The Ultimate Guide to Free Birthday Freebies: Companies That Want to Celebrate You

One of my favorite ways to save money {and do a little treat yo self!} is by taking advantage of offers that companies are already willing to give away. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I'm not about spending money just because something is on sale, but I am about saying yes when something is completely free. Free is my favorite four letter word!

Your birthday is one of the easiest times of the year to score freebies. Restaurants, coffee shops, beauty stores, and retailers love celebrating their customers with complimentary treats, discounts, and gifts. Most of these offers simply require signing up for a free rewards program ahead of time, and then the birthday surprises start showing up in your inbox.

If you've never taken advantage of birthday freebies before, here's how to get started and some of my favorite companies that offer something special during your birthday month.

0

A Relaxing Escape to Coronado: A Local Staycation Meets a Parent's Visit to San Diego

Whether you're a local looking for a coastal staycation or a visitor coming to San Diego, Coronado offers that perfect blend of laid-back charm and upscale relaxation. Nestled just across the bay from downtown, this sun-soaked area is full of walkable streets, great food, gorgeous sunsets, and just the right amount of luxury.
One of the best ways to experience Coronado is by staying at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a serene property tucked away on its own private peninsula. It offers everything you need to park your car and forget it while still being just minutes away from all the action in downtown Coronado! I recently visited my daughter who has lived in the San Diego area for the past year, and I got a few tips from her on things to do in the area and I'm passing them on to you! So take notes and get ready for an incredible trip!

0

Practical Tips for Saving Big So You can Afford the Life You Really Want!

Saving money can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you are dreaming of big things like traveling the world and being financially free! One of my greatest skills is stretching a dollar and because of that, we've been able to pay off our home mortgage, send three kids out of state to college with no student loans, and have lived a Nordstrom life on a garage sale budget! I can't even say a Walmart budget because sometimes even that is more than I want to spend! I'm putting together a few practical strategies so that you can save more every day and make the dreams that you have a reality. Here are some actionable tips to help you save money without feeling deprived. 

0

Exploring the North Cascades: The Guide I Wish I Had Before My First Visit

The North Cascades, often referred to as the "American Alps," are a majestic range of mountains offering breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. I have lived in the area of the North Cascades for more than 20 years and I finally made my way for a visit after years of hearing just how special they are. I also have a theory about why it is the least visited National Park in the United States! If you are a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast or just someone looking for a peaceful retreat and some beautiful views, the North Cascades has something for everyone. This is the guide that I wish I had had while planning our long overdue visit, including how to get there, the best times to visit, forest fire precautions, and some of the must-see spots and activities in the area.

0

Exploring San Diego Pacific Beach Area

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California lies the coastal gem we know and love as San Diego. It's a city known for it's vibrant culture, stunning beaches and year-round sunshine. It has many beachfront neighborhoods, but Pacific Beach stands out from the rest as a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and young {and young at heart} folks! You'll find an iconic boardwalk, breathtaking sunset, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pacific Beach is the perfect place to explore when you visit San Diego on that quintessential California beach getaway!

1

A Month-to-Month Guide to Making Family Memories

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to get caught up in routines and forget to prioritize quality time with our loved ones. However, building lasting memories as a family is essential for fostering strong connections and creating a sense of unity. This month-to-month guide is designed to inspire families to embark on a journey of intentional togetherness throughout the year, with each month offering unique opportunities for creating cherished moments. Feel free to change things up and add your own personal family flare to it!

0

How to Host a Party on a Budget

People often feel hosting a party can cost more than they can afford. It's easy to spend when preparing for a party; the dollars add up fast. But it is possible to have an elegant affair on a tight budget. Careful planning, a creative menu, and twenty-five bucks are all you need. Here are some tips on how you can host a cocktail party on a budget!

0

Family Fun with Teens in Wilsonville, Oregon

A few years ago, I realized I hadn't spent a lot of time exploring the beautiful area that we live in and I set out to change that. The PNW is arguably the most beautiful place to be in the summer with mountains, rivers, trees, and trails. The weather is mild and it's easy to be outside or relax inside. Our family was hosted by ExploreWilsonville recently and we had the best time. Wilsonville is in the heart of it all and only 16 miles south of Portland, making it the perfect home base to explore Oregon. 

0

Cheap Date Ideas for Couples Who Don't Need a Babysitter Anymore!

The moment you’ve been long waiting for as parents have finally arrived. Your kids are old enough that they don’t need a sitter! But after ten or so years of having to work around a babysitter, you might be a little short on ideas for what you should do with your newly found freedom as parents. If you are looking for some fabulous budget-friendly date ideas that you can do when you don’t have to worry about a sitter, here are some of my favorite ideas.

0

Visiting Antelope Canyon: Is it Really Worth the Hype?

We recently returned from a trip I'm calling the Ultimate Southwest Road Trip™. We hit parks in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona for a pretty memorable spring break with our teenage son. One of our stops was in Page, Arizona where we spent time visiting Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. I had heard glowing reviews about Antelope Canyon but went back and forth trying to decide if it was worth the expensive tour fee and if it really would live up to the hype. We actually were blown away by our visit and wanted to share the experience so you can make the best plan for your upcoming visit. 

0

The Best 7 Day Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary! The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip!

What started as a {potential} college visit to Prescott, Arizona, with a side trip to the Grand Canyon, turned into a road trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona making stops at Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Glen Canyon, and the Grand Canyon {to name a few} in what is often referred to as {a portion of} The Grand Circle. We actually deemed it "The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip" and it will forever be known as that from here on out. {We never made it to visit the college.} 
It's easy to look at a map and see how close some of the most spectacular parts of the southwest are to one another and get carried away planning a road trip. We planned the Ultimate Southwest Road Trip­­™ and think that this was the best way to spend seven days around some of the United State's most beautiful vistas. We fit a lot in, allowing for some downtime, and felt like we saw all the things {and a few things you could skip}. Read on for tips on how you can plan your own Ultimate Southwest Road Trip.

0

Visiting Whistler, Canada in the Winter as a Family

Some of the best winter memories our family has created have been at Whistler ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding are the main reasons we come to spend time in Whistler. We like to make sure we have accommodations that are convenient so that we can get on the mountain quickly. This is especially important when you have a gaggle of little ones following behind. So how can you make the most of a visit to Whistler, Canada? I've got some tips for making wonderful winter family memories in one of our favorite locations.

0

How to Build a Beautiful Charcuterie Board on a Budget

Charcuterie boards are so popular and trending right now, and for a good reason! If you're ready to create one on your own, there are ways to build a charcuterie board on a budget. These simple tips will give you a board full of great food while staying within your allotted food budget as well. It might look like an expensive appetizer to serve, but that doesn't mean that it has to be!

Here are some simple tips on ways to create a charcuterie board for a low price.

0

Where to Shop for Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses

My oldest son just got married. I'm no fashion blogger, but the question keeps coming up on where the best place is to shop for a mother of the bride or mother of the groom dress is. I had about a year to find the perfect dress for the occasion, and I'll tell you, I had my eyeballs peeled at a lot of different places from department store, to thrift shop to clothing rental. Finding the perfect dress for such a special day can be tricky, so I'm going to share my experience with you on where to shop for the perfect mother of the bride or groom dress.

0

Personalized Picnic Backpack with Cricut for the Perfect Fall Bucket List Afternoon

This post is brought to you by Cricut. All opinions are 100% my own. 
Most people love fall! Probably because the change of seasons gives some relief from the sweltering heat of summer. Crisp fall days are just calling for an escape outdoors to soak up the beautiful weather before winter creeps in. If you are planning your perfect fall bucket list, add to that list a fall picnic. I've got everything you need to personalize a picnic backpack with Cricut to help you enjoy the perfect fall picnic!

0

What I Wish I Packed for My Cruise to Alaska

Living just outside of Seattle, I have seen the cruise ships coming in and out of the local ports downtown. I've seen excited passengers before and after their Alaskan cruises wandering around the hot spots in the city. I've even driven people into the port to catch their cruise to Alaska, but I've never taken a cruise to Alaska myself. When Holland America gave me the opportunity to hop onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam on a seven-day cruise to Alaska in late August, I jumped at the chance. As I prepared for the trip, I realized I'm not the only one completely clueless about what to pack on a cruise to Alaska in the summer. There were numerous blog posts, articles, and threads on the topic. I'm used to wearing layers living in the Pacific Northwest, but then I started questioning myself about what to pack. I'm not going to lie, I packed like a Kardashian going to fashion week. After returning, and now a semi-professional Alaska cruiser, here's what I wish I had packed for my cruise to Alaska.

2

Everything You Need to Know Before you Book a Cruise to Alaska

I think everyone needs to book a cruise to Alaska at least once in their lives. Alaska is such a beautiful destination and you can get a real feel for the state by making several stops in the area ports. I recently went on a week-long cruise hosted by Holland America and here is everything you need to know before you book a cruise to Alaska.

0

Fun and Free: How to Find the Best Free Resources in Your Community

Whether you’re on a tight budget, spending freeze, or just trying to save a little bit of money, there are plenty of fun, free things to do! When it comes to frugal fun, you can’t go wrong with any of these fun free resources in your city! No matter where you live, these are great options for any family. Here are the best free resources you should be taking advantage of.

0

20 of The Best Family Board Games for Teens

I grew up playing a lot of board games. My mom taught 5th grade and I remember a little side hustle she took on selling Discovery Toys. Are those still a thing? {Quick Google search says they are!} Board games are a way to bring everyone together to enjoy a shared experience and those shared experiences are so important for a family, especially a family with teenagers. I collected a list of our family favorites and opened up the floor to some of my readers on social media who had some excellent suggestions too. Want to pick that perfect family board game? Look no further!

0

Turtle Holiday Hot Cocoa Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs are literally the HOTTEST thing right now. Ask your teen or young adult if they've heard of them and I'll bet you they have! Hot chocolate bombs are simply just chocolate spheres filled with hot chocolate mix and your favorite variations of hot cocoa stir ins. You release the bomb into a mug and pour steaming hot milk over the top and watch the chocolate melt away and the insides open up to create the most fun hot cocoa you've ever had! These are so much fun to make and they make great gifts too! Here is everything you need to know to make your own hot cocoa bombs. This one comes with a little turtle {caramel and walnut YUM!} twist.

0