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Upcoming Changes to Weekly Meal Plan Posts…

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’ve been posting weekly meal plans here and on IG for over 7 years. I was reminded by an IG memory today of our weekly meal plan 7 years ago this morning.

I kinda stopped about Thanksgiving. I’ve been busy with my day job, juggling the children’s various weekly appointments, and life besides being a parent (spoiler: it’s hard y’all).

Here are a few changes I’ve made to save time, and money, and keep food waste down.

I have changed our Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box subscription to twice a month. I prep all of the produce the afternoon we receive it. That looks like:

  • Make a fruit salad
  • Make Salsa
  • Roast two sheet trays of veggies
  • Chop and prep any Cruciferous vegetables (specifically broccoli and cauliflower) for stir fry or soups.
  • Make up 2-3 bags of mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) for soups.
  • Make a veggie-based soup, this one is a current favorite.

Next up: I spend a few hours on Sunday  (or Monday in the case of three-day weekends), doing the actual prep. Planning meals, pulling recipes, making lunches for myself for the week, and making a few main dishes, or at least putting them together.

This week I prepped Pot Sticker bowls. a bag of frozen pot stickers, a bag of peas and carrots, rice, water, and teriyaki sauce. I had little takeout packets of teriyaki left, but if I needed to, I would use the tiny condiment containers I have (like these) to store the teriyaki sauce.

I made rice, fried the potstickers, and steamed the veggies. Portioned out four servings into reusable containers, and set on the counter to cool. Once they are room-ish temp, they get stashed in the fridge. DO NOT PUT HOT FOOD INTO THE FRIDGE.

I also cut up Cara Cara oranges, divided mini carrots into Ziploc bags, and pulled tiny hummus cups from the freezer. Yes, you can freeze hummus.

I also made sure that we have all of the veggies cut up for stir-fried orange chicken this week (chicken is already grilled and cut up in the freezer, all I have to do is defrost and heat it). I’ll cook some rice while the veggies are cooking, and dinner will be ready to go in less than 30 minutes.

I pulled a couple soups from the freezer this week too. When I make a batch of soup I freeze half of it for a future meal. This is an easy dinner that I can pull together with a fruit salad, a green salad, and garlic bread.

This week’s soups are: Split Pea and Chicken Noodle.

I pulled the half package of breakfast sausage I had in the freezer and we’ll be having breakfast for dinner one night: Sausage, fruit salad, hashbrowns, and waffles. The waffles I make using Kodiak Flapjack mix, milk, and an egg for a little added protein. I usually buy it at Costco, but Amazon has it too.

One night we’ll have a quick dinner: Beans and rice bowls, grilled cheese and fruit, salad, macaroni and cheese.

Friday is take-out night, and one night we do leftovers.

Because I have been prepping and planning for years and I have a pretty good inventory of our pantry and fridge, this process is fairly streamlined.

I do 99% of my shopping at Aldi these days, with a quick stop at Grocery Outlet if needed. I cook a lot more from scratch as of late to keep our grocery budget to a small fortune (about $150/week). That’s for three people, three meals a day, plus snacks.

Just like before, breakfast and lunch are pretty much the same:

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I have a post here about our lunches. While lunches are free in California schools, my kids prefer to bring their lunches from home.

So, overall, not much has changed here for me, just streamlining systems, and I feel like unless I make something really yummy and cool, I may not come back to posting weekly meal plans for a while.

Earn up to $50 Referring Friends to Venmo!

Abby H.1 Comment

This offer is back. I use Venmo all the time, it’s perfect for splitting bills when you go out with friends, or use it when you do rebate apps, or Aisle rebates. I also pay our sitter with Venmo.

Head to the You page of the app and tap Invite Friends, Earn $5.  Then, using the share link, invite 10 new peeps to Venmo!

Everyone you refer will earn $5 for signing up after you make a bank- or card-funded payment of at least $5 within 14 days.

If you are new to Venmo, Click my link here or use my QR code!

This post contains affiliate links,  For more information about the use of affiliate links and partnerships, visit my disclosure page. 

My Top Ten Tootsie Treats for Tired Toes (and feet)

Abby H.

Birkenstocks, my favorite sandal!

As someone who is on their feet almost all day, I find the health and comfort of my feet imperative. I’ve tried many gadgets, lotions, creams, and doodads to keep my feet comfy. I’ve been under a podiatrist’s care for 4 years now, and there is no substitute for professional care. The items listed below were okayed by my doctor, and several were recommended. But remember- My doctor is not your doctor, and I’m definitely not a doctor, so if you have foot pain that lasts a long time or is getting worse, get a referral to a podiatrist.

Below are items that I use, and I’ve linked them to the places I bought them too. A lot of this stuff comes from Target, which is great because they always have sales and deals going on. Don’t forget to use your RedCard to save an extra 5%!!

Compression socks. They aren’t just for old people. I have wide calves, so these are my go-to. They come in various colors/patterns and sizes, including plain colors, checkered, and holiday designs.

I have about 10 pairs of these socks and I wear them daily.

 

A good foot roller. I have this one from Target, but Amazon sells a few different kinds too. My doctor recommended a kind that goes in the freezer, so it cools your tired feet simultaneously. For me, that’s too many sensations at once. I use mine daily in the afternoon once I’m home from work.

Baby Feet Foot Peel. I have dry feet. No matter how much lotion or bag balm I put on my heels, I get dry, cracked heels. Especially in the winter when it’s so dry. I do a Baby Feet foot peel about once a quarter. It’s kinda gross but kinda cool.

A Toe Stretcher (also called YogaToes). These things are amazing. It’s a tiny, stretchy contraption that goes between your toes and helps stretch out. It’s also great if you wear a lot of narrow toe box shoes.

Epsom Salts.  I soak my feet in very hot water with Epsom Salts twice a week. I like the big bag from Target. It’s a great price.

Magnesium Spray. Some studies suggest Epsom salts can relieve swelling, and inflammation, and ease muscle aches and pains. I use it on my feet and legs each night before I hop into bed. It comes in a lot of different scents. I have this one in lavender.

If sprays aren’t your thing, Astura makes an awesome thick lotion, almost like a body butter packed with Magnesium. It comes in a lemongrass scent. It’s awesome. I linked it on Amazon, but sometimes Target carries it.

Insoles. It’s hard to know what kind of insoles you need without some guidance, as there are so many styles and types based on your foot health. Some drugstores have a Dr. School’s custom fit orthotics machine in them and those are good for figuring out what kind of insoles you need. My doctor provides me with orthotics that slip into my sneakers. I can also buy them on Amazon (They are Cadence brand), but I have zero out-of-pocket for them other than my copay, which is cheaper than how much they cost on Amazon.

My number one recommendation: GOOD SHOES. Yeah, simple, right? Good shoes with a stable heel and toe box wide enough for your foot. That means no pinching or rubbing. Don’t be afraid to size up or go up to wide or extra-wide shoes.

As we age, the ligaments and tendons that provide arch support in our feet loosen and become worn, due to our natural body changes (thanks Cleveland Clinic!).

My doctor recommends New Balance, Saucony, Hokas, and Brooks. I wear New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers most of the time because they come in a double-wide, which my feet have become.  They are costly, but they last me about a year, and that’s with daily wear.  If you don’t have wide feet or an unusual size, Joe’s New Balance Outlet has a lot of great deals. I try to shop there when I can.

That’s only 9 you are probably thinking. The last one isn’t a product or a service. It’s some advice:

Put your feet up! When you are seated at the end of the day, don’t crisscross applesauce. Put your feet up: on the couch, on an ottoman, on a nearby stool or chair. Allow the blood to circulate. Wiggle your toes, flex the muscles in your feet and legs.

 

DIY Salad Dressing- Easy and Tasty!

Abby H.

Making Salad Dressing is so easy, and for so long I had no idea.

I love cooking, and I have limited experience making salad dressings.

But with the cost of food rising, I thought I’d give it a shot.

Below is my “template” for making a quick salad dressing, and a few ideas for some tasty dressings.

This recipe makes enough to dress a few salads, but not as much as a full mass-produced bottle. With no preservatives, these sauces will last 7-10 days- if they don’t get eaten sooner.

  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (Vegetable or canola)
  • 6 tablespoons acid- Citrus juice, vinegar (red wine, champagne, balsamic, rice wine, and apple cider are good choices)
  • 2 tablespoon tablespoons honey or other sweetener (agave, maple)
  • 1 teaspoon emulsifier (Stone ground or Dijon mustard or mayonnaise) 
  • Salt and pepper as needed 
  • Herbs or seasoning as desire

Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

  • Lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons lemon zest, 2 t. powdered ginger, honey, Dijon mustard
  • Red Wine Vinegar, honey, stone ground mustard, 2T. Italian seasoning, 1t. granulated garlic
  • Apple Cider Vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, 1t. granulated garlic

Remember to store these in the fridge after you make them and shake them well before using them!

And if you are looking for some of my favorite salads, here is a great round-up of salad recipes.

Earn Money with Surverys from Pincone Research!

Abby H.

If you’ve been a reader of this blog for a while, you know how much I love Pinecone Research. I’ve been singing its praises for years.

I received an email the other day, they are looking for new members. Signing up is easy, just start here. 

Here are the guidelines:

  • Must be 18+ years old, and living in the US.
  • Must not live in the same household as a current panel member.

They send you an email notification when you have a survey available. Complete the survey and earn points to be redeemed for either cash or prizes. Occasionally, they will send you a product to test, too.

I do around 5 surveys with Pinecone Research a month.

December 2024: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  • Diana’s Bday Cake Frozen Fruit Treat
  • Cleanery Household Cleaner Refills
  • Bellway Natural Fiber Supplement
  • Magic Mind Mental Performance Shots
  • Ocean’s Halo Organic Kimbaps
  • Lundberg Family Farms 90 Second Organic Rice
  • Plezi Kids Juice Boxes
  • VeggieCraft Veggie Pasta
  • Carbe Diem Lower Net Carb Pasta
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • Afia Foods Falafel

Frugal Gift Idea: Fun Photo Collages!

Abby H.

If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know I love giving photo gifts to relatives.

Walgreens has good-quality photo prints done in-store, and right now they have a coupon code for 50% Off Everything Photo! Use coupon code 50BELLS when you check out!

This offer ends on 11/30/2024, so there isn’t much time, but it’s a good deal.

I am redecorating our hallway, and I needed some new 8×10 photo collages. Using Canva (it’s free!), I made a few collages, including one of the ever-ferocious Fiona the Cat. Having Walgreens print an 8×10 cost less than $3. Don’t worry, I also made one of the kids too. I’m not strictly making photo collages of my cat to hang in the hallway.

And I discovered Michael’s is having a great sale on Belmont Frames brand picture frames. Either 65% off OR Buy one, get two free. I can get 3 8×10 picture frames for less than $20 (pre-tax), and pick them up at my local Michael’s tomorrow or Saturday.

For about $10.00 each I can make an awesome, thoughtful photo collage gift for my friends and family using both of these deals! These deals end soon, so if you want to take advantage, I recommend doing it soon.

Recipe: Cafeteria Noodles

Abby H.

This recipe has been all over social media lately, and for good reason too!

It’s delicious. Easy to make, filling, and pretty inexpensive. It would make an awesome addition to a potluck, to your weekly meal rotations, and the best part is, it reheats really well- if you have any leftovers.

The name comes from the types of noodle dishes served at cafeteria-style restaurants across the south, where the recipe originates.

Ingredients 

Optional but pretty good with the recipe: 2 cups of frozen carrots and peas 

Directions 

  1. In a medium-sized pot bring broth, cream of chicken soup, and better than bouillon to a gentle boil.
  2. Add egg noodles, turn off stove, cover pot with lid. Leave to cook off heat for about 10 minutes. 
  3. After 10 minutes, stir taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Optional- Add frozen vegetables, and stir to combine. 
  4. Allowed to sit undisturbed for an additional five minutes, stir and taste adjust seasonings as necessary. 

Serves 6 to 8 as a side or 4 to 6 as a main dish. If you want to add a little extra protein, add one cup, of diced or shredded cooked chicken while adding the noodles. 

Both of my kids really liked these noodles, and I took leftovers to work for lunch. Everyone commented how good they smelled.

11/17/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgIt’s our last week of school before Thanksgiving break! It’s going to be chilly this week, so there might be some soups in the future!

With after-school appointments 2-3 days a week, a lot of our meals these days are easy to make and I do most of the prep on the weekends. This weekend I cleaned the fridge, re-organized the freezer and pantry and got a pretty good list of easy meals for this week.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I have a post here about our lunches. School lunches are free for kids in California, but my kids usually bring lunch from home. I pre-plan my lunches for the week and I take a week’s worth of lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the breakroom fridge.

Dinner: The weather will be cooling down this week, so soup is back on the

  • Sunday:  Asian Chicken Cashew Salad, Garlic bread, smoothies
  • Monday: Homemade pizza, fruit salad (Aldi Pizza crust is GOAT and less than $1.50!)

  • Tuesday: Soup and Grilled Cheese, baked apples

  • Wednesday: Greek Salad with Chicken, Hummus, and pita bread

  • Thursday: Smoothies and bagels

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and possible cauliflower cheese soup (depending on how many leftovers we have left0

November 2024: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  •  Blake’s Breakfast Bars + Protein
  • Rebbl Protein Shakes
  • Control Period Cramp Relief Cream
  • Lundberg Family Farms 90 Second Organic Rice
  • Cleanery Household Cleaner Refills
  • Vital Farms Organic Restorative Eggs
  • Key All-Natural Energy Drink
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • Plezi Kids Juice Boxes
  • VeggieCraft Veggie Pasta
  • Carbe Diem Lower Net Carb Pasta
  • Magic Mind Mental Performance Shots
  • Whoa Dough Gluten-Free Cookie Dough
  • Schär Gluten-Free Breads