Nights?
Okay, let’s get real, when was the last time you and your hubby went out on a REAL date? I’m talking a lipstick-dressed up-high heels wearin’ date. For most of us, it doesn’t happen very often. When we think of a date night it might be a quick dinner at the local Wendy’s, but hey you’re on a date. So how much should you be spending on date nights? For me and my hubby, we like to break it into groups. Couple date nights, routine date nights and unique/new date nights. These categories usually have a similar price point that we try to stay around. We like to spread the more expensive type of dates which are the unique/new date nights throughout the year. That way our date nights are always fresh and different. We usually classify dates this way:
Routine Date Nights: These are the cheapest date nights. These are hopefully every week or every other week. These date nights could be totally free. It could be as simple as a walk through your neighborhood and just talk. It could be a dinner at Noodles & Company with a coupon for a free meal. It could be anything close by that you do regularly. We try and keep these super cheap so we can spend more money on the other dates.
Couple Date Nights: This is obviously when we go out with other couples. This is usually priced between the routine date nights and the unique date nights. This could be a little pricey depending on what you decide to do or it can be super cheap too. Obviously we try and use gift cards or coupons whenever we go out to dinner or to an event. We try and keep this price range around $50-$100. Now everyone is different and every budget is different so you can change it up and put price ranges on these 3 categories to fit your budget. We typically do this a few times a year.
Unique/New Date Nights: These types of dates are your most expensive date nights. These could be dates that cost you even $300 or more. If you have your heart set on seeing Justin Timberlake in concert or you hear that Hamilton the musical is coming to your city, you just might want to splurge and fork out your arm and leg for a ticket. You know what? Those are super fun date nights and so worth paying the money. Finding a new resteraunt that might cost a little more, but you’ve never been to is so fun to try out. We try to save for these date nights through the year. Some years we only do one of these date nights per year. However, some years we might do more.
So how much do you spend on your date nights? What would you spend more money on and what would you be willing to save money on? Those are some questions you might want to think about. If you are NOT going on date nights, then you totally need to start doing it! You can make a budget and then schedule them out throughout the year. It really makes dating so much fun.
Tips & Tricks to Save the Most Money on Back to School Shopping
If you haven’t started school yet, you probably are getting close. We start school in less than 2 weeks and I’m kinda freaking out. I should be more prepared than I am, but I’m not. If you are in the same boat, no worries. There is still time and plenty of deals available to save money. Here are a few tips and tricks you will want to remember when you shopping both online and in-stores.
Shopping Online Tips
When shopping online you will want to first go directly to the site. During this time of year there will no doubt be coupon codes and possibly free shipping available. For example, Under Armour is having a 25% off backpacks and free shipping on their site. That makes the backpacks cheaper than what you would find on Amazon or other selling sites. So check direct websites first and see what deals they are offering.
You will also want to see if the sites have email lists. If they do then they usually have a coupon code or deal for signing up for emails. Take advantage of those extra savings. If you are already signed up for emails then be sure to check your emails! There could be some extra savings you aren’t aware of already available for you.
Whenever I am shopping online you want to take advantage of the free shipping. I either try to buy all I want in one big purchase to reach the minimum free shipping amount or I wait until they offer the free shipping.
In-store Shopping Tips
When shopping in-stores you’ll first want to see if they have an app. Most stores will have apps and special coupons or deals available. Once you have the app you can check those out. For example, if you are shopping at Target for school supplies or clothing you can take advantage of their Target Cartwheel coupons as well as their other coupons on their app. You’ll want to download these apps before you get in-stores because you can compare and see which stores may have the better deals.
Before you head in-stores see if they have coupons directly on their online site. You can either print those out or show them on your mobile phone when checking out in-stores.
This time of year a lot of stores are offering cash back ore credit with purchases. For example The Children’s Place is offering a FREEÂ $10 PLACE cash on every $20 that you spend.
Hopefully those tips will help you save a little more money when shopping for your back to school items. If you need some price points for this years school supplies, be sure to check out this post. Have a great school year!
Lake Tahoe: 5 Family Friendly Hikes & Swim Spots
Lake Tahoe is absolutely stunning. There are so many hikes and swim spots that are breathtaking and family friendly. You could easily spend weeks just visiting all of the beaches. Here are a few of my favorites with some tips that will help you plan a successful time at Lake Tahoe.
- Sand Harbor. This is a must see, but be aware. You need to be there EARLY! When the parking lot is full then they close it down and don’t let anyone else in. They don’t allow drop offs or walk-ins either. I would be there around 9am or earlier to get a spot. If you don’t they re-open it about 3pm. So if you aren’t early risers, this is an option as well, then you can stay for sunset. This harbor has the nice fine sand and cool boulders that you can swim to and then jump off. The water is crystal clear and so fun to swim in. It’s a family favorite!
- Emerald Bay. This is definitely a must see just because it’s different than the other beaches. This beach you get to hike down to. There are a lot of different hikes to go on and you can choose your range of difficulty. The views are spectacular with yet again crystal clear water.
- Eagle Falls. This is a super popular hike to get down to Emerald Bay. To get parking you will want to go early or late in the evening. If you want an easier hike you can do the Lower Eagle Falls trail for a quicker walk.
- Commons Beach. The reason I like this beach is because of it’s easy access and FREE parking. There is parking right by the beach. There is also a playground for the kids right there. Be sure to check out their website too. During the summer, they have concerts and movie nights on this beach. Super fun!
- Stateline Fire Lookout. This hike is super easy and doable for all ages. It’s on a paved walk way- although there is quite an incline. At the top you can see Lake Tahoe which is amazing. The cool thing my kids loved was that the hike brings you through both California and Nevada- hence the name. So stand in two states at one time with this hike and enjoy the view.
Copycat Jamba Juice Aloha Pineapple Smoothie Recipe
It’s that time of year when all I want is a nice cool smoothie. I love the taste of pineapple in the summer time. It makes me wish I were on a Hawaiian beach with a fresh pineapple in hand. However, I’m not, so I get to pretend with this yummy smoothie. 😉 I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Copycat Jamba Juice Aloha Pineapple Smoothie Recipe
Recipe by Six Sisters Stuff
1/2 banana, sliced
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt
Blend all together. This makes enough for 2 people. So if you want more, just adjust the amount you need. YUM!
5 Must-Visit San Diego Attractions
San Diego is one of my favorite cities to visit. The temperature is amazing all year round and there is so much to do. With beaches, parks, walking trails, and Sea World, you could stay busy for quite some time. Here are 5 Must-Visit Attractions you need to check out next time you are in San Diego.
- Old Town. Here you can walk through historic buildings. You can see the old schoolhouse, buy candy from the old fashion candy store and watch taffy being made. There is a big open grassy park right in the middle of the buildings with incredible trees which have nice shade for a picnic. Be sure to visit the Mormon Battalion while you are there as well. There is plenty of free parking around Old Town as well which is so nice.
- Little Italy. Walk the streets of Little Italy with the lights decorating the streets. Eat at a local Italian restaurant and enjoy some Gelato. We tried out Pappalecco for Gelato and Landini’s for pizza. Both were amazing.
- Coronado Island. You can either ride a ferry over or drive your own car, either way is great. Walk the around the small streets and admire the cute houses and small town shops. Be sure to enjoy the beach which has great sand and waves. There is plenty of free parking along the streets within walk-able distance to the beach.
- Sea World or San Diego Zoo. If you are up for adventure, then be sure to visit either Sea World or San Diego Zoo. To save on tickets be sure to visit Get Away Today and check out their deals.
- Balboa Park. This is a must see when you are in San Diego. Balboa Park has 17 museums and cultural institutions. There is something for everyone here, even my young kids enjoyed it! You can check out their website here to plan your visit. Parking in Balboa Park lots is free.
5 Fun Beach Activities for Kids
It’s summer time and the beach is a popular destination. Our kids absolutely LOVE the beach. They love the sand and surfing and swimming. There are so many fun things that you can do with all ages. Here are just a few that you can enjoy that should keep them busy.
- Spell Words with Sticks in the Sand. This is one of my kids favorite things to do in the sand. Collect shells and make words with sea shells too. You could even make it into fun games too. Like play hang man. If kids are too little to spell have them make a pretend race track and then have the kids follow the lines in the sand. They can then play tag following the lines in the sand.
- Beach Frisbee Golf. Set up make-shift targets along the beach. You can use your towels, chairs, trees, or rocks as targets. Then divide into teams and start playing. You can make the targets harder if you have older kids or easier if your kids are young.
- Water Cup Relay. All you need are four cups for this game. Just fill one cup up with water and have the kids divide into two teams. Then each team grabs the filled cup and races down to the empty cup and dumps it in. Grab more water from the ocean and keep going until all of the kids have gone. Which cup is filled the most? Or you can time them too.
- Sand Castles. This is a classic activity at the beach. You can make it even more exciting if you bring some accessories like flags, or collect rocks and shells. Use them for bridges, motes or doors. Let their creativity run wild.
- Beach Soccer. All you need is a ball and make two goals. Get energy out by playing a game of soccer. This is super fun and when you are tired just jump in the water.
***If you want to find some affordable water toys like buckets, shovels and squirt guns, goggles or snorkel equipment, check out your local dollar store. They usually have a TON of water toys.
10 Tips When Visiting Zion National Park
Looking for a fun place to visit with the family? Zion National Park in Utah is a must visit. It has great hiking trails and incredible views. There are great trails for all ages and abilities. Here are 10 tips that you’ll want to know before you go.
- Plan out your trip. Check out this the National Park page and look at the maps. You can see what you want to do before you go.
- Carpool. There is very limited parking in the park. You will be riding a shuttle so you’ll want to find a spot near your shuttle stops. Carpooling will also help with fees into the park. You can get a whole van/car in for less than per person if you have a big group.
- Bring Water & Wear Comfortable Shoes & Clothing. This is pretty standard but you don’t want to forget some good shoes. If you are visiting during hot months, be sure to bring the sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Places to Stay. There are so many fun places to stay near Zions. One great option is the Zion’s Ponderosa Ranch. There are guided tours and so many fun things to do there. If you want to stay in Zions, check out this site and find camping or the lodge.
- One stop you need to visit is the Lodge. It has a big green grassy area where you can eat your lunch and relax. You can also buy food there and eat in their restaurant. There is a cute store for souvenirs. It’s one of the stops off of the shuttle. So just listen to the driver and you’ll find it.
- Ride the shuttle through the park. If you aren’t a walker or hiker, then feel free to ride the shuttle around the park. The shuttle is free and you can get on and off as much as you like. Just be warned, during busy times, it will be packed. So get on early to have a seat.
- Junior Ranger Program. If you have young kids, then let them become a junior ranger. You can get the packet from the visitors center. They even get a badge when they complete it! This will help the kids be engaged as well.
- Watch the weather. Zion’s is famous for flash flooding. Be aware of weather forecasts and sudden changes as you are there. Flash flooding is dangerous and can happen quickly.
- Places to Eat. There are lots of great places to eat in and around the park. If you are in the park then check out the Lodge which was mentioned above. If you are leaving the park check out Springdale. There are a lot of great restaurants just minutes from the park gates. Great ones like Oscar’s, Spotted Dog Cafe, Zion’s Pizza & Noodle Company and more.
- Fees. A weekly admission pass is $25 per vehicle or $12 for individuals. You can also call ahead and check out group rates. If you have a large group, that is the way to go.
5 Festive 4th of July Recipes You Need To Try
The 4th of July is next week. I’m super excited to get my red, white and blue on! There are so many festive foods that would make the 4th just perfect. Just look at the picture above, don’t they look amazing? Enjoy these 5 yummy recipes that your whole family will enjoy.
- Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Cake from the Recipe Girl. This looks amazing. How could you go wrong with cheesecake?
- 4th of July Strawberries by Mel & Boys Kitchen. My kids LOVE strawberries. So this would be a win-win!
- Patriotic Puppy Chow by Sweet as a Cookie. This would be perfect for fireworks at night. A cute, yummy snack that I’m sure wont last long!
- 4th of July Patriotic Popsicle’s by Yummy Healthy Easy. This would be a hit after the hot parade. I fee like the 4th of July is always a hot day, so these would be a great way to cool off.
- Brownie & Fruit Kebabs by Mels Kitchen Cafe. These have both the fruit and the chocolate in one. What’s not to love about that. These would be a super quick and easy snack and dessert.
How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget
Hosting a baby shower is so fun, yet the expenses can add up with invites, food, gifts, games and more. There are some great ways to save money and still have it a great success. Here are a few ideas you can follow to save money while you plan a baby shower.
- Use Electronic Invitations. We live in a digital age, so use it to your advantage. There are great sites like Evite that you can use to create an invitation for FREE and then email it out to your list of friends and family. You can also make an event on Facebook and invite people that way all for FREE.
- Delegate the Work. Chances are when you are hosting a shower, there will many others who want to help. Let them! Delegate a few food items or games to others. That way you aren’t buying everything.
- Use Items You Have on Hand. I always do this when I’m hosting a party or shower. This time of year is great for flowers that you may have growing outside your own home. Cut them and make a cute arrangement. That’s a totally free thing you can do to make your home decorated for the shower. You could also grab plates, utensils, cups and more that you may already have. You could also ask those that are helping out if they have decorations as well.
- Shop the Sales. For the food be aware of what is on sale that week and plan your menu according to what is on sale. Instead of fruits or desserts that may have cost a lot more that are not on sale, buy those items that are on sale and save money.
Selling Your Home? How to Stage Your Home for Less
We are in a crazy housing market right now. There are high prices and high demand where I live. It’s a great time to sell your home. One easy way to get the most money for your home is to stage it right. By simply taking the time to follow these steps you will hopefully see a quick offer and maybe multiple offers that will help you get more money for your home.
Tip #1: Declutter: This has to happen before you can stage your home. Go through each room and get down to the bare minimum. Take out bulky or out-dated furniture, take down family pictures or personal items, go through closets and box up clothes and shoes, go through the kitchen and make it look clean and fresh. You don’t want anything on counters. Put all that you can in boxes before you show your home. That will not only help with staging but will help with the moving process as well.
Tip #2: Paint & Touch-Ups: Now that your home is clutter free you want to look around at what needs to be re-painted. Check your baseboards, railings, crown molding, walls, cupboards, drawers and make sure they are clean and scuff free. If they need a little painting then do it. Look at each room and see if it needs updated paint. Paint makes all of the difference and doesn’t need to be expensive. For the most part you could do painting on your own.
Tip#3: Buy a Few New Items: One way to save money when staging your home is to buy a few new items that you would be buying anyway when you move to your new home. If you need new couches, then get rid of the old ones and use the new ones for staging. For sure you’ll want to stage your bedrooms and put on a nice comforter set and pillows- especially the master. Another way to save money is by NOT buying any decor to stage your home. Less is really better. You just want each room clean and fresh it doesn’t need to be filled with decorations.
Tip#4: Add Fresh Flowers: Look around the outside of your home and add a few planters of fresh flowers. If you have a deck or patio add some flowers there too. Inside you could put a vase with fresh flowers on the table or counter. This is something that is cheaper to do than buying decorations.
Tip#5: Miscellaneous Last Minute To-Dos: When you have your home clutter free, freshly painted, staged with a few new items and fresh flowers outside and inside then you are ready for the last minute to-dos. For showings you will want to make sure everything is clean and picked up. Have the last minute vacuum lines in each room for carpet or if you have wood or tile make sure it’s clean. You’ll want to make it bright so open all blinds, curtains, drapes to let in natural light. Turn on all lights in every room. Everything should be wiped down (including blinds) and all beds made and show ready. When people come to look at the house make sure you don’t have kids or animals around.
Tip #6: Make Your Home Smell Good: I learned from my sister-in-law that I could make my own natural air freshener for cheap! All you need is to put in a pan 3 springs of rosemary, 1 lemon (cut into slices), 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract. Then just turn your stove onto simmer. It smells so clean and fresh!
Must-Have Snacks for Pool/Beach Days
Are you hanging out at the pool everyday like we are? We are loving the pool and beach days. However, one thing that is driving me crazy are the snacks and foods we bring and eat while we are at the pool. Sometimes I feel like we are only eating junk food. Other times I feel like I didn’t bring enough treats! I’ve come up with a good list of items to bring to the pool that will keep you both filled with healthy foods and give you a little treat too. You might want to consider grabbing a cooler bag to bring along.
Healthy-ish Snack Items:
Fresh fruits: watermelon, oranges, cantaloupe, apple slices, pineapple, pears, peaches, nectarine, cherries, any type of berry or even frozen grapes. (I always have fruit every time we go- so many to choose from)
Trail Mix: Make your own with items your kids will eat, or buy them pre-made at the store
Granola Bars
Edamame
Veggies: carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, snap peas, celery (bring dips like Ranch if your kids will more likely eat it)
Nuts- my kids love pistachios
Crackers- put toppings on it like peanut butter, hummus, or other dips
Beef Jerky
Variety pack of chips
More Filling Items
Celery with peanut butter (just grab a jar of PB and a plastic knife and bring it to make at your pool)
Hummus and crackers (most stores have individual size hummus options)
Sandwiches- Make them ahead of time or go to the store and grab uncrustables, or pre-made wraps. My kids love uncrustables and they are super easy to grab and go!
Muffins- either homemade or store bought.
Lunchables- or just bring some meat and cheese and crackers and make your own
Treats
Fruit Snacks
Otter Pops (if you are bringing a cooler)
Nutella on the go!
Rice Krispie treats
Popped Popcorn
Chex mix
Oreos or other cookies
Favorite homemade cookies or treats
Candy- would a pool party be complete without Twizzlers or Red Vines?? Just remember what you buy, the kids will eat. So go sparingly on candy. You can just do this a few times this summer and have it as a surprise.
Screen Free Kid Activities for Summer Fun
It’s that time of year again, summer time! Are you ready to have your kids home all. day. long? I love having my kids home, but I also love having a game plan. If you need a little help getting them up and moving, here are a few ideas that will keep them off the screens.
- Buy a Membership to a local museum or attraction. This is something I like to do every summer. I find a new place to buy a membership to. This way on those days you have a few hours with nothing to do, you can head to that place and not have to pay a penny!
- Find a variety of places to swim. My kids get tired of the same splash pad or pool. So switch it up! If you live in an area that has a lot of splash pads, pools, rivers, and lakes, then take advantage of it and visit each one. You can also fill up a little blow up pool and put it in the back yard.
- Sign up for city swim or sporting lessons. This will help break up the summer. If you have the budget, let each of your kids choose one new sport or swim class that they want to learn over the summer. If you go through your city, they usually have cheaper options. My boys love to test out classes like: Lego, Archery, Swim, Super Sport or Bowling.
- Friend swap. Some days it’s just fun to play with friends. Instead of having all the kids at your house all day, do a friend swap! Make a schedule of which hours they will be at your house and which hours they will go to the friends. This will help them from getting bored at each place as well.
- Lemonade stand or snow cone stand. This is a classic summer activity. It actually helps them learn about money too. Have them earn some money for summer activities!
- Service. I always find ways to serve during the summer. This way the kids aren’t focused just on themselves. Look around your community and find a way to help others. You could help out your own family like grandpa and grandma.