Category: Freebies

The Block Schedule (How To Start It To Get More Done)

The Block Schedule (How To Start It To Get More Done)

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know my love of getting stuff done, I talk a lot about being efficient and getting more done in less time a lot on my Instagram.  I have a knack to volunteer myself for different organizations in town, say yes more than I should and still have dreams of building my own empire – with work and my business.  So I need a schedule that will work for my ever-changing day and my busy life.

That’s why a few years ago I started following the block schedule.

It’s been a game changer.  Seriously.

If at the end of the day you feel as if you have accomplished hardly anything on your to do list, you’re exhausted and frustrated then I recommend trying the block schedule.  It has seriously upped my efficiency and productivity level by leaps and bounds.  It helps you get more done in less time without frustration, without burnout and without exhaustion.

Block scheduling is a pretty simple concept, but it can take a minute to explain because the customization is endless.  I put together a quick video for you all about how to get started with the block schedule system, what my blocks look like and how you can adapt them to fit your life.

You can watch my block system online or down below:

Click to tweet this video.

Here’s a quick recap:

Think of time as blocks instead of hour-by-hour.  We all have a morning block, mid-day block, afternoon, evening, and so on.  Now whether you are a stay-at-home mom, work-from-home or work-away-from-home these block schedules can work for you.  In the video I share my example with you, which I work outside the home full-time.  I also shared an example of a stay-at-home mom, too so you could get a good idea of how to apply it to your schedule.

Every day doesn’t have to be the exact same, but the goal is to create a system that gives you the ability to get it all done in less time.  When you’re in your morning block then you aren’t focused on what you could get done in your afternoon block.  Instead if something pops into your head that needs to get done later on, you simply write it down in your mom notebook or on a to-do list and get back to your current block.

The Block Schedule (How To Start It To Get More Done) (1)

As promised, you can download the template – no signup required!  Just click to Download the Block Schedule template and a PDF will open for you.

 

block schedule from Meredith Rines_merelynne.com

Download the Block Schedule template.

Need More Help?

cross stress off your list_learn to lessen the overwhelm from your to do list

 

If you find your to do list a bit overwhelming and too many tasks on it, then grab our Cross Stress Off Exercise.  This quick step-by-step exercise will help you eliminate tasks from your to do list that you can delegate, outsource or don’t even need to mess with.  This will help you feel peace when it comes to your day so you can get what matters most done first.

Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

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Yesterday was the first day of Spring, can you believe it? I really don’t know where this year is going. I swear it was just January and we were hoping for snow to melt and now it’s Spring. Time really does seem to pass by so much quicker the older I get.  What’s really sad is realizing our little guy is just a few weeks away from turning two. TWO? How in the world do I have an (almost) two year old?! It really doesn’t seem possible.

Well in honor of the new season, it’s time to spend some time getting our house in order. Winter is always so hard because it’s just too cold to do anything. I never feel like doing more than the bare minimum to keep our house running smooth and by the end of March i’m going crazy.

I don’t know about you, but when my life seems to start feeling a little out of control that’s when I start to notice just how unorganized our house has gotten. Spring cleaning just makes everything seem right again.

A few weeks ago J and Dent left for a few days to visit his family. He was on Spring Break from school, I was on crunch time for my upcoming exam and he knew I could use the alone time.  So they packed up and left for five days.  I’m not going to lie – it was nice. The house was quiet, I got stay curled up on the couch to study and I had a king-sized bed all to myself (well with three dogs, of course!).  I missed my guys, but it was nice being alone.  I’m someone who recharges by being alone – weird, I know, but it’s true. So having a few days all to myself was just what I needed.  During study breaks I would pick a room to clean.  It took me over 4 hours of actually clean time and two days to get it done, but the house was spotless.

I took curtains down to be washed, I dusted window sills and every surface of the house, I steamed clean the floors and I even moved the huge sectional apart to clean underneath it (yuck!).  I was a cleaning machine… and with them being gone, the house stayed cleaned.  It was amazing!  I know not all of us have an uninterrupted weekend to do whatever jobs we have around the house, so I put together some top cleaning tasks to give your house a spring refresh.

Now I want to make a note before we get into this list – it’s deep and long.  Each task shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes, but there are a lot. I would recommend splitting them up with your spouse or spreading it out over two weekends.  But these simple jobs will really get your house sparkling and should last through most of the summer months when you would rather be outside having fun then inside cleaning.

First things first, clean your house like a normal day – sweep, dust, vacuum, mop, change sheets on the bed, etc. Once that’s done then we can move on to the deeper cleaner.

  • wipe down walls and baseboards with a damp cloth
  • clean doors and handles with a magic eraser or cloth
  • wash windows and clean out window sils
  • dust off fans and light fixtures
  • dust pictures and wall hangings
  • clean vents in ceilings, walls and floors
  • take down and wash window curtains
  • shampoo carpets and rugs
  • steam clean your couch and other fabric furniture
  • dust on top of bookshelves and high up furniture
  • pull out couch and furniture from walls to clean behind and underneath them
  • defrost your freezer and wipe it out
  • wipe down the inside and outside of your fridge
  • clean the inside of your oven
  • clean the top of your stove
  • wipe out your microwave (here’s a great trick)
  • clean out kitchen cabinets
  • go through your hall closet/medicine cabinet to throw out expired medicine and any products you don’t use
  • go through clothes closets to donate any items you no longer wear or if they don’t fit
  • power wash your house, sidewalk, front porch, patio, deck
  • clean out your landscaping
  • wash outdoor furniture

You can download your own Spring Cleaning Checklist to print out.  I even put an assigned column to help you divide and conquer.

Valentine’s Date Ideas on a Budget

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Mommas! I wanted to pop in real quick for any of you that might be late planners like I am.  I shared Monday how I was out of town all weekend and surprised my two boys with a Valentine’s Day cookie cake to show them just how much I love them.  

I mean, what doesn’t scream love like a giant heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie?

But I wanted to share a few budget-friendly ideas on date night you could try out with your spouse.  These ideas are not just Valentine’s Day specific either.  So keep these on the back burner for when it’s your turn to plan date night next.

Here we go, let’s jump into these Valentine’s Date ideas on a budget:

Cook dinner together

I have to admit, I love when J and I work together on preparing dinner.  Whether it’s a simple meal we’ve cooked a thousand times or something new we’re trying for the first time.

You can find a simple recipe on Pinterest using ingredients you already have on hand pour yourselves a glass of wine, and just have fun.

Picnic at home

Once you have your dinner prepared, setup a romantic picnic for just the two of you.  You could wait until the little ones go to bed and have a romantic dessert picnic in the family room.

Go out just for dessert

When money is tight, it’s hard to splurge on a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner.  Especially when most restaurants get booked weeks in advance.  Our solution is to go out for dessert – just to the two of you.  You could hire a babysitter for just a few hours, which should keep your costs down and the dessert doesn’t have to be fancy.  We love grabbing ice cream together.

Movie night at home

One of my favorite things to do as a couple is to just relax on the couch. With work, clinicals, raising a human being, running a house, and all the other demands on our time it’s nice just to be together.  

Put together a scavenger hunt

This one might take a little bit of time to pull off, but it’s so worth it. You don’t have to be elaborate with this idea, either.  Just simple post-its or notes around the house are great.  You can even kick it up a notch to lead your spouse to a nice dinner out, dancing, the movies or some place that they love.

Check out:

30 FREE weekend ideas for your family

Summer activities for your family for FREE

Fun Fall activities

Birthday Freebies

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Last year for my birthday I put together a giant list of freebies you can get on your birthday.  Who doesn’t love free stuff?  I had a list of free food, discounts, and reward points.  I thought it was time to update my list and make it a bit more complete this year.  Nothing says birthday like free gifts! 

Here’s my best tip for handling your reward programs and freebies.  

If you don’t want a ton of junk emails through out the year then go ahead and create a separate email account specifically for freebies.  I have a separate email that I check once a week or so that I use for store rewards programs.  That way your regular inbox isn’t overcrowded with emails and you can keep everything in the same spot.  

Alright, now onto the list of free stuff!  

Food Birthday Freebies

Applebees – Free dessert.
Arby’s – Free 12oz. milkshake with any purchase.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – Free pretzel (that’s what I received last birthday.)  They also send monthly coupons all year long if you sign up for their newsletter.
Baskin Robbins – Free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream on your birthday plus other promotions when you join the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club.
Bob Evans – Free dessert and/or free kid’s meal.
Boston Market – Free kid’s meal coupon for kids under 12.
Buffalo Wild Wings – You either get a free dessert straight up or with a $5 purchase, depending on your location.
Burger King – Free kid’s meal to all kids club members.
Chevy’s – Free dessert.
Chick-fil-A – Free meal, good for two months!
Country Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Country Kitchen – As long as you have valid ID, you get a free dinner entree up to $8 in value.
Cracker Barrel – Come in on your birthday and you will get a free dessert.
Culver’s – Free sundae.
Dairy Queen – Free BOGO ice cream coupon via e-mail.
Denny’s – Free original Grand Slam breakfast, but only on your birthday!
Dunkin Donuts – Free Coffee!
Dutch Bros. Coffee – Stop in on your birthday and get a free coffee as your birthday freebie.
Einstein Bros Bagels – Free bagel and shmear
Famous Dave’s Barbeque – Free birthday surprise and free kids lil’ wilbur meal.
Fazoli’s – Join their eFamily and get a coupon for a free dessert.
Firehouse Subs – Sign up and get an email for a free sub.
Great American Cookies – Free cookie!
Hard Rock Cafe – Free dessert.
Hometown Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Hooters – 10 free hot wings.
Houlihan’s – Free coupon for an entree during your next visit up to a week after your birthday.
HuHot Mongolian Grill – Free dessert and free kid’s smores
IHOP – Come on into IHOP and get a free meal (a sundae at some locations) on your birthday. (May not be available in all areas.)
Jack in the Box – They have a printable coupon for a free dessert valid only on your birthday.
Krispy Kreme – Free half dozen glazed donuts and a coffee mug with either coffee or soda in it! You might want to sign up ahead of time (only at participating locations).
Logan’s Roadhouse – Join their Nut Club and get a coupon for a free slice of cheesecake.
Lone Star Steakhouse –Free Appetizer!
Maggie Moo’s –Free Birthday Surprise!
Marble Slab Creamery – Kids can join the Marble Slab Kids Club and get a free ice cream cone on their birthday up to age 12.
McAlister’s Deli – Free birthday surprise.
Mimis Cafe – Free entree with purchase.
Moe’s Southwest Grill –Free Entree! and Free Kid’s Birthday Meal!
Noodles & Company – Free meal coupon for your birthday when you signup for their newsletter.
Old Chicago Free Pizza!
Old Country Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Old Spaghetti Factory – Free Kid’s Birthday Meal!
Old Spaghetti Warehouse – Join the Warehouse Club and get a coupon for a free meal on your birthday.
Olive Garden – Free birthday surprise.
Orange Julius – Free birthday drink.
Outback – Get a free dessert.
P.F. Chang’s – Free cake or cheesecake via their e-mail list.
Papa Murphy’s – Sign up for their e-club and get a coupon for a free cookie dough on your birthday.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Free burrito on your birthday, as well as free chips n’ salsa just for joining up.
Quizno’s – Join their mailing list and get a free cookie on your birthday. You’ll also get a coupon for a free Sammie when you sign up.
Red Lobster – Join the Overboard Club and they will email you a surprise for your birthday.
Red Robin – Free Gourmet Burger if you pick up a Red Royalty Card at your local restaurant and then register it online. You also get a dessert when you say it’s your birthday in the restaurant!
Starbucks – If you have a gift card to their store, register it and receive a free coffee on your birthday. If you shop there often, it might be worth buying a gift card just to get the free coffee!
Steak ‘n Shake – Free steak burger with cheese and fries.
Texas Roadhouse – They send a coupon for one free appetizer or sidekick of ribs.
Waffle House – Join their Regulars Club and get a special coupon.
Wendy’s – Free kids meal for the little ones and a free frosty for us adults.
Zio’s Italian – Come in and get a free dessert on your birthday.

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Retail Birthday Freebies

Ace Hardware – signup and receive $5 off on your birthday.
CVS – If you have an Extra Care Card, register it online and get $3 ECB on your birthday.
Disney – sign up for Disney Rewards and get a credit for a free DVD.
DSW Shoes – $5.00 On Your Birthday.
Famous Footwear – Free Birthday Surprise.
Hallmark – 20% off coupon for one item and a free card.
Helzberg Diamonds
 – Sign up for free email updates and receive a coupon for free pearl earrings for your birthday.
Journeys Kidz – 15% off gift card for your child’s birthday.
Kmart – Children get $5.00 Birthday Bucks, a birthday crown, happy birthday certificate, and birthday Fun Pack with surprise goodies!
Missouri Lottery – Free-play ticket.
Old Navy – Get a coupon on your birthday.
Proctor & Gamble – A batch of BOGO coupons for various products.
Sephora – Sign up as a Beauty Insider and get a free gift from Sephora on your birthday.
Swagbucks – 50 free Swagbucks
The Children’s Place – Register for their Birthday Club and receive 15% off on yours and your child’s birthday + coupons during your birthday week.
Toys R Us – Sign up ahead of time and once your child’s birthday rolls around, they’ll get a personalized letter in the mail. Plus, bring your child into any Toys R Us and they’ll get a hat & balloon before having their birthday announced over the loudspeaker. You’ll also get a $3 gift card in mail.

Ulta Beauty – Free Birthday Surprise!
Walmart PictureMe Studio – Free Birthday Portrait Collage!
World Market – Free Birthday Gift!

Bonus Tip – Sign up early

Now if you know you’re going to be going to a specific restaurant or store on or around your birthday, then try to join the rewards program before going.  I recommend joining about 2-3 weeks before your birthday.  That way your information has time to be processed in their system and you can get an email with your coupon.  Most stores have caught on to people signing up just for the instant coupon, so now they wait a day or two to send an email with the discount.  If you sign up early then you can ensure time to receive the goods.

Summer Family Activities for Free

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It’s summertime!  Oh how I love Summer.  When I was younger Summer was my least favorite season.   When I was in middle school through high school I would have to help my parents in the yard on summer weekends.  It was always so hot and so miserable.  We would have to pick up sticks on their 5 acres, burn leaves and work around the yard.  I hated it.  I used to beat my sister for volunteering to stay inside to clean the house.  I would much rather have cleaned the entire house and made lunch for everyone than having to sweat outside picking up sticks.  As I’ve gotten older and the yard we have is much, much smaller I don’t mind summer yard work nearly as much.  Now don’t get me wrong I would much rather be having fun on a hot Saturday morning, but I’ll take a hot summer day over n ice-filled winter one. 

Now that I’m older and have a family of my own I like to save those hot days for finding free and fun stuff to do.  I’m bringing you my complete list of free activities you can do with your family this summer.  You may have to be a little creative, but you and your kids can have a blast checking these items off.  In case you missed it, not too long ago I created a list of free activities to do during the fall, but I figured it was time for a season update.  Plus it goes perfect with our spending freeze we’re currently doing.

I love finding fun things to do as a family especially when they are free!  

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Here you are – a complete list of free summer activities for your family:

  1. go swimming – around here most public pools are free or you could always befriend someone with a killer backyard pool!
  2. go to the zoo – we’re lucky because the St. Louis Zoo doesn’t charge for admission and if you get there early enough then parking is free too!
  3. head outside for a picnic
  4. scavenger hunt in the backyard
  5. sprinkler fun!
  6. have a game day where you play board games inside
  7. go to the local park
  8. camping
  9. checkout an outdoor movie
  10. museum free days
  11. explore the public library
  12. host a summer reading challenge

You can print off a PDF of the summer activities, too.

What To Bring To Family Photos With Baby

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Did you know you can’t find a single post about what to bring to family photos?  Well, at least I couldn’t.  I searched Google and Pinterest.  All I found was different color combinations and poses to try, but nothing of what to bring.  You see, we were doing a quick family session followed by our little guy’s one year and smash cake session.  I knew I didn’t need to bring a lot of stuff with us, mainly because we were going to be walking around a local park.  But I wanted to bring stuff and leave in the car in case we needed it.  So I may have overpacked, but I am so glad I did.  

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I wanted to share with anyone else looking at doing family pictures what to bring to make the whole day more enjoyable.  If you’re organized then there will be no stressing and you’ll have everything right where you need it.  

Here’s what to bring to family photos and cake smash session:

For me

Extra shirt (in case little guy decided to spit up on me)
Hair brush
Powder
Lip gloss

For J

Extra shirt (again, just in case)

For Baby

Outfit for family photos
Outfit for one year session
Outfit for smash cake
Outfit to go home in
2 extra pairs of pants
Diapers
Wipes
Bottles
Blanket
Towel
Socks
Shoes

Just in Case

Lint roller
Money to pay for photographer (sounds like a no brainer, but I almost forgot it)
Bottle of water
Downy Wrinkle Releaser (I ironed all of our clothes, but wanted to make sure)

I created a PDF of the list above so you can download for FREE – What to Bring to Family Photos and Cake Smash Session.

We waited to put our little guy’s shirt on until we got to the park.  I didn’t want anything to get on it or mess it up on the drive. I went ahead and put him in his jeans for the pictures, but brought in extra pair in case we needed it.

We started the day at the park and took some family ones and a few single ones of our little one.  We are doing Gone Fishin’ as our theme, so we packed some overalls for his cake smash.  But while we were at the park, we went ahead and got him dressed in his overalls for a few cute pictures over a bridge.  Then it was off to the photographer’s home studio for the rest of the pictures.  After another quick outfit change we were ready for a new backdrop.  When it finally came time for the cake smash, our little man was started to get a little grumpy.  After a quick bottle, we were back in action!

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Our photographer and his wife were super nice, they let us give Baby Boy a bath after the cake smash was done so we didn’t have to try to use tons of baby wipes to clean off all the blue icing!  You may not need all of those outfits for your little one and honestly, I didn’t think we would use them all, but I’m glad we brought them.  

We were very lucky that Baby Boy napped for 2 hours right before we met the photographer.  I think that helped with him being in such a good mood for so long.  By the time we left it was passed his normal bedtime, but he pulled through and finished like a champ!

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What items do you pack for family photos?  We ended up using everything for our little guy except one extra pair of pants.  So I think my packing skills were pretty darn good!  We also didn’t need our extra shirts, but I’m still glad I had them.  Because I just know the moment I would have left them at home is when we would have gotten something on the ones we were wearing.

If you’re looking for a photographer in Southeast Missouri, I highly recommend Josh Deford and his wife Mary Beth.  They were a dream to work with and made the whole process super easy.  

DIY Mother’s Day Gift or Birthday Gift

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DIY mother's day gift, DIY birthday gift for mom, DIY photo gift

I wanted to treat my Mom to something special for her birthday and Mother’s Day last year.  I know, I know I can’t believe I am just now getting around to sharing what I did last year! #momissues

Our little guy was right around a month old, I was still struggling with the recovery from my c-section, I was tired and learning to adapt to this whole motherhood thing.  My Mom was great (a little overwhelming at times, but what new Grandma isn’t), she had really helped with the Baby and there were a lot of days she would just bring me lunch and sit with me for an hour.   When it came time to start thinking of Mother’s Day and her birthday, which is just a few days later, I knew I wanted to do something special for her.  Our son is my parents’ first grandchild and they were over the moon with excitement for him, so I knew he had to be a big part of her gift.  That’s why I wanted to create a DIY birthday gift for her.  

Honestly this gift can be created for a birthday, Mother’s Day or even Father’s Day gift.  Heck, it would even work for Grandparents’ Day.

J and I were trying to mind our budget, like always.  And with medical bills and some home projects our money was pretty tight.  I had to put on my thinking cap and come up with something creative that wouldn’t break the bank.

DIY birthday gift

I headed to Hobby Lobby and came across this pretty picture frame that holds three 5×7 images.  Luckily it was on sale and was 50% off.  After taxes I paid a little over $13.00 for it.  You can find the exact same frame on Amazon for less than $16.00 if it’s just easier to order one.  I typically buy everything on Amazon, but for those last minute items I tend to go shopping in-person.  

Once I saw the frame, I decided I would do something similar to my DIY Father’s Day gift I created for J.  I created a simple image using canva.com.  They had the heart image under the elements heading and under the shapes tab.  I then added his name, the month and year to remember when it was done.  

DIY mother's day gift, DIY birthday gift idea

I came home and used the same ink pad that I used in J’s gift that was leftover from our wedding thumbprint tree guestbook.  I simply pressed his feet into the heart by overlapping his heel prints.  I let it dry then placed it into the center frame.  I used plain printing paper so there wouldn’t be a problem with the thickness when I tried to close up the back. 

I then headed onto walgreens.com to upload a few pictures.  I of course googled a coupon code and found one for 40% off.  I ended up paying less than $3 for the images.  I placed them in the remaining slots and that was it.

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I updated the image so feel free to download the DIY Mother’s Day PDF or click the image above to print. 

So for right around $17.00 I created a really sweet and memorable Mother’s Day gift.  My Mom loved it and she still has it proudly showcased in her home.  I have plans to do personalized gifts for both grandparents every year – that way they can get gifts that show off how their grandson is growing and I know they’ll be gifts they want to have around.  

DIY Valentine’s Day Printables

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J and I’s first Valentine’s Day was so special. We had already been dating close to a year at that point and had just gotten engaged a few weeks before. So we wanted to do something that would mean a lot, but also something that was very much ‘us.’

J knows my love of sushi and took me to one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Of course it was packed full of these lovey-dovey couples. We ordered too much food, had a few drinks and we talked for hours. It was amazing. We talked about our future and the dreams we had.

Now fast forward to our 5th Valentine’s Day together. Things have changed. No more expensive sushi dinners. It’s a night for dinner in, a sweet card, and spending time together.  It’s crazy to think about what we talked about that first Valentine’s Day.  We had no idea what our future would hold, and now here we are celebrating our little guy’s first Valentine’s Day. I know he won’t remember this holiday, but I will and that means something.

While growing up my Dad always sent my sister and I our own Valentine. When we were younger he would have our gift sent to ours school for a special delivery. It was amazing having big balloons delivered where everyone saw. I felt so much pride carrying that balloon home on the bus and walking down our street with it. I know I had a huge smile on my face.  I felt so special!

Then as my sister and I got older our Dad would have packages delivered at our sorority house, our apartments and our work. It was nice knowing that my first Valentine was my Dad. He never forgot.

Now that I have a little boy I want to do the same for him. I want to teach him what it means to love someone. That it’s important to remember those that you care about.

Being his first Valentine’s Day means I have to start off a new tradition. I don’t have to go overboard and blow my budget, but I have to take time to do something that’s just for us.

This year, I’m making a sweet picture of him on his first Valentine’s Day.  I plan on hanging it up in my office as a sweet reminder.  

Okay, Okay, I know this isn’t really a gift for him….. but it’s a memory I can give to him when he’s older.

However, I wanted him to have something to give out so I created two DIY Valentine’s Day printables.  

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If you’re little one is older or goes to daycare then this little gift will be great!  Our little guy goes to a sitter during the day.  He has made fast friends with the other kids she watches, so we wanted to do something nice for them.  I’m having a little card printed and will pair it with some candy.  It doesn’t have to be much, but it’s the thought that counts.  I got a little card-making-frenzy and made a second card to hand out to friends and family.  I’m telling you these DIY Valentine’s Day printables took me less than 10 minutes to make then I emailed them to my local print shop.  I didn’t need a lot and since they are not very big they were able to print more than one on a page.  You can have the print shop cut them or if you want to save a little bit of money, you can cut them yourselves.  I think cutting is around $1 for this few pieces.

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You can download the bee printable here.

I also created a second card to pass out to family.  I used canva to create both cards and it took no time at all.  I wanted to keep some space at the bottom to tape a little baggie of candy to.

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Download the puppy printable here.

List of Birthday FREEBIES

list of birthday freebies

I think I say this every year on the 4th – this is my favorite holiday. Not only do I love celebrating this country (with fireworks), but it’s also the start to my birthday week.

This year I turn 30. So I am going to be celebrating all week long until the big 3-0 on Saturday.

I wanted to start my birthday week off right with sharing how to score some free or discounted goods.

I love free stuff! But, who doesn’t?

Now I have signed up for quite a few deal programs and restaurant perks over the years. Every year about this time I start raking in the goods. Free dinners, free desserts, discounted meals, discounted merchandise, etc. I compiled a list of some of my top birthday deals, but there may be more in your area. I stuck with what was around southeast Missouri and around St. Louis since that is where we spend most of our time.  Just search out rewards programs or frequent diner programs for your favorite places.  You never know, they may have something special just for your birthday.

These birthday deals are great for date nights. I’m not someone who gets easily offended when you pay with a coupon, even if it is my birthday. I like it better because I know we’re being responsible with our budget.

Deal Tip – add the expiration date to your calendar with a reminder that pops up about a week before. You don’t want to miss out on a freebie because you forgot, right? Most companies start sending birthday freebies the month of your birthday so you have some time to use them all.

birthday freebies

Food Birthday Freebies

Applebees – Free dessert.
Arby’s – Free 12oz. milkshake with any purchase.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – Free pretzel (that’s what I received last birthday.)  They also send monthly coupons all year long if you sign up for their newsletter.
Baskin Robbins – Free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream on your birthday plus other promotions when you join the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club.
Bob Evans – Free dessert and/or free kid’s meal.
Boston Market – Free kid’s meal coupon for kids under 12.
Buffalo Wild Wings – You either get a free dessert straight up or with a $5 purchase, depending on your location.
Burger King – Free kid’s meal to all kids club members.
Chevy’s – Free dessert.
Chick-fil-A – Free meal, good for two months!
Country Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Country Kitchen – As long as you have valid ID, you get a free dinner entree up to $8 in value.
Cracker Barrel – Come in on your birthday and you will get a free dessert.
Culver’s – Free sundae.
Dairy Queen – Free BOGO ice cream coupon via e-mail.
Denny’s – Free original Grand Slam breakfast, but only on your birthday!
Dunkin Donuts – Free Coffee!
Dutch Bros. Coffee – Stop in on your birthday and get a free coffee as your birthday freebie.
Einstein Bros Bagels – Free bagel and shmear
Famous Dave’s Barbeque – Free birthday surprise and free kids lil’ wilbur meal.
Fazoli’s – Join their eFamily and get a coupon for a free dessert.
Firehouse Subs – Sign up and get an email for a free sub.
Great American Cookies – Free cookie!
Hard Rock Cafe – Free dessert.
Hometown Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Hooters – 10 free hot wings.
Houlihan’s – Free coupon for an entree during your next visit up to a week after your birthday.
HuHot Mongolian Grill – Free dessert and free kid’s smores
IHOP – Come on into IHOP and get a free meal (a sundae at some locations) on your birthday. (May not be available in all areas.)
Jack in the Box – They have a printable coupon for a free dessert valid only on your birthday.
Krispy Kreme – Free half dozen glazed donuts and a coffee mug with either coffee or soda in it! You might want to sign up ahead of time (only at participating locations).
Logan’s Roadhouse – Join their Nut Club and get a coupon for a free slice of cheesecake.
Lone Star Steakhouse –Free Appetizer!
Maggie Moo’s –Free Birthday Surprise!
Marble Slab Creamery – Kids can join the Marble Slab Kids Club and get a free ice cream cone on their birthday up to age 12.
McAlister’s Deli – Free birthday surprise.
Mimis Cafe – Free entree with purchase.
Moe’s Southwest Grill –Free Entree! and Free Kid’s Birthday Meal!
Noodles & Company – Free meal coupon for your birthday when you signup for their newsletter.
Old Chicago Free Pizza!
Old Country Buffet – Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday AND a free meal just for signing up!
Old Spaghetti Factory – Free Kid’s Birthday Meal!
Old Spaghetti Warehouse – Join the Warehouse Club and get a coupon for a free meal on your birthday.
Olive Garden – Free birthday surprise.
Orange Julius – Free birthday drink.
Outback – Get a free dessert.
P.F. Chang’s – Free cake or cheesecake via their e-mail list.
Papa Murphy’s – Sign up for their e-club and get a coupon for a free cookie dough on your birthday.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Free burrito on your birthday, as well as free chips n’ salsa just for joining up.
Quizno’s – Join their mailing list and get a free cookie on your birthday. You’ll also get a coupon for a free Sammie when you sign up.
Red Lobster – Join the Overboard Club and they will email you a surprise for your birthday.
Red Robin – Free Gourmet Burger if you pick up a Red Royalty Card at your local restaurant and then register it online. You also get a dessert when you say it’s your birthday in the restaurant!
Starbucks – If you have a gift card to their store, register it and receive a free coffee on your birthday. If you shop there often, it might be worth buying a gift card just to get the free coffee!
Steak ‘n Shake – Free steak burger with cheese and fries.
Texas Roadhouse – They send a coupon for one free appetizer or sidekick of ribs.
Waffle House – Join their Regulars Club and get a special coupon.
Wendy’s – Free kids meal for the little ones and a free frosty for us adults.
Zio’s Italian – Come in and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Retail Birthday Freebies

CVS – If you have an Extra Care Card, register it online and get $3 ECB on your birthday.
DSW Shoes – $5.00 On Your Birthday.
Famous Footwear – Free Birthday Surprise.
Hallmark – 20% off coupon for one item and a free card.
Helzberg Diamonds
 – Sign up for free email updates and receive a coupon for free pearl earrings for your birthday.
Journeys Kidz – 15% off gift card for your child’s birthday.
Kmart – Children get $5.00 Birthday Bucks, a birthday crown, happy birthday certificate, and birthday Fun Pack with surprise goodies!
Missouri Lottery – Free-play ticket.
Old Navy – Get a coupon on your birthday.
Proctor & Gamble – A batch of BOGO coupons for various products.
Sephora – Sign up as a Beauty Insider and get a free gift from Sephora on your birthday.
Swagbucks – 50 free Swagbucks
The Children’s Place – Register for their Birthday Club and receive 15% off on yours and your child’s birthday + coupons during your birthday week.
Toys R Us – Sign up ahead of time and once your child’s birthday rolls around, they’ll get a personalized letter in the mail. Plus, bring your child into any Toys R Us and they’ll get a hat & balloon before having their birthday announced over the loudspeaker. You’ll also get a $3 gift card in mail.

Ulta Beauty – Free Birthday Surprise!
Walmart PictureMe Studio – Free Birthday Portrait Collage!
World Market – Free Birthday Gift!

I told you there were quite a few birthday freebies to sign up for.  If you don’t want you inbox to be overflowing with promotional emails then you can do what I did.  I created an email account specifically for these freebies.  That way I can go in and check them on a regular basis, but it’s not overwhelming my other inbox.

 

How to Get Free Mac Makeup

How to Score Free Mac Makeup

Alright, I have a confession to make. Mac Makeup is my favorite. I blame my sister for my obsession. It started because of her.  She introduced me to it years ago when I was in high school and I’ve never looked back.  But… free Mac makeup makes my heart pitter-patter.

I just think their quality is outstanding and the fact their makeup stays in place all day is a major win for someone like me. I have a habit of touching my face without thinking about it and most other makeup brands are gone before lunch, but not Mac.  I try not to splurge on too many items since we’re working hard at sticking to our budget, but I just can’t convince myself to put that cheap of products on my face.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Covergirl products and use those, too.  But I have pretty sensitive skin so anything lower in quality will usually cause me to breakout after one application.

It’s no secret that Mac isn’t the cheapest around. But quality is worth it when it comes to putting something on my face. I have to admit that I can’t always afford Mac. But when I splurge for it, I make it last as long as possible!

Over the years, I’ve learned the ways of Mac.  Just like any good cult-follower there are tricks you need to know.

I wanted to share how to score free Mac makeup with you.

Mac has this awesome recycle program that rewards their loyal customers.

free mac makeup

Turn in 6 empty Mac containers to any store and they will give you a free lipstick of your choice. They have so many lipstick color choices to choose from and they average about $17 each. Quite a savings!

Just remember to hold onto your Mac containers.

I keep a plastic bag under my bathroom sink and whenever I empty one out, I just toss it in there. Then when I’ve saved enough, I make a trip the Mac kiosk in the mall. I would love to live near an actual Mac store, but I think that would be dangerous.

Another money savings tip for Mac Makeup: If you setup an appointment to have one of their makeup professionals work their magic on you then you usually get a coupon for any of the products they used. It’s not too bad of a deal!