2/15/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgToday is a national holiday here in the US (President’s Day), so no school for the kiddos, but that doesn’t mean that I get any reprieve in the action.

I did a little shopping yesterday (we ran out of milk, ohs noes!). But it was a pretty small shop. Once again, we’re eating a lot from our pantry and freezer. I scored some great produce last week and we’ll be eating that for most of our salads.

I did some meal prep over the weekend, including making up beans and rice for lunches (and Sunday’s Dinner), and I made a HUGE batch of Machacas yesterday- half of it went onto the freezer for another meal in a few weeks.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The little kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Beef Machacas, Beans, Rice and Salad
  • Monday: Black Bean Burgers, Chick’n Nuggets, Cauli Fries, salad
  • Tuesday:  Dream Dinners Entree, Salad (green or fruit)
  • Wednesday: Protein shakes, Meal of Snacks or leftovers
  • Thursday: Soup, Grilled Cheese sammiches, fruit
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

Rare $15/$100+ Coupon at Sprouts (ends today)!

I love Sprouts! We grew up shopping for produce there, and as an adult, I love shopping there too. I discovered this coupon buried in my email, and it expires today!

This coupon is perfect if you are primarily a Sprouts shopper, or if you want to stock up on some of the goodness that Sprouts sells. I love that you can use other coupons too (either paper coupons, or in-app coupons from the Sprouts app). And to sweeten the deal, you can use cashback apps too- that saves you money after the fact.

However you use this coupon- It’s a rare deal!

2/12/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

bright boxes

I discovered that I never published this post! Talk about busy!

This was  my busy week! I’m glad I had some time to sit and write this post before I had to dash off and start my Friday. I’m hoping to have some great posts up this evening and throughout the weekend.

My birthday was earlier this month and I rocked a bunch of freebies. Wanna check out my list of goodies? Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Hair Tools & Accessories
Free The Bear & The Rat Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats
Join our New Group on Facebook – Exclusive Deals & Coupon Codes
Free Haven’s Kitchen Fresh Sauce
Free GoodGram & Kate Aurora Shower Liners, Throw Blankets & More
Free Purina EverRoot Dog Supplements
Free GoodGram & Kate Aurora Window Panels & Window Valances
Free Incontinence Products
Free Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble at Select Stores
Free Bulletproof Cold Brew Latte at Whole Foods
Free Small Order of Spring Rolls at Panda Express
Free Veeam T-Shirt
Free Infantino Giant Sensory Discovery Mat
Free Trident Gum at Select Stores
Free Glad Fanny Pack & Butter Churner
Free Childrens Hospitals Week Bandages
Free Core Bar at Aldi
Free Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna
Free Personal Lubricant
Free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes & More at PetSmart
Free Conair 753 InfinitiPro Frizz Free Compact Dryer
Possible Free Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Free Pain Medication Products
Free Naturals Rose Sheet Mask
Free Galentine’s Day Card
Free Siddha Remedies Chocolate Bar

 

Deals:

Queen Helene Mint Julep Facial Scrub ONLY $2.41 Shipped
LEGO BrickHeadz Easter Sheep ONLY $9.99 on Amazon
Queen Helene Cocoa Butter ONLY $1.56 Shipped
MUK LUKS Cass Booties ONLY $24.99 (Reg $76)
60% Off Baby, Toddler & Kids Clothes – Price start at $1.99
Giant Backyard Waterslide ONLY $99.98 (Reg. $180)
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Table $19.91 (Reg. $40)
Stanley Classic Thermos ONLY $19.82 (Reg. $40)
57-Piece First Aid Emergency Kit ONLY $11.21 (Reg $22)
LEGO Amazing Vehicles Hardcover Book ONLY $10.89 (Reg. $20)
Room Essentials Dinnerware ONLY $0.50 at Target

Simple, Frugal Recipe: Coffee Cake!

I love coffee cake. I always have. It’s a quick, easy, frugal food to make for potlucks, or when you have company over for breakfast or brunch. Or because it’s Tuesday.

A few weeks back, Social Nature and Bob’s Red Mill sent us a Blueberry muffin grain-free mix. I don’t have a muffin tin (RIP muffin tin, it served us well for 10+ years), and the kit came with a recipe to use the mix for a coffee cake. HELLS YES.

The kids gobbled the cake up and the big kid asked if there was a way to make a coffee cake without a mix.

A quick glance at my handy dandy 1950 Betty Crocker Cookbook and here is my version of the recipe. I have made found the perfect recipe. I’ve made some changes that are a little healthier, a little more modern, but don’t mess with the flavors at all.

Betty’s Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

 

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups AP Flour (You can use whole wheat flour if you prefer)
  • 2 tsp. baking POWDER
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 Tbsp. AP flour
  • 2 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. melted butter
  • (optional, but tasty) 1/2 C. chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine white sugar, softened butter. Mix together until fluffy.
  3. Add egg and blend thoroughly.
  4. Stir in milk, and the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth.
  5. Pour and spread batter in greased (use spray release) 9×9 glass baking dish.
  6. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, remaining AP flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and pecans (optional). Spread this crumbly mixture over top of the baking dish.
  7. Bake cake for 25-32 minutes.

Serve with coffee (DUH), or a glass of cold milk.

2/8/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThankfully, this week is going to be a lot slower than last, but still, we’ve got at least one appointment or function each day.

I did a little shopping yesterday (we were out of tin foil and baggies for school lunches and leftovers), but I may hold off on shopping until mid-week. we’ve got a lot of stuff in the fridge and pantry, and if we could skip a week of shopping and just eat what’s on hand… That would be great! Everything on the meal plan below is from what we have onhand.

I received a couple Amazon GC for my birthday, and I picked up some teas to replenish my stash, and I traded in the empty cartridge for our Soda Stream for 50% off a new one a few weeks back, so we are good on beverages too.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The little kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers (Pizza, Pasta, Chicken and veggies)
  • Monday: Chicken Alfredo & Brocolli
  • Tuesday:  BBQ Chicken (in the slowcooker), baked sweet potatoes, Rice (or maybe a salad)
  • Wednesday: Meatloaf, Salad, mashed potatoes
  • Thursday: Protein shakes, Meal of Snacks
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

2/5/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

bright boxes

Friday Fun Times! We’ve got a three day weekend ahead of us- The kids and I are planning on a trip to the zoo sometime over the weekend.

My birthday was earlier this week and I rocked a bunch of freebies. Wanna check out my list of goodies? Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free $135 Snacks Research Study
Free Sample of IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Cream
Free Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Duo Samples
Free Medicated Shampoo
Free Casey’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Subscription to People Magazine
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Mountain Dew Melon at Publix
Free Hand Cream
Mack’s Free Ear Plug’s Giveaway – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Free Coors Light 6-Pack
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free 4 Hass Avocados at Winn-Dixie
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
2 Free Setting Powders + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Valentines Day Postcard
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Good Housekeeping Institute Panel – Free Products
Free Cool Beans Frozen Wrap
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free COOLA Great Barrier Cream Sample
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Become a Funovation Toy Tester & Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
Free Pinkberry Yogurt for Your Birthday
Free Subscription to Parents Magazine
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Progresso Toppers Soup at Publix
Free Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Hood Degreaser Wipes
Free Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion for Healthcare Workers
Free Macy’s Fragrances
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Sample of Tim Hortons Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free L.A. Girl Jetsetter Mascara or Eyeliner
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide at Sam’s
Free Collagen Gold Eye Mask & Collagen Lips Mask Set
Free Hot or Iced Coffee at Pret A Manger on Fridays

Deals:

Dinosaur Bring Along Backpack and Dinosaur Toy $6.50 (Reg. $23)
KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table $85.26 (Reg. $230)
Disney Plush & Stuffed Animals as Low as $1.98 at ShopDisney
Relative Insanity Party Game ONLY $12.18 (Reg. $21)
Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana SOLO $29.99 Shipped (Reg $120)
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Baby Alive Tea n Sparkles Doll ONLY $7.49 (Reg $20)
Sun Joe Cordless Handheld Vacuum ONLY $20.99 (Reg $28)
Hello Kitty Modern Kitchen Play Set ONLY $47.99 (Reg $100)
Finding Nemo Baby Bath Toys Set ONLY $6.64 (Reg $11)
TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner ONLY $2.53 (Reg. $8)
Kim Rogers 3-Piece Handbag Set ONLY $31 (Reg $78)
Multipet Loofa Dog Plush Dog Toy ONLY $3.99 Shipped (Reg $10)
Frigidaire Portable Retro Mini Fridge ONLY $24
Dental Tools 6-Piece ONLY $8.47 (Reg $17)
MUK LUKS Women’s Janet Boots ONLY $24.99 (Reg $65)
Walgreens Custom Photo Poster $1.99 with Coupon (Reg. $11)
10-Piece Food Storage Set ONLY $11.99 at Amazon
Bella Pro Series Analog Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $17.99 (Reg $40)
Women’s Sherpa Jacket ONLY $7.88 at Walmart (Reg $20)
Wakeman Folding Utility Cart ONLY $89.99 (Reg $159.99)
NUK Rest Easy Spoons 6-Pack ONLY $2.82
Free $10 Nordstrom Rack Gift Card When You Ship to Store
T-fal Nonstick 10 Saute Pan with Lid ONLY $31.81 (Reg. $56)

Small Changes to Make your Box Cake Mix Taste Scratch-Made!

When cake mixes were first invented most of them only required the addition of water and one or two eggs. Some early cake mixes only required the addition of water, as the cake mixes contained shortening and powdered eggs.

Nowadays most of us use cake mixes, but we long for the taste of scratch-baked cakes and pastries.

Here are a few tips to make your boxed cake mix taste a little bit more like the scratch-baked treats you remember your grandmother or mother making in your youth.

  1. If a cake mix calls for water, use milk.
  2. When the cake mix calls for vegetable oil, use softened butter. Or coconut oil (room temp).
  3. If you are using a spice cake mix, omit eggs, oil and, water and substitute a (14.5 Oz) can of pumpkin to make a tasty pumpkin spice cake.
  4. If you are watching your cholesterol, you can omit oil and eggs in a cake mix for applesauce. 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg, and an equal amount of applesauce instead of the oil. The cake will come out delicious and moist.
  5. Adding ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruits (I like dried blueberries, dried cranberries, and dried cherries), or chopped nuts can also make your box cake a little fancier.
  6. I love making a yellow cake mix into a coffee cake by making a streusel topping: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup room temperature butter, 1 tsp. cinnamon or pie spice to taste. After the cake batter is poured into the greased cake pan, sprinkle the streusel topping on top of the cake and bake per box directions. It makes a great coffee cake for brunch!

If you are looking for more ways to fancy up a plain boxed cake mix, check out the Cake Doctor books on Amazon!

Food Resources for February 2021 (San Diego County)

I’ve decided to put together a monthly round-up of food resources for San Diego County.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

Neighborhood Distributions for February 2021:

These Distributions are primarily produce/fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide).

If you have a child attending public school in San Diego County, check to see if your school distributes free lunches daily.

In Eastern San Diego County, Grossmont Union High School District schools are distributing lunches to kids ages 2-18, Monday through Friday at various times (Check your closest school to find out exact times and locations within each school). They also do Pizza Fridays, where each kid receives a pizza, drink, salad, plus food to be eaten over the weekend. It is definitely more than enough food to keep kids fed over the weekend.

 

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

 

 

 

 

Penzey’s: $50 Gift Cards $35 Groundhog Day Repeat

Penzeys Gift Card

Penzey’s is hooking us all up today! $50 gift cards for just $35.

If you don’t live near a Penzey’s Store (Where contactless pick up is available), you can score free regular shipping with $30+ purchase.
In addition, $1 Oregano and Cinnamon Sugar are available too! 10 free mini BLM heart stickers with any purchase.   Visit penzeys.com now and have your order be one of the first out the door.

Value Sizes Available From Kabrita

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

Scanning through my email this morning, I discovered that Kabrita (that’s the Goat milk formula folks) now have an even better deal!

Value size containers of Kabrita (900g tin) of their gentle Goat Milk Formula on KabritaUSA.com.

If you are new to Kabrita, check out their freebie offer here.