11/22/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

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This week is Thanksgiving break, so no school for the kids, and… Bitty Bird is in two below the knee casts, so it’s going to be an interesting week.

We’re taking a break from our CSA box for now- with everything going on, I’m trying to cut down costs for the time being.

We’ve borrowed a larger stroller, and we’ll be using it to get Bitty Bird around town this week. She’s still in pain from her surgery, so she’s not too keen on using her crutches all the time.

I reorganized the pantry and freezer the other day and we’ve got enough to last us at least through this week, excluding milk (which I’m going to go buy today).

And I’ve been getting a lot of 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. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

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, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: I did some batch cooking yesterday, so we’ve got all sorts of yummy stuff ready for this week. I even made brownies yesterday!

  • Monday: Nuggets, fresh fruit (green grapes and bananas are on tap), cheese, and crackers
  • Tuesday: Cheesy hashbrown casserole, poached eggs, garlic bread, melon
  • Wednesday: Pollo Asada Taco Salad with cilantro lime rice
  • Thursday:  The kids are having dinner with their dad, and my mom and I are visiting my dad in the hospital.
  • Friday: take out
  • Saturday: Turkey dinner with my mom
  • Sunday: Pancakes and fruit

Please stay safe you guys!

Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

I don’t really like Cracker Barrel, and there isn’t one close to us, but these potatoes are delish. In some places, these are called Funeral Potatoes. While doing my weekly meal prep this morning, I realized I had all the ingredients and decided to make a pan. It’s a great side dish for any holiday event. I improved it a bit as well.

I’ve included substitutions to make it vegan below.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Serves 6-10

Ingredients:

  • 1 large bag frozen hashbrowns, defrosted
  • 1 can condensed cream of soup (I used cream of mushroom because I have a vegetarian in the house, other people use cream of chicken)
  • 8oz sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (I used cheddar, but Colby jack is good too), divided
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1T. butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
After being baked. It was..sampled.

Directions:

  1. Preheat over to 350 degrees, Spray a 9×11 baking dish with spray release.
  2. In a small pan, saute onions in butter until translucent- about 5-10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, hashbrowns, and sauteed onions.
  4. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake for 60-70 minutes.
  6. Serves 6 as a main dish or up to 10 as a side dish.

This casserole is great reheated and is good for up to 3 days in the fridge, but it won’t last that long.

Vegan substitutions: In lieu of dairy sour cream and cheddar cheese, use your favorite vegan brand. In place of soup, use your favorite white sauce and 1/4 cup diced mushrooms. Saute onion in your favorite spread or oil. If you need a good white sauce recipe, there are directions in this recipe.

Free Covid and Flu Vaccine Clinic TODAY (El Cajon, CA)

This was emailed to us last night by a school associate. If you are in the east county area and need the flu vaccine or the Covid-19 vaccine, check out this event today!

El Cajon Valley High School is located at 1035 East Madison Ave in El Cajon. They will have 300 food boxes from Feeding San Diego, prizes, and the live well mobile bus (They provide Application enrollment assistance for public benefits such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal, Immunizations, Health screenings, and information about other community resources).

This event is free and runs from 10am-2pm.

11/19/2021 Friday Freebies!

My new computer has arrived and set up! I’m ready to blog- I’ve got a bunch of outlines, recipes, and posts coming up each day until the end of the year.

Bitty Bird had surgery to lengthen her heel cords yesterday, so she’s recovering, and learning to use crutches. The big guy is getting a haircut this weekend. I’m looking forward to going to the chiro after work today.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Freebies:

Free Thanksgiving Dinner From Ibotta (ends next week)

Free Awake America Bumper Sticker
Free SE Grocers Potato Chips at Winn-Dixie
Free Exclusive Gift & Free Shipping – a $15.99 Value
Free Can I Bother You Stickers
Possible Free $350 Cannabis Research Study
Free Face Mask
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Orijen or Acana Dog Food
Free 30-Minutes of Play at Main Event
Free Ren Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free LimeLife by Alcone Foundation Samples
Possible Free $150 Grocery Shopping Research Study
Free WholeBerry Passion Fruit Snack Rounds
Free B.Shaye Happiness Nail Polish
Free USPS Shipping Supplies
Mail a Letter for Free
Free Sample of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
FREE Homer Learning-To-Read App (reg $10) + Black Friday Special
Free Elora Fragrance Discovery Set
500 Free Kellogg’s Family Rewards Points
Free Pillsbury Crescent Rolls at Select Stores
Free Sample of Dark & Lovely Blow Out Cream
Free Twenty/Twenty Eye Shadow Stick & Double Duty Eye Liner
Free Men or Women’s Silicone Rings
Free Rue21 Fragrance Samples
Free Demand Undocu Relief Sticker
Free Fabric Conditioners
Free JuneShine House Party Kit
Free Sample of Enfagrow Toddler Formula
Free Hartz UltraGuard ProMax Flea & Tick Collar
Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION PC Game
Free Personalized Birthday Call from a Nick Jr Character
Free Tom Clancy Splinter Cell Chaos Theory PC Game
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Guild of Dungeoneering PC Game

Turkey and Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway 11/21/2021 Faith Chapel!

Our Friends at Faith Chapel in Spring Valley are at it again!

This Sunday, the annual Great Gobble Giveaway (GGG) takes place! They’re giving out 200 turkeys & Thanksgiving meals.

The Details:

  •  Registration begins at 8:00am in the main Faith Chapel lobby
  • First come first serve basis
  • While supplies lasts (200 registrants)
  • Must be present to register. You may not register persons who are not present.
  • Once registered, you’ll receive a voucher. Hold onto your voucher and turn it in when instructed to do so in order to receive your turkey and meal. No voucher = no turkey or meal.
  • They’re giving away 3, $100 gift cards during the 10:30am service and you must be present to win!
  • Instructions will be given during Faith Chapel’s 10:30am service. Plan to be in the service to hear the instructions and to win some giveaways.

For more information, or to learn more about all the great programs that Faith Chapel offers, including their upcoming December 6, 2021 Food Distribution, visit their website: www.faithchapelsd.com

11/5/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week has been so busy. Minimum days all week due to parent/teacher conferences.So I’ve been running around After I finish working scooping them up, and getting them to all of their usual weekly appointments and commitments.

 

 

after I finish working scooping them up, and getting them to all of their usual weekly appointments and commitments.

Next week we go back to our regular schedule, which I am looking forward to.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Veteran’s Day Freebie list can be here.

Freebies:

2021 Thanksgiving dinner Freebies with Ibotta

Free Poise Light Leaks Pads Sample Pack
Free Spero Foods Sunflower Cream Cheese
Free 240GB SSD Drive at Micro Center
Free Belfast Movie Screening
Free Turkey Topple Kit at Lowe’s
Free PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer or Hyaluronic Lip Booster
Free 4-pk of Seemore Meat & Veggies Natural Sausages
Menchie’s – Free $5 Frozen Yogurt Reward
Free Dude Wipes & Gear
Free Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine
Free Sample of Flor Biz CBD Oil
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Sephora – Free NARS, Laneige, Moroccanoil or Kerastatse Mini Set
Free Green Garden Freeze Dried Herbs
Free Big Mountain Foods Products
Free Gain Ultra Flings at Select Stores
Free Subscription to American Farmhouse Magazine
Free Daily Crunch Sprouted Almond Snacks
Free OmniFoods Plant-Based Pork
Ulta – Free BECCA Cosmetics Plumping Lip Balm for Your Birthday
Free Alpha Foods Spicy Chik’n Nuggets
Free Amphibious Military Vehicle Craft from Home Depot
Free Rise Brewing Co. Organic Oat Milk
Free Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Free Jumbo Egg Roll at Jack in The Box
Free Cards Direct Greeting Cards
Free Life is Better with Clean Hands Sticker Sheet
Free Headlamp/light, Clip On Book Light or Camping Lantern
Free Treat During Your Birthday at Pressed

Deals:

Hard Sole Slippers ONLY $19.99 Shipped (Reg $40)
Traveler’s Club Kid’s 5-Piece Luggage Set ONLY $76.49 (Reg $180)
Kids Fire 7 Tablet for $59.99 + $15 Kohl’s Cash Back FREE
Intex 18-Inch Queen Air Mattress ONLY $49.88 (Reg $80)
Matching Holiday Pajamas for the Family 50% Off + Extra 15% off
Farberware 3-pc Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $10 (Reg $20)
The Big One Oversized Plush Throw ONLY $8.49 (Reg $27)
Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set ONLY $49.99 (Reg $200)
Charter Club Packable Hooded Puffer Vest ONLY $24.99 (Reg $75)
Hanes Men’s Black T-Shirt 4-Pack ONLY $7.54 (Reg $14)
Food Network 10-Piece Cookware Set $55.25 + $15 Kohl’s Cash
Earn $15 Kohl’s Cash TODAY ONLY + Black Friday Deals
Men’s Cruise Hooded Puffer Jacket ONLY $16.99 (Reg $70)

2021 Veteran’s Day Freebies!

Veteran’s Day is next week, and this year there are some pretty cool.

Some of these offers require proof of service either via a Military ID Card (active duty or retired) or a DD214.

Since I’m in So Cal, I choose to post offers that are available in my area, however, there are tons more offers available if you live elsewhere in the US. I suggest googling, “Veteran’s Day 2021 and your location”.

Applebee’s Veterans and Active Duty Military members can choose a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day with proof of service.

BJ’s Restaurants On November 11, all current and former military members receive a free entree up to $14.95 plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage. Dine-in only.

California Pizza Kitchen Veterans and active military get a complimentary meal from a select menu. Dine-in and walk-in takeout only.

Chili’s Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11 Available for in-restaurant only.

Denny’s Veterans and military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only.

Dunkin Donuts On November 11 veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Famous Dave’s Military personnel get a free Free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich + Side at participating locations on November 11. Valid for Dine-In, To Go, and Online Ordering. Not valid for call-in orders.

Farmer Boys Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Big Cheese cheeseburger on November 11 at participating locations.

National Parks All U.S. National Parks will be offering free admission to the public on Veteran’s Day.

SeaWorld Parks offer free admission to the active and retired military (plus up to 3 dependents) through their Waves of Honor program.

Great Clips: One free haircut to be redeemed the day of with a voucher on another day.

Sports Clips: One free haircut with military ID

Grace for Vets Car Washes:Free car washes at independent car washes across the country.

 True REST Float Spa: On Nov. 11, True REST Float Spa will close every location to the public and invite retired military to float for 60-minutes, free of charge. True REST Float Spa recommends veterans who would like to float on Nov. 11 make an appointment soon by visiting TrueRest.com/free-floats-for-military-veterans. Individuals must bring a form of military identification to their appointment, such as a D.D. Form 214. True REST has a total of 37 open locations across 22 states, with some locations having up to six float pods equipped with showers, changing rooms, an oxygen bar and an oasis room to elevate the spa-like experience.

Talk Back: If you know of any Freebies for Veterans, please leave a comment below!

2021: Free Thanksgiving Dinner From Ibotta!

It’s BACK! Ibotta and Walmart have teamed up again for a second year to get free Thanksgiving dinner in your hands.

It’s easy! Sign up or log on to your Ibotta account, and add the following deals to your account:

  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 8.5 oz box only
  • Idahoan® Family Size Mashed Potatoes 8 oz only
  • Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup 10.5 oz can only

  • McCormick Gravy Packet
  • Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables 10 oz or larger

  • Coca-Cola® for select varieties, 2 L bottle only
  • Great Value French Fried Onions 6 oz only

  • Great Value Flavored Stuffing Mix 6 oz box only

  • Great Value Cranberry Jelly 14 oz can only

  • $15 back on. Any frozen whole turkey, Offer valid on Frozen Whole Turkey for select brands, 3 lb or larger. Brands include: Butter Ball, Honest Turkey, Honeysuckle, Jennie-O, Great Value.  This deal is only valid on new ibotta accounts, or if someone opens a new ibotta account using your referral code and redeems at least one deal.

This is a great opportunity to pick up a meal for free after cashback. And if some of these items aren’t food that you normally eat, food banks will be looking for donations for holiday meals.

You can download the Ibotta app here. When you use my referral code qmo4a, you will receive a bonus (the amount varies) after you redeem your first offer (like this sweet one).

 

 

 

Fetch Rewards: Earn up to 20,000 Points this Fall with Unilever Products!

This is a great deal from Unilever and Fetch Rewards! Now through 11/30/2021, spend $15 on a wide range of popular Unilever brands and get 5,000 points*. Redeem this Special Offer up to four times for a total of 20,000 points.

Redeeming this offer is simple. Head to any of these 5,000+ participating grocery stores, buy your favorite products from these Unilever brands and snap your receipts! I checked and Grocery Outlet is on the list of participating stores, as are the DeCa Commissaries.

Not sure which brands are covered under the Unilever umbrella of companies? Here are just a few:

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, 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 over $275 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

It is simple, takes minutes, and the points really rack up!

 

November Sprouts Farmers Market Monthly Freebies!

Sprouts is hooking us up and helping us stay healthy! Every month on the Sprouts app in the Digital Coupon section, there are between 4-6 free items (they are marked “SAMPLING PROGRAM”).

Quantities are limited on the app, so if you are interested in any of these, I recommend that you add these coupons (by opening the Sprouts app, click on digital coupons, and click on each coupon in the lower corner where the little green circle is) to your app ASAP.

Not all Sprouts locations will have these freebies, so I suggest trying larger Sprouts location in your area.

These are full-sized freebies- not small sample sized products. they are located in the store with the other products of the same type.

Not all accounts will receive all the same products.

This month the following items are available:

  • Kevita Beverages
  • Brazi Bites
  • Milton’s non-GMO Fire Roasted Crackers
  • Somona Creamery Cheese Crisp Crackers
  • Notmilk Products