3/7/2022 Meal Plan Monday

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Uh, so the long and the short of it is that there is no meal plan this week.

Our kitchen is in the middle of remediation, due to a water heater failure two weeks ago. You can see pics on my Instagram later today. I’m taking my CSA Box to my mom’s house later and I’ll be roasting and doing veggie prep there for the week.

My oven and stove are inaccessible, so I’m relying a lot on my sweet air fryer/convection oven/toaster combo (Like this one, but ours is bigger), microwave, and fridge for the week.  I planned, but I’m not 100% committed to anything other than eating roasted asparagus this week.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, 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.

This week I also got a lovely bouquet of flowers (pics on IG in a bit), that I’ll be taking to my mom. We have dehumidifiers going 24/7 and I don’t want the flowers to dry out.

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: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, and what’s in the fridge. All of my pantry is packed up, and I don’t have access to 90% of my kitchen.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (probably bagels with cream cheese,  fruit, and yogurt)
  • Wednesday: Pesto ravioli and roasted veggies
  • Thursday: Salad Bar Night with garlic bread
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Who Knows, by Sunday I may have lost my marbles.

Moms Meet Wow Summit 2022: It’s Virtual!

The Moms Meet WOW Summit is back for 2022 and it’s virtual again!

If you have followed me for a whole, you know I love Moms Meet. It’s an amazing way to try out products for moms, kids, and families. Every year, they hold a Wow Summit somewhere in the US. This year it’s virtual again AND FREE for Moms Meet members, so really… no reason not to attend, right??

The Wow Summit is three fun-filled and educational days focused on raising happy and healthy families.

Empowering moms to raise happy and healthy families

Experience everything our WOW Summit has to offer, right from the comfort of your own home. From attending educational workshops and hearing from compelling speakers, to networking with like-minded moms, you’ll walk away equipped with the knowledge you need to raise a happy and healthy family. You’ll also have access to our Virtual Exhibit Hall filled with the newest natural, organic, non-GMO, eco, educational, homeopathic, and allergy-free products on the market, plus so much more.

The best part—it’s totally free to attend if you are a member of Moms Meet! There’s even a unique Track just for bloggers and influencers.

There are two tracks, and there will be workshops and classes for every parent/caregiver!

Community Track

Join hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents, and caretakers committed to leading healthy lifestyles.

  • Discover better-for-you products and chat live with brands in the Virtual Exhibit Hall.
  • Hear from inspirational speakers and attend educational workshops.
  • Network with other moms and attend a Virtual Happy Hour.
  • Enter to win amazing prizes worth hundreds of dollars.
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag filled with amazing discounts and coupons.

Blogger/Influencer Track

Whether you’re a new or experienced blogger or influencer you’ll walk away feeling inspired and full of ideas to take your platforms to the next level.

  • Attend workshops tailored towards bloggers, influencers, and content creators.
  • Network during exclusive events and meet other mom bloggers and influencers.
  • Meet one-on-one with brands offering sponsored campaign opportunities.
  • Plus, gain access to all the Community Track sessions and Virtual Exhibit Hall, enter to win prizes, and so much more.

I’ve been introduced to so many brands, products, and bloggers/influencers since I became a member of Moms Meet. I encourage you to check out the Wow Summit.

 

Dinosaurs Invade Miniland USA at Legoland California!

If your kiddos are like mine, they love dinosaurs and Legoland.

Our friends over at LEGOLAND® California Resort have created more than 30 of the massive creatures that have taken over the Big Apple in Miniland U.S.A. Guests can get up close to Stegosauruses, Brachiosauruses, Triceratopses and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, among others, running rampant through the city. The fun scenes all depict what happens when a science convention has gone wrong and now families can join a LEGO® Mad Scientist in his search to find and identify all the creatures.

Each prehistoric reptile took a team of Master Model Builders more than 60 hours to design and construct. Each dinosaur weighs more than 20lbs and is built out of more than 30 thousand LEGO® bricks. Sharp LEGO® teeth, gigantic claws, and tiny T-rex arms are among the many identifiable characteristics of the carnivorous models. The Model Builders also had some fun creating silly and entertaining scenes in Time Square, Central Park, and high above the city skyline for all to enjoy.

LEGO dinosaurs will be roaming around the city that never sleeps now through summer at the Park… catch them fast before they go extinct!

The kids love Legoland, and they make it fun and easy for all families to enjoy their parks. If you are a family with special needs, check out my post about their Assisted Access Pass. And if you are trying to have fun on a budget- Legoland can be enjoyed on the cheap! Tips and tricks can be found here.

This dinosaur experience is included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND® California Resort. For LEGOLAND® California Resort ticket prices, Spring Break special offers, operating schedule, and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).

Special Needs Family Resources and Fun in San Diego March/April 2022!

I received this from one of the specialists at my kids’ school and thought I’d share. There are so many great events and opportunities coming up for families with special needs kiddos here in San Diego!

  • UCSD is hosting a free virtual Autism Resource Webinar. This Webinar will cover sleep disturbances in Autism and strategies that may help! Zoom webinar will be held on March10th from 4:00-4:30.
  • FREE accessibility mornings at the New Children’s Museum. Museum will open an hour early to provide a sensory-friendly experience in a quieter setting. March 12th from 8-9 am. You are welcome to stay for the day as well!
  • San Diego Padres Behind the Scenes Event. Padres is partnering with the Autism Society of San Diego, on March 13th from 11am-2pm. Families will get a guided tour through the ballpark!
  • RACE FOR AUTISM 5K! celebrate autism awareness with either a 5k or a 1-mile family fun walk throughout balboa park. April 2nd, 5k begins at 7:25 and then 1 mile run at 8:30. register at raceforautism.org.
  • Autism Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet Museum. Families will benefit from a low sensory experience and can enjoy the exhibit galleries in a quieter setting and a special IMAX film screening (lights on and lower volume. Free ticket for one guest and one chaperoneMarch 19th from 9:00-10:00, Imax film at 10:00.
  • San Diego Seals Stair Climb. San Diego Seals, professional lacrosse team, is raising awareness for Down Syndrome on March 19th! Stair climb begins at 3pm, dinner is at 5pm and the game begins at 7pm at the Sports Arena.

March is National Craft Month! Free Crafts & Crafting Deals!

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? My daughter told me this morning and now she’s got all sorts of crafts planned for us to do.

If you need some ideas to get your creativity flowing, here are a few:

Michaels offers free online classes on a variety of crafting topics. Check out their offering here.

Dollar Tree has an amazing selection of paints, wooden items, soft crafts, craft kits, iron-ons, beads, you name it- And everything is $1.25/each or less!

AllFreeKidsCrafts Spring Crafts eBook is now available for download here. I found 3 new crafts for the kids to do today- they are going stir crazy because it’s raining here.

I know some of my readers love their wine, and if you are one of them, FaveCrafts has something just for you! Their latest free eBook, 25 Cool Things to Do with Old Wine Bottles is available here.

The week of 3/8-1/13 Craftsy, has a really great coupon to use on supplies or classes! Use MARCH15 to take $15 Off A Purchase of $25 or More!

In addition to the sweet 60% off at Craftsy, they also offer a lot of free classes. Here are just a few that I love:

Consumer Research Project – Paid Opinion Study Earn Up to $200

This survey information came into my inbox this morning. I’ve never worked with Focus Group Connection before, and this is the first time I’ve shared an opportunity with them.
This Research Project is only open to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nebraska.
Focus Group Connection is looking for Men and Women to participate in an online Consumer Research Project taking place from March 17th – April 1st  on the topic of “Current Events.” This is a three-part study. Not everyone will be selected to continue after part one.
  • Part-one will be a 15-minute Pre-Call – Incentive will be $25.00
  • Part-two (If selected) will be a 3-day online blog assignment – Incentive will be $75.00
  • Part-three (If selected) will be a 90-minute, one-on-one Interview – Incentive will be $100.00
Total Incentive is up to $200.00 for your time and insights.
If you’re interested in participating, please click here to fill in the pre-screen.
Please note – Not everyone will qualify to participate and not everyone will receive a call-back.

AO Opinions: Upcoming Caregiver Lymphoma Cancer Project

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study open to Lymphoma Cancer Caregivers.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here.
  •  Compensation: $75 (if chosen)
  • Open to: Lymphoma Cancer Caregivers
  • Friday March 4th, Monday, March 7th, or Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 – 12PM-3PM ET (60-mins MUST join early)

3/4/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

We’re still in the middle of remediation and construction here- Our water heater died last week. It’s crazy and I miss hot showers. Right now all the hot water is being used for the kids to get clean. We’ve got a loaner 20-gallon water heater and it’s so small!

I’m getting y’all some top-notch freebies and deals this week- Enjoy and stay safe!

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:

25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Bizzy Coffee Stickers
Free Charger, Docking Station & More
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit
Free Bandages, First Aid Kits or Antiseptic Cleaners
Free Box of Kodiak Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix Coupon
Free Hope & Sesame Non-GMO Sesamemilk
Free Acne Facial Cleanser or Acne Patches
Free Sample of Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club Fragrance
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum Sample
Free Drink or Food Item at Starbucks
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Milton’s Craft Bakers Cauliflower Crust Pizza in Stores
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
Free 6 or 12-Pack Blue Moon LightSky
Free COVID Antiviral Treatments
Free Sample of Malin + Goetz SPF 30 Face Moisturizer
Free Sample of Replenix Redness Reducing Triple AOX Cream
4 Free Cinnabon BonBites + Free Birthday Treat
Free Save Earth Save Us Sticker
2 Free Skincare Products + $50 Amazon eGift Card
Free Items with Vogue Insiders
Free Bubbies Gluten-Free Mochi Ice Cream
Free PawPrint Magazine
Free Subscription to Cigar Aficionado Magazine
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More
Free Ocean’s Halo Organic Soy-Free Dressing
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points

Deals:

75% Off PicassoTiles Magnetic Building Blocks + Extra 10% Off
NERF Headset with Communication Mic ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $20)
Barbie Color Reveal Surprise Party Set ONLY $27.19 (Reg. $50)
Unisex Hooded Puffer Jacket ONLY $49.59 (Reg $125)
Rachael Ray 12-Pc Nonstick Pots and Pans Set ONLY $89 (Reg $198)
Fryin’ Flyin Donuts Family Game ONLY $3.97 on Amazon
Multipurpose Drawstring Trash Bags 50-Count as Low as $5.61
Sofia Vergara Clearance as Low as $5.00 (Reg. $22)
Threshold Salt and Pepper Grinders ONLY $7.50 (Reg. $15)
Women’s Apparel Clearance as Low as $5.00
Kathy Ireland Daffodil Moccasin ONLY $18.99 (Reg. $44)
Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines $17.49 (Reg. $35)
75% Off Active in Jogger Leggings + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Ozark Trail 22-Piece Camping Set ONLY $115 (Reg $169)

Kids Bowl Free- It’s Back for Summer 2022!

file0001910298986.jpgThis popped into my inbox last night. I’m so glad it’s back.

Looking for something fun, air-conditioned, and cheap to do this summer? Yeah, you are!

Kids Bowl Free has been around for years, and it’s a great way to get kids active even when it’s hot outside. I’m so excited it’s back for 2021!

Kids 2-18 can bowl 2 games for free each day the program is running at participating bowling centers all across the US and Canada. All you pay for is shoe rental- or bring your own if you have them!kidsbowlfree_logo-new-2019.jpg

This program is available all over the US and Canada. The complete list can be found here. Sign up is quick and easy. To get started, register here.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of this deal! It’s one of our favorite summer activities.

AO Opinions Upcoming Parent Project $150

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the topic of Parenting.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here.
  • Compensation: $150 (if chosen)
  • Open to: Parents of children under 10yo
  • Times Currently Available: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 or or Thursday, March 24, 2022 (various times)