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Kid’s Bowl Free & Kid’s Skate Free all Summer Long!

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(All posts may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy) 

KIDS BOWL FREE

If you are searching for ways to keep the kiddos busy this summer, I have the answer! Take them bowling and roller-skating for FREE!

One of my boy’s favorite things to do during the summer is bowling, and the Kids Bowl Free Program let’s us do it for Free! Bowling is a fun way to stay nice and cool in the air conditioning, but you are keeping those bodies active!

This offer is valid at select bowling centers, and age requirements and times will vary by locations. Shoe rental price is not included in offer, but it is usually just a few dollars per child.

You can also sign up for a Parent Pass which will give you a nice savings for yourself so that you can enjoy bowling with the kiddos too! You should see this option right after you have signed up the kiddos.

GO HERE to see all the details.

 

KIDS SKATE FREE

If your kiddos love to roller skate, Kids Skate Free will keep them busy this summer!

Here’s how it works:

  • Select a rink and sign up.
  • Access your Free passes. They will show up in the MyHownd app almost immediately after signing up.
  • You will receive 2 Kids Skate Free passes per child, per week.
  • Kids Skate Free passes are only valid for one week.
  • Passes will automatically expire and be replaced with two new valid passes every Monday.
  • Please note that rinks have age limits and passes will only be generated for eligible children.

Redeem you passes and go have fun! You can GO HERE for more details and to find a rink near you.

Summer 2023 Cheap Movies for Kids!

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Summertime is finally here! Once again this year, many of the movie theaters are offering their FREE and very inexpensive movie promotions. I have put together a list, but please note that movies, times and locations may vary so be sure to check your local theater.

Regal Theaters–

The Regal Movie Express is back every Tuesday and Wednesday through September 6.  During the first show of the day, enjoy $2 tickets! In addition, Regal Crown Club members can enjou 50% off popcorn on Tuesdays! See what movies are being offered HERE. 

AMC Theaters–

AMC Theaters are offering their Summer Music Camp for Kids! Tickets are as low as $3 on Wednesdays and $5 during Saturdays. See what movies are being offered HERE.

Cinemark Theaters–

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark is back. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50* per ticket for each movie. Movie times are Wednesdays at 9:30 from June 19 through August 10. In addition, you can save $1 on snack packs for kids. See what movies are being offered HERE.

Studio Movie Grill–

The Children’s Summer Series titles at Studio Movie Grill are scheduled for the first showtime of the day every Monday-Thursday from May 29-August 24. Tickets are $6 and include a small popcorn and small drink! See what movies are being offered HERE. 

 

Toasted Cheeseburger Sliders

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(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Is there anything better than a cheeseburger? These Toasted Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect size, and who can eat just one? They are super easy to prepare, and would be the perfect addition to your summer barbecues!

Toasted Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:

  • 8oz Ground Beef (cooked & crumbled)
  • 8 Slices Cheddar Cheese 
  • 1 Tbs Melted Butter
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds 
  • Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls

Instructions:

  1. Slice the sweet Hawaiian rolls in half.
  2. Lay the bottom half of the rolls into an 8×8 baking dish. 
  3. Place 4 slices of cheddar cheese on top of the sliders. 
  4. Top with the ground beef.
  5. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
  6. Place 4 slices of cheddar cheese on top. 
  7. Place the top half of the dinner rolls on top.
  8. Coat with melted butter.
  9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  10. Place in the toaster oven (or conventional oven) for 6-8 minutes.

*HOT* Walgreens: FOUR Laundry Products only $9! (regularly up to $4.79 each)

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This is such a super HOT laundry deal at Walgreens and you don’t want to miss out! You may choose to shop in-store or online. I just ordered only and already received a confirmation for pickup!

Walgreens is offering several laundry care items FOUR for only $9! (each item is regularly priced up to $4.79 each) Choose from brands like Tide, Downy, and Bounce. If you opt for pickup, you will need to add one more item to meet the $10 threshold. I chose 3 Tide Simply Detergents and 2 Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets. My total was only $12.09 for all 5 items!

GO HERE to start shopping and to take advantage of this offer. I just love a good laundry care deal!

Register Now for a Free 1 Pint Flowering Plant from Lowe’s for Mother’s Day!

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What a great offer for Mom’s! Lowe’s is offering a Free annual 1-Pint Flowering Plant for Mother’s Day when you register HERE.

Make sure that you register by May 12 as supplies are limited! (limit one per customer.)

Savings and Sustainability

With inflation at an all-time high, and many of the everyday products that we use on the rise, many of us are searching for ways to save. You can save and live a sustainable lifestyle at the same time. Below are some tips and ideas that I recently shared with Allie Corey from Fox 13 News that I hope you will find helpful:

Meal Prep-

Plan your meals around items that you already have in the freezer or pantry. Only buy what you need and consider using online grocery services or grocery pickup. This alleviates impulse purchases. Take your lunch to work to avoid additional spending. Consider having a Meatless meal one night a week to save on food costs.

Plasticware/Glassware-

Don’t buy everyday disposable plastics. Consider economical plates from places like Walmart or Target for everyday use. I find plates and bowls for $0.50 each, and we use these daily. These can be easily washed and reused. Use Mason Jars for storage, drinking glasses, or vases.

Greeting Cards–

Consider making your own greeting cards with things you have at home. Sites even offer e-cards that you can send to the recipient’s email address. With the cost of stamps at $0.63 each, this is a great option.

Apps and Subscription Services–

Be aware of the apps and subscription services that you are signed up for. Many of these services will give you a free week, but after that you will be charged a monthly fee. I like to set an alarm to remind myself to cancel. The same is also true with meal subscription services. Make sure to cancel after the initial order or you will keep getting charged each week. (I found this out the hard way!)

In addition, there are several FREE apps that you WANT to have downloaded on your phone! These apps will pay you CASH back or the opportunity to earn gift cards for using them. Simply scan your receipts. It is that easy!

GO HERE to check out my THREE favorite money saving apps that will earn you money and gift cards!

Coffee-

This is my weakness! I love to buy coffee at my favorite coffeehouse! That $5 you spend each day can be used for your kid’s future education, your retirement, or even a family vacation! Consider investing in an espresso machine, flavored syrups, and buying cute paper cups to make you feel like you are at your favorite coffee shop!

Shop for Second-hand Clothing and Accessories

Consider shopping for second-hand clothing at thrift or consignment stores. You can also sell your gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to these places for cash or store credit. I personally use local Consignment stores like Clothes Mentor and Plato’s Closet. I take my clothes in and walk out with cash or a few new-to-me clothing items! Online sites like ThredUp allow you to mail your items to them and they will pay you cash! You can also consider having a clothing swap with friends.

Cable TV/Internet

One of the biggest expenses that many people have is cable. Consider downsizing your current plan and limiting how many cable boxes that you have. For example, we only have one direct cable box in the living room. In the bedrooms, we have Roku. This alone can save you a substantial amount each month. You may also want to research on bundling your internet and cable into one package.

Make your Own Cleaners-

Many store-bought cleaners are loaded with harmful chemicals. Make your own with items that you already have on hand. Vinegar mixed with dish soap is a great and effective homemade cleaner that gets the job done better than cleaners found in the store!

At Home Manicures-

Do your own manicures at home. Invest in a Gel Nail Polish Kit System or Affordable Gel Colors from your favorite store, and you can save a bundle each month!

Furniture-

Look on Facebook Marketplace or the Free/Give groups to find deals or even free furniture. If you love DIY projects, this is a great way to add a “new” furniture item to your home without breaking the bank. Consider reupholstering or painting an existing piece of furniture that you already own.

Freecycle.org–

This is a great resource made up of a movement of people giving away items. The idea is to give away items that you have, to those in need so we can keep the items out of landfills. You can even set up your own smaller circle of personal friends for gifting and lending items.

Take Flight with Florida Prepaid College Plans!

This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

It’s time to take flight and to start thinking about your children’s future education! Before I know it, my boys will be headed out the door to pursue all their future dreams and goals. This is coming all too quickly for me, as Drew will be graduating from high school next year!

My youngest son, Brady, has huge aspirations and dreams to one day become an airplane pilot. Thankfully, we live near Tampa International Airport, so we often find ourselves plane spotting and exploring around the airport. I love watching the sparkle and gleam in Brady’s eyes as he dreams BIG!

I am so grateful that my husband and I have Florida Prepaid College Plans to help us along this journey as we encourage our boys to pursue all their hopes, dreams, and goals!

Why Choose Florida Prepaid College Plans:

They are affordable.

This year you can enroll in a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan starting at just $45 a month! What can you get these days for $45? Not much! Consider giving up your favorite coffee or lunch for several days a week. Use that money towards investing in your children’s future education!

They are risk-free.

When you enroll in a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan, you will never lose your investment. In fact, it is guaranteed by the state of Florida! This means that you can NEVER lose what you have paid into the well. You will sleep well at night and have the peace of mind in knowing that your children’s education will be ready and waiting for them when the time is right.

They are stress-free.

I don’t know about you, but the last thing that I need in my life right is more stress. Drew is graduating from high school next year, and I could be in panic mode right now. But I am not going to fret and be overwhelmed! Florida Prepaid  is going to be there to help us every step of the way! I can rest assured in knowing that they are to help, guide, and cheer us along this process!

They are inflation-proof.

I don’t have to tell you that the cost of everyday living continues to rise. Even during uncertain times, Florida Prepaid Plans continue to be inflation-proof. You are locking in future tuition costs, TODAY!

They are made for YOU and your family.

Florida Prepaid allows you to check off all the boxes when it comes to preparing for your children’s future education. They are made for YOU! You can use the value of your Florida 529 Prepaid Plan both in-state and out of state. It can be used at public, private, trade and technical schools nationwide. Our family also appreciates that Prepaid Plans can be used in conjunction with scholarships!

Are you ready to fly high with Florida Prepaid College Plans and start saving for your children’s future education? Through today, February 28, when you enroll in a new Florida Prepaid 529, you will receive a Free $50 gift card! Just use promo code SWEET23.

To learn more and to enroll TODAY, visit: https://bit.ly/3ZTOwBj

Celebrate the Holidays with Seven Sisters Scones!

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I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving is next month, and then the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season will be in full force! As a busy part-time teacher, blogger, and mom, I love to have options that make my life easier: especially when it comes to gift-giving.

Seven Sisters Scones are the perfect gift idea for anyone on your list. They offer a modern take on scones with flavors to satisfy everyone on your list! I love that they also offer Gluten-Free and Vegan options as well as Subscriptions and Sampler Boxes! Seven Sisters Scones is take Pre-orders right now for their holiday boxes so I suggest placing your order now! Choose from flavors like: Apple Caramel, Blueberry, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Kahlua, Maple Pumpkin, Three Cheese, Triple Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and so much more!

GO HERE to check out all that Seven Sisters Scones has to offer.

Five Back to School Recipes with Healthy Family Project!

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For many parts of the country, school is back in session! Healthy lunches and dinners can sometimes be challenging as we are learning to balance schedules, extra-curricular activities and more. I am here to help make your life easier! While this post is sponsored by Healthy Family Project, all opinions and the recipes are my own.

Is school back in session yet for your kiddos? We went back around 2 weeks ago, and I can’t believe how quickly that time is already flying by. My oldest son Drew is a junior in high school, and Brady, our 10-year-old is in fifth grade. Since I have 2 very active boys, you can imagine that they are always hungry!

 

I teach part-time at Brady’s school, so meal planning and preparation are very important to me! The last thing that I want to think about each night is what to make for dinner, or what to pack in the boy’s school lunches for the next day. The meals and snacks that I prepare for my family, must not only be quick and easy, but they must also be healthy. I love to add lots of fresh fruits and veggies to every meal or snack to ensure that our family is getting the nutrients that we need.

With the kids heading back to school, life is about to get a lot busier for all of us! Whether you are taking the kids back and forth to school, or all the extra-curricular activities that they have, here are 4 easy and healthy dinner and lunch recipes to help your school year get off on the right track. I am also including an extra bonus dessert recipe because some days you need dessert!

Sausage and Avocado Cream Cheese Zucchini Boats

Quick and easy dinner ideas are a must for our busy family! These Sausage and Avocado Cream Cheese Zucchini Boats are sure to be a new fave that your family will ask for again and again!

Ingredients:

4-6 zucchini washed and halved

1 tub of ¡Yo Quiero! Brands Avocado Cream Cheese (you can use any variety, but I used the Spinach Bacon)

16oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

1lb. Italian roll sausage

salt/pepper for taste

1 small RealSweet Onion, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Scoop out the center of each of the halved zucchinis to make a “boat”.

Place in a greased baking pan.

In the meantime, cook the Italian roll sausage on medium heat and add the RealSweet Onions. Cook until done. Add salt/pepper to taste.

Combine cooked sausage and onions with the tub of ¡Yo Quiero! Brands Avocado Cream Cheese

Spread sausage mixture into each zucchini boat and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until zucchini are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve and enjoy!

 

 

Guacamole and Caramelized Onion Patty Melts

Some evenings call for a quick, yet comforting meal! These Guacamole and Caramelized Onion Patty Melts are sure to give you the comfort factor that you crave yet are very easy to prepare and oh-so delicious! Add other veggies or toppings as your family prefers. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

16 oz. Ground Turkey or Ground Beef (I used half of each to cut down on the fat content)

Slices of Monterrey Jack Cheese

3-4 RealSweet Vidalia Onions sliced

salt/pepper to taste

8-10 slices of your favorite bread

Butter spread

¡Yo Quiero! Brands Guacamole

Instructions:

Place sliced RealSweet Vidalia Onions in a skillet to caramelize. Cook until golden brown.

While onions are cooking, form the Ground Beef/Turkey mixture into patties.

Place Hamburger/Turkey Patties on a griddle or in a skillet to cook. Cook each patty through.

Place caramelized onions in a bowl to cool down.

In the meantime, butter one side of each bread slice then place the buttered side down of the bread on the skillet to get golden brown.

Add cooked hamburger patties to bread slices and top with caramelized onions, cheese and ¡Yo Quiero! Brands Guacamole. Turn sandwich over to continue cooking and to become golden brown.

Serve with your favorite veggies and enjoy!

 

Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

One of my favorite time-savers for getting dinner on the table during a busy week is by utilizing my slow cooker. I can throw something in before I leave for school in the morning, and we will have delicious and easy dinner later that evening! I particularly love the pre-cooked chicken meatballs from Costco. I throw them in the slow cooker with a jar of our favorite marinara sauce, and voila dinner is almost ready! I serve them over Pero Family Zucchini Noodles that you cook in the microwave for just a few minutes. This meal is a family favorite and filled with veggies and protein!

Ingredients:

1 package of pre-cooked chicken meatballs (I buy the Amylu brand from Costco, but you can use whatever meatballs that you prefer or have on hand)

1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce

2 containers of Pero Family Zucchini Noodles

 

Instructions:

Place the package of chicken meatballs in the slow cooker.

Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs,

Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Before you are ready to serve cook the zucchini noodles in the microwave until done.

Serve the chicken meatballs over the zucchini noodles and add extra sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

This meal couldn’t be easier to prepare and is so delicious! I can almost guarantee that there will be no leftovers!

Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad

I don’t know about you, but Chicken Salad is one of our family’s favorite go-to lunches. There are so many different varieties of fruits or veggies that can be added to make it your own. This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad is sweet yet savory, and every bite is a pop in your mouth that keeps you coming back for more. This is the perfect lunch idea for every member of your family!

Ingredients:

3-4 cups of cooked chicken breast (I used a rotisserie chicken for the convenience factor)

3 celery stalks, diced

5-6 Bee Sweet Citrus Mandarins, peeled and segmented

3-4 green onions, diced

Celery salt for taste

Pepper for taste

1/3 cup stone ground Dijon mustard

½ cup avocado oil mayonnaise

Instructions:

Combine chicken breast, diced celery, green onions, mayonnaise, and mustard in a large bowl.

Add celery salt and pepper for taste.

Gently fold in the mandarin oranges.

Serve with your favorite bread as a sandwich or topped high on your favorite crackers! This is such a refreshing and healthy lunch for yourself or the kiddos!

Caramel Apple Galette

Had a rough week? Sometimes a special dessert for the family is in order! This Caramel Apple Galette couldn’t be easier to prepare, and every bite is packed full of delicious Jazz Apples! The sweet apples with the caramel drizzle are the perfect pairing. Add some vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert!

Ingredients:

1 premade pie crust (the roll out variety)

3-4 Jazz Apples, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch pieces

Jar of your favorite caramel sauce

1-2 Tbsp. of sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of salt

Egg Wash: 1 large egg

Dusting Sugar for crust

Optional: Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll out the pie crust into a pie pan or glass baking dish

In a bowl, mix the apples, cinnamon, and salt

Place apples into the rolled-out pie crust.

Gently fold the edge of the dough over the apples.

Brush the crust with the egg wash.

Sprinkle dusting sugar on the crust to give it a nice sheen as it bakes.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Drizzle with your favorite caramel sauce

Serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

 

 

Are you familiar with the Power Your Lunchbox program? If not, I highly suggest that you check it out! I am honored to be a part of a campaign that helps empower families as they get ready for the back-to-school season. The Power Your Lunchbox program, in partnership with Healthy Family Project has so many tips and recipes to offer as they help to support accessibility to fresh produce in schools through the Foundation for Fresh Produce. The back-to-school campaign has raised over $180,000 for charitable organizations that promote health over the years. Isn’t that amazing?

A big THANK YOU to the sponsors who have helped to make this campaign a huge success! Jazz Apple, Bee Sweet Citrus, Pero Family Farms, Nature Fresh Farms, RealSweet Onions, Crispy Green, ¡Yo Quiero!