Trying to Add Veggies to Your Meals?

Is one of your New Years Resolutions to eat better or increase your intake of fruits and veggies?

Since we have been getting CSA boxes from Yasukochi Family Farms we’ve been adding tons of fresh fruit and veg to our diet. It’s fun to get the kids involved in preparing and tasting new and different fruits and veggies.

I’ve made a round-up with some of my favorite fruit and veggie recipes to inspire you to add a little more “green” to your family’s meals!

Dream Dinners Flash Sale! Light and Lean Dinner Bundle!

Y’all know I love Dream Dinners. Check out this amazing deal- It’s only good through tomorrow, and it’s the perfect way to start the year off with easy, healthy meals.

Get nine delicious, healthy medium meals for just $185!

Order before 9am Friday, January 21, 2022, to get all nine under 450 calorie dinners from our January menu for just $185. This is a great way to jump-start your resolutions and try out some new recipes.

The Light and Lean Dinner Bundle* includes a medium of each of the following:

A Medium Meal feeds 2-3 adults (honestly, it’s usually 3+ in our house), so you’ll be getting 18-27 restaurant-quality meals for $185!

Our local store here in East County is La Mesa, run by Marsi and her friendly staff! Store Email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com  Store Phone Number: 619-460-6800

**The Vegetable and Chickpea Curry over Coconut Rice is under 450 calories when not served with coconut rice, and the Greek Island Shrimp with Pasta is under 450 calories without the pasta. For some additional healthy side ideas, visit their blog at https://blog.dreamdinners.com/healthy-homemade-side-dishes-for-the-new-year/

New Ibotta Users: Score a Free Pizza and Snacks for The Big Game!

Ibotta is back with an amazing deal for new users (and don’t worry, us current users are getting something good too). Most of you know that “The Big Game” aka the Superb Owl is next month. For those who watch the game- It’s a time for snacks!

When you sign up for Ibotta between 1/19/2022-2/12/2022, you’ll score the following for free after Ibotta Rebate:

  • Bubly Sparkling Water 8 pack – 12 oz cans
  • Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 8oz
  • Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip & Spread – 15.5 fl oz
  • Mission Rounds Tortilla Chips – 13oz
  • Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – 16.5oz
  • Red Baron Brick Oven Pepperoni Frozen Pizza – 17.89oz

For those of us who already have Ibotta accounts, we get:

  • Red Baron Brick Oven Pepperoni Frozen Pizza – 17.89oz

And if you check your Ibotta app, you may find several more freebies unrelated to this promotion.

Don’t forget that you can stack your Ibotta rebates with other apps like Fetch Rewards, Makeena, Checkout51. 

 

East County Residents: Free kids books 12/21/22!

This came through my email earlier this week. Chet F. Harritt STEAM School in Santee (8120 Arlette Street, Santee, CA) is having their annual book giveaway!

  • Friday, January 21, 2022
  • Students, families, and community members are welcome.
  • All books will be displayed in front of the library from 1:00-2:30pm.

Please be aware that parking at the school and the adjacent Big Rock Park is limited. I encourage you to park along Mesa Road and use the path into the park to access the school.

Also- PLEASE follow current state masking/ face covering regulations.

Oh, and if you are looking for a way to motivate you kids to Read... Sign them up for Book It! 

1/17/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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I did absolutely no meal prep over the weekend. The big kid has Covid-19, and little sister spent the week at home also, as she is in close contact and needed to quarantine. I’m vaxxed and boosted (and I tested negative on Tuesday), so I’ve been going to work and the usual. BUT- Every winter, after Christmas without fail I lose my voice. It’s been an “annual tradition” (honestly one I could live without) for at least…15 years. No other symptoms- just no voice. Or I sound like I’ve been a lifelong smoker.

Taking care of sick and bored kids is not fun, and it takes up every waking hour.

Luckily, we are back on the CSA train- We need some fresh produce in our lives and I hate carrying more groceries upstairs!

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

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.

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: This week we’ll start enjoying some Dream Dinners, and I’ll be posting pics and deets all over my social media!

  • Monday: Roasted Veggies, Soup and Grilled Cheese sandwiches
  • Tuesday: Nug night- I’ve got 3 different types, krinkle fries, apple slices & orange wedges
  • Wednesday: Tortellini and Vegetable Medley Soup, Garlic Bread
  • Thursday:   Quesadillas, roasted corn salsa, beans & rice
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Wings, Salad, cheesy mashed potatoes

Please stay safe you guys!

1/13/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Sorry this has been so late today.

The big kid tested positive for ‘Rona, and so I’ve been dealing with a sick kiddo (he mostly has a headache and is “soooo bored” that he’s taking naps a lot), plus little sister had to quarantine because of close contact (she and I both tested negative on Tuesday). And I’m rocking my annual sore throat that culminates in losing my voice for a week.  Other than that… We are doing great!

I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.

I’m working on new birthday freebies for 2022 as well. If you know of any, please drop me an email!

Freebies

Free Fire Ant Temporary Tattoo
Free Maddy’s Sweet Shop Shortbread Snaps
Free Soapbox Vitamin Complex Shampoo
Free Makebreak: Silver and Snow Paint Pour Art at Michael’s
Free CVS Health Baby Wipes
Free Wildlife Services Tick Remover
Free Just Crack An Egg Omelet Rounds at Walmart
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free At-Home COVID Test (Anthem Insurance holders only)
Free Veggiecraft Farms Veggie Pasta
Free Beauty Services at Aveda
Free OUI Juicy Couture Play Eau de Parfum Set
Free Sample of Hermes Paris Fragrance
Free SOS Hydration Kids Electrolyte Drink Mix at Walmart
Free Candle & Diffuser + $75 eGift Code
Free Emerald Ash Borer Temporary Tattoo
Free Sample of Enemeez Mini or Enemeez Plus Samples
Free Racecar Track Sets
Free NotCo Plant-Based Milk Alternative
Free Sample of Yes Life CBD Oil & Hemp CBD Pain Relief Cream
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Walmart
Free I Am Still Serving Decal
Free Mexican Fruit Fly Temporary Tattoo
Free Bestway Slide ‘n Glide Party Kit
Free Defend the Flock Magnet
Free Spotted Lantern Fly Stickers
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide at Select Stores
Free Soapbox Vitamin Complex Conditioner
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush
Free Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Temporary Tattoo
Free Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer
Free Lintbells YuMOVE Joint Health Supplement for Dogs

Deals:

Dani Leopard Clutch ONLY $14.99 Shipped (Reg $29.99)
Pocket Collared Coat ONLY $14.97 (Reg $55)
Kate Spade Bailey Shoulder Bag ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
Divatex Quick Dry Hand Towel ONLY $2.93 (Reg $10)
Bella Pro Series 4.2-qt Analog Air Fryer ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60)
Hunter Women’s Tall Boots ONLY $79.97 (Reg $150)
Little Tikes Whale Teeter Totter ONLY $25 (Reg $75)
Champion Boys Basketball Shorts ONLY $9.59 (Reg $24)
Lancôme Eye Makeup Remover ONLY $16 (Reg $32)
Spider-Man Hat And Wallet ONLY $8.30 (Reg. $20)
Lenovo Smart Clock 2 ONLY $49.99 (Reg $70)
Philips Sonicare One Rechargeable Toothbrush $23.95 (Reg. $40)
Victoria’s Secret Classic Backpack ONLY $12.99 (Reg $30)
MUK LUKS Women’s Sarina Boots ONLY $27.99 (Reg. $60)
Ulta Love Your Skin Event: 50% Off Lancome, Murad and More
NuWave 15.5-Qt Air Fryer Oven $110 + $25 Kohl’s Cash
Chatties Fuchsia Glitter Clog for Girls ONLY $7.99 (Reg $20)
Brother P-Touch PT-M95 Label Maker ONLY $24.99 (Reg. $50)

Cross Country Cafe: Win 96 hot cocoa K-Cup® pods!

Every month, Cross Country Cafe has a giveaway. This month, it’s hot cocoa time!

Enter to win FOUR full-size boxes of Hot Chocolate K-Cup® coffee pods! One random winner will be chosen on February 1st, 2022. Enter before January 30th, 2022 at midnight EDT.

If hot cocoa isn’t your jam, Cross Country Cafe has all kinds of great sales and deals on flavored coffees and more here.

Looking for more inspiration? Cross Country Cafe has an entire page dedicated to fun, easy recipes here. 

Cents of Style: COZY Weekly Deal- 1/10/22- Shackets & Outerwear an Extra 20% Off!

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

Shacket? That’s a jacket+shirt! More than a shirt, but not as heavy as a jacket.  This week, Cents of Style is offering the coziest Shackets, sherpa, and lightweight jackets that are cozy, comfy, and will keep the winter chill away. There are 14 styles and they come in various sizes through xs-3xl.

You’ll save an Extra 20% Off Lowest Marked Price Starting AT $16 with coupon code: OUTERLAYER at checkout. This sale only goes through 1/17/2022, so get on this deal!

Favorite Tops

Gazelle- Save up to 15% Off iPhone 8 through 12 models!

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

What better way to start the new year than with a new iPhone! Gazelle is offering up to 15% off on iPhones 8 through 12 models. This offer runs for a limited time only through 1/24/2022.

Get 15% off iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X at Gazelle. Or, if your are looking for something a little different-  Get 5% off iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8 at Gazelle.

And it gets better! If you have a qualified device to trade-in, you can earn some money too! Sign up For The Gazelle Rewards Program Today (click that link for more info and details- First-time customers can get an extra $5 when they trade-in).

Piñata: Make Rent Rewarding

 

I was a renter for years, and each month it pained me to write a rent check and wave the money goodbye. Enter Piñata! Piñata is the world’s first and only rent rewards platform that gives you rewards for paying rent and is free.

Every rent day, get Piñata Cash, redeemable for gift cards and free goodies from top brands.

Even when it’s not rent day, Piñata gives renters exclusive deals and discounts to help you save on everyday expenses from CVS and Costco to Best Buy and Sprint to Papa John’s and Disney World. You get an average of $4,000 in yearly savings. You can also get cashback on special deals from your favorite brands.

You’ll get a $30 gift card just for creating your account.

Get Pinata Cash for referring friends & family and helping them earn as well!

Talk Back: If you sign up for Pinata, please let me know what you think!