2/7/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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I did a ton of meal prep yesterday. I cleaned the kitchen, made a big pot of vegetable soup, made a big salad, and cleaned out the fridge and freezer.

And the CSA Box will be delivered this morning too- I’ve got plans for most of that stuff too! I’m sharing the box with a family friend- sometimes it’s hard to get through all those fruits and veggies in 7 days!

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: The Dream Dinners I picked up 2 weeks ago are really helping with those nights where we’ve got so much going on. This week I’ll be making the salmon tarragon with crispy potatoes as lunch for grown-ups.

  • Monday: Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, Green Salad
  • Tuesday: Nug night- I’ve got 3 different types, crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Wednesday: Chicken enchiladas, beans, rice
  • Thursday:    Cheese and spinach cannelloni with red sauce, garlic bread, roasted veggies
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Kentucky Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies

I’ll be hosting two Dream Dinners events, one virtual, and one in person at the La Mesa store later this month- It’s a great way for those of you who want to check it out for yourselves!

Q-insights- Books Study $200-$250

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Q-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!

Q-Insights is currently recruiting for an online interview on the topic of Books.

The study will run between February 21st to March 18th and you will be
compensated $200-$250 as a thank you for your time.

If you are interested in participating please fill out the survey
Here. If you pre-qualify someone from Q-Insights will call you to ask some additional
qualifying questions.

Frugal Cleaning: “Magic Blue” Cleaner- Great for the Bathroom!

It’s not really magic, but it gets your bathroom (and kitchen) clean without much elbow grease or fuss.

I recently discovered this concoction, and It’s definitely worth sharing. And the best part, you probably have all of the ingredients in your home. If not, a quick trip to Dollar Tree will get you going!

I went to help my mom this week, and I thought I’d clean her bathroom. Our area has the worst hard water (lots of minerals in the water), so cleanings bathtubs and showers are a lot of work.

Enter our magic blue cleaner!

  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup blue dawn hand dishwashing detergent liquid (I know a lot of people call it soap, but technically it is a detergent).
  • 1 cup water (I used tap water)

Pour the vinegar and water into a spray bottle, add Dawn, screw on the lid and shake until the Dawn has dissolved.

Spray on the dirty areas, let sit for about 10 minutes, wipe off (I used a scrubby sponge), and rinse.

The recipe makes a lot, I tend to pour it into smaller spray bottles, so I can have one in each room (bathrooms and kitchen).

It also works great on cleaning toilets, countertops, and sinks too!

AO Opinions: Upcoming Vitamin Project Pays $125

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 Vitamins.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here. 
  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 21-70 Year Olds 
  • Tuesday, February 15th 2022

Looking for Help? Check out Care.com!

Whether you need a babysitter, nanny, elder care, or a little help with chores/housework, care.com can help!

Care.com is the world’s largest online destination for care. They connect families with caregivers and caring companies to help you be there for the ones you love.

We’ve used Care.com to find Respite Workers to help us with the kiddos. Care.com has several plans, and they will help you find your perfect caregiver with 20% off Premium Membership (Discount applied at checkout- Use Promo Code: JOINCARE20).

It’s free to sign up and browse– I recommend that if you are looking for a helping hand around the house or an occasional date night sitter, check out Care.com.

 

AO Opinions: Upcoming Project on Health Insurance

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 Health Insurance.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here. 
  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 65-75 Year Olds 
  • Times and Dates: Wednesday, February, 23rd 2022 or Thursday, February 24th 2022 Various times each day

2/4/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

It’s Friday friends! We’ve got a busy weekend now that we are healthy, it’s time for freebies and fun!

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.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here (and also they’ve started flooding my inbox).

Freebies:

Free Pint of Nightfood Ice Cream
Free Lantern, Book Light or Flashlight
Free San Diego Zoo Safari Park Admission for Seniors
Free Spero Sunflower Cheeses
Free Nike Products
Free Beauty Services at Aveda
Free PawPrint Magazine
Free Johnsonville Smoked Sausage Mac & Cheese Monday House Party
Free $25 off Micro Center Coupon
Possible Free $100 Homeowners Research Study
Free Sample of EZC Pak Immune Support – 1st 1,000
Big List of Free Burgers
Free Sandwiches at Dickey’s Barbecue
Free Samples from Social Sampling – SoCal Only
Marlboro Rewards – Earn Free Gifts
Possible Free $125 Seasonal Allergies Research Study
Free Class at Gymboree
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Sample Pack of Vitafol Ultra or Gummies FirstStep
Free 2022 Wagner & Smith Wall Calendar
Free Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday
Buffalo Wild Wings – Free Wings if the Big Game Goes into OT
Free Red Dress Pin
Free Frutati & Mocati Hard Candy Samples
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Pink Ombre Necklace & Keychain at Michael’s
Free Joyfull Bakery Parmesan Crisps
Possible Free $125 Devices Research Study
Free Star Collection Bookmark
Possible Free $175 Research Study
Free KPop Sauce After Rebate
2 Free Mtn Dew Drinks at Publix

Deals:

Disney Mickey Mouse Toaster 2-Slice ONLY $23.39 (Reg $38)
Polly Pocket Mattel Jigsaw Puzzle ONLY $5.66 (Reg. $12)
MUK LUKS Talora Slipper ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $34)
FREE Personalized Children’s Book for February
Brain Quest Kids Workbooks as Low as $5.70 on Amazon (Reg. $13)
Lulu Rose Fiona Earrings ONLY $14.00 (Reg. $80)
MUK LUKS Flexi Buffalo Shoe ONLY $34.99 (Reg. $70)
MUK LUKS Women’s Abigail Slipper ONLY $18.99 (Reg. $50)
Champion Boys Sherpa Hoodie ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $36)
Save 85% on Steve Madden Jewelry + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Ballpoint Pen Assorted Colors 60-Count ONLY $4.99 on Amazon
KitchenAid 3-Piece Measuring Jugs Set ONLY $12.11 (Reg $25)
Yankee Candle Large Bahama Breeze ONLY $12.99 (Reg. $28)
Wrap Bracelets Collection ONLY $5.99 (Reg $28)
Wilton Steel Springform Pans Set of 3 ONLY $17.93 (Reg $50)
Valentine’s CZ Ring Collection ONLY $12.99 (Reg $39)
WiFi Wireless Essential Oil Diffuser ONLY $25.56 (Reg. $60)
LEGO Minifigure Faces 1000-Piece Puzzle ONLY $9.99 (Reg $18)
Van Ness 25-Pound Food Container ONLY $12.99 (Reg. $29)
75% Off Canada Weather Gear + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Today Only: 70% Off Stylish Faves at Old Navy

Mabel’s Labels Winter Warehouse Sale!

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

I work at a school part-time, and y’all should see how much stuff is in the lost and found on the daily. When deals like this sale from Mabel’s Labels come around, I have to share them.

Starting today you can enjoy up to 40% off inventory that has got to go, plus FREE shipping on all orders! Get these fan-favorites before they are gone!

We have Mabel’s Labels for both kids, and I have them on my stuff too (water bottles, my lunch bag, and our ” going out on adventures backpack”.

Select Products:
• Split Name Label Pack (30% off)
• Personalized Hexagon Stickers (30% off)
• Heart Shape Name Labels (30% off)
• Custom Clothing Stamp (20% off)
• Silicone ID bracelets – 7″ size only (20% off)
• Metal Bag Tags (Bag Tags, Mini Tags, and Custom Medical Tags) (40% off)
• Preschool Shoe Labels (30% off)

I love Mabel’s Labels– They stick really well, and little hands can’t pick or peel them off.

Free Food Resources for February 2022(San Diego County)

A new year means new opportunities to find free food resources in San Diego County.

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

Our friends at Faith Chapel are super ahead of the game and sent out information regarding their 2022 food distributions early on in the year.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for February 2022 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

1/31/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is starting off with a somber note. My dad is in the ICU and he’s stable, but pretty sick. So, dear readers, thoughts and prayers are requested! My meal plan for the week may not be as put together since I’ll be visiting him and my family as much as I can.

As usual, the CSA Box will be delivered this morning too. I’m hoping to roast up some veggies and make a big salad. I’ll be posting a really yummy salad recipe this week.

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.

I did a grocery shopping trip on Friday, stocked up on lunch food and snacks for the kids, and of course- milk and bread.

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: Dinner with family
  • Tuesday: Nug night- I’ve got 3 different types, krinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Wednesday:   Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl We didn’t have it last week
  • Thursday:   Baked Stuffed Canollis, salad
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Veggie Soup

Please stay safe you guys!