Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family During Covid Fatigue (& A Giveaway)

So many of us are suffering from Covid Fatigue. Our bodies and minds have been put through the wringer. Worrying about our health, jobs, finances… It takes its toll.

I’m here to tell you- We don’t know when it’s going to end, but there are resources out there to help you. Don’t be proud. Take help that is offered, when you do, it can relieve some of the burden on your mind. 

I post a lot about different free and frugal opportunities to help my readers. When I talk to readers (I text and chat on FB messenger with a lot of y’all), I am frequently met with many of the same responses when I suggest that y’all take advantage of some of the opportunities I post. People feel bad about taking advantage of deals, offers, and freebies. 

I recommend that even if you feel like you aren’t “that bad off”, or that you know there are other people who “have it worse”, take advantage of free food events. Many times I have gone or driven a friend to events and the people sponsoring the events are so glad that SOMEONE has shown up, and because they have X number of items to give, but far fewer people show up.

If you feel like you aren’t in “enough” need, offer to drive people in your bubble, or grab food for t friends and coordinate a porch drop off. Most of them are sponsored or paid for by government entities, grants, or subsidies that are funded by our tax dollars. These resources may not have the ability to store or drive food to people who don’t have transportation. 

Helping others, even if it’s a porch drop off of produce can brighten your spirits. There are so many ways to release some of the heaviness that weighs on you. That heaviness is Covid Fatigue.

Here are a few ways I’ve tried to lessen the stress monster sitting on my chest:

Focus on what I can change. For me that’s making sure we are all clean and fed. That we get outside to play (socially distanced with masks), get fresh air, move our bodies, and get to bed at a decent time.

Work hard, but not to the point where I am burnt out. Tomorrow is another day. Laundry can wait to be put away, the carpet will still need to be vacuumed tomorrow.

Take time to contact friends. It’s hard to be without friends and family for so long. Message them on FB, text them, or pick up the phone. If you don’t have enough spoons for that, scroll through your social media of choice and like some of their statuses. 

Disconnect as needed.  Yeah, I know it’s the opposite of the above, but doomscrolling or constantly refreshing your social media feeds obsessively isn’t good for you. Leave your phone in the other room, or put it in do not disturb mode. 

NuCalm

One thing I have been using to help relax at night so I can get some peaceful sleep is I downloaded the NuCalm appNuCalm is the world’s only patented neuroscience technology clinically proven to resolve stress and improve sleep quality – without drugs. I’ve been using the Reboot for the past few nights, and it’s really helped me fall sleep and stay asleep. You can select whatever amount of time works for you, and you can even loop it if you want to enjoy the peace all night. The kids love NuCalm too. 

Giveaway Time: I’d love to hear about what you do to lessen your stress and battle Covid Fatigue. Leave a comment and I’ll choose one on 12/31/2020. The winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card- But there is one condition- You have to spend it on yourself! Something that sparks joy!

Cross Country Cafe: Cute Craft & Enter to Win K-Cups!

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

Cross Country Cafe has a cute craft and a killer giveaway! K-Cup® Pod Christmas Up-cycling CraftCheck out this sweet little dude you and your kiddos can make him in just a few minutes. If you are like our family, you have almost all of the supplies on hand.

And if crafting isn’t your bag, check out this great giveaway:

Win 96 Holiday Blend K-Cup® pods. It’s a winterful life, especially when you win free coffee! Enter our giveaway before 12/31/20.

Win 96 Holiday Blend K-Cup® PodsMonthly Keurig K-cup coffee giveaway- each and every month Cross Country Cafe will be giving away full size boxes of Keurig K-cup coffee to one lucky winner!

12/21/20 Weekly Meal Plan!

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI went to the grocery store over the weekend: The kids needed food to keep their tummies full over the next week of winter break, and we were out of a lot of shelf stable stuff. And salad. I am nuts about the Taylor Farms Salads (tangerine Crunch and Avocado Ranch are THE BEST). Our local Grocery Outlet and 99 Cents Only both carry various varieties for CHEAP.

I’m trying hard to stick to our budget of $100/week for groceries and prepare dinners that are filling and hearty.

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.  I also keep sandwich Ziploc bags of other frozen fruit on hand to make the kids smoothies when they request them (a few times per week). Berries, peaches, and mangos are pretty popular. recently the Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

The next two weeks are Winter Break, so we’ll be eating at home a lot. Most places are still closed as cases here surge. Our tradition of zoo trips will be on hold for now. I’m planning a drive to the desert for the day, complete with a picnic lunch and some fun photos. And of course, lots of time next week to play with toys or whatever the kids get for Christmas.

I’m planning on making two batches of soup for lunches. Beef stew and probably vegetarian chili.

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:  Meatloaf, fruit, noodles, & rolls Meatloaf recipe will be posted this week
  • Monday: Soup, salad, and fruit
  • Tuesday: Grilled Cheese, Fruit, and salad
  • Wednesday: Nugget Night (With Birdseye cauli fries)
  • Thursday: Pizza Night
  • Friday:  Pot Roast in the crockpot, oven roasted vegetables, salad
  • 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?

San Diego, CA Area Residents: FREE Produce and Perishable Groceries-12/21/2020

Our friends over at Faith Chapel understand that with all that’s going on in the world that some of us still need help finding healthy food during this difficult time. And that’s it not always safe for us to go to the store or hit up a farmers market.

Distribution is happening Monday, December 21, 2020 at 10:00am!

This is a drive-thru style event, so you don’t have to leave your vehicles. There is no paperwork, no questions asked. Show up, pop your trunk, and fresh food is loaded for you, and you are on your way!

Here is a picture of what was available in previous weeks! Sometimes you get produce, sometimes is eggs, milk, and other dairy products and meat- it changes weekly!

Faith Chapel is located at 9400 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977

12/18/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals

bright boxes

It’s Friday again! Time to score some freebies, pick up a few deals online, and stay home (or if you have to leave home, wear a mask and wash your paws).

Most of California is in lockdown again, so I’ll only be posting deals that can allow you to socially distance.

Freebies:

Free $5 Staples Gift Reward (Check Email)
Free S&W Savory Sides Beans at Select Stores
Free Box of Food for Those Affected by COVID-19
Possible Free Zozu Hemp Mask + Nose Pore Strip
Free Yellow Dog Nantucket Stickers
Free Drink at Starbucks
Free Kids Mouthwash
Free The Junior Disease Detectives Graphic Novel
Free Sample of K-Y Personal Lubricant
Free SafeTouch Pet Decal
Free Issue of Rediscover Magazine
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Free Bob’s Red Mill Grain Free Flatbread Mix
Free A Shoc Energy Drink at Select Stores
Free Red Spider Lily Bulbs
Free Kinderlyte Products
Free Subscription to Allure Magazine
Free OLIPOP Sparkling Tonic
Free Kids Firetruck Foldup Activity Sheet
Free Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion
Free 8×10 Inspirational Quote Print
Free 2-Pack Hallmark Gift Bags + Free Shipping
Free El Vaquero Taco at 7-Eleven & Stripes
Free Infantino 2-in-1 Tummy Time & Seated Support
Free Sample of Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Free The Breakers Series: Books 1-3 by Edward Robinson eBooks
Free Games from Ubisoft
100 Free Kellogg’s Family Rewards Points
Free Cities: Skylines PC Game
Free Disney Movie Insiders Points Everyday this Month
1-Month Free of CBS All Access
Watch The Expanse Season 1-5 for Free
Epic Games – 15 Days of Free Games

Deals:

Free Sample Offer for Midwestern and East Coast Readers!

I found this awesome offer this morning and had to share!

With social distancing this may not be a good fit for everyone, but if your kids are in school, or doing outdoor sports, this might be a good fit.

Helping your kids stay hydrated just got a whole lot easier in The Creative Roots Campaign! Try Creative Roots and share your feedback in an authentic review as an Insider, click the button to subscribe.

If selected to participate, you’ll receive your shipment of Creative Roots at home, to enjoy and to share! Enjoy Creative Roots right away you’re your kids and share your experience in photos on social media and on the campaign page. Begin passing out your 30 sample bottles of Creative Roots to other parents and clue them in on the secret to delicious hydration for their kids.

* Applying doesn’t guarantee selection for free product.

For more information and to apply, click here.

Special Meal Distributions at Grossmont Union High School District Locations!

A few weeks ago two friends told me about the free meal distributions at the Grossmont Union High School district locations. I knew that the schools were offering them, what I didn’t know is that each Friday the schools give out a free pizza for the kids.

It’s roughly the size of a pizzeria medium-sized pizza. They offer cheese or pepperoni, your choice, and in addition to that, you receive veggies, a quart of milk, fruit, and breakfast items for the weekend! This is a great way to treat your kiddos to pizza, especially if it isn’t in your budget.

Like all of the other free kids lunches right now, there is no paperwork or enrollment, just show up at the school during lunch service times. 

They’ll ask you how many kids you have between the ages of 2-18 and give you the appropriate number of lunches. The high schools tend to give out better food in my opinion, and they tend to have more options (which is great if you have picky eaters or vegetarians).

We stopped by West Hills on Friday to check it out (I’m always down to investigate stuff for you guys!), and the lunch ladies handed out this flyer.

On December 21, 2020 all locations are handing out the supplies for a free Pot Roast Dinner: Stew Meat, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Flour, Butter. Additionally, fruit and danishes will be included for breakfast!

On January 4, 2021 all locations are handing out the supplies for a free Carne Asada Dinner: Diced Carne Asada, Rice, Beans, Tortillas, Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Jalapenos. Additionally, fruit and Pan Dulces (Conchas) will be included for breakfast!

And if you are looking for other food resources to help you through the holidays and beyond, here is my post about free food locations and organizations (I recently updated it, so there is lots of new info).

12/11/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals!

bright boxes

It’s Friday again! Time to score some freebies, pick up a few deals online, and stay home (or if you have to leave home, wear a mask and wash your paws).

Most of California is going into lockdown (AGAIN), so I’ll only be posting deals that can allow you to socially distance.

Freebies:

Get on the Pillsbury Sample & Coupon List
Free e.l.f. Lip Gloss + Free Shipping
Free Charmin Mega Roll Extender
Free Pint of Hudsonville Ice Cream – 1st 8,000
Free Package of Lightlife Plant-Based Burgers
FREE Dunkin’ Donuts Beverage
Free Coffee at Panera Bread for 3 Months
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Free Gifts From Scotch-Brite at 11am Through Friday
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free Sliders at White Castle
Free Subscription to Architectural Digest
Free Food at McDonald’s for 11 Days – See the Schedule Here
Over 500 Free Daily Goodie Boxes for December
Free Subscription to Sports Illustrated

Deals:

Clinique 8-Piece Gift Set ONLY $23.50 at Macy’s ($160 Value)
Sony Wireless in-Ear Headphones ONLY $18.00 (Reg. $40)
Echo Flex Plug-In Mini Smart Speaker ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $25)
Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones ONLY $123 (Reg. $248)
Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Bowling Set ONLY $9.49 (Reg. $20)
e.l.f. Cosmetics has Free Shipping + Cheap Gift Sets
Taboo Board Game ONLY $8.49 (Reg. $17)
Save $10 When You Spend $50 on Select LEGO Toys
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes in Stock for CHEAP
FREE 2 Months of Kindle Unlimited Reading (Save $19.98)
Power Rangers Beast-X King Morpher ONLY $9.89 (Reg. $20)
Bella Triple Slow Cooker ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60) at Best Buy
FabKids – 2 Pairs of Shoes for $9.95 + Free Shipping
MUK LUKS Women’s Pattrice Boots ONLY $39.99 (Reg. $76)
Play-Doh Playful Pies Set ONLY $5.99 (Reg. $20)
FurReal Hoppin Topper Interactive Toy ONLY $22.49 (Reg. $50)
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Cheesy Sandwich ONLY $4.89 (Reg. $10)
MUK LUKS Chenille Pom Cuff Cap ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $20)
Toy Story Look and Find Activity Book $5.28 (Reg. $11)
Marvel Spider-Man Look and Find Activity Book $5 (Reg. $11)
Stanley Classic Thermos ONLY $19.82 (Reg. $40)
Ryobi 100-Piece Drill and Drive Set ONLY $14.88 (Reg. $90)
Playskool Heroes Mega Mighties Power Rangers $5.89 (Reg. $12)
Hot Tub High Dive Game ONLY $6.28 (Reg. $20)
Yahtzee Board Game ONLY $4.99 (Reg. $10)
Secret Life of Pets 2 Look and Find Activity Book $5 (Reg. $11)
Hasbro Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $20)
UGLYDOLLS Uglyville Main Street Playset $9.99 (Reg. $20)
MUK LUKS Women’s Janis Slide Slippers ONLY $16.99 (Reg $28)
Remote Control Monster Truck ONLY $34.99 (Reg $56)
Clean and Green Makeup from dome Beauty
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Play Cash Register ONLY $9.84 (Reg. $32)
Save up to 50% on Gillette and Venus Razors and Blades on Amazon
Gain Laundry Detergent 2-Count ONLY $11.08 Shipped
Journey Girls Styling Studio ONLY $23 (Reg $33)

San Diego, CA Area Residents: FREE Produce and Perishable Groceries-12/11/2020

Our friends over at Faith Chapel understand that with all that’s going on in the world that some of us still need help finding healthy food during this difficult time. And that’s it not always safe for us to go to the store or hit up a farmers market.

Distribution is happening this Friday, December 11, 2020, beginning at 10:00am.

This is a drive-thru style event, so you don’t have to leave your vehicles. There is no paperwork, no questions asked. Show up, pop your trunk, and fresh food is loaded for you, and you are on your way!

Here is a picture of what was available in previous weeks! Sometimes you get produce, sometimes is eggs, milk, and other dairy products and meat- it changes weekly!

Faith Chapel is located at 9400 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977

Holiday Light Displays: Socially Distanced Family Fun!

One of our favorite family activities this time of year is to drive around the county and check out Christmas lights. I pack some snacks and hot chocolate (or just white milk for the Bitty Bird- She doesn’t like cocoa- I know…), and we head out for an adventure. I usually grab a couple extra fluffy blankets too. They tend to fall asleep on the way home!

I’ve included our family favorites, as well as some that came recommended by my Facebook fans. I did not include any that charge a fee to see. There are quite a few professional displays that charge a fee to drive-thru all over the county.

There are a few that I did not include as I have heard they are dark (Knob Hill in Vista), or the owners of the homes have moved or chosen not to do a display this year.

East County:

  • Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. Dec. 8-26, Mon-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun 6-10 pm.
  • 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr. Nicknamed “Tinsel Town”. Dec. 1-25, 5:30-9 pm. Most of the houses on this street are very well decorated with lights and moving displays! They have a Facebook page too!
  •  Starlight Circle, East and West Glendon Circles. Through December 26th, 7-10 pm. This is extremely popular!  Starlight Circle even has a Facebook page!

North County:

  • 12631 Stoutwood St., Poway Off Twin Peaks Rd. & Deerwood St. Nicknamed “The Griswolds.”
  • 23542 Bassett Way, Ramona  Sun-Th, 5:30pm -10pm; Fri & Sat, 5:30pm – 11pm

Be safe, stay in your cars, or mask up and stay socially distant from others.

If you know of any light displays in San Diego County that are active this year and free- Please leave a comment! (that you have gone to- please no linking to other websites)