food

1/18/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThe kids have off today for MLK Day, so we’re planning some socially distanced shenanigans (shell collecting at the beach, picnic lunch, and picking up our Dream Dinners order). The past few weeks have been so busy, and this week plans to be jam-packed as well.

My friend Brooke recently hosted a Dream Dinner Virtual Party, and I took advantage of one of the deals- 6 dinners (each dinner serves 2-3 adults) for $99.00. I’ll be posting more info and details in the coming weeks, but for those of you who want to meal plan, but don’t know if it’s for you, Dream Dinners is a great resource.

I did my weekly trip to the store yesterday for bread, milk, salad, and ice cream. The kids have requested chocolate chip cookies, I’ll try to make a batch tomorrow.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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.

No school tomorrow, but I think we’ll have a picnic while we’re out and about. The rest of the week it’s 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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:  Veggie Burgers on Salad (that’s what we ended up having, I had planned to do smoothies and caulifries too, but nah…)
  • Monday:  Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread
  • Tuesday:  Frozen Entrees & Salad
  • Wednesday: Protein shakes/smoothies, toast, and fruit
  • Thursday:  Dream Dinners Meal & Veggies
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Dream Dinners Meal & Veggies

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?

New PinchMe Samples Drop 1/19/2021

Abby H.

Sample Tuesday is Coming 1/19/2021- Mark your calendars, set an alarm on your phone!

Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.

Here are the companies participating in the January Sample boxes:

Lumify® Redness Reliever Eye Drops
KübWipes 100% Natural Cotton Dry Wipes
Secret Light & Fresh
Biotrue® Multi-Purpose Solution
Living Proof Curl Trios for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair
The Inkey List – Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
Heritage Store Rosewater Vinegar
Secret Completely Clean Invisible Solid
Heritage Store Black Castor Oil
Zhou Hairfluence
Heritage Store Rosewater Glycerine
Boiron Acidil® Meltaway Tablet
Ocean Spray Wave™
B1U Infused Water
Impossible™ Burger Patties 100% Free Gratuity Coupon
Life’s Grape Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Classic Vine-Dried Grape Snack Variety Pack
Rascal + Friends Diapers
Hartz Oinkies Long Lasting Chew Bones Wrapped with Real Chicken
Various Purina Products

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

 

1/11/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe’re starting to get into the swing of our 2021 schedule, and this week is going to be my OMG busy week. Have you ever noticed that there is usually 1 week each month that is crazy busy? Lots of appointments, phone calls, errands, etc.? This is my week- Insanity.

I had some free time over the weekend, and I spent it in the kitchen doing some meal prep for this week. I made a lot of lunch stuff for the littlest kiddo and myself. I also prepared veggies and stuff for stir fry.

I’ll go to the store this morning and get some more fruit and veggies. And Milk. Always milk.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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.

The kids go back to school tomorrow! 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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 (we all had big lunches, so it was mostly light snacking)
  • Monday:  Salad and Soup (We’ve got leftover beef stew from a few weeks ago- I stashed the extras in the freezer)
  • Tuesday:  Chicken and Cauli-rice casserole (It’s a frozen meal from Birdseye)
  • Wednesday: Veggies Burgers, Veggies Nuggets, fruit, and chips
  • Thursday:  Stir Fry with Veggies and rice
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Egg scramble (with veggies and cheese), Toast/Bagel, and Fruit Salad

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?

1/8/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

Woo Hoo- Our first Freebie and Deal Friday post of 2021! Since my birthday is next month, I’m going to start searching for new/different birthday freebies (last year’s post is here), and I’ll be posting an update in the next few weeks.

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 El Yucateco Hot Sauce
Free GoMacro Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip MacroBars
Free Triceratops Kits at Lowe’s
Free Kerastase Chronologiste Hair Care Products
Free Honey Mama’s Honey-Cocoa Bar
Free Freak Flag Organics Bone Broth
Free Korean Brand Products
Free Beauty Products & More with Topbox Circle
Free Seaworld Teacher Card
Free The Honest Stand Plant-Based Dip
FREE Amazon Baby Box Samples Back in Stock
JCPenney Portraits – Free 8×10 for Military Families
Free Stainless Steel Insulated Cups
New Sampler Samples – Axe, Abeille Serenity Kids & More
Free Incontinence Products
3 Free O3 Superfoods Flax Butter Samples
Free SuperLeaf Kratom Powder Sample
Free Walkie Talkie Set
Free SkinnyPop or Pirate’s Booty Products
Free SeaWorld + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card
Free Infantino Grow With Me 3-In-1 Tummy Time Piano
Free Box of Vahdam Turmeric Herbal Tea
Free ONE Brands Maple Glazed Protein Bar
Free Movie Ticket to Fatale
Free Carlson Kid’s Probiotic Stix
Sephora – Free NARS, Laneige, Moroccanoil or Kerastatse Mini Set

Deals:

Aurora 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder ONLY $30.48 (Reg $70)
3 Free Months of Amazon Music Unlimited
Union & Scale Task Chair $69.99 at Staples (Reg $120)
Hair Waver Iron $25.47 Shipped at Amazon (Reg $40)
Alexa Clutch ONLY $13.99 Shipped at Jane (Reg $29)
Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap 8-Pack ONLY $5.03 (Reg. $10)
Scotch 5-Inch Kid Scissors ONLY $0.41 Each on Amazon
Toysmith Magnetic Dart Board ONLY $12.53 (Reg. $30)
Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers 12-Count ONLY $5.47 (Reg. $10)
Planters Salted Peanuts Resealable Jar 35-Oz ONLY $4.52 Shipped
Miracle-Gro Orchid Food ONLY $4.68 on Amazon (Reg. $11.44)
PURA D’OR Moroccan Argan Oil ONLY $12.99 (Reg. $25)
Nexcare Acne Cover 36-Count ONLY $4.18 (Reg. $8)
Hand Sanitizer In Stock – Large Bottle for $5.46
MUK LUKS Women’s Janet Boots ONLY $24.99 (Reg. $65)
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil 24-Ct ONLY $5.97 (Reg. $12)

Recipe: Beef Stew

Abby H.
Thick, rich, and ready to get in my belly!

I love a good, hearty beef stew. It can take a little effort, but oh, man is it worth it.

I made this last week, and I started off by looking at How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, which is a great cookbook if you are looking for something beyond the basics of Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens. Each recipe has tons of variations and substitution suggestions to make each dish your own.

This recipe is an amalgamation of Mr. Bittman’s recipe and several additions that give a rich, thick, hearty stew.

Ingredients

  • 2.5-3 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 T. cooking oil (I used avocado)
  • 2T butter
  • 2 sweet onions, chopped
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into coins
  • 1/2t. dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • fresh cracked pepper
  • 1/2c red wine
  • 2T. Tomato Paste
  • 3T. All-purpose flour

Directions

  1.  In a large stockpot, heat oil, and cook the beef in batches to brown. If your pot is large, there may not be a need to cook in batches.
  2. After the beef is browned, add the onions, and cook until clear and tender.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the meat and onions, and stir to combine.
  4. Brown the flour gently, this may take a few minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. the flour will stick to the meat and onions- this is ok. While string, you may notice the flour forming a paste that browns- this is what you want.
  5. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  6. Add beef stock and thyme, and stir to combine and continue to stir as the mixture thickens.
  7. As the stock thickens, add wine, tomato paste. Allow the stew to cook on low for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Add potatoes and carrots and cook soup on low for 20-30 minutes with the lid on the stockpot.
  9. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Continue to simmer as desired, if you want thinner stew, add more stock. If you like a thicker stew, remove the lid and allow the stew to simmer for 10-20 minutes until the stew reaches your desired thickness.

Some notes: I add wine and tomato paste because the acid in both helps break down the collagen in the meat, making it more tender, and giving the stew broth a more luscious mouthfeel. You can do without one or the other if you prefer.

I don’t like peas, so I omit them from my stew. If you like them, add 1/2-1 cup frozen peas about 10 minutes before serving. This keeps them from getting mushy or falling apart.

If you like more of a French-style beef stew, add 1/2-1 cup chopped mushrooms when you add the other veggies.

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings of stew. I like to serve the stew with crusty french bread, or sourdough toast, and of course SALAD. I like a peppery arugula (or rocket) salad with beets, goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette. That combination really pairs well with the richness of the stew.

And of course, this stew freezes well and tastes better the next day.

Little Caesar’s $5 off First Deliver Order!

Abby H.

You read that right! $5 off your first Little Caesar’s Delivery with coupon code TRYDELIVERY6. This deal isn’t good forever: it’s only valid through 1/31/2020. Download the Little Caesar’s App wherever you get apps.

In addition to pizza, the small Roman (that’s what we call it around here) also has breadsticks, wings, and drinks!

Details/Small Print:

The $5 Off First Delivery Promotional Offer (“Promotion”): Between January 4, 2021 and January 31, 2021 (“Promotion Period”), customers who have never before ordered for delivery on the Little Caesars mobile app (“App”) or online at LittleCaesars.com (“Site”) will get a $5 credit (“$5 Credit”) on their first delivery of any pizza (“Qualifying Pizza Purchase”) when they order via the App or Site in accordance with these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). To redeem the Offer, Eligible Customers (defined below in Section 2) must (i) obtain a valid promo code (“Promo Code”), which Sponsor will make available on in-store materials, TV and its social media platforms; (ii) place their Qualifying Pizza Purchase in the cart; and (iii) enter the valid Promo Code at checkout. The $5 Credit will be deducted from the Eligible Customer’s order for delivery at check-out. Promo Code numbers may vary depending on how they are communicated, but each Promo Code will entitle an Eligible Customer to the same $5 Credit regardless of the Promo Code number.
OFFER REDEEMABLE ONLY WITH ONLINE AND APP ORDERS FOR DELIVERY MADE THROUGH LITTLE CAESARS AND NOT REDEEMABLE ON IN-STORE ORDERS OR PIZZA PORTAL® PICK-UP ORDERS OR ON THIRD-PARTY ONLINE SITES OR IN ANY MANNER OTHER THAN PROVIDED HEREIN.

 

Pinchme Samples still available!

Abby H.

I missed Sample Tuesday when it came around last month- I was busy doing pre-holiday activities, etc. I love the samples that Pinchme sends, so I was excited when I checked the website this morning and discovered that there were some samples/coupons still available.

Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.

Here are the samples that are still available as of the time of this post:

  • Impossible™ Burger Patties 100% Free Gratuity Coupon
  • Life’s Grape Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Classic Vine-Dried Grape Snack Variety Pack
  • Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds
  • Blue Diamond Nut-Thins: Hint of Sea Salt
  • Blue Diamond Nut-Thins: Cheddar

I opted for all of them, because, why not?

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

1/3/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe stayed home a lot last week, so I really need to hit the grocery store for snacks and lunch food today.

I batch cooked a few things yesterday, so we have ready to go dinners for two nights this week, but additional meals for later weeks.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.  It can be a struggle, but I shop sales, discount grocery stores, and use my cashback apps.

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.

The kids go back to school tomorrow! 1/2 days for the littlest bit, and full days for the big dude. This afternoon I need to pop over to the store and pick up some lunch goodies. Big kid takes his lunch to school, but little bit has lunch at home after school.

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:  Hot Beef Sandwiches and salad (I cooked the beef in the crockpot yesterday during my batch cooking day)
  • Monday:  Spaghetti Bolognese, steamed veggies, and garlic bread (I made the bolognese sauce yesterday during my batch cooking day)
  • Tuesday:  Frozen Entrees and salad
  • Wednesday: Waffles and fruit salad
  • Thursday:  Chicken Satay, salad, rice
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Shenanigans

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?

Neighborhood Produce Distributions for 2021

Abby H.

I’ve written about the San Diego Food Bank’s Neighborhood Distributions before. It’s a great way to stretch your food budget on what is usually the most expensive part of any family grocery trip: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

The 2021 schedule has been updated. The website has changed and now they publish a monthly calendar, which you can see here. As you can see, there is at least 1 distribution per week somewhere in the county all month long.

The Neighborhood Food Distribution Program distributes fresh produce and nonperishable food items at 19 distribution sites every month throughout San Diego County. The majority of the food distributed at these sites is fresh produce – fresh fruits and vegetables. ANYONE can receive food at a Neighborhood Distribution Program site. Identification cards ARE NOT required. There are NO INCOME restrictions for this program.

Most of these locations offer a drive-up/drive-through service. Pull in, queue up, and when you get to the front of the line, pop your trunk and volunteers will put the food into your car and you are ready to go.

If you have further need for food, there are many programs that can help you all over the county. Check out my post here for food resources in Central/South/Eastern San Diego County and here for Northern San Diego County.

A New Month (and Year!) Means New Coupons!!

Abby H.

A New Year means that a lot of us are starting off with goals like saving money, eating better, and spending more time with family. I’m here to help you with the first two this morning!

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

Check out the following sites:

One of my favorite website is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks! New offers are added on the Smartphone Savings Apps all the time!

Here are just a few coupons to help support healthier eating!

Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) Rao’s Sauce
Save $1.00 on any TWO (2) Kellogg’s® Special K® Cereals