Month: August 2022

Cream Dinners: Flash Sale! Don’t Miss Their Kid Picks Mini Bundle!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! Time for a Dream Dinners Bundle Sale!

Kid-Approved Meal Special

Don’t forget to stock your freezer as you do your back-to-school shopping! The Dream Dinners August kid-picks meal bundle is perfect for this season of busy weeknights, homework, and new class schedules. Order in the next 72 hours to get eight medium-size meals from the August menu for just $185*. You can cross grocery shopping and meal prep off your to-do list, giving you more time to savor the last days of summer!

The August Mini Bundle includes:
  1. Pub Style Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
  2. Sizzling Sirloin Fried Rice
  3. Chicken Enchiladas
  4. Backyard BBQ Chicken with Corn Medley
  5. Bacon Popper Chicken with Summer Grilled Vegetables
  6. Family Pizza Night – Grill Edition
  7. Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Stovetop Cauliflower
  8. Homemade Turkey Parmesan Meatballs with Cavatappi

A Medium Meal feeds 2-3 adults (honestly, it’s usually 3+ in our house), so you’ll be getting 16-24 restaurant-quality meals for $185!

This offer is only available for a limited time

Contact your store by Friday, August 19, 2022 at 9am to place your order.

Our local store here in East County is La Mesa, run by Marsi and her friendly staff! Store Email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com  Store Phone Number: 619-460-6800.

Recipe: Meaty Baked Pasta!

Abby H.

We eat a lot of veggies in this house, but recently I picked up a few pounds of bulk hot Italian sausage and I was jonesing for a meaty baked pasta dish. We don’t eat a lot of meat, so 1 pound for this recipe is a lot for us. If you are a big meat eater, you can add up to an extra pound of sausage to make it extra meaty.

This recipe makes a lot, but, it keeps well for leftovers and you can freeze leftovers as well.

Meaty Baked Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 box pasta (whatever variety you like best), cooked per package directions
  • 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage
  • 2 T. butter or oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium-sized zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 32 oz of your favorite red pasta sauce
  • 1 small can of tomato paste
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups mozzarella, divided
  • 1 cup parmesan/romano blend cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cook pasta per directions, drain off the water, reserving 2-3 Tablespoons.
  3. In a large pan, cook and crumble Italian sausage. After it is cooked, drain it on a paper towel.
  4. Using the same pan, saute onion and pepper for 10-15 minutes, until the onions are clear and have started to caramelize.
  5. Add in garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add in zucchini, sauce, and tomato paste- cook until sauce comes to a simmer.
  7. Add meat back in, and stir to combine.
  8. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  9. In a baking dish layer sauce, pasta, cheese, and sauce. Repeat until the baking dish is full and top with the remaining cheese.
  10. Cover the baking dish with a lid or tented foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove the lid/foil and cook another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Serve with a green salad and garlic bread!

This recipe made a 9×13 baking dish, which will serve 6-8 people a hearty portion.

If you need more veggies in your life, add carrots, drained diced petite tomatoes, more peppers, and even a few handfuls of spinach!

This meal was so satisfying. I’ve had leftovers for lunch twice now.

I ended up with extra sauce, and I plan on making calzones with it.

AO Opinions: Upcoming Snack 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 Snacks!

  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 18-35 year olds
  • Monday, August 22nd or Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
  • Various times available

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

Not everyone who completes the pre-screener will qualify.

8/15/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis is our last full week of Summer Break. We have zoo, beach, swimming with friends, and a few other things to do before we start school.

I went to the grocery store on Saturday and picked up milk and bread, other than that we should be good. I re-organized the freezer and found a few things I forgot we had (and were not on the freezer inventory).

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: pollo asada tacos, grilled veggies, rice, refried beans

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad, quesadillas

  • Thursday: Protein shakes and bagels

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Breakfast for dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, crescent rolls, fruit)

The Back To School Countdown has Begun!

Abby H.1 Comment

I know some of your kids have already started school for the 2022-2023 school year, but my kiddos don’t start for another few weeks.

The Back to School countdown has begun, and here is how we are saving money.

School Supplies: Most schools’ public supply lists by class on their website. Once you know who your child’s teacher is going to be, you can purchase supplies. Most teachers like trusted name-brand supplies like Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, Crayola washable markers, and Expo whiteboard markers.  Here are a few of the stores that have great prices on school supplies!

Target: School supplies starting at $0.25
Walmart: Up to 75% off select school supplies
Office Depot and Office Max: Up to 60% off bestselling school supplies. Save 25% off on backpacks excluding Jansport
Michaels: Teacher Must-Haves, Art Supplies, and more all under $10.00

There will be several backpack giveaways throughout August. There is one tomorrow in Lemon Grove. Information can be found here. 

There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 20, 2022 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

Clothing/Shoes: If you are like me, you grab kids’ clothes at swaps all year, but there are some things that you need to buy new. Once you’ve set your budget for clothes/shoes/accessories, keep an eye out for BTS sales (which are in full swing right now).

Because Southern California doesn’t get chilly in the fall, a lot of the standard BTS clothing fare isn’t great for our kids- long pants, turtlenecks, sweaters, jean jackets- I’m sweating just thinking about those! Don’t forget to scope out the sale and clearance racks for shorts and short sleeve shirts!

I love shopping Kohl’s and JCPenney. They frequently have sales, coupon codes, and deals where you can earn Kohl’s Cash/JCP Rewards for future purchases. Earn even more cashback when you shop online and opt for in-store pickup. I like shopping through Mypoints or Ibotta (make sure to check out both of their browser extensions to help you earn points/cashback). This is also a hot tip for Target and Walmart shoppers!

If your budget is a little too tight, check out local clothing swaps! Porchlight is holding one on 8/27/2022 for womens’ and kids’ clothing. More information can be found here.

We also shop a lot at thrift stores- Amvets and DAV are two of my favorites here in San Diego.

Food: I know this might be weird to include, but kiddos have to have healthy food to function and grow. Thanks to the California Universal Meals program, all kids in k-12 education settings will receive free breakfast and lunch if wanted. And I will continue to post about free opportunities for food each month, and more often as they come across my desk. Feeding San Diego Tour is a great resource that has locations all over San Diego County!

 

 

 

 

Homeschooling Parents: San Diego Gameschooling Expo 8/19/22!

Abby H.

The Stronghold is excited to present its very first San Diego Gameschooling Expo!

  • Friday, August 19, 2022
  • 10AM-2PM

Venues:

  • The Stronghold:Check-In and Primary Gaming Area for Ages 6+
  • The Dancehouse: Teen Gaming Area (Ages 13+ only)
  • Yeeha Boba: Trivia
  • Point Loma Library: Parent Conference and Vendor Fair

What’s the Expo about?

Bringing together families for a fun, interactive Gameschooling mini convention accompanied by homeschooling vendors throughout San Diego! Join them for the Parent Conference, Gameschooling activities, Vendor Fair, Prizes, and more!

What’s the cost to attend?

Adults are FREE! Kids Ages 6-12 are $15, and Teens (13 and up) are $20 a ticket. Interested in volunteering to get a free ticket for your kids? They have limited opportunities to waive up to one registration per adult.

What does the ticket include?

Ticket includes access to our Parent Conference, THREE of the Gaming Areas, including the following but not limited to Board Games, Chess, Puzzles, and Trivia. Please note they will not be having Video Gaming at this event.

To learn more about this event and secure tickets, visit their Eventbrite page here. 

 

8/12/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week was full of errands and getting ready for school stuff. It’s so hot (already 75 degrees at 7:30am).

We went to the Natural History Museum yesterday, thanks to the free passes the kids scored doing the San Diego County Library summer reading program.

If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

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 Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate with Registry
Free Subscription to Vogue Magazine
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = Free Item
500 Free Trojan Condoms for College Students
Free Screening of Vengeance
Free Sample of SkinCeuticals Cream or Serum
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Grenera Moringa Tea Sample
Free Mott’s & Yoo-Hoo Coloring Book at Sam’s
Free Post-It Notes Samples
Free Micellar Milk Cleanser or Hydrating Cleansing Balm
Free Oxyfresh Pet & Home Products
Free Iron Hawk Swag
Free AMONG US Mini Figures or Airship Toys
Free Downy Light Scent Booster at Select Stores
Free Peta Kids Comic Books
Free 2023 Fellowship Calendar
Free Bon Dévil Ganache
Free $10 ThredUP Credit = Free Womens & Children Items
Free Sample Pack of Exederm Ulta Sensitive Skin Care
Free Gatsby Low-Calorie Chocolate
Free Simple Mills Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies
Free Little Bellies Organic Pick-Me Sticks
Free Millie Moon Diaper Sample Pack
Free Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Creme
Free Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins
Free Pencil Pouch at JCPenney
Free Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum Sample

 

Deals

DSW 40% Off Sneaker Coupon + Free Shipping
Kate Spade Kitt Large Tote ONLY $69 Shipped (Reg $299)
Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Bed ONLY $59.99 (Reg $85)
Mainstays Plush Velvet Office Chair ONLY $64 (Reg $75)
Save $10 When you Buy $30 of Select Items
PowerXL Belgian Waffle Maker ONLY $15.99 (Reg $50)
Little Tikes Pack ‘n Go Trike Childs Toy ONLY $58.88 (Reg $84)
Hisense 50-Inch Smart TV ONLY $248 Shipped (Reg $348)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Morphe Bake & Set Setting Powder ONLY $7 (Reg $14)
Sofia Vergara Top & Skirt Set ONLY $10 (Reg $40)
Barbie Pet Boutique Playset ONLY $18.97 (Reg $34)
Women’s Floral Robes ONLY $7.99 (Reg $22)

Focus Group Connections: Paid Opinion Study $150

Abby H.

Focus Group Connections is a research company located in Southern California. They conduct studies and surveys all over the US.

Currently, Focus Group Connection is looking for parents and children age 6-15 to participate in an online Consumer Research Project taking place on August 16th or August 17th (depending on qualification) on the topic of “Television.” To participate, you must have a working Desktop or Laptop computer with high-speed internet, audio and a working webcam. This study will include a homework assignment to be completed prior to participation and a 75-minutes group discussion. If selected, you will receive $150.00 for your time and insights.

If interested, please click here to fill in the pre-screen. Please note – not everyone will qualify to participate and not everyone will receive a call-back.

San Diego Job Seekers: A.R.C.C. Center is Hiring Caregivers!

Abby H.

I posted about this on my socials too, but I really want to spread the word.

The A.R.C.C. Center is hiring Respite Workers all over San Diego County. If you are interested in working with children and teens who have special needs, gain experience in fields such as Nursing, ABA, OT, Speech, and Education, all while earning $17 plus $5/hr extra for each sibling ($22/hr for 2 kids, $27/hr for 3 kids) and paid mileage, visit arcccenter.org/join-our-team to apply and get more information. Be sure to add my name (Abby Hewes) to your application so they get back to you right away.
We use ARCC for Respite and our Respite sitter is amazing! This is a great opportunity for people looking for a part-time job, weekends, and nights. Families need respite all the time.

AO Opinions: Upcoming Healthcare 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 Healthcare.

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

Not everyone who completes the pre-screener will qualify.

Compensation: $125 (if chosen)

Open to: Ages 18+ years of age