Month: September 2021

September 2021: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Frozen Wraps By Cool Beans
  • Cauliflower Burgers By Dr. Praeger’s
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By NITRO Beverage Co.
  • Organic Oatmilk Pudding By noops
  • Plant-Based Milk Alternative By NotCo
  • Keto-Friendly Tortilla By Unbun Foods
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By RISE Brewing Co

 

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

9/19/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI spent all weekend at home, hanging with kiddos and doing meal prep. I made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (recipe here), and roasted veggies for various meals. I also made some omelet starters- various cooked veggies, ready to be added to eggs (along with cheese, because c’mon- CHEESE!)

I went grocery shopping on Thursday, and I split a share from Porchlight with my buddy Brooke.  The only thing I need to buy for the week is maybe some milk later in the week.

The CSA box will be here tomorrow AM and I’ll prepare some salads, more roasted veggies, and maybe even some soup (fingers crossed!).

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal.

And I’ve been getting a lot of really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: We’ve got a pretty good schedule down for dinners. We have nuggets (vegetarian for the boy child, chicken for the rest) on the nights that we have respite. It’s quick to prepare and clean up, and I can serve it on our cafeteria trays with other fingers foods (we have trays like these) like cut-up fruit, crackers, and cheese. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Roasted Veggies, Salad, Quesadillas
  • Monday: Veggie Chili, Sourdough Rolls, Fruit
  • Tuesday: Shakshuka, Rice, Fruit
  • Wednesday: Nugget night, fruit, cheese, and crackers
  • Thursday: Parm crusted Turkey Breast, Fruit Salad, Kale Salad
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers, fruit

Please stay safe you guys!

Fashion Friday 9/16/21: COZY Sweatshirt & Hoodie Collection Starting At ONLY $15.99

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Are you ready for cooler temps and snuggly soft sweatshirts?
Cents of Style is hooking us up this week!Favorite Tops

With so many styles, colors, and graphics to choose from, and in sizes S-3XL, there is something for everyone!

Oh, and there are hoodies too!

The coupon code is BYESUMMER and it takes an EXTRA 20% OFF the lowest marked price making them start at ONLY $15.99!

Don’t forget FREE Shipping over $35! The code is active until 9/21/21 at midnight!

Easy Hummus Recipe!

Abby H.

Yesterday in my tabouli recipe, I mentioned I’d be sharing a hummus recipe soon. Here we are!

This recipe is super easy, and you can pick up all the ingredients in any grocery store, on Amazon, or even at Target.

Ingredients:

  • 2 15.5 oz canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup tahini (I like Tumeric Tahini from Havens Kitchen)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped (or you can use 1 teaspoon chopped jarred garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 t. cumin
  • salt to taste
  • Garnishes (optional): additional olive oil, everything but the bagel seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of cumin, sumac, chopped parsley)

Directions:

  1. In a food processor/blender, blend all of the ingredients (except the garnishes)
  2. If the hummus is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and blend again. repeat as needed, adding up to 3 teaspoons of water.
  3. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Pour into a bowl, top with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and any other additional garnishes as needed.
  5. Serve with veggies, pita, or chips/crackers.

This recipe is vegan, and gluten-free.

 

AO Opinions: Upcoming Parent Project $125

Abby H.

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of Children’s topics.

  • Open to: Parents of 5-9 year olds
  • To be considered complete the pre-screener here. 
  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Monday, September 20th, or Tuesday, September 21st, 2021

    Various Times Available.

9/17/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Woo! it’s been a hot week. I’m looking forward to cooler fall temps! There are a lot of cool freebies and deals this week.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Beef or Chicken Fajita Taco at Stripes & 7-Eleven
5 Free 4×6 Photo Prints at CVS
Free 2022 Church Mutal Calendar
4 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Stop Soldier Suicide T-Shirt
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Comvita Manuka Honey
Free Good Karma Plantmilk Product
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Circle K Every Wednesday
Free 6 pk. Neon Zebra Cocktail Mixers at Walmart
Free Haircare Products
Free Sample of Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer Foundation
Free Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo Bar
Free Coffee at Panera Bread for 3 Months
Free Camping Lantern or Keychain Flashlight
Free L’Oreal Paris Men Expert One-Twist Hair Color Permanent Hair color
Free Bud Light Seltzer Football Homegating House Party
Free Neon Zebra Margarita Cocktail Mixer Sample
Free One by Poise Liner & Pads Sample Pack
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Car Care Products
Free Exfoliating Skin Care Products
Free Hair Brush Set, Spa Towel Set or Bath Set with Stone
Free Samples of Orgain Sport and Recovery
Free Sample of WowButter Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Soy Spread
Free Ron Krivosheiw 5×7 Museum Quality Fine Art Canvas Print
Free Coconut, Grapefruit or White Citrus Bath Sets
Possible Free $150 Juice Research Study
Free Puredown Comforter, Blanket, Pillow, or Coverlet Set

Deals:

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Cloud Playset ONLY $6.34 (Reg. $15)
Arizona Women’s Cardigans ONLY $24.99 at JCPenney (Reg $44)
Paw Prints Fabric Pet Toys Bin ONLY $4.99 (Reg $16)
Coleshome Computer Desk ONLY $29.99 Shipped (Reg $80)
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ONLY $49.99 (Reg $100)
AquaDance 30-Setting Premium 3-Way Shower Combo $10.87 (Reg $50)
Cry Babies Fantasy Pet Rym ONLY $3.97 (Reg. $12)
Dash Hand Mixer ONLY $10.99 (Reg $23)
MUK LUKS Women’s Street Smart Sneaker ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $55)
Save $30 on Tide, Crest, Bounty and More of Your Favorite Brands
Wilton 9-Piece Cake Decorating Kit ONLY $4.17 (Reg. $8)
NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette ONLY $3.14 (Reg. $12)
Pictionary Air Kids vs Grown-Ups ONLY $5.43 (Reg. $20)
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Narwhal Pool ONLY $4.82 (Reg. $15)
Michael Kors Hartley Sunglasses ONLY $59 (Reg $129)
Fgteev Party In The Elevator ONLY $5.83 (Reg. $25)
MUK LUKS Women’s Street Savvy Sneaker ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $55)
Arm & Hammer Nubbies Dog Treats ONLY $1.85 (Reg. $6)
Iso-Pedic Luxury Charcoal Infused Pillow ONLY $9.93 (Reg $35)

Easy, Tasty Tabouli Recipe!

Abby H.

I love tabouli (tabouleh)- It’s easy to make, and it keeps in the fridge for up to a week (if it lasts that long). It’s a delicious, easy summer salad.

This is my spin on traditional tabouli- I use Right Rice in place of bulgar wheat, but you can use whatever grain you like. Couscous, quinoa, or Israeli couscous are all great choices. My kids don’t like bulgar wheat.

This week in our Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box we received: Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lemon, and parsley.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups grains of your choice, cooked as directed ( I use garlic herb or original Right Rice)
  • 1-pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups cucumbers, diced (I used larger English cucumbers, but you can use the small Persian cukes and slice them into “coins”)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint, diced
  • 1.5 cups parsley, diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely (I like yellow or red)
  • 1/4 cup your favorite oil (olive or avocado are my favs)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • cracked pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook your grains per the package direction, and set them aside to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all veggies and toss with oil and lemon juice mixture.
  4. Fold in the cooled grains.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours minimum before serving.
  6. Season with additional kosher salt, and black pepper to taste as needed.

This salad goes great with hummus, pita, and grilled protein. I’ll have an awesome hummus recipe up in a few days!

This recipe is naturally vegan. If you use Quinoa or Right Rice, it is gluten-free as well.

 

Cartoon Network is Coming to the Children’s Discovery Museum!

Abby H.

I posted about Cartoonito earlier in the week. Look what popped into my email last night!

Sunday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Join Cartoonito at The Children’s Discovery Museum for a FREE pop-up event with Cartoon Network’s brand-new preschool-age programming, Cartoonito!

Gather your little ones and get ready for a day filled with creativity, laughter, learning, and fun! Throughout the event, you’ll enjoy:

  • Customizable backpacks,
  • Free school supplies,
  • An ice cream truck,
  • Arts and crafts activities,
  • Previews of Cartoonito programming,
  • And more!
Availability is limited. Save your spot today! And if you aren’t in San Diego, this tour will be all over the US in coming weekends!

Q-insights Restaurant Dining Survey – Ongoing Paid Online Community

Abby H.
QI-logoNOslogan.png

Q-insights is another company that I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. These days they are doing most of their studies online via chat or online surveys.

This is different than a lot of the Surveys I post about. Instead of a 1-time survey, Q-Insights is recruiting for looking for males and females ages 18-49 to participate in an online community regarding fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.

In the community, you’ll have an exclusive opportunity to get your voice heard and help shape the future of Quick Service Restaurants. There will be regular forum discussions in the community to get involved in a wide range of topics for the next 12 months. These
activities can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes of your time each week.

There will be weekly discussions on a wide range of topics, as well as a variety of ‘special projects’ such as regular quick surveys, polls, and Skype interviews. The special projects will be a bit more involved and will help us get to know you and understand your views whereas the
polls and surveys will be really quick, easy, and won’t take up much of your time. All the projects will be interesting and hopefully a lot of fun for you to get involved with!

As a thank you for participating in activities, you’ll earn Tango gift cards for the activities you complete. These gift cards will range in value between $5 and $100, and you’ll receive these about a week after completing each activity.

To apply to participate, please complete the pre-screener here.

Tryazon- Lucky Iron Fish® Cooking Party

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Improve your iron levels naturally with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity. The Lucky Iron Fish® is a simple, reusable, and effective cooking tool that adds extra iron to your daily foods or drinks. Iron is the nutrient that helps blood move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and it helps muscles store & use oxygen. Without adequate iron, you may feel fatigued, prone to illness, dizzy, and more. Lucky Iron Fish is easy to use, and just ten minutes is all that is needed to get a significant portion of your daily recommended iron.

They have a total of 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a selection of Lucky Iron Fish products, to sample and share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.