Recipe: Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This is a very simple recipe, and it has a lot of variations for budget, and if you are trying to use up what you have in your pantry and fridge.

I got a package of rotisserie chicken pulled off the bone from Costco not long ago. I defrosted it, and now I’m ready to start using it.  If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, you can substitute 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken or 2 small cans/1 large can of canned chicken, drained, rinsed, and shredded.

Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked/shredded chicken
  • 1 19-ounce can green enchilada sauce
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sheese, divided (I used 1/2 Cheddar and 1/2 Asadero)
  • 10-ish corn tortillas, cut or ripped into bite-sized pieces (You may need more or less depending on how big your pieces end up)
  • Topings/Garnishes: Salsa, Sour Cream, shredded lettuce, diced onions, or picled onions (Your choice)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix together the enchilada sauce and sour cream. Taste and add any additional seasoning as desired (onion or garlic powder, white pepper).
  3. In a 13×9 pan, coat the bottom with 2-3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce.
  4. Layer tortilla pieces, chicken, cheese, tortilla, and sauce until your pan is full.
  5. Top with any remaining cheese.
  6. Tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake covered for 35-40 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
  8. Serve with toppings/garnishes as desired.

 

This meal serves 6-8, depending on the sides you choose to serve.

Leftovers can be frozen.

 

 

1/16/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

This week has been wild. The new year has had a lot going on, and I’m doing what I can to keep my head above water.

I’m currently working on my 2026 Birthday Freebies post, but in the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Dog Food Samples: 6 Companies that Will Send You Free Dog Samples by Mail
FREE Sample of Otis and Pearly Freeze Dried Pet Treats
FREE Rosary & Sticker
FREE $40 Worth of Post-It Products from Staples
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE Wellness Event at Walmart on January 24th
FREE Full-Size DedCool Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Room + Linen Spray or Eau de Parfum
FREE Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Soft Taco or Crispy Chicken Soft Taco at Taco Bell
FREE $30 Purchase at Alo Yoga After Cash Back
FREE Cascade Dishwasher Detergent
FREE Sample of e.l.f. PLZ Clarify Facial Oil
FREE Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
FREE Can of Red Bull Zero
FREE Scoop of Classic Carol at Chicken Salad Chick on January 22nd
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE $20 Verizon Account Credit
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Sample of Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths
FREE 2-Pack of PicklePro MAX Pickleballs
FREE 5×7 Folded Card from Walgreens
FREE Sample of Kinesio Tape
FREE Movie Ticket to Atropia
FREE Barilla Pesto Sweet & Spicy Pepper ReFUNd
Have a Crumbl Cookie Birthday with a Free Gourmet Cookie! Here’s How.
FREE Washing Machine Bank Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Lash Curler
FREE Let Animals Be Free Circus Activity Book, Poster & Stickers
FREE Croissant at Paris Baguette
FREE $25 at CVS After Cash Back
FREE Neutrogena Evenly Clear Products
FREE Educational Comic Books, Activity Books, Posters & More
FREE Carton of Yogi Tea
FREE Bottle of Stem & Root Skin Defense Supplement
FREE Fries at White Castle
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Zolli Powered Niche Nation Game Night Party Pack

Deals:

Crock-Pot 4.5qt Slow Cooker ONLY $19.99 (Reg $30)
All The Best Subway Coupons and Promo Codes: New for January 2026
Subway BOGO Deal: Buy 1, Get 1 Footlong Sub – New Subway Coupons & Reward Program Changes
Kate Spade Jewelry: Save Up to 70% Off + Extra 20% Off – Prices as low as $12
The Best Handbag, Purse & Clutch Deals on Sale: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, MKF Collection & Coach Up to 82% Off
Walgreens 11×14 Photo Poster ONLY $1.99 (Reg $13) – HOT Deal!
Valentine’s Day Tees for Toddlers From $4.98
Ulta Coupon: $3 Off $15
The Walmart Bogg Bag Dupe You Gotta Check Out!
Babylist Universal Baby Registry: The Only Baby Registry You Need
Flash Sale: Up to 60% Off Women’s Dresses at Macy’s
Lululemon Factory Outlet Stores – Your Favorite Brand at a Fraction of the Cost!
Up to 50% Off Fragrance & Beauty at Macy’s
Ulta Beauty Love Your Skin Event: Save 50% Off Lancome, Kiehl’s, Clarins & More
Women’s Boots Up to 60% Off at Macy’s
Dollar General Coupons: Save Money on Zzz Products, Lotions & More
Better Homes & Gardens 6-Piece Bath Towel Sets ONLY $7.74 (Reg $39)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (Newest Model) ONLY $34.99 (Reg $50)
Olay Beauty Bar 12-Pack ONLY $6.63 (Reg $13) + Free Shipping!
Armor All Car Cleaning Kit for Car Detailing 8-Piece Set ONLY $19.97 (Reg $31)

1/11/26 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgMeal Prep and Meal Planning is back for 2026!

I prepped Taco bowls for my work week lunches, I’ll taco home made guac and tortilla chips with me as well.

I’ll post the taco bowl recipe this week. They are super good (I had one yesterday for lunch).

I also cut up a lot of fruit for the week- I’ve found if it’s grab and go, the kids and I are more likely to eat it,

To keep my grocery budget down, I shop at Aldi (using Instacart, I wrote about how to do it here), our local Grocery Outlet, and use cashback rebates that offer a lot of 100% back (I wrote a post about some of my favorite apps here).

I hit up Aldi on Saturday and restocked a lot of pantry staples- canned tomatoes in various forms, several types of beans, and rice. I also picked up corn tortillas, cheese, and bread. We go through a lot of bread because my oldest has a sandwich every day for lunch. I was out the door for $74.13, just under my budget of $75.00.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee and a slice of toast with goat cheese and spicy honey.

Lunch: M-F I pack myself and the kids’ lunches. I bring 5 lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the fridge. I pack the kids’ lunches each night before bed, except for the cold stuff and ice pack- those I put in when I get up in the morning. This week, my lunch is taco bowls.

Dinner: This week, dinners are pretty simple. I’m easing back into meal planning in 2026, and not planning any complicated dinners that involve a lot of steps.

If there is something that one of the kids ends up not liking, they can have a sandwich or a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

  • Sunday:  Homemade Soup (thanks mom!), and homemade bread. The big kid had a smoothie.
  • Monday: Mac n’ Cheese, Meatloaf, and Fruit
  • Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner (Waffles, Eggs, & Fruit)

  • Wednesday: Skillet meal- Maybe Chicken Tetrazini

  • Thursday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and whatever leftover fruit is hanging around.

National Spaghetti Day Recipes!

Today is National Spaghetti Day, and what better way to celebrate than sharing some of my favorite recipes that feature the long, skinny pasta that almost everyone loves!

And if you are looking to try some different brands of spaghetti, here are a few of my favorites:

Family Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs

Isn’t he cute? He’s a juvenile porcupine in a tree!

I feel like I need to get this out of the way first thing: This recipe does not contain any porcupine meat. It’s called porcupine meatballs because the meatballs have rice in them, and they can stick out like porcupine quills.

Ok, so now that is out of the way, these meatballs first began to appear in American kitchens during the Great Depression. The use of rice as a binder and filler meant less meat could be used.

This is right as I poured the tomato sauce and seasonings into the pan.

I love these meatballs, and they are very quick and easy to make. They are incredible as leftovers and freeze well too (after they are cooked).

I use ground pork, but ground beef or ground turkey can also be used.

Porcupine Meatballs (serves 4-5)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground pork, turkey, or beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup uncooked rice- I use basmati rice, but jasmine or plain white rice can also be used. Do not use parboiled or instant white rice.
  • 2 14-ish oz. Cans of Tomato sauce (or blend diced tomatoes until smooth)
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (to taste)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
This is how much they expand cooking in the sauce for 25 minutes!

Directions:

  1. To make meatballs, combine the meat, egg, breadcrumbs, and uncooked rice in a mixing bowl until well combined. Shape into approximately 15 meatballs. They will increase in size as they cook.
  2. In a large oiled skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides.
  3. Once they are browned, add tomato sauce and remaining ingredients. Cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as you prefer.
  5. Serve with Texas toast/Garlic Bread/Hot French bread and a green salad or your preferred vegetable.

Tip: My youngest likes to sprinkle cheese on top.

1/2/26 First Friday Freebies and Deals Post of 2026!

I’ve been working on my content calendar for this month, and I’m excited that January has 5 Fridays – that means 5 Freebie and Deal posts!

The littlest kid and I got back from visiting friends on Tuesday, and I was itching to get some posts up!

I’m currently working on my 2026 Birthday Freebies post, but in the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Score a Subscription to Real Simple Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE $13 to Spend on Any Doormat at Target After Cash Back
FREE Target In-Store Event | Starting January 3rd
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
Score a Subscription to Condé Nast Traveller Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE $25 to Spend at Columbia After Cash Back
FREE $10 Instant Bonus at Ace Hardware
FREE 8×10 Photo Prints at Walgreens
Score a Subscription to Elle Decor Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
Save Big on the Latest Titles with the 30-Day FREE Kindle Unlimited Trial (Lots of Titles! $12/mo Value)
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
18 Places to Find Free Moving Boxes Near You

Deals:

Coziest Pajama Coupons and Deals This Week from Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, Walmart and More
Foot Locker End Off Season Sale: Up to 75% Off & Free Shipping!
Bogg Bag Original Bullseye Tote Bag ONLY $75 (Reg $100)
Score Big at the 2026 49 Cents Ross Sale – Your Ultimate Shopping Guide & Dates
Up to Extra 50% Off Clearance at Carter’s – Prices as low as $2.99
All The Best Walmart Photo Coupons and Promo Codes
Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Clearance Sale Up to 75% Off
12 of the Cheapest Fast-Food Chains + Get Coupons and Deals
Ulta Coupon: $3 Off $15
Get Sonic Deals and Specials + Money Saving Sonic Tips
Kate Spade Sadie Large Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $299)
Up to 80% Off Fragrances & Gift Sets at Macy’s
Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale: Up to 75% Off
Women’s Boots Up to 60% Off at Macy’s
Old Navy Clearance – Save up to 75% Off | Prices Start at $1.49
Ulta Beauty: Save 50% Off Clinique, Beekman 1802, Medicube & More
Bella PRO Perfect Grind ONLY $44.99 (Reg $150)
32 Degrees End of Year Sale – Everything Must Go | Up to 90% Off
Jumbo Love Event at Ulta – Up to 45% Off Kenra, Redken, Biolage & More
Publix Digital Coupons: Learn How to Use Publix Digital Coupons + Money Saving Tips
End of Season Clearance at Toms Up to 70% Off
Kate Spade Leila Mini Zip Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $329)
Our Favorite Places to Score Cheap Baby Clothes + Shop Great Deals Happening Now!
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale – Up to 60% Off | $3.99 Panties & More
Target 50% Off Clearance Sale has Begun

Rubios- 2 Entrees for $16 Today & Tomorrow

If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive dinner option for tonight or tomorrow, Rubio’s has got you covered.

On 12/31 and 1/1/2025, use code NEWYEAR to receive two entrees for $16. There are a lot of great choices, and with a few extra sides, or even some chips and guac, this could be a meal for 4!

And don’t forget about their rewards program, where you can earn free food and discounts- plus they have a birthday freebie too!

Learn more about their rewards program here.

Does not include tax and gratuities. Offer not valid with other offers or discounts, including Taco Tuesday. Offer not valid on mix-n-match taco plates. Premium items available for an additional fee. Must use the code to get the offer. Additional restrictions may apply; see store for details. Manager reserves all rights.

12/20/2025 Weekend Freebies and Deals

For most of us, yesterday was the last day our kids were in school for 2025. I personally am looking forward to 2 weeks of fun. The littlest one and I are visiting friends in Texas, while the big one stays home with dad.

I’m done shopping for holiday gifts, and I was able to keep it under my budget of $500, which covers 6 family members and a few co-workers. And Cat. Can’t forget her!

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE LINKChef Immersion Blender Set After Cash Back
FREE Hot Dog Combo at Sam’s Club
FREE 20 oz. Coca-Cola for the 1st 120,000
FREE 12-Pack of Paulaner Sunset Orange Cola
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday thru December
FREE Kohl’s Cash Every Saturday (and One Sunday) in December – Up to $100
FREE Sleigh Ride Toy Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s
BOGO FREE Entrees Every Saturday at Chipotle
FREE Parfums de Marly Valaya and Althair Fragrance Samples
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Moonpig Custom Holiday Postcard
5 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at Walgreens
FREE $20 Purchase at Macy’s After Cash Back
Ways To Get Free School Supplies for Students and Teachers in 2025

 

Deals:

WORX Electric Scissors ONLY $19.99 Shipped at Best Buy
Up to 50% Off Fragrances & Gift Sets at Macy’s
Tips On How To Use Kroger Digital Coupons + Ways to Coupon & Save at Kroger
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $8.98 Shipped – Now FULL Size Items Added
50% Off Select Toys at Kohl’s – Prices as low as $2.25
Amazon Super Saturday Sale is LIVE – Last Chance for Gifts in Time at Great Prices
Zappos Sale: Up to 80% Off Women’s Clothing & Shoes, Up to 75% Off Men’s Clothing & Shoes + Coupon
Top 43 Restaurants with Senior Discounts: Updated 2025
The Pizza Hut BOGO Hacks You Need to Know (Yes, You Can Score FREE Pizza!)
Disney Princess Playdate Rapunzel Vanity ONLY $30 at Walmart (Reg $59)
Buy 1 Get 2 Free Candles, Blankets & Throws at JCPenney
Victoria’s Secret Body Care $8 Each (Reg $20) – Limited Time Only!

12/7/2025: Weekend Freebies and Deals!

I spent yesterday with friends at an SCA event in northern San Diego County, so I wasn’t able to post this. But today- We Freebie!

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Hair Samples: Discover Your Next Favorite Product for Free
FREE Holiday Cocoa Mug Workshop at Home Depot
We Rounded Up The Best Birthday Freebies That Are NOT Food
FREE Subway Footlong with Disney+ Perks
FREE Royal Canin Fussy Adult Dry Cat Food Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Febreze PLUG Scent Booster After Walmart Cash
FREE Edgard & Cooper Puppy & Dog Treats Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Full-Size Then I Met You Skincare Products
FREE Holiday Magic Events at Target
We’ve Done The Research, These Are The Best Companies That Send Out Free Samples
FREE Store Credit During GameStop Trade Anything Day – Today
FREE Pet Photo with Santa at Petco on December 6th
FREE $25 Purchase at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
BOGO FREE Entrees Every Saturday at Chipotle
FREE Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste After Walmart Cash
FREE Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus Coffee Maker at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Bottle of Vetality Canine Aspirin
Free Kids Activities for Creative Family Fun (Games, Crafts & More)

Deals:

10% Off Target Gift Cards – Up to $500 w/ Target Circle GOOD THROUGH TODAY ONLY
Matching Family Pajamas Up to 70% Off at JCPenney
50% Off Christmas Trees at Target
Vera Bradley Belt Bag as Low as $16 – NOW 70% Off
Kohl’s Gifts under $25 + New Coupon Code & Free Store Pickup
Ralph Lauren Pillows ONLY $9.99 (reg $25)
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers 26 Piece Set ONLY $7.97 at Walmart
Liz Claiborne Event at JCPenney – Up to 55% Off Select Styles After Coupon

Do You Have an FSA? Don’t Leave Your Money on the Table!

Do you have an FSA? An FSA is a Flexible Spending Account. It is a pre-tax benefit account offered by employers that lets you set aside money from your paycheck to pay for eligible out-of-pocket healthcare or dependent care expenses.

Funds can be used for things like co-pays, deductibles, and prescriptions, which lowers your taxable income. A key feature is the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, meaning you typically forfeit any unspent money at the end of the plan year (thanks, PayChex).

A lot of these FSA plans expire at the end of the calendar year, which means you have 31 days to spend it up. If you have already seen your doctors, refilled your prescriptions, and visited any specialists this year (don’t forget the dentist and optometrist!), one way to make sure you utilize every last cent of your FSA funds is the OTC or Over-the-Counter Benefit.

Online Glasses companies like GlassesShop are a smart way to pick up a few extra pairs of glasses on a budget to stretch those last few FSA dollars. That includes prescription sunglasses, too!

And for my readers with Medicare or Medicaid, check out my post here about OTC benefits you may not have otherwise known about.