8/29/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThe first week of school was great! The kids are glad to be back on schedule, and seeing their friends has made the beginning of the school year easier.

I went to the grocery store yesterday and got everything for this week plus a few extra things that were on sale for the pantry.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Chicken nuggets, Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday:  Marinated Salad, Rice-a-roni, crescent rolls

  • Wednesday: Lemon herbed chicken, salad, pita, hummus

  • Thursday:  Ravioli with pesto sauce, roasted vegetables

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Omelets, sourdough toast, fruit

Weekly Freebies and Deals!

I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to post my usual Friday Freebies and Deals yesterday.

Between back to school and back to my part time job, it’s been a whirlwind 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 Manly Ring Sizer
Free Pair of Altra Running Shoes
Free Black Box Wines Hat, Wine Glasses & More
Free Plush Dog
Free Beetology Organic Juice at Select Stores
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Select Stores
My Bath & Body Works – Free Products, Coupons & More
Free Week of Classes at CorePower Yoga
Free Sample of WowButter Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Soy Spread
Free IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Sample
Verizon Up Rewards – 4 Free Movie Tickets
Free NARS Product
Free Moonshot Organic Crackers
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free It’s My Big Big Baby
Free Bob’s Red Mill Baking Flour
Free Watercolor Bookmark Craft Event at Michaels
Free Sample of CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Free Set of CWPPRA Postcards
Possible Free Hasbro Toys
Free Dior J’Adore Parfum D’eau Sample
SampleSource – Free Plant Boss Southwest Plant Taco Crumbles
Free Bestway Fall Pool Party Pack
Huggies Rewards Free 4000pts for an Amazon Gift Card
Free $25 Marine Layer Credit
Free Downy Unstopables & Tide Pods at Sam’s
Free Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Sample
Free Single Scoop Cone at Stewart’s Shops
Free Sugru or Tesa Glue & Tape
Free Cirque du Soleil 60 Minute Specials
Free Crayola Adult Coloring Pages
Free Ring of Pain PC Game

 

Deals

Disney Frozen 12-Piece Kids Nail Polish ONLY $8.99 (Reg $18)
Kate Spade Bracelet Bundle ONLY $35 (Reg $98)
Little Tikes Frog Pond Water Table ONLY $37 (Reg $60)
American Tourister Minnie Mouse Carry-On ONLY $69.99 (Reg $140)
Mainstays 5-Piece Patio Dining Set ONLY $116 (Reg $285)
Coleman Ultra Thick Insulation Soft Cooler ONLY $14.88 (Reg $35)
Buddy Biscuits Boosters Dog Treats ONLY $3.42 (Reg $8)

AO Opinions: Upcoming Salty Snacks Project $125

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 Salty Snacks!

Compensation: $125 (if chosen)

Open to: 24-60 year olds

Times Currently Available: MUST join 15-mins early

Wednesday, September 7th, 2022

  • 1:00pm–2:00 pm ET / 12:00pm-1:00pm CT / 10:00am-11:00am PT
  • 2:30pm–3:30 pm ET / 1:30pm-2:30pm CT / 11:30am-12:30pm PT
  • 4:00pm–5:00 pm ET / 3:00pm-4:00pm CT / 1:00pm-2:00pm PT
  • 6:00pm–7:00 pm ET / 5:00pm-6:00pm CT / 3:00pm-4:00pm PT

Thursday, September 8th, 2022

  • 3:00pm–4:00 pm ET / 2:00pm-3:00pm CT / 12:00pm-1:00pm PT
  • 5:00pm–6:00 pm ET / 4:00pm-5:00pm CT / 2:00pm-3:00pm PT

To be considered for this study, complete the pre-screener here.

Not everyone who completes the pre-screener will qualify.

Carter’s Giveaway: Enter to win holiday PJs for the entire fam!

This came across my email today. We love Carter’s kid’s clothes, and who doesn’t love Holiday PJ’s for the whole fam?

Enter to win Carter’s festive winter holiday PJ’s for the whole family! This contest is only open today, August 25, 2022.

Five (5) grand prize winners will be selected. Each grand prize winner will receive a two hundred and fifty dollar ($250) Carter’s e-Gift Card. Prize will be fulfilled approximately 6-8 weeks after winner verification is complete. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of each grand prize is $250. For the complete rules, etc, click here.

 

Fetch Rewards: 4000 Points for Every Referral through 8/28/22!

Woo Hoo! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points out the wazoo! Earn an extra 4,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 8/28/2022!

If you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards, signing up is quick and easy! You learn more when you check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I’ve earned $163.00 so far in 2022 just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

In order for you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CDT on 8/28/2022. After 11:59 PM CDT on 8/28/2022 the referral bonus will expire.

New TopCashback Members Score $15 to Spend at Sephora!

This deal is FIRE.

I saw it last night on TikTok, and after some research, it’s totally legit.

If you are not a TopCashback member, you are in luck. TopCashback is a rebate site that I’ve been using for years.

When you shop online, search for the retailer, click the link, and shop. You’ll receive cashback on your purchase. Amounts/percentages vary by retailer.   TopCashBack is free to join and can be used with over 4,000 stores!

For this $15 offer, follow these steps:

  • Create your NEW account with an email and password; then confirm your email address right away.
  • Click on the “Get Cashback” or “Get Offer Now” button and it’ll take you to Sephora so you can shop for all your favorite items (not valid on gift cards).

To get the most from this deal, I suggest checking out the “Beauty Under $20” and the “Sale & Clearance” sections. There are so many great choices.

It’ll take about 15 days or so for your TopCashBack account to be credited. Once your account has been credited, you can cash out your rebate.

I do most of my shopping online through TopCashBack and earn about $200/year. I cash out for PayPal or Target Giftcards.

To get started, click here. 

Q-insights SUV/Van/Truck online survey pays $50-$75

QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where 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. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!

Q-Insights is currently recruiting for a new online survey for owners of 2016 and newer SUVs, Vans, and Trucks that is 15-20 minutes long and pays $50-$75.

To participate, you must have one of the following vehicles:

Acura MDX
Aston Martin DBX
Audi e-tron
Audi E-Tron S
Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi Q7
Audi Q8
Audi RQ8
Audi SQ7
Audi SQ8
BMW iX
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
Buick Enclave
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Traverse
Chrysler Pacifica
Dodge Durango
Ford Bronco
Ford Edge
Ford E-Series
Ford Explorer
Ford F-150
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford Flex
Ford Transit
Ford Transit Connect
Genesis GV80
GM Express
GM Savana
GMC Acadia
GMC Sierra 1500
Honda Odyssey
Honda Passport
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe XL
Infiniti QX60
Infiniti QX80
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep Wrangler
Kia Sedona
Kia Telluride
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus GX
Lexus LX
Lexus RX
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln Navigator
Maserati Levante
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Quest
Nissan Titan
Porsche Cayenne
RAM 1500
Ram ProMaster
Ram ProMaster City
Rivian R1S
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Subaru Ascent
Tesla Model X
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tundra
Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen Touareg
Volvo XC90

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here.  If you pre-qualify someone from Q-Insights will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.

Tryazon: Mantis Game Night Party- APPLY NOW!

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.

It’s addictive, it’s competitive, it’s a new Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, featuring Mantis from Exploding Kittens! In this colorfully cutthroat card game of Rainbows and Revenge, there are only two rules: Steal or Score! You collect matching sets of cards by stealing from your opponents. You feel good about things, then not so good about things as opponents steal your cards back. Repeat this emotional rollercoaster until somebody wins the game!
Tryazon has 250 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a Mantis card game and other extras to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

Cents of Style: 5 BEST SELLING Tops Starting at $19.99

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

Cents of Style has one of my favorite shirts on sale this week!

In fact, all of their TOP 5 favorite tops are on sale this week, just in time for BACK TO SCHOOL! These tops come in TONS of colors, styles, and sizes S-3XL and are perfectly oversized and styled with literally ANYTHING! Starting at $19.99 when you use coupon code BIGFIVE at check out.

This deal is only good through  8/29/22 at midnight, and like most Cents of Style sales, once it’s gone, it’s gone. 

So if you see something you like, better get it ASAP! I’ve already picked up a few to add to my fall wardrobe.

8/23/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgYesterday was pretty busy, I didn’t get around to posting our meal plan for the week. We went to the beach and had in-home therapy.

I hit the grocery store last night but I forgot bagels, so I’ll be going back this morning.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Pancakes and fruit

  • Tuesday: Chef Salad (It was popular last week!)

  • Wednesday:  Frittata, toast, fruit

  • Thursday:  Baked pasta, roasted veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Bean, rice, and cheese bowls