Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

This is a super easy recipe! I made this on Saturday night to be served this week (and some went into the freezer for future meals).

We had a rotisserie chicken, so I made the stock from scratch and used some of the rotisserie chicken meat, but that’s optional. You could use canned broth/stock and canned chicken if you wanted.

You may have most of these ingredients on hand!

Chicken Corn Chowder

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 2 T. butter
  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 2 cups corn (I used corn from a past CSA box that I had roasted, removed from the cob, and froze for later use), canned or frozen corn is great. If using canned, rinse the corn before using
  • 1.5 cups chicken, cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces (You can use canned chicken, drained and rinsed, or rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 1 can evaporated milk)
  • 4 cups chicken broth/stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 cup mashed potato flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1t. Poultry seasoning

Directions:

  1. In a large stock pot, melt butter and saute onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add corn to the pot, stir and cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and cook over low for 10-15 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and heat throughout.
  4. Remove the bay leaf prior to serving.

Serve with green salad and popovers.

Dietary options:

  • For dairy free, use your favorite cooking oil/spread and non-dairy milk.
  • For vegetarian options, omit chicken (or use your favorite meat-free chick’n alternative), and use veggie broth in place of chicken broth.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

 

Fetch Rewards: Earn More Points with Good Rewards

Ok, so as most of you know, Fetch Rewards is my favorite cashback app. They have a new club within the app: Good Rewards! It’s a way to earn extra points when you purchase General Mills products.

All you have to do is open the Fetch Rewards app on your phone, click on the Good Rewards link in the app, join, and you’ll be earning extra points in no time. General Mills owns a lot of brands you probably buy weekly.

If you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards, signing up is quick and easy! You learn more when you 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 $145 so far in 2022 just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

Sea World-Free Tickets for U.S. Veterans!

Did you know that veterans can receive up to four free passes to Sea World? It’s true!

Screen Shot 2017-07-06 at 7.19.30 PM.pngThe response to this opportunity earlier this year was so overwhelming that Sea World decided to offer it to you again! To show their appreciation for those who have served our country, they are offering U.S. military veterans FREE SeaWorld San Diego tickets for themselves and up to three friends or family members.

This limited-time offer is only available online through July 31. Get your tickets by verifying your military status through ID.me at the link below and use them by July 31!

This isn’t available at the park, so you’ll have to sign up here and fill out all the forms before you go.

Parking isn’t included in this offer and starts at $17, depending on which level of parking you select.

 

Tryazon: Summer Game Night from Spin Master


We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Beat the heat this August with a cool Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Spin Master Games! Featuring five great titles including Beat the Parents, Hedbanz, Sink N’ Sand, and more! Spin Master Games has just what you need to make your time together fun and memorable by bringing everyone together through laughs amidst friendly competition that the whole family will enjoy.

Tryazon has 250 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a variety of Spin Master Games to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

CVS Freebies Daily through 7/23/2022!

Now through July 23, 2022, CVS is giving away a freebie daily!

No purchase is needed, all you need is a CVS app and to sign up for their Extra Care Card (if you haven’t already).

  • 7/15: ExtraBucks Rewards
  • 7/16: CVS Health, Airshield Effervescent Immune Support Tablets
  • 7/17: CVS Health Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen 50ct
  • 7/18: Gold Emblem abound Heavenly Light Popcorn
  • 7/19: CVS Aloe After Sun Gel or Lotion 6oz (retail $3.19)
  • 7/20: Gold Emblem Sparkling Water 33oz (retail $1.29)
  • 7/21: CVS Health Advance Floss Picks
  • 7/22: ExtraBucks Rewards
  • 7/23: Gold Emblem abound Omega Trail Mix

All kinds of goodies! All you need to do is log on to your CVS app, click on the Deals & Rewards section of the CVS app, scroll down until you find the coupons for that days freebies, click to clip and you are all set to go redeem it!

7/15/2022: Friday Freebies and Deals!

This week was a lot of errands and appointments. I’m hoping to toss the kids in the pool on Saturday. Tonight, it’s pizza and relaxation!

If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Hartz Senior Cat Treats
Free Fries at Checkers & Rally’s
Free Applegate Dinner Sausage Coupon
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Geometric Art Craft Event
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Protect Kids, Not Guns Sticker
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Tote Bag & More
Free Ultima Replenisher Stickpack Box at Walmart After Rebate
Free Samples of Astroglide Lubricant
Free IT Cosmetics Mascara Gift Kit
Free Thrasio Product
Free Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Cream Sample
10 Free Promise Cards
Free Year of AAA Membership for T-Mobile & Sprint Customers
Free Troop Reishi Daily Mushroom Gummy
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Joolies Chocolate Covered Dates
Free Maker’s Mark Ambassador Gifts Every Year
Free Sample of Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Mama Geraldine’s Cheese Straws
Free Amazon Smart Thermostat with Echo Show 5 After Rebate
Free Mini Fridge
Free Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Cream
Free Joolies Pitted Dates
Free Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Fragrance Sample
Free Gratsy Back to School Sample Box
Free Sample of NovaSource Renal Supplements
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel at Auntie Anne’s
Free Dossier Citrus Marine Fragrance Sample
Free Fresh Cravings Dips
Free Amazon Smart Thermostat After Rebate
Free SkinTe Collagen Sparkling Tea at Walmart
Audible Membership FREE for 3 Months + 3 Book Credits
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap PC Game
Free Century: Age of Ashes PC Game

 

Deals:

Crayola Crayons 240-Count ONLY $13.97 (Reg $30)
Big NIKE Sale + Free Shipping Extra 20% and 50% Coupons
Hamilton Beach Blender (56 oz) ONLY $22.34 (Reg $45)
Glass Water Bottle ONLY $8.70 (Reg. $29.99) with 71% Off Coupon
FREE Ariana Grande Lunch Box with Purchase at Ulta
Fire Pits at Walmart as low as ONLY $49 (Reg. $179)
Olivia & Oliver Coffee Table ONLY $89.99 (Reg $180)
3-Piece Chat Set with Tile Top Table ONLY $99.00 (Reg. $327.00)
Sofia Vergara Women’s Ruffle Midi Dress ONLY $10 (Reg. $36)
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer ONLY $29.49 (Reg. $60)
Motion Sensor Trash Can ONLY $39.98 Shipped (Reg $60)
Philips Bluetooth Speaker Gray ONLY $30 (Reg $60)
32-Piece Kitchen Combo Set ONLY $48.99 (Reg $96)
Shark Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum ONLY $149 (Reg. $299)
Lenovo Ideapad 3i ONLY $399 (Reg. $699)
Men’s Luke Quilted Puffer Jacket ONLY $11.90 (Reg $70)

Tryazon: Go Back to School With LesserEvil Snacks

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

LesserEvil is on a mission to make healthier, less processed, earth-friendly snacks with this tasty Tryazon Featured Party opportunity.  Introducing Lil’Puffs! A toddler-friendly snack delicious enough to be enjoyed by everyone! Lil’Puffs are made with good fats from coconut oil, doesn’t include sugar, and is vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, Kosher and Organic making them ideal snacks for school, on the go or at home! The Lil’Puff line comes in 4 flavors: Strawberry Beet, Non-Dairy Cheddar, Sweet Potato Apple & Veggie Blend. Simple Acts. Clean Snacks.

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those chosen will receive a party pack with a sample of Lil’Puffs to showcase and sample with friends and family!  Learn more and apply here.

7/11/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgSummer break is here! We’ve got all sorts of adventures planned, you can check out some of our adventures here.

Summer school started, and I’m back on campus helping teachers and kiddos for the next two weeks. Then the big kid is going to equestrian camp for a week- he’s stoked.

This weekend we delved deep into our summer to-do list. I cleaned the garage, and pictures were posted on Instagram.  We also washed, dried, and put away ALL of the laundry, it was an insane undertaking.

The kids and I went to Costco late last week for our quarterly stock-up trip- Trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, and of course we got a rotisserie chicken. It’s featured a bit in this week’s meal planning.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time. The kids get free lunch at summer school too!

Dinner: We finished our last Dream Dinner last week! I’ll be ordering more next month once the new menu comes out. I’m trying to get us to eat together as a family more often and get the kids into eating more fruits and veg, so you’ll notice that our meals are pretty simple this week.

  • Monday: Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: Beef kebabs (from Costco), rice, salad, pita bread

  • Wednesday: Chicken broccoli casserole 

  • Thursday: homemade chicken soup, grilled cheese

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Breakfast for dinner, I’m hoping for waffles or omlettes.

Saving this summer with Dollar Tree!

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

Y’all know I love Dollar tree for crafts, party planning, and even stocking up on snacks. 

Recently, I made this cute Welcome sign for our front door with Dollar Tree Supplies.

But did you know you can order online from Dollar Tree? It’s perfect for parties or weddings! Cases of craft supplies, wedding decor, or even your kiddos’ favorite snacks. 

$5.99 Flat Rate Shipping is back for a limited time! From Sunday, July 10th through Saturday, July 16th, Dollar Tree is offering $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping with exclusive code: SAVENOW.

If you are looking for some inspiration from Dollar Tree, check out their website here!

7/14/2022 Kung Fu Panda Day at the San Diego Zoo!

To Celebrate the new Kung Fu Panda Series coming to Netflix, head on down to check out the fun at the San Diego Zoo on July 14, 2022.

Celebrate with:

  • face painting
  • photo booth
  • giveaways and more!

And once you get home from the fun, check out the new series on Netflix, launching the same day!

Kung Fu Panda: Dragon Knight

SYNOPSIS: Jack Black returns to KUNG FU PANDA in the new series KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT. When a mysterious pair of weasels set their sights on a collection of four powerful weapons, Po must leave his home to embark on a globe-trotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English knight named Wandering Blade. Together, these two mismatched warriors set out on an epic adventure to find the magical weapons first and save the world from destruction — and they may even learn a thing or two from each other along the way.

Notable Voice Cast:  Jack Black as Po, Rita Ora as Wandering Blade, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Chris Geere as Klaus Dumont, Della Saba as Veruca Dumont, Rahnuma Panthaky as Rukhmini, Ed Weeks as Colin and Amy Hill as Pei Pei

Executive Producer: Peter Hastings (Captain Underpants TV; Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness) and Shaunt Nigoghossian (Blood of Zeus)

Co-Executive Producers: Chris Amick and Ben Mekler (Kipo)

Animation Studio: DreamWorks Animation

Based on: The popular Kung Fu Panda Film Series