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If you are a kindergarten or first grade teacher, you can sign up for a free Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Kit here! This kit includes free toothbrushes and toothpaste for each student, posters, storybooks, and more.
Sign up below for your free Valentine’s Day activity pack filled with fun activities for kids ages 5-10! Includes puzzles, coloring pages, DIY cards, memory games, and more!
Score a FREE Iron Age Nutrition Drink Mix Sample!
Sign up for a FREE Iron Age Nutrition Drink Mix Sample!
I used to do a weekly post with a peek into the past week + lots of links. Many of you have missed this, so I’m bringing it back for 2026! I’ll be sharing some pictures and highlights from the past week + what I’m reading, watching, and listening to. I will also share links to posts or other interesting things I don’t want you to miss.
This week’s big cleaning project was my bathroom drawers and cupboards.
I didn’t think they were that bad… and then I decided to take everything out so I could see what I was working with, unlike going drawer by drawer like I usually do! Let’s just say I was really happy I had extra time because instead of 30 minutes like I thought it would take me, it took me 2 hours!!
But it felt SO good to have it done! And to create good organizational systems to stick with! It’s been a full week since I’ve cleaned it out and I am happy to report that it has stayed clean and organized!
If you want to see the full process, watch my short video here.
It’s basketball season and Silas has been having 2-3 games a week. Due to when the games are and that many are 45 minutes to an hour away, we haven’t been able to go to all of them, but we love to get to go when we can. David LOVES watching Silas play!
Just look at his smiles!
I went to Kroger to shop for markdowns twice this week! You can see a video of me shopping for markdowns here. See everything I bought and what I paid for it in my first trip in this post here.
Slowing down has been one of the strangest—and most life-giving—lessons for me lately.
I’m so used to pushing, producing, and filling every open space that learning to pause has felt uncomfortable at first. But with the help of wise professionals and a lot of listening to my body, I’m realizing how much I actually need margin, rest, and breathing room… and it’s changing my life!
I’ll share more about this on this next week’s podcast episode.
I went to the gastroenterologist this week at the request of my functional medicine dr. Due to my chronic anemia and some other issues, we scheduled my first colonoscopy and endoscopy in February. If you’ve had either before, would love to hear about your experience and any tips you have!
Jesse and I recorded a podcast episode on my fun list for 2026. Look for that coming on Tuesday wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for The Crystal Paine show!)
She surprised me and came home Thursday night and we got to hang out and go on a mile and a half night run which was so fun!
Jesse and I worked on this World War II puzzle he got for me last Christmas (and we’re finally doing!) for our morning Sabbath on Friday. It was so fun — even if we only through the first section (which involved ciphers and codes and punch cards!)
My functional medicine dr had me start taking this when I began working with her since I had so many bouts of sickness last year. I don’t know if it’s just from slowing down, from taking better care of myself or taking this, but I have managed to not get sick since I started it — even though I’ve been exposed to so many things. I take two capsules every day or four per day if I feel like something is coming on (and every time, I never end up getting sick!)
I took Kierstyn, David, and Micah to Chipotle for a special treat on Saturday after we went to the gym and David was insistent that he sit in the high chair and wanted to try to eat some of the food. He didn’t actually eat any of it, but we are so excited that his interest in food has grown so much the last few months!
Jesse and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this week by going to high tea at a local tea room (thanks to my parents for giving us a gift card for my birthday!)
Fun fact: I worked at a tea room when Jesse and I were first married and so I’m a huge fan of tea.
It was such a FUN experience!
Can you spot Micah??
I was SO excited about my order taking advantage of the $10 off $30 General Mills deal on Amazon! Here’s what I got:
I shared a reflection on Kathrynne’s illness a year ago on Instagram. I’ve copied the text below…
This was exactly a year ago. Kathrynne got really, really sick with Flu A that turned into bronchitis that turned into pneumonia that turned into sepsis. It all happened so fast… looking back, we see much more clearly that the Holy Spirit’s prompting of me that I couldn’t shake quite possibly saved her life. We had already taken her to the ER two days before and they told us she had Flu A and Bronchitis and was really sick and likely would be really sick for another week. They gave us a protocol to treat her and sent us home.
After the ER visit, she slowly seemed to get worse. We had to work really hard to get her up out of bed to go to the bathroom. She wouldn’t really eat or drink. And then her breathing seemed to get worse and she started doing this shallow rapid breathing thing.
I’ve since learned that + her high heart rate are signs of potential sepsis… I had no idea at the time. I just knew I felt in my gut that this was something more than Flu A and Bronchitis.
She didn’t want to move but Jesse and I insisted she go to urgent care. He took her and they immediately sent her to the hospital. By the time they got to the hospital, she was barely functioning and says everything felt foggy and disorienting (also signs of sepsis).
Had we waited a few more hours, things could have been much, much worse. But because she went in when she did, they caught it and were able to start her on meds and reverse course very quickly.
We spent the next few weeks helping her slowly recover (she was incredibly weak, had lost a bunch of weight, and her lungs were still recovering). We didn’t know if she’d be able to go back to college or would need to take a semester off.
But, she worked really, really hard to recover and was well enough to go back to school at the end of January. Other than losing a lot of her hair and some other lingering health things she’s been working on this past year, she is fully recovered and we are so, so grateful!
I share this as a reminder that even if you feel crazy, if you feel in your gut that something isn’t right, go get it checked out. God gave us an intuition for a reason — let’s use it to advocate for ourselves and those around us!
The Only Woman in the Room — I felt like this book had a lot of potential to be really interesting, but it didn’t live up to my hope. It felt like the author was trying to weave a lot of history into the book and the novel part felt a little thin and lacking depth and fleshing out of the storyline. I also noticed that so many chapters would skip ahead pretty significantly in the timeline of the story and then kind of backtrack to bring the reader up to speed. I would have rather the story would have just been written more chronologically instead of needing to skip ahead and then backtrack multiple times.
Breath as Prayer – I got this as a free download on Libby and it has been really encouraging. If you struggle to slow down, to release your burdens to the Lord, or struggle with worry or anxious thoughts, I think this book would encourage you.
It’s Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing – I was so encouraged by the stories in this book of women in the Bible and women of faith. The author is a great storyteller and she brought out parts of the stories I’d never thought of before! You can listen to our podcast episode on this book here.
I’ve been listening to worship songs on my drive home from the gym each morning. One of my favorites recently has been Jesus Loves Me by Shane & Shane.
I’m also watching When Calls the Heart during some of my afternoon work time that I can easily do something else while working. I am maybe going to try to watch all 13 seasons this year since I find it to be kind of a fun and engaging “background show” — the kind you can have on in the background while you do something else. I’m almost finished with season one (I’ve never watched the show before… can you believe it?)
What Would You Give Up or Do Differently If You Had to Lower Monthly Expenses? (50 Ideas!) – Looking for creative ways to lower your monthly expenses? This list might give you some inspiration and ideas to try!
15 Ways to Make Money Online – If you’re looking to make extra money online from home to increase your income, there are plenty of ways to start. Over the years, I’ve seen countless readers successfully earn extra income online in practical, flexible ways — whether that’s freelancing a skill they already have, selling digital products, managing social media for a small business, or picking up simple tasks during spare moments. Check out this list of ideas for more inspiration!
How to Get Free Samples – Stretch your budget and discover new favorites by learning how to get free samples in your mailbox — from beauty and household items to snacks and baby products. This guide shows you the best, legit ways to try new products for free without wasting time or money.
Episode title: How Understanding the Compassion of Christ Changes Us with Sherri Hughes-Gragg
To kick off the new year, I am joined in the studio today by Sherri Hughes-Gragg, an author whose writing has truly changed the way that I read scripture and experience God. Her Advent devotional stopped me in my tracks this December, and her newest book, The Compassionate Christ, feels like exactly what many of us need as we head into a new year!
Listen in as Sherri shares her story of growing up in a deeply legalistic Christian environment where rules mattered more than relationship, and doubt wasn’t just unwelcome but was dangerous. We talk about what it’s like to keep up appearances while you are privately unraveling and how years of trying to be “good enough” created a crushing sense of failure, especially in parenting. Her reflections are tender, unfiltered, and grounded in compassion – not only for herself but for her children and anyone who has carried spiritual shame longer than they should have.
Hear how a turning point came when Sherri began studying scripture through its Middle Eastern cultural and historical context, including time spent learning in Israel. She explains how this lens transformed familiar passages and healed some long-held fears of hers, especially around the crucifixion and the belief that God turns away in our darkest moments. One moment in particular – Jesus’ words from the cross – reframed everything she thought she knew about God’s presence and faithfulness.
Tell me about your week! Anything interesting happen? Did you read any good books, watch any good shows, or tackle any project?
Looking for a hot deal on a new vacuum?
QVC has this Dyson V9 De-tangling Motorbar Cordless Vacuum with Three Tools for only $299.98 shipped! Plus, new customers can use the promo code WELCOME20 to score an extra $20 off, making it only $279.98 shipped!
This powerful vacuum automatically detangles wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean! It includes a crevice tool, combination tool, and hair screw tool, and can transform into a hand-held vacuum to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. This vacuum is lightweight, equipped with a whole-machine filtration system, and is regularly $599!
Sarah here — QVC sent me this vacuum to try. I love that it is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and quieter than my previous Dyson. And the hair screw tool works great on vacuuming cat hair on my stairs.
Valid for a limited time only.
Let me help you get your house cleaned up and ready to ENJOY in just TWO hours with this FREE 2-Hour House Cleaning Checklist!
Stretch your budget and discover new favorites by learning how to get free samples in your mailbox — from beauty and household items to snacks and baby products. This guide shows you the best, legit ways to try new products for free without wasting time or money.
If you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know I love a good freebie. There’s just something fun about opening your mailbox and finding a little surprise waiting whether it’s a new lotion to try, a household product sample, or even a random snack you didn’t know you needed in your life until that moment.
But beyond the fun factor, free samples can actually be a really practical way to stretch your budget. Trying a product before buying it saves you from spending money on something you might not like. Stocking up on household freebies can also cover small needs without dipping into your grocery or household budget. And honestly? It just feels good to get a little “win” in your day without spending anything.
Over the years, I’ve signed up for hundreds of free samples. Some have been fantastic and totally worth it, and a few have taught me what not to do. I’ve learned which sites can be trusted, which ones to skip, and the simple steps that help you enjoy all the perks without the spam, the gimmicks, or the too-good-to-be-true traps.
So in this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about getting free samples the smart way. We’ll cover where to find the best offers, what to watch for before you sign up, and how to make sure you’re only requesting legit freebies.
There’s no shortage of places that promise “free samples,” but not all of them are worth your time. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of consistent, reliable sources that actually deliver:
This is hands-down one of the easiest and safest places to start. We post new freebies regularly — everything from household items to beauty products to baby freebies and fun surprises in between.
If you want a shortcut, I always recommend checking our Free Samples archive regularly to see what’s new and what’s still available. Browse all current free samples here.
Many companies offer sample programs when they’re launching a new product or trying to get their items into more homes. Think about your favorite brands for items like laundry detergents, snacks, personal care products, and pet food. Check their websites or sign up for their newsletters. Brands love sending products directly to people who actually use them.
Here are a few brands I found that offer free samples:
There are a few reputable roundup sites that collect all the available sample offers in one spot. They’re helpful when you don’t want to do all the searching yourself. But always double-check that the original link leads to a trustworthy brand.
A lot of people end up avoiding sample sign-ups because they hear horror stories about inbox spam or shady offers. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few systems in place, you can enjoy all the fun of freebies without the chaos.
Here are the things I always recommend:
This is one of the simplest ways to keep things organized. Most freebies will put you on a marketing list, which is totally fine. But it’s much easier to keep everything in one place instead of cluttering your main inbox.
You can even set up simple filters or folders so everything stays neat.
Not every sample will show up, and some take several weeks to arrive. Free samples almost always depend on supply and demand. Sometimes you’re early enough, and sometimes you aren’t. That’s okay! Requesting freebies is a low-stress, low-effort hobby.
A legitimate sample will never ask for things like:
Usually, all you need is your name, mailing address, and an email.
Sometimes a sample is free, but requires you to pay a few dollars to ship it. There’s nothing wrong with these, but decide ahead of time whether the item is worth the cost. For example, if it’s a worthwhile baby item or something you know you’ll use, that tiny shipping fee might make perfect sense.
This has saved me so many times! Keeping a simple note on your phone or a little folder of screenshots helps you remember what’s coming and when.
This is one of the biggest questions people ask me. Thankfully, there are some really easy ways to tell right away whether a sample offer is safe and real.
When in doubt, stick with trusted sources. That’s why I always recommend starting with our curated offers. Everything posted on MoneySavingMom.com has been vetted before we share it.
Once you start requesting freebies, it can become a fun little hobby: checking your mail, trying new products, seeing what works for your family, and saving money along the way.
A few simple things make the experience even better:
Free samples might seem small, but they’re a sweet and simple way to bring a little joy into your week… and a little savings into your budget.
The easiest way to get started is simply to check our freebies page.
We update this page all the time with the newest sample offers, quick freebies, and fun surprises you can grab while supplies last.
It really is that simple! And who knows? You might discover a new favorite product while keeping more money in your pocket.
With these FREE Budget Goal Planning Worksheets, you’ll begin with the MOST IMPORTANT piece of goal-setting & then have space to track your steps!
Love Tupperware? This is a really great deal!
HSN has this Tupperware 14-piece Heritage Sheer Canister Collection on sale for $39.95 right now! Plus, new customers can use the promo code WELCOME2026 to get an extra $15 off of this $35+ purchase, making this only $30.45 shipped!
This set is great for both fridge and pantry storage, and everything is dishwasher safe.
Or get this Tupperware 6-piece Fix-N-Mix Mixing Bowl Set for only $30.49 shipped after code!
Valid for a limited time only, while supplies last.
Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!
This is a great deal on gluten free cookies!
Amazon has these Simple Mills Almond Flour Crunchy Cookies, 3 pack for just $7.29 shipped when you check out through Subscribe & Save!
That’s just $2.43 per box shipped.
Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders. If you’re wondering how Amazon Subscribe & Save works, check out our post on Making the Most of Amazon Subscribe & Save.
This little ThermaMist 2-in-1 Humidifying Space Heater is perfect for winter!
You can get this ThermaMist 2-in-1 Humidifying Space Heater for just $19.99 shipped with code MSM at checkout! (Be sure to choose $8.99 shipping to get the free shipping code to work!)
This compact powerhouse gently warms your space while adding much-needed moisture to the air, helping to prevent dryness, congestion, and more.
Our team has ordered through MorningSave and was SO impressed by the shipping speed, customer service, and quality of products. Highly, highly recommend — especially since they have so many amazing deals!
Streamline your days and save your sanity with these simplified lists!
Wow! If you love Lululemon, don’t miss this HOT sale going on right now!
Lululemon is currently running a HUGE Sale and you can score great savings on their hoodies, leggings, pants, and more!
Here are some deals we spotted…
Get Hoodies and Jackets for as low as $39 shipped!
Get pants and joggers for as low as $39 shipped!
Get leggings for as low as $39 shipped!
Get Tank Tops for as low as $19 shipped!
Get long-sleeved tees as low as $29 shipped!
If you love games, don’t miss this amazing card game bundle!
You can get this Exploding Kittens Card Game Bundle (4 pack) for just $19.99 shipped with code MSM at checkout! (Be sure to choose $8.99 shipping to get the free shipping code to work!)
Our team has ordered through Meh and was SO impressed by the shipping speed, customer service, and quality of products. Highly, highly recommend — especially since they have so many amazing deals!
1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.98
1-lb pkg Bacon – $4.45
1/2 gallon Oat Milk – $3.39
1/2 gallon Almond Milk – $2.25
1 5-lb bag Grapefruit – $3.99
1 3-lb bag Apples – $2.39
2 3-ct bags Multi-Colored Peppers – $4.78
1 bag Red Grapes – $4.74
1 jar Organic Peanut Butter – $2.99
1 large canister Old Fashioned Oats – $3.89
1 bag Ground Flax Seed – $3.49
1 can Baking Cocoa – $4.49
1 bag Veggie Straws – $2.45
1 bag Chocolate Chips – $3.65
1 pkg Fresh Boneless Chicken Breasts – $12.77
1 Family-Size box Honey Nut Crispy Oats – $2.59
2 dozen Eggs – $3.92
1 jar Chicken Bouillon – $1.79
1 bag Plain Bagels – $1.95
1 jar Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce – $3.24
1 32-oz carton Plain Greek Yogurt – $3.19
1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $1.25
1-lb bag Deli Meat – $3.99
Total: $84.62
8 bags Knorr – $8, used (2) $1/2 Knorr Publix Digital Coupon plus received 750 points from Fetch ($0.75) – $5.75 after Coupons and Rebates (I thought this qualified for another $2.50 offer on Fetch, but unfortunately I didn’t read the fine print and it didn’t – I wouldn’t have bought 8 if I had realized this ahead of time, but oh well!)
1 box New York Bakery Breadsticks – $1.67, used $1/1 New York Bakery Publix Digital Coupon – $0.67 after Coupon
1 box Dole Whip – $3.79, received $2.50/1 Dole Whip Ibotta Rebate – $1.29 after Rebate
1 bag Drizzalicious Cinnamon Swirl Bites – $3.50, received $8 Rebate from Flavor Wiki – $4.50 Money Maker after Rebate!
2 cans Simply Pop (B1G1) – $2.49, used B1G1 Simply Pop Publix Digital Coupon – FREE after Coupon!
2 bags Dave’s Killer Bread Snack Bites – $6.49, used $2/1 Dave’s Killer Bread Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (2) $3/1 Dave’s Killer Bread Snack Bites Ibotta Rebates and 1800 points from Fetch ($1.80) – $3.31 Money Maker after Coupon and Rebates!
2 bag Old El Paso Carb Advantage Tortillas – $4.99, used $1.50/2 Old El Paso Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (2) $1.50/1 Old El Paso Carb Advantage Ibotta Rebates and 350 points from Fetch ($0.35) – $0.15 for 2 after Coupon and Rebates
1 box Renew Life 3-Day Cleanse – $6.89, used $4/1 Renew Life Publix Digital Coupon plus received $3/1 Renew Life Ibotta Rebate – $0.11 Money Maker after Coupon and Rebate!
Total after Tax, Coupons and Rebates: $0.42!
Grocery Total for the Week: $85.04
Cereal, Yogurt, Bagels, Oatmeal, Toast, Boiled Eggs, Smoothies
Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Sliced Peppers, Apples, Veggie Straws x 2
Cheese Quesadillas, Snack Bites, Grapefruit, Carrots x 2
Leftovers x 3
Venison Meatloaf, Tossed Salad, Green Beans, Breadsticks
Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, Roasted Cauliflower
Chicken Gravy over Rice, Broccoli
Venison Sausage Gravy over Easiest Ever Mayonnaise Biscuits, Green Beans
Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon
Build-Your-Own Chipotle Rice Bowls (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Cheese, Salsa, Cilantro, Chips, Chopped Romaine)
Leftovers
Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!
Here’s a yummy freebie from Einstein Bros. Bagels!
Stop by Einstein Bros. Bagels on January 15th to score a FREE Bagel and Shmear with any purchase!
Valid only on January 15, 2026.
Meal time just got so much easier!
Pray and write through Scripture with this free printable pack!
Download this free printable Seasons of Grace: One-Year Scripture Pack! This 63-page printable includes Scripture cards, a daily prayer calendar, Bible passages to display in your home, and so much more.
Join our FREE habit tracking challenge!
Pick up a FREE 8 pack of Kleenex travel tissues at Publix.
Through January 28, you can grab a FREE 8 pack of Kleenex On the Go Tissues at Publix by using a $5 digital coupon. Here’s how:
Buy 1 On to Go Kleenex (8 pack) – $3
Clip the $5/1 Publix Digital coupon
Free plus overage after coupon
Limit of one.
Feel like you’re missing out?
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Wow! This is an amazing deal on an adjustable weight bench!
Amazon has this Foldable Adjustable Weight Bench for only $59.99 shipped when you use promo code AK2K2REK at checkout!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Psst…working out from home? Score a year unlimited fitness classes for just $0.25! Our team loves this!
Join our FREE habit tracking challenge!