12/6/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgLast week’s meal plan didn’t work out as I had planned. We got busy, stuff came up, and we ran out of eggs mid-week. I didn’t have time to run to the store, so…

We’re starting fresh this week. I did some meal prep yesterday, including some egg-free baking (banana bread and chocolate chip cookies). I hit the store for eggs, milk, and butter this morning. We’re ready to go!

With a reorganized pantry, I’ve got some great meals planned for the week.

And I’ve been getting a lot of 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. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

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, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: I am planning some great meals this week. I did some batch cooking yesterday, and got the fridge organized.

  • Monday: Nuggets, fresh fruit (orange and apple slices are on tap), cheese, and crackers
  • Tuesday: Grilled Meatloaf sandwiches (grilled cheese for the kids), fruit, Salad
  • Wednesday:  Vegetarian Enchilada casserole, salad
  • Thursday:   Breakfast burritos (eggs, cheese, potatoes, grilled veggies, bacon or sausage, salsa), fruit
  • Friday: take out (Usually pizza and Chinese food)
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Shakshuka, garlic bread, salad (since we didn’t have it last week)

Please stay safe you guys!

AO Opinions: Upcoming Project on Snacks $40-90

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 snacks.

To be considered, please complete the pre-screener survey here.

  • Compensation: $40-$90 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 18+ years old
  • Tuesday December 14th, Wednesday, December 15th, or Thursday, December 16th, 2021
  • Times Currently Available: MUST JOIN 15-MINS EARLY – 3-HR COMMITMENT
  • 6:30PM-9:30PM ET / 5:30PM-8:30PM CT / 4:30PM-7:30PM MT / 3:30PM-6:30PM PT

Ripple Street: MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties Chatterbox

Looking to try something new?

Wake up your tastebuds and enjoy a delicious meat-free addition to any balanced breakfast with MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties. They’re plant-based and seasoned with an inviting blend of aromatic herbs and spices to delight everyone in your family. Find Original, Hot & Spicy, and Maple MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties in the freezer aisle of your local retailer. Which flavor are you most excited to try?
If you are selected, you will receive:

1 Free coupon to purchase MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties from your local store.

To apply, click here. 

 

Clifford The Big Red Dog Movie – Special Holiday Ticket Price!

Have you heard? Clifford The Big Red Dog movie is out in theatres.

My kids can’t wait to see it. And with this great deal, we’ll have extra cash for treats!

At select theatres, starting today (12/3/21) there is a special holiday price ($5 tickets) to check out this awesome, fun family movie. Thanks to Paramount for this sweet deal!

 

 

Cents of Style: HUGE Winter Giftables Collection Starting UNDER $5 & Nothing Over $20

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

Cents of Style has a pretty sweet deal this week for Fashion Friday. If you are looking for some stocking stuffers or if you’ve got a Secret Santa coming up, these gifts are perfect!

Use the coupon code WONDERFUL to make these giftables starting UNDER $5 and no more than $20! Choose from TONS of options including beanies, warm socks, hard-soled slippers, jewelry, scarves, scrunchies, and gloves. Mix and match to your heart’s content; the color and style combos are endless! Don’t let this warm deal pass you by without snagging some of our most loved winter must-haves! These are STOCK UP prices!! Oh and to make this deal even better – BUY A GIFT, GET A GIFT- Free Scrunchie with each order!!! 

This deal is good through 12/8/2021 at Midnight.

Accessories

Free Event This Saturday! 17th San Diego International Children’s Film Festival

This weekend is the 17th San Diego International Children’s Film Festival.

After an exciting festival opening, last Sunday at Comic-Con International Special Edition, the 17th annual San Diego International Children’s Film Festival continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at the San Diego Central Library downtown, 330 Park Blvd.

There will screen dozens of short films from around the world – animation, live-action, and documentary. These films are good for all ages, from toddlers through teens and beyond. See the complete film schedule at www.childrensfilmsd.org

Admission is free for everyone, and you don’t need tickets. Just show up anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and enjoy the films in the library’s beautiful Neil Morgan Auditorium on the ground level. If you have a moment, please register your planned attendance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/206726182577. There will also be some fun giveaways at the event!

AO Opinions: Upcoming Household Products Project $175

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  Household Products!

To be considered, please complete the pre-screener survey here. 

  • Compensation: $125 + $50 pre-task
  • Open to: 25-55 year olds
  • Wednesday, December 15th or Thursday, December 16th 2021
  • Multiple times are available each day.

12/3/2021 Friday Freebies!

It’s December! Time to decorate, baking, chill with your peeps. I’m excited to take the kids to look at Light displays, and make some cookies!

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

There are some pretty cool freebies this week!

Freebies:

Free Photo Greeting Card + Free Shipping
Free Dick’s Sporting Goods Products
Free Sample of Rituals of Namaste Anti-Aging Day Cream & Serum
Free Intimate Science Beauty & Wellness Samples
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Verizon Up Rewards – Free $3-$5 Amazon or Starbucks Gift Card
Sephora – Free NARS, Laneige, Moroccanoil or Kerastatse Mini Set
Free Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush
Free Koia Drink
Free New Wash Hair Care Sample
Panera Members – Free Bagel Everyday in December
Free Black Box Wines Magnet, Koozie & More
Possible Free Shangi-Chi and The Ten Rings Gift Box
Free Big Mountain Foods Products
Free Cooking Together Cookbook
Free Custom 3D Flamcard Photo Card at Walgreens
Free Sample of Tena Stylish Underwear
Free $50 Amazon, Target or Visa Gift Card with Dodge Test Drive
Free Subscription to Architectural Digest
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Flavor Your Life 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Free Fishing Licenses for Disabled Anglers
Free $10+ DSW Rewards with Donation

Porchlight Community Holiday Toy Swap – Reuse, Reduce, Give Love!

Our friends over at Porchlight Community are hosting a toy swap on December 11, 2021. 

ToySwap – Bring your gently loved toys to swap out. Save our environment, Save Money, Donate and Help Charity!

About this event:

  • Walk away feeling great about contributing to your community while having fun with no financial worry.
  • Any leftover items will be donated to other local nonprofits.
Where: 8888 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite B, 92123
When: 9 am to 11:30 am
Toy Drop-off: Thursday 10am to 6 pm
How it works:
  • Drop off a box or manageable box of clean, gently used, or new toys.*Must be in good condition and have no missing parts. Electronics must come with batteries to test working conditions.

Shop Online and Earn Cash Back with Rakuten!

Have you heard of Rakuten (formerly ebates)?

Earning Cash Back at Rakuten is as Easy as 1-2-3! Sign up for free, shop at your favorite stores, and earn Cash Back on every purchase. You already shop online, so you might as well earn some cash back!

Rakuten provides Cash Back to over two million dedicated members. Since 1999, members have earned over $100 million in Cash Back savings from 1,800+ stores. And now when you join for free you will get a $10 gift card after your first purchase of $25 or more.

If shopping in-store is more your speed, Rakuten has your back!

And the in-store cash-back deals are hot!

Sephora: 4.0% In-Store Cash Back
Bed Bath & Beyond: 3.0% In-Store Cash Back
Macy’s: 6.0% In-Store Cash Back
JCPenney: 2.0% In-Store Cash Back
The Body Shop: 7.0% In-Store Cash Back
Sally Beauty: 6.0% In-Store Cash Back

Make sure to check the terms of each offer too. I love that I can use coupons and take advantage of store sales and deals and earn cashback in-store too!