Month: February 2022

2/28/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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This week I lagged on the meal plan, and as a result, this post is a little later than usual.

I chopped, peeled, and prepped fruits and veggies this afternoon after work.  Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, 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. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

This week I also got a jar of Strawberry jam. I can’t wait to slather it all over popover (recipe coming up this week).

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the 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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, Dream Dinners, and what we’ve got in the house. I didn’t do a big shop this week, just milk and popsicles.

Utility Rates Going Up: Tips to Save

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 1.26.41 PM.pngFor those of us in San Diego County- you’ve probably read or heard by now, we have the highest utility prices in the ENTIRE COUNTRY. Not something to be too proud of.

I’ve been researching ways for us all to save money on our bills, and I promise that none of them are too kooky. No turning off your hot water heater, sitting in the dark, or wearing dirty clothes. Some of the things I found in my research were… sketchy.

We’re going to hit up all the areas of your home, And yes, we do all of these things in my home.

The Thermostat: The memes about parents controlling the thermostat are real. For Serious.

  • Turn your thermostat to 72-75 degrees, or better yet, turn it off. For most of us in Southern California, it’s usually flip-flop weather or sweater weather. We only turn on the heat when we know it’s going to be cold (like 55 or below), or turn the AC on when it’s going to be 90 or above.
  • Install a smart thermostat. We have an Ecobee, and there is an app for our phones to control the thermostat, so if I know it’s going to be hot or cold, I can set the thermostat to keep the house comfortable upon our return from time away.
  • This brings me to my next point- Utilize Ceiling fans and box fans to circulate the air in your home. Did you know there is a setting on your ceiling fan for summer, and the opposite direction is for winter? The counterclockwise rotation of the fan pulls warm air up and forces cool air down, perfect for the summer!
  • Is it going to be cold? Close your windows, but leave your drapes/blinds open. The sun will shine through the windows and heat up your home (A little, not like a sauna). You may still need socks, a sweater, and pants. These two tips may keep you from having to turn on your heater.
  • Is it going to be hot? Close the drapes/blinds early in the day before the weather heats up. Use fans to circulate to cool air. If it’s going to be dangerously hot and you have to be at home, close the windows and get the thermostat to 72-75. 75 degrees doesn’t sound cool, but when it’s 90+ degrees outside, it feels amazing.

Water Heater:

  • Your water heater does not need to be turned all the way up. Gen X-er’s will remember this PSA from Tweety Bird. Turn down the temperature on your water heater.
  • Make sure that your water is in good repair, that the closet or area in which it is housed is clean and free of debris or anything flammable. In California, the water heater needs to be up off the ground and braced with earthquake bracing straps.

Laundry:

  • Only run full loads of laundry.
  • Utilize the various cycles on your washer to make sure an appropriate amount of water (and the correct temp) are being used.
  • Use the correct amount of soap/detergent (more is NOT better). If your clothes are not getting clean the first time, that is also a waste of electricity/gas.
  • Line or hang dry clothes if the weather permits. We live in a 2nd-floor condo that does not permit external drying lines, but we have a retractable laundry line in the laundry closet where we can hang up clothes that are labeled tumble dry low or hang dry. It was very easy to install.
  • Lacking space? We also have a collapsible drying rack too.  We use it for pants mostly. It folds up and lives in the laundry closet when not in use. When we are using it, it is in the bathtub (mostly to keep the cat from messing with it).

All over the house:

  • Keep the lights off during the daytime. Open the drapes/blinds and take advantage of the natural light.
  • Going into a room with no natural light (like the bathroom or kitchen)? Turn the lights on when entering, and flip them off when you leave the room.
  • Unplug devices/appliances when not in use. Obviously, I’m not talking about your fridge, washer, or dryer. Toaster ovens, microwaves, and unplugging the cellphone and other device chargers when not in use. Most devices still draw power when not in use but remain plugged in. If you don’t want to go around plugging and unplugging, you can invest in smart plugs, like these. We have these on our Toaster Oven, microwave, printer, TV, Nordic Track, and PS4.

Programs to save money:

  • SDG&E has several programs to help you save money on your bills. CARE and FERA are programs that can save you 18-30% on your bills. More information and how to apply can be found here.
  • If you are a senior and have qualifying medical equipment in your home, you may qualify for a medical baseline discount from SDG&E. More information and how to apply can be found here.
  • Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 5.02.27 PM We use OHM Connect to save additional money on our SDG&E bill. Once you sign up, you will be alerted when the demand for energy increases. If you cut down on power usage during those peak times, you will not only reduce your power bill but also receive points from OHM Connect that can be redeemed for cash back via PayPal or gift cards (I usually get Target Gift cards). Ohm Connect is available in CA, Texas, and New York!

 

Tax Time is Here- Save up To 20% on Turbo Tax!

Abby H.

You may find it hard to believe, but tax season is in full swing! I’ve got a couple ways for you to save money on filing your taxes, and some tips to make it a little easier.

I already prepared and filed our taxes using Turbo Tax online. It’s quick and they walk you through everything. Because of our tax situation, we are unable to do our taxes for free, so for my family, TurboTax is the best/easiest solution. If you want to try Turbo Tax out, here is a link where you can receive up to 20% off any paid online federal product!

If you make $72,000 or less, check out the IRS Free File.

If you aren’t sure what you need to file your taxes, here are just a few pieces of paperwork you may need (depending on your tax situation):

  • W-2’s- one from each of your jobs
  • 1099’s: if you are an independent contractor
  • DMV paperwork (if you don’t have this, then the VIN and license plate # from your car, and go here– CA only, I’m sure other states may have something similar).
  • Receipts for any tax-deductible donations
  • Receipts for any medical expenses (co-pays, prescriptions)
  • Paperwork from your Mortgage Company regarding your interest paid
  • Paperwork regarding your property taxes paid
  • Dependents Social Security Numbers
  • IRA Year-End Statements
  • Interest Statements from banks

I start a folder (like this one) each year and I put all of the paperwork in it as it comes into the house. Then, after we do our taxes, I print a copy out, pull out all of our supporting documents, put them into a manilla envelope, write the year on the front, seal it, and stash it with our other past years’ taxes. We keep 10 years’ worth of tax records, just in case.

 

Talk Back: Have you done your taxes yet?

Join the Disney Movie Club and get 4 Disney Movies for $1!

Abby H.

I love sharing this deal. We’ve been members of The Disney Movie Club for a decade (at least).

We always select the DVD + Bluray +Digital download sets. That way we can share the movie with friends or family, and the downloaded movies are available on household devices (perfect for when we travel and there is no wifi).

    • Get Started With 4 Movies For $1.00 Each And Start Building Your Disney Dream Collection.
    • About every 4 weeks we’ll notify you of the new Featured Title. If you want the Featured Title, do nothing – it will be sent to you automatically. If you want a different movie or nothing at all, simply let us know within 10 days.
  • Cancel Anytime After Buying Any 4 Movies At Regular Price within 2 years. Starting at $19.95

Oh, and this deal gets better- Each movie you select comes with a Disney Movie Insiders Points Code- Earn Points and redeem them for Disney-related gifts, DVDs, gift cards, and more. I try to post free codes weekly when I find them online.

Boost Iron Levels Naturally with Lucky Iron Fish

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.

Tryazon has 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: https://www.tryazon.com/lucky-iron-fish-spring-cooking-party/

2/25/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been a crazy one: Between helping my mom with life insurance and pension stuff, trying to get our taxes done, and her, and now my water heater is dying… I’m up to my armpits in stuff.

Never fear friends- I can’t leave y’all high and dry without the freebies and deals of the week.

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Dr. Barbara Sturm Better B Niacinamide Serum Sample
Free Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Sample
Free Medium Cold Brew at Dunkin
Free Vamos Instant Coffee Sample
Free Museum Admission – Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
Free Lucky Charms The Magic Inside Book
Free Lemonade, Quick Chick & Trio Upgrade at Chicken Salad Chick
Free LED Portable Worklight at Harbor Freight
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Costa Brazil Face Serum Sample
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Tea at DAVIDsTEA
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Original Chick Meal at Chicken Salad Chick
Free Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics
Free Owala Reusable Water Bottle on 3/16
Free Abstract Art Craft Kit at Michael’s
Free It Cosmetics Products
Free Bookmarks, Posters, Activity Sheets & More
Free EPA Activity Books
Free Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn at Target
Free Sample of Kona Red Mountain Coffee
Free Racial Justice Poster
Free Treat at Applebee’s

 

Deals:

Disney Mickey Mouse Backpack ONLY $27.99 (Reg $70)
Up to 70% Off ZOOGS Kids Boots + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Paw Patrol Chase Rescue Track Set ONLY $9.40 (Reg. $20)
70% Off Bally Total Fitness + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Alyx Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
Tek Gear Boys Fleece Hoodie ONLY $14.39 (Reg $30)
Fashion Crossbody Cell Phone Wallet ONLY $21.99 (Reg $45)
Insignia 70-Inch Fire TV ONLY $549.99 (Reg $650)
Stainless Steel Manicure Set 7-Pieces ONLY $12.99 (Reg $36)
St. John’s Bay Men’s Fleece Sweater ONLY $8.99 (Reg $30)
Women’s Pajama Pants 2-Pack ONLY $7.88 (Reg $16)
MKF Collection Victoria Weekender ONLY $53.82 (Reg $299)
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard ONLY $32.99 (Reg $60)
Timberland Big Boys Tree Zip Hoodie ONLY $17.83 (Reg $60)
FREE Apple AirTag With Your First Super Chewer Box
Skechers Toddler Boys Razor Flex Shoes ONLY $22.50 (Reg $45)
Disney Booster Car Seat ONLY $54.83 (Reg $85)
MUK LUKS Women’s Leigh Bootie Slippers ONLY $19.99 (Reg. $40)
MKF Collection Small Wallet ONLY $19.62 (Reg $109)

 

Vegetarian Recipe Round Up

Abby H.

It’s time for some yummy veggie meals!

Most of these are vegetarian, not vegan. These are recipes that I feed my family, so they are kid-approved and don’t require any weird, expensive ingredients.

And as a bonus, many of the ingredients for these ingredients are frequently given out in Neighborhood Distributions.

Inflation Sucks: Stretching your Grocery Budget

Abby H.

Inflation is taking its toll across the board. Wherever you look, prices are going up, up, up.

It’s horrible because Cost of Living increases are not keeping up, so we are working as hard as ever, and our money is buying less.

Depressing to say the least. Here are some ways to stretch your money further and keep your family fed. And this is all practical stuff, I’m not going to tell you to grow a garden or dumpster dive. If you want to do those things, by all means, go ahead.

  • Take advantage of local food distributions. I post information about them each month for locations in San Diego County. Here is the list for February 2022.
  • Inventory your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer. Knowing what you already have is a good first step. Here is a link to my Inventory Sheets on Canva.
  • Go Meatless 1-3 times a week. Meat is getting crazy expensive, and there are so many tasty, meatless meals out there. I’ll be doing a meatless recipe round-up later this week.
  • When cooking meat, add additional protein to your meals by incorporating lentils or beans into your recipes. I love adding in a can of drained/rinsed kidney or black beans when I make ground beef tacos. I use 1 15-ish ounce can per 1/2 lb of ground meat.
  • If beans and lentils aren’t your jam, bulk up meals with rice, noodles (I love the protein noodles), or a grain like quinoa (which is also high in protein).
  • Bulk up meals with fruits and veggies. Canned, frozen, or fresh- whichever is in your budget. Stores like 99 cents only and Grocery Outlet have great deals on fresh and frozen produce.
  • If you have kids in school, take advantage of free breakfasts and lunches. In California, there will be free lunches for school-aged children permanently. Other states have similar programs.

 

Rubio’s Launches Three New Dishes!

Abby H.

Are you Hungry? You will be after reading this post!

Calling all seafood lovers. On Wednesday, February 23, Rubio’s Coastal Grill locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona will introduce new dishes featuring Wild-Caught Red Argentinian Shrimp with a sweet-spicy kick of honey and chipotle peppers. With its large size, bright color, and exceptional flavor, wild Red Argentinian shrimp is a Rubio’s fan favorite.

“The rich, fresh, sweet-tasting Wild-Caught Red Argentinian Shrimp never fails to delight guests, and we’re thrilled it’s back on the menu,” said Rubio’s Co-Founder, Ralph Rubio. “Our Red Argentinian shrimp are sourced from the icy, pristine waters off the far southeastern tip of Argentina. They are wild-caught, never farmed, continuing our commitment to serving responsibly sourced seafood wherever possible.”

 While available, Rubio’s guests can enjoy wild-caught Red Argentinian shrimp paired with a specially created chipotle honey sauce. The culinary team has created three incredibly flavorful menu options, available for a limited time, including:

Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Bowl

Wild-caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp, crisp romaine, citrus rice, and black beans topped with handmade guacamole, cilantro/onion mix, creamy chipotle sauce, a new chipotle honey sauce, pickled red onions, and a slice of fresh lime.

 Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Burrito

Wild-caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp, citrus rice, black beans, handmade guacamole, cilantro/onion mix, creamy chipotle sauce, a signature chipotle honey sauce, and pickled red onions all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Served with tortilla chips.

 Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Two Taco Plate

Wild-caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp on top of melted three cheese blend, crisp romaine, and cilantro/onion mix. Topped with creamy chipotle white sauce, a new chipotle honey sauce, and pickled red onions. Served on warm flour tortillas with black beans, tortilla chips, and a slice of fresh lime.

Guests are encouraged to order ahead through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook and Instagram.

2/21/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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The kids and I have the day off school/work today! The kids stayed at home and played, and I ran a bunch of errands, effectively taking care of 99% of my care tasks for the week. I will not be adding any additional tasks.

I did zero meal prep over the weekend, as we had out-of-town guests, and I went out with friends on Saturday, and I stayed out waaay too late.

I’m picking up an order of Dream Dinners this afternoon, and our CSA box will be delivered this afternoon.

Our 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. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the 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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, Dream Dinners, and what we’ve got in the house. It’s supposed to be cool and rainy/overcast for much of the week, so I’m thinking of Soup and grilled cheese at least once!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Soup and Grilled Cheese (I have a couple batches in my freezer)
  • Wednesday: Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (probably waffles and fruit)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Pulled Pork Banh Mi Sliders