This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Trafalgar Releasing.

Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the unlikely friendship that transforms two lives. At 15, Herbert escaped the Auschwitz-Birkenau death march, carrying the weight of silence for six decades. When he finally breaks that silence, he forms a life-saving bond with Abby, a troubled teenager confronting her own pain. Together, they discover hope, healing, and the transformative power of being truly seen.

Directed by Finn Taylor and produced by Jeanine Thomas, THE OPTIMIST stars Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher in an intimate, intergenerational story about trauma, memory, and healing. Lang delivers a career-defining performance opposite Fisher in a story developed over more than a decade by Thomas, who first met Heller before his passing in 2021. The film honors Heller’s legacy as an educator and survivor who shared his testimony with thousands of students nationwide.

The ensemble cast includes Luke David Blumm, Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert. Produced by Jeanine Thomas and Noah Lang, with executive producer Todd Slater, the film features cinematography by Antonio Riestra and Alexander Surkala and editing by Kaufmanova Olina and Rick LeCompte.

“Herbert’s story shows how one person can change countless lives,” said director Finn Taylor. Producer Jeanine Thomas added, “This film is the fulfillment of a promise to honor his truth.” Stephen Lang called the role “a profound privilege.”

The film will be released nationwide on March 11, 2026, through Trafalgar Releasing.

As my 16 year old son prepares for his school field trip to the Holocaust museum in DC, I feel like this is a film we should watch together. I feel like this would be a very education, yet moving film, that would open up discussion. Subjects like this are necessary but can also be very heavy.

Some ideas for discussion:

This discussion guide can be a helpful way to start a conversation around the movie and events therin.

You can watch one of the longer trailers here:

Do you plan on seeing the film? Who will you take with you?

The Optomist movie is in theaters March 11th, 2026.

This is a list of my favorite free samples, free rebate offers, free events, and free resources. For more immediate items and for my deal posts please visit the LuvSavingMoney facebook page

Note that I will be updating the post periodically throughout the month of March. Some offers may expire before I can update them here. For the ones that I know are only for one specific day or quick grabs, I will post that for each listing.

March 2026 free stuff

1. Free travel guides no cc needed
2. FREE LEGO Star Wars SMART play & giveaway event at Target note one of the events is already over. The other is until May 3
3. Free Froster at Circle K
4. Free photo with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s
5. Free sample Breathe Right extra strength strips
6. Free stuff for Target Circle 360 members this month
7. Free frozen drink at Casey’s every Friday
8. Free apple, fig, pear, oak of conifer seedlings
9. Free Neutrogena oil-free face wash after Walmart cash
10. Free sample TEMPTATIONS cat treats
11. Free Italian Ice at Rita’s on March 20th
12. Free food and drink items at Circle K & Holiday gas stations
13. Free sample of IAMS Proactive Health wet pouch dog food
14. Free fries and frosty at Wendy’s April 7th
15. Free sample Gummishot energy gummies
16. Free bee or frog magnets craft kit at JCPenney April 11th
17. Free tree from Subaru (need to register)
18. Ben & Jerry’s free cone day April 14th
19. Free Greenies dental chew treats – first 10,000
20. Crayola 1 million free crayon giveaway

Thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to check out the facebook page for deals too

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission on some links.

It didn’t seem likely to me, but hey, I’ve been wrong before. Curiosity gets the best of me so I click on the little pink and metallic cow. Would you believe it took me to a “free gift with purchase page” You know what I needed to purchase to get said cow? A Squismallow fragrance.

First of all, the bottles are friggin’ adorable. They have this vintage-looking pump sprayer but the bottles are shaped like Squishmallows. They have 3 different fragrances. The scents sound delicious and I’m so so tempted to scoop one up. I no longer care about the free gift with purchase (though it would be nice)

But the internal battle happens. My daughter’s birthday is the end of March. Do I get one for her birthday? Do I get me one because I kinda want it. Do I get us both one? Do I really need to spend the money on 2 Squishmallow fragrances? As I write this post I’m still deciding.

Well if you’re not as indecisive as me you can grab your Squishmallow fragrance right now and get a free Squishmallow gift with purchase. This offer only applies to shipped orders though. It says pick up and store delivery orders do not qualify for the gift with purchase off. This offer ends 4/4/26.

There is also a Squishmallow coffret set that has smaller versions of all 3 fragrances is you just can’t decide.

Let me know if you get one and which one. I’m kinda thinking I want the little purple bat but the scent for the pink cow sounds really nice too.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links.

Right now you can get a free Summer Fridays lip butter balm after cash back when you sign up for TopCashBack.

I’ve been a member of TopCashBack for years. They consistently have some of the best cash back rates for cash back sites. They have many of my favorite places to shop online too. Plus you can earn referral bonuses if you tell your friends!

This free lip butter offer is for new TopCashBack members only. I encourage you to read the T&C’s to understand how it works.

Terms & Conditions:
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with TopCashback.  I may earn affiliate commission from any sales
Note: Transactions must contain at least $24 worth of purchases (before tax + shipping) to ensure the $24 Cash Back is credited to TopCashback accounts. Transactions may initially track lower, but within the 14 days after purchase it will be uplifted and turn payable at the amount of $24. Transactions may take up to 7 days to appear in your TopCashback account. The deal is open until 11:59 p.m. PT on 3/2/2026 or until supplies run out; whichever happens first; applicable for purchases made directly after clicking through the TopCashback mobile or desktop website; not applicable for purchases made through the TopCashback app or merchant app. Only one TopCashback account is permitted per person. Only one freebie offer is permitted per new member. Cannot be combined with other TopCashback freebie offers.  Do not close the window, open any new tabs, or use non-TopCashback approved coupons while checking out.

I learned later that self care actually made me a better mother and wife. If I could do something for myself that helps me relax, like maybe a long hot shower with some relaxing scented shower steamers, or splurging on a good pillow that gave me better sleep, then it actually helped me with energy, mental fatigue, and stress.

So here are some of my favorite self care gifts that would make a nice gift for any mom that just doesn’t want to splurge on herself. And as always, ideas for all budgets.

Shower Steamers

This one is budget friendly but really ups the relaxation of a regular shower. Shower steamers are similar to bath bombs but you can use them in the shower. You set the disk on the floor of the shower and the hot water dissolves the disk. While it dissolves the disk, it emits lovely scents like lavender, mint, tangerine etc. You can buy variety packs or packs specific for relaxation or energy. I particularly love using mint or eucalyptus when I’m congested. That scent mixed with the hot water of the shower will clear my congestion right up, at least temporarily.

This is also a budget friendly gift. You can get a pack of shower steamer for under $10 but can vary depending on how many is in a pack and name brand so they can go up as high as $30.

Shower steamers on Amazon

Shower steamers at Walmart

Shower steamers on Etsy

High Quality sheet set

Taking a nap or getting a good night’s sleep is definitely self care. I never really understood why a certain set of sheets might be better than another until my husband insisted on high quality sheets for our bed. I went from “good enough” sheets to, “I can’t believe the difference” sheets. Now I think most of us know some sheet sets can get pretty expensive depending on material, thread count, and name brand. Super high prices doesn’t always mean they’re better.

One brand I love that is more budget friendly is Mellanni. I’ve purchased Mellanni sheets for different beds in our house and they’ve worked out great. They come in so many different colors and patterns so you’re sure to find one to match the decor.

Mellanni sheet sets on Amazon

I’m also a fan of Tommy Bahama sheet sets. These however can get a bit pricier and don’t always include as much.

Perfume

This can be a tricky topic. Especially if you don’t know what fragrance to get. I wouldn’t splurge on a bottle of perfume for myself for the longest time. But one option I like is a fragrance subscription. Scentbird has a fragrance subscription that allows the recipient to choose which fragrances they want to try . It comes in a nice size vial and a free case with the first box.

Scentbird offers gift subscriptions as well. I actually just signed up for this myself. I got my first box and my 2nd one should be shipped within the next week. I got to line up which fragrances I want to try, I can always swap them before they’re shipped if I change my mind. The best part is. After the promos and everything are done, it’s only $17/mo. But you can get even better deals with gift subscriptions.

Scentbird fragrance subscription get 50% off first month + a free case

Scentbird gift subscriptions available in 12 month, 6 month, or 3 month.

You can find Scentbird exclusive scents, luxury fragrances, and small boutique fragrances on Scentbird. FYI they also have it for colognes for a great father’s day gift idea.

Save the Memories

Remember to take pics that include moms during the year. So often i hear mom is usually the one taking the pics at the park, at events, on vacation, etc. Make sure to snap some moment with mom. Mom on the beach, mom holding her grandbaby, mom in her new dress she’s been excited about. Honestly I’m that mom that never gets pics taken of her unless it’s a selfie or I have to specifically ask. I would have loved to have some random pics of me sitting on the couch holding my babies or on a ride with my kids.

So here are some ideas to share pics with mom:

Skylight digital picture frame – I got my dad one of these for father’s day several years ago. What i like about this one is you don’t have to have a subscription unless you want to include videos. The picture frame itself will be assigned an email address when you register your frame. Anyone that you give the email address to will able to send digital picture to the frame via the email address. This worked out great for us with siblings living in different states.

Ring light stands – these are great because many come with a little remote so the whole family, including mom can get in the pic. Just use the remote to snap the picture. Just don’t make mom be the one to initiate pictures all the time please.

Selfie Sticks – This is another way to get everyone in the pic while on the go. Amusement park, spur of the moment family photo opp, travel pics, these are great and generally inexpensive

Relaxation treat without alcohol

There are a number of products on the market now that can help with relaxation that don’t involve alcohol. One of my favorites is Apothekary products.

These supplements can be taken either dropped under the tongue or mixed into a drink like sparkling water, juice, or a mocktail. I’ve tried the “Wine Down”, “Take the Edge off” and “Rose Colored Glasses” They’re all great. If I had to pick a favorite though, it would probably be “Take the Edge off” I love mixing a dropper full into my juice and sometimes adding a little sparkling water for an elevated relaxation drink without the alcohol.

You can find Apothekary products at Ulta

OR directly from the Apothekary website and get $20 off your first purchase

Summary

In the end, whatever you choose with her in mind will be great. Think about her favorite flavors, the things she enjoys doing, or even just time together with a dinner is good.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links. Any opinions expressed are my own.

I have a small annual garden, I have a ground cover hillside garden, and sometimes have a vegetable garden. I keep thinking about starting an herb garden but I have to wonder if I can keep up with it all.

I plant one tree each year. Last year it was a weeping cherry tree. The year before that it was a Japanese Maple. I have multiple fruit trees in my yard.

I keep thinking I also want to plant some flowering bushes on the one side of our garage. Maybe some butterfly bushes or rose bushes. I’m not sure yet.

One thing that can help is figuring out which plants are native to your area. Planting native plants can help the insects, birds, and other wildlife. It can also ensure you’re planting the right plants for your area. I know I can’t plant banana tree in my area for instance. They’d never make it. Well, unless I could grow them indoors somehow (which I’m not good at)

I also enjoy have a Citronella plant on my front porch and a few hanging baskets. What do you like to plant in the spring?

Need help figuring out what plants are native to your area? Check out this handy guide from Nature Hills Nursery.

Have you ever wondered if your fruit tree need a friend? Check out this handy post from Nature Hills Nursery

Does your fruit tree need a friend?

I’ve bought a number of plants from Nature Hills Nursery. My blue Wisteria, my honeysuckle vine, and witch hazel. Their plants are always top notch and carefully packaged. They don’t send them to you until it’s time for planting in your area.

Tell me what you’re planning on planting this year. What kind of gardens do you keep?

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links.