Month: July 2024

This Week’s Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI forgot to hit Publish on this post on Sunday night and just discovered it in my drafts. Oops.

We are back in the kitchen, and I will be posting pics of it on Instagram this week. I absolutely love my new kitchen. It has tons of counter space, and cabinets, and my new dishwasher is 1000 times better than the old one.

I picked up a bunch of stuff that was stashed in my mom’s chest freezer that I was unable to make without a kitchen, so the only grocery shopping I did this week was for some milk and plain bagels for the girl child.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: I’m back in the kitchen again and the CSA boxes are coming weekly. I’ve got all kinds of plans for batch-cooking soups and stews over the coming weeks.

  • Sunday:  Dream Dinners (Chicken Tarragon with roasted potatoes)
  • Monday: Smoothies or Protein shakes and snack trays

  • Tuesday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, and veggies with hummus

  • Thursday: Chicken nuggets or a veggie burger, fruit, and chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Family Recipe: Chow Mein Hotdish

Abby H.
My mom made some recently and sent some home with me!

OK, so growing up we used to have this like once every few weeks. It’s quick, it’s easy, and I swore that it was a family recipe.

When researching this recipe, I then found out that apparently, this is a hot dish that’s made all over the Midwest. And according to my mom, it’s in tons of church cookbooks.

This recipe is pretty simple, and it’s delicious, and it is kind of weird. And definitely not at all Asian.

Chow mein hot dish 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon of dehydrated toasted onions, or 1/4 diced white onion
  • one can of cream of mushroom soup
  • half a can of cream of mushroom soup filled with water
  • One cup of uncooked rice
  • Two ribs of celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 small can of water chestnuts slices, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of chow mein noodles

Directions

  1. In an electric skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble ground beef and onion.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients except chow mein noodles.
  3. Cook on medium stirring often until rice is tender.
  4. Remove from heat, top with chow mein noodles, and serve immediately.

Serves 6.

If you want to add extra veggies, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when cooking the meat and onion.

You can cook this on the stove, but I’ve always cooked the majority of my hot dishes in an electric skillet. I’m not sure why. Probably because my entire family does.

Some people like this served with a little bit of soy sauce, but I find that the condensed cream of mushroom soup is salty enough as it is.

Two Opportunities from Advanced Opinions!

Abby H.

Advanced Opinions (A market research firm located in New York) is recruiting for two upcoming projects to take place online.

I don’t get a lot of emails from Advanced Opinions, but they are a legitimate company and pay quickly.

Open to: Schizophrenia Patients or Caregivers

  • Open Board: Friday, July 26th at 12pm ET – Tuesday, July 30th by 12pm ET – approximately 30 minutes at your convenience.
  • Compensation: $50 (if chosen)
  • To be considered for this project, please complete the screener questionnaire here.

 

Open to: Upcoming College Students (18-29 year olds)

  • Part 1 (if chosen $50): Open Board: Thursday, July 25th at 12pm ET – Sunday, July 28th by 10pm ET approximately 45-mins at your convenience.
  • Part 2 (if chosen – MUST be available if chosen $150):
  • Must join 15 minutes early – please adjust for your specific time zone.
  • Tuesday, July 30th: 1:00-2:30pm ET, 3:00-4:30pm ET, 5:00-6:30pm ET
  • Compensation: $50-$200 (if chosen)
  • To be considered for this project, please complete the screener questionnaire here.

Tryazon: Crazy Aaron’s Putty is Back with New Products!

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.

Crazy Aaron’s has brand new products for fall! Be one the first to get to experience the new lineup in this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, sponsored by Crazy Aaron’s! Explore brand new SCENTsory Putties, the first ever Mega Tin Sunshine Moon thinking Putty that changes color in the sun and glows in the dark and new Slime Charmers! The Slime Charmers features three different kinds of slime for various textures and playing experiences.

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a selection of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty worth over $280 to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/crazy-aarons-back-to-school-party/

7/12/2024 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week has been the week of doing important stuff. Doctors appointments, repair people fixing things I can’t and phone calls. So many phone calls. And the girlchild’s bestie is coming to stay with us for a week next month- WOO HOO!!

My 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break can be found here. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

If you are looking for free food resources, my comprehensive list can be found here. It is focused on San Diego County, but there are additional resources outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Donut Every Tuesday & Free Iced Coffee Every Friday in July at Krispy Kreme
Apply to Be the AmericInn Cheesiest Family & Get Paid $15,000
Free Chicken Tender at Raising Cane’s July 27-30th
Free Olyra Breakfast Biscuits After Rebate
Home Depot Kids’ Workshop: Free Workshop for Kids
Free 4-Pack of PROTALITY Shakes
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Simply Lemonade ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Free 5-hour ENERGY Inspired Energizing BBQ Sauce on July 16th
Free ProGel Retractable Gel Pen at Staples
Free Super Fun Family Time Game Night Party Pack
Free Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Vitamin Cg Shampoo & Conditioner Samples
Free Victoria Beckham Beauty Fragrance Samples
Free 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
Score a Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Free Big Mac at McDonald’s
Free Bottle of Botania After Rebate
Free Kyo-Dophilus Probiotic Trio Sampler
Free Velveeta Queso Dip Chatterbuy Kit
Possible Free SmartWhale Bidet Toilet Seat (MUST LEAVE AMAZON REVIEW)
Free Subscription to LEGO Life Magazine
Free Reusable Mesh Produce Bag
Free Toys R Us Play Day Event on July 20th LOCATIONS ARE INSIDE MACY’S STORES
Free Perfect Bar at Aldi
Free Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea reFUNd with Ripple Street
2 Free Bags of Undercover Snacks Chocolate Quinoa Crisps After Rebate
Free 1-800-QUIT-NOW Notepads
Possible Free Sweet Surprise from Keebler

 

Deals:

Target Circle Week: Free $15 Gift Card with Purchase of $50 Worth of Household Products
Blackstone Duo Griddle & Charcoal Grill Combo ONLY $147 Shipped (Reg $229)
Amazon Prime Day 2024 Coming July 16-17
Covergirl Perfect Blend Pencil ONLY $0.79 (Reg $5.79)
40% Off Everything at Old Navy
Walgreens Complete Home Products Buy One Get Two Free
Starbucks 50% Off Handcrafted Drinks – TODAY 7/12
Select General Mills Cereal ONLY $1.49 (Reg. $6.29)

Family Recipe: Calico Beans

Abby H.
Beans, Beans…

This recipe is one of my favorite Fourth of July favs.

Calico Beans. Easy to make, so good, gets better as leftovers (if there are any).

This will be one of the few recipes I will not change, so vegetarian/vegan/GF friends, scroll on.

Calico Beans -Makes a crockpot full

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef, crumbled, cooked, and drained
  • 1 package (12 ounces) bacon, chopped, cooked, and drained
  • 1/2 onion, diced (Or use 1/4 cup dehydrated onions)
  • 2 large cans of Campbell’s Pork & Beans
  • 3 cans of beans, your choice (Great Northern, Black Eye, Cannelli, Kidney, Butter Beans are all solid choices) DRAINED AND RINSED
  • 1/4 c brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

  1. Put all of the ingredients into a crockpot.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

These beans are amazing. They are so filling, and taste like summer (at least to me). A friend of my grandfather always brought these beans to potlucks and swore it was a special secret family recipe.

It’s not. This recipe, or a variation is in almost every midwestern church cookbook. Gatekeeping family recipes is a no-no in my book. If you don’t share recipes, the food is lost to your family and friends when you pass. Share the recipe and your memory and the happy memories of eating your food will live on!

 

 

SeaWorld: Free Tickets for U.S. Military Veterans!

Abby H.

This deal is back, but only through July 31st! To show their appreciation for those who have served our country, SeaWorld San Diego is offering FREE tickets to SeaWorld San Diego for U.S. Military Veterans and up to three friends or family members. You can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off.

Get your tickets by verifying your military status through GovX.com here. All tickets must be used by July 31, 2024.

If you live near another SeaWorld, check their website for a similar deal.

Tryazon: Free Sticki Rolls for Back-to-School Party Pack

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.

 

Tryazon has another opportunity available! Apply for the chance to receive 1 of 100 FREE Sticki Rolls for Back-to-School Party Packs.

Hosts selected for this party will receive a party pack with a combined value of $60+, containing the following items:

  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Bands
  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Book
  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Station
  • 3 Promo Packs
  • Party Host Guide to help you plan and carry out the party!

Tryazon allows you to try various products (and keep them) in a fun way and it’s totally free! Apply, host a party & share exciting products with your friends and family.

7/1/2024 PRC Research Study Round-Up!

Abby H.

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always running studies and looking for more respondents. They email me once a week with online studies they are looking to fill. Here are the latest studies:

Topic: Alcoholic Beverages
Adults aged 21-44 who live in Houston, TX, or San Diego, CA, to participate in an upcoming online board activity about alcoholic beverages from the comfort of your home or office.
Dates: July 8-29, 2024; various times available
Study Format: Part 1: Online Board Activities (OBB); Part 2: In-person (if selected)
Commitment: Part 1: 1 hour; Part 2: 2 hours (if selected)
Pays $175-$250
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Quick Serve Restaurant
Adults aged 18-50 to participate in an upcoming virtual focus group from the comfort of your home or office about quick-serve restaurants.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 9, 2024
Study Format: Virtual Focus Group; a webcam will be required
Commitment: 75 minutes
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Mental Health (Schizophrenia)
Adults aged 18-64 to participate in an upcoming virtual discussion from the comfort of your home or office about mental health. Proof of diagnosis will be required.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 2024; various dates and times
Study Format: Virtual Discussion; a webcam will be required
Commitment: 60 minutes
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Social Media 
adults aged 18 and older to participate in an upcoming virtual discussion from the comfort of your home or office about social media accounts.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 12-15, 2024
Study Format: Virtual Discussion; a webcam will be required
Commitment: 90 minutes
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

 

Family Recipe: Chili Mac in an Electric Skillet

Abby H.

When I was a kid, my mom cooked a lot in an electric skillet in the summer. It was a great way to make dinner without heating up the entire house. And it’s all cooked in one pan.

Since we’ve been living without a stove/kitchen for almost 7 months (the end is in sight), I decided to revisit one of my favorite childhood meals.

Chili Mac (serves 6-8)

  • 1 lb of your favorite ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or ground meat-free crumbles to make it vegetarian)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves diced garlic
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 envelope of Chili seasoning
  • 14 ounces water
  • 2 cups protein pasta (I like Brami)
  • 1-3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. In an Electric Skillet, cook and crumble the ground meat over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add remaining ingredients, turn the electric skillet down to low, and cover.
  4. Allow mixture to cook on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra water 1/4 cup at a time as needed. Pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it cooks.
  5. Once pasta is Al Dente, top with cheese to your liking and serve.

Perfect with cornbread and a green salad.

Chili Mac is better the next day- perfect for meal prep!