5/10/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpg

Last week on Tuesday night our fridge started acting up, and by Wednesday afternoon, it was no longer blowing cold air. the fan was broken. Thankfully we have the extended warranty, so they came out Thursday afternoon and repaired the fridge (replaced the fan).

As a result, we lost most of the food in the fridge, including all of the condiments. The meal plan for the rest of last week was scrapped.

I hit up the store to replace what was lost, but I wasn’t able to replace all of it, for some reason, there are some food shortages, probably because some items are made overseas and there are some countries that are seeing surges in Covid Cases as of late.

The CSA emails us in advance to give us a heads up as to what may be in our boxes each week, and that really gives me an upper hand when it comes to meal planning for the week.

Veggies and fruit are delivered each Monday 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. I spend about an hour on Monday afternoon cleaning and prepping veggies for the rest of the week.

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: Kids take lunch to school. I eat leftovers. Everyone rejoices.

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:  Take out (It was Mother’s Day after all)
  • Monday:   Big Ol’ Salad, fruit, protein shakes
  • Tuesday:    Salsa Chicken, Rice, roasted veg
  • Wednesday:  Nugget night (nuggets, fruit, crackers, milk)
  • Thursday:  Steak, potatoes, roasted veg
  • Friday:  Pizza/Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Meal o’ Snacks and /or leftovers

Please stay safe you guys!

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

5/7/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals

bright boxes

This week has been busy- The compressor in our fridge died hard on Wednesday. The meal plan for the week changed drastically. The kids were stoked that they got to eat an entire box of popsicles in one sitting though.  I’m hunting for some good deals today to restock the fridge and freezer. I’m going to need all new condiments. TIP: If your fridge dies, don’t try to save the mayo. Warm mayo is not a good thing!

Luckily, We’ve got some good freebies and deals this week.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- 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, get vaccinated when it’s your turn!

Freebies:

Free Southern Flavor Charbroil Seasoning Sample
New Sampler Samples – Eye Liner, Orgain Powder & Frozen Sides
Free Domino’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Quest Squad Swag, Products & More
Free Screening of In the Heights
5 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sweet Earth Awesome Burger at Select Stores
Free Sweet Earth Awesome Grounds at Select Stores
Free Cookie at Insomnia Cookie for Teachers & Nurses
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Free Cliradex Face Wipes or Foam Sample
Free Botzees Toddler Young Coders Party
Free Sweet Earth Marinated Chik’n at Select Stores
Free Sample of Tom Ford Black Orchid
Free BareFoot Wine for Your Birthday
Walmart Mother’s Day Event – Free Crafts, Goody Bag & More
Free Terrain D.O.G. Stickers
Free Abundant Natural Health Ocean Soothe Gel & Lotion Samples
2 Free Meridian Dog Food Samples
Free Hartz Home Protection Odor Eliminating Dog Pads
Free Sample of Nateen Baby Diapers
Free Sample of StriVectin Eye Cream
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Free Sample of Combat Ready Friction Shield Tape
Free Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine
Free Matrix Socolor Permanent Dye Or Toner
Free Sweet Earth Mindful Chik’n at Select Stores
Free No-Cost Heart Health Screenings
Free Wonder Woman Mother’s Day Craft Event at JCPenney
Free Juice or Freeze at Pressed Juicery
Free Ink Cartridge
Free Sample of Cheez-It Grooves
Possible Free 12 Piece Makeup Pencil Set

Deals:

Up to 85% Off XTRATUF Shoes ONLY $9.99
Gel Pens 30-Pack ONLY $7.64 (Reg. $16)
Giant Backyard Waterslide ONLY $99.98 (Reg. $180)
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Cosmetic Bags + Free Shipping
Paint by Sticker Zoo Animals ONLY $5.01 (Reg. $10)
MUK LUKS Women’s No Show Sport Socks 6-Pack $16.99 (Reg. $28)
Jumbo Down-Alt Comforters ONLY $16.99 (Reg. $85)
Morgan Home Fleece Throws ONLY $10.20 (Reg $20)
Kate Spade Cameron and Staci Bundle ONLY $109 (Reg $378)
OPI Nail Polish Scotland Collection ONLY $5.25 (Reg $11)
Deep Tissue Massage Gun ONLY $37.99 Shipped (Reg $75)
Lighted Vanity Mirror with Shelf ONLY $69.90 Shipped (Reg $120)
Martha Stewart 11-Inch Grill Pan ONLY $43.99 Shipped (Reg $110)
A Cloud-Soft Mattress Pad up to 75% Off
Art & Cook Steak Knives w/ Tie-Dye Handles ONLY $7.93 (Reg $22)

SheSpeaks: Free Knudsen Cottage Doubles!

If you or your family like cottage cheese and have a Walmart nearby, check out this cool cashback deal from SheSpeaks and Walmart!

I did this Knudsen Cottage Doubles offer last week, and it’s super easy!

Now this offer isn’t available at every Walmart, so before you get excited, check this list to see your local location is participating.

To get started, click here to enroll in the program.  It’s free, easy, and takes just a few minutes.

AO Opinions Upcoming Children’s Entertainment Project $250

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study. This Survey is open to parents of children ages 2-5. I took the survey and it asks about the types of television shows kids in that age range enjoy.

  • To be considered, please complete the pre-screening survey here.
  • Compensation: $250 (if chosen)
  • Open to: Parents
  • Tuesday, May 18th or Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 (Various Times)

Gives Kids Financial Freedom with Greenlight!

I love Greenlight! I recently learned about this company and I can’t wait to try it with the Big Kid.

Greenlight is all about financial education for kids. They help them learn about money management through a safe, secure app where parents manage every dollar and see every transaction.

  • The debit card for kids, managed by parents.
  • With the tap of a button, send money to your kids — anytime, anywhere. No trips to the ATM, no cash, no hassle. For our family- This is key! I hate going to the bank to get the big kids allowance each week.
  • Set flexible parental controls that are right for your family and get real-time notifications every time your kids spend money.
  • After your 30-day Trial consumers are charged a $4.99 monthly fee for the service.
  • You can upgrade to a custom debit card later and have a selfie on the card.

Free Sample Offer from Kabrita!

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

unnamed

When my littles were wee, they both had delicate tummies. It’s hard to know what kinds of formula to trust, so after lots of research, trying samples, and talking to other moms (really our pediatrician was ZERO help- she’s a nice lady, but formula wasn’t her wheelhouse), I stumbled upon Kabrita.

Our pediatrician is really big on making sure babies get prebiotics and probiotics, especially if they are formula fed. Kabrita has prebiotics, which are a natural digestive aid.

I like Kabrita because it doesn’t have any added white or processed sugar- just lactose, the sweetener from milk! Also, Kabrita formula smells like goats milk and tastes like goats milk. I will confess: after smelling some formulas I wouldn’t want to taste them, but I tried an ounce of Kabrita once just to see. It tastes like goats milk.

I’ve been telling moms about it for a few years now, and one thing I love is that they have a really great sample program.

Sign up here, and you’ll receive:

  • 5.3 oz carton of Goat Milk Toddler Formula
  • 7 oz bag of Organic Goat Milk Porridge
  • 0.53 oz bag of Snack Puffs with Goat Cheese

*$4.99 Shipping & Handling applies at check-out, limited to one offer per household. This is not a subscription. Please note, our Trial Offer may include either the Apple Cinnamon or Multigrain Porridge.

All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. I’ve used Kabrita for both of my kids. This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Everything is Awesome! The LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD Opening on May 27, 2021

My kids are going to lose their MINDS when I tell them about this! One of the places they have been missing over the past 13 months is Legoland.

THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD is opening on May 27, 2021. It brings the streets of Bricksburg and experience the Park’s newest and biggest adventure which brings the blockbuster films THE LEGO® MOVIE™ and THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 2: The Second Part, to life.

This new land features six interactive attractions for all to enjoy.

  • Emmet’s Flying Adventure
  • Unikitty’s Disco Drop
  • Benny’s Play Ship
  • Queen Watevra’s Carousel
  • Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build zone,
  • Meet Emmet and all his friends in Emmet’s Super Suite
  • Enjoy tasty themed treats such as Cloud Cuckoo Crepes throughout the land.

I’m excited to take the kids to Legoland this summer! They are both itching to visit the new LEGO MOVIE WORLD and of course, the Legoland water park!

The LEGO MOVIE WORLD will be included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. Guests can purchase tickets and reserve their spot through LEGOLAND California’s reservation system for their desired Park visit. For more Resort information, operating schedule and to make reservations, visit the Legoland Website here.

And if you are looking for some money savings hacks for Legoland, check out my post here.

Pizza Hut Book It Enrollment (2021-2022) is Open!

BOOK-IT.pngWoo Hoo! My Kids are stoked.

Enrollment is now open for the 2021-22 BOOK IT! Program year. Homeschool parents can now enroll their children!

Enrollment is also open to all parents for Camp BOOK IT!, which will run June-August, 2021.

PreK students (age 4 by Sept. 1st, 2021) are now eligible for all BOOK IT! programs. Be sure to include those students in your enrollment!

The nice part about BOOK IT is that each teacher can choose to participate, it’s no longer a school wide program. Everything is done online, and certificates are emailed when they are earned.  With the digital program, parents can use digital certificates in person, over the phone, or online, for carryout, delivery or dine in providing even more ways for them to celebrate their child’s reading accomplishments.

Get Started here!  And remember to share this post with your teacher friends!

Everyone loves pizza- and nothing is better than FREE PIZZA!

Recipe: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Screen Shot 2019-03-08 at 7.56.56 AM.png

The kids have been begging for homemade cookies lately, and I’ve been busy with other stuff, so I haven’t had tons of time to make cookies.

I dug through the cupboard last week and realized that I had all of the ingredients except baking soda. I used the last half box I had to deodorize the kids bathroom.

So I turned to an old favorite, Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix. and because of the other ingredients, I used a smidge of baking powder (please remember that soda and powder are not interchangeable in recipes- it has a lot to do with the other ingredients and their pH/chemical makeup) and the cookies turned out perfect!

Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix contains leavening, so the added baking powder was just a little *bump* to make sure the cookies didn’t come out flat.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

  • One stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth preferred
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup white/granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups quick oats, uncooked
  • 2 cups of chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter.
  3. Add sugars one at a time and mix until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated fully.
  5. Mix in baking powder, salt, flour, and oats. Once all are blended into the dough, add chocolate chips.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls on cookie sheets that have been greased or are lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad.  I prefer silicone baking pads.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Let cookies rest 1-2 minutes before transferring to the cooling rack.

This recipe makes approx. 3 dozen cookies. If you are allergic to peanuts, you can substitute sunbutter or your favorite nut butter. Do Not use Nutella- It contains a lot of sugar and other ingredients that will throw off the chemistry of the recipe and you won’t get yummy cookies.

Review of Everything’s a Deal (2 Locations in San Diego)

If you’re like me, you’ve been socially isolated/staying home for the better part of a year, wearing the same clothes, and it’s getting a little repetitive.

But at the same time, you don’t want to go to the mall. And as much fun as shopping on Amazon is, it’s hard to buy clothes on Amazon sometimes.

Last week, after I dropped the kids off at school and ran a couple errands, I found myself in South Bay. I remember that there used to be a discount/mark-down clothing store off of Palomar Road and interstate five, so I decided to drive down and see if it was still there. It is! And it’s even better than I remembered. It’s called Everything’s A Deal (it used to be Everything’s $5.00) and they’ve changed their store again.

The address is: 1141 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91911

In a true wholesale try store the more you buy the cheaper the price per item becomes. If you buy between five and 10 items it’s $27.50+ tax for all 5 to 9 items. And the prices go down from there. Unlike a lot of discount clothing stores (I’m looking at a Ross) it’s not mostly trash/fast fashion/awful sweatshop crap.

Originally $44, marked down to $5.99!
I love this brand! They make such cozy sweaters and jackets. Originally sold at Nordstrom’s Rack.

Everything’s A Deal buys lots from well-known retailers (Sears, JCPenney, Nordstrom‘s Rack, or fifth Avenue, just to name a few) and they have a large warehouse-style store where everything is separated by size. All the plus sizes are together, all the small, medium, large, etc.

The nice thing is that the sale prices are for everything. Shoes, accessories, purses, close. They have kids’ clothes in men’s clothes too. So conceivably you could read your entire family there and some really cute outfits and not break the bank. Everything is new with tags. I bought five items and spent $29.99 after tax out the door. I got a jacket, address, two new T-shirts, and a really cute vest that I’m going to tie-dye.

All five items are name brand, and the jacket is a brand that is sold at Nordstrom rack. I googled the RN number and discovered that the original price of my brand new coat was $89.99. My two shirts had the tags still attached, my vest is from a brand I remember seeing at Macy’s, and my new dress, which is adorable, is from a brand that target sells.

Super Cute Sweater from A.N.A. a JCPenney Brand
This sweater, originally from JCPenney started out life at $47, and is now $5.00! Such an amazing deal!

There’s another location on Broadway in Lemon Grove (7696 Broadway Lemon Grove, CA) if South Bay is too far of a jog for you. Honestly, the stores are a great help for us, they help me stretch our clothing budget for new items. I’m able to afford better quality items for the same price that I would be paying at Walmart. And because the clothing swaps are going to be not happening for probably the next year or two, we won’t be able to pick up hand-me-downs or other secondhand clothing and household goods.

Clothing swaps are one of the ways that we are able to save a lot of money and keep the kids’ clothes. The kids are starting to grow out of the clothing that they have been wearing, and because there’s been no clothing swap this year, I don’t have clothing in the next size ready. I am going to have to purchase clothes.

I have been doing buying clothes and replacing our wardrobes little by little when I find stuff on sale and clearance that kids and I will like. This is mostly through jcp.com because they have such great sales and coupons. And I can combine those with cashback deals from online aggregators like top cashback, MyPoints, and Honey.