8/5/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week I’m starting the back to school prep. Littlest Kiddo’s Bestie is visiting for a few more days, and I’m trying to cram in as much summer fun as I can, while staying on budget.

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 and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found 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. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Snack Trays and smoothies
  • Monday: Bean, Rice, and cheese burritos
  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad and smoothies

  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, fruit, toast)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

This week was busy, so we are having weekend freebies and deals instead of Friday. Littlest Kiddo’s Bestie is here for 6 days, and I’m finishing up some coursework for one of my jobs. My brain has been turned to jello.

If you are looking for stuff to do this summer, check out my 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

 

Freebies:

Free Can of Accelerator Active Energy After Rebate
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Real Food From The Ground Up Snack Product After Rebate
Free Cookie at DoubleTree Hotels on Aug. 4th
Teachers – Free Queso at Abuelo’s for the Whole School Year
Free IHOP Syrup Chatterbuy Kit
Free Sample Of Pamprin Max Pain + Energy
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free Lil’ Gourmets Pouch After Rebate
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free Sample of Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats
Free Root Beer Float at A&W on August 6th
Free Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
Free Sour Punch Candy & T-Shirt
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
Free 2024 National Parks Entrance Days
Free Whiteboard Workshop at Home Depot
3 Free MYBAR Protein Bars After Rebate
Free Bubly Burst Sparkling Water at Select Stores
Free Museum Admission for Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders – This Weekend
Free Modelo Chelada Summer Fiesta Party Kit
Free Perfect Bar at Aldi
Free Movie Tickets to Longlegs
Free Monopoly GO! Game Night Party Pack
Free Teachings of Buddha Books
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Italian Favorites Classes at Williams Sonoma

 

Deals:

5-Piece Backpack Sets ONLY $21.99 (Reg $42)
Coach Outlet Sale – 70% Off Clearance
Nike Backpacks for School up to 40% Off + 25% Coupon
Scott Paper Products ONLY $2.75 (Reg. $5)
Nike School Backpacks & Lunch Boxes for $22 at Kohl’s
School Supplies UNDER $1 at Walgreens
Vitamins & Supplements BOGO Free on Amazon
Target has Bookbags NOW 30% Off – Prices start at $10
Nike – Up to 65% Off + Extra 25% Off Select Styles
Lauren Conrad Jewelry as low as $6

Free Backpack Giveaway- 8/3/2024

It’s back for 2024!

This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.

A  backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 3, 2024 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!

7/28/2024: Weekly Meal Plan!

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI am trying hard to keep my grocery budget at $100 weekly for the foreseeable future. It’s super rough, but I’ll be cooking from scratch, and reaching into the freezer and pantry to use up what we’ve got and keep our out-of-pocket for groceries down.

I picked up a a few drinks and some smoothie ingredients courtesy of Aisle, and it’s been fun trying new beverages with my lunches.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, 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 and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found 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. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Quesadillas, rice, fruit
  • Monday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips
  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Tamales,  beans & rice

  • Thursday: Turkey Sandwiches, chips, fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

7/26/2024 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

This week was a lot- Half Price games at Dave & Buster’s on Wednesday, Playing with friends at the park, swimming, and of course, trying to stay cool while we have some hot (and moist) summer weather.

If you are looking for stuff to do this summer, check out my 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

This week the freebies are a bit light, but with school starting soon, I think the freebies will start ramping up.

Freebies:

Free Cinnamon Sugar or Original Pretzel at Auntie Anne’s – Today
Free Burger Every Friday at Burger King
Free Pulled Pork Sandwich Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Today Only
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens – Last Day
Free Sample of Beggin Dog Treats, EverRoot Soft Chews, Fancy Feast Broths & NEW Purina ONE Wet Food Coupon
Free Sample of Avatara Kombucha The Wake-Up Call Eye Cream
Free Donut Every Tuesday & Free Iced Coffee Every Friday in July at Krispy Kreme
Free Sample of Organifi Green Juice 15
Free Air-Dry Clay Rings Craft Event at Michaels
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Can of Doctor D’s Sparkling Probiotic Drink After Coupon Rebate
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Score a Subscription to Real Simple Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s

Deals:

Free Axe Body Wash
Up to 60% Off Outdoor Furniture + Free Shipping
Kate Spade Kristi Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $249)
Wet n Wild Makeup & Brushes as low as $0.60 Shipped on Amazon
Target Kid Boots as low as $14
Style & Co Women’s Boots as low as $9.93 at Macy’s
Melissa and Doug Toys up to 70% Off
Flash Sale: 60% Off Swimwear for the Family
Wayfair: Up to 80% Off Area Rugs + Free Shipping
Arm and Hammer Detergent Buy 1 Get 2 Free
Doorbusters Sale at JCPenney: Save up to 60% Off Select Styles

It’s Dinner Time: Weekly Meal Plan

This week;s dinner are going to slap. I think that’s what the kids say.

I picked up a bunch of free drinks courtesy of Aisle, and it’s been fun trying new beverages with my lunches.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, 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 and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: I’m back in the kitchen again and the CSA boxes are coming weekly. I’ve got all kinds of plans for batch-cooking soups and stews over the coming weeks.

  • Sunday:  Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit
  • Monday: Breakfast for dinner: eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, apples slices
  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner

  • Wednesday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Thursday: Ravioli with red sauce and salad or fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

6/19/2024 Weekly Freebies and Deals

This week was a whirlwind! I’m looking forward to our adventure today- We’re going to The Wave Waterpark in Vista.

If you are looking for stuff to do this summer, check out my 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Mini-Treehouse Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfect Bar at Aldi
Possible Free Afia Foods Falafel Bowls
Free Good Culture Probiotic Milk
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free Sample of AlchemyTT Nourish Scalp Oil!
Free Simply Lemonade with Raspberry ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Free Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Sample
Free Sample of Obagi Medical ELASTIderm Facial Serum
Free Snack Smart for Back-to-School Party Pack
Free Taco Bell Dips ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Free Stur Water Enhancer at Target
Free Taco Bell Kits ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Free 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
College Students Eat Free on Thursdays at IKEA
Free Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Testing Ruler
Free Virtual Pet Check-Up with Petzey from Purina

Deals:

Free $15 Target Gift Card with Purchase of Two Select Diapers
ProFit Handheld Percussion Massage Gun ONLY $36.99 (Reg $75)
50% Off Everything at Old Navy
Kate Spade Sadie Envelope Crossbody ONLY $79 (Reg $279)
Discovery Mind Blown Kids Toys up to 67% Off
Cooks 2 Quart Air Fryer ONLY $24.99 at JCPenney (Reg $60)
Aeropostale Jeans Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Cooks 3-Piece Frying Pan ONLY $17.99 (Reg $50)
Nike Kids up to 70% Off + Extra 25% Off
Walmart Toys up to 75% Off
North Face Outerwear up to 58% Off

Natural Disasters: What to do in the Aftermath

For information about how to prepare for evacuating in an emergency, check out my post here. It is specifically aimed at Southern California natural disasters (wildfires being chief among them), but the information is pretty solid for anyone having to leave home in an emergency situation.

After the disaster, there is so much to do. It is extremely overwhelming.

 Use your Insurance coverage: Renters, homeowners, condo unit owners depending on your living situation. There are coverages for personal property and loss of use (pays for food and housing when your home is uninhabitable, up to a dollar amount specified in your insurance policy). These may be subject to your deductible.

Paying the Bills: Contact your creditors and let them know you have been affected by a natural disaster. Many times they can defer your payments.

Power: Contact your Gas and electric utility provider for information on payment assistance programs.

There are a lot of government entities that can assist you:

The IRS can also help with disaster assistance/ emergency relief. This website has more information. 

Feeding your family: SNAP benefits (food stamps) may be available to you after natural disasters.

Homeowners, business owners, and even renters may qualify for a Small Business Administration loan after a disaster. These loans have low interest rates. More info can be found at SBA.gov.

Per the FEMA website for those in immediate need after an emergency: Check with your local emergency management officials, and voluntary agencies or call your local 2-1-1. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

If there is a natural disaster and you want to help from afar, contact your local blood bank to donate. Blood is in short supply after most natural disasters and it’s a great way to help if you can’t afford to donate time or money. 

Donations of used household goods are frequently not helpful. Getting trucks full of used goods into disaster zones can be hard. Local nonprofits and agencies local to the disaster zones have access to low-cost goods directly from distributors.

 

My Top Ten Grocery Items to Buy at Dollar Tree

Now that The 99/ 99 Cents Only has closed, and inflation continues to cause the price of groceries to skyrocket,  more of us frugal shoppers will be headed to Dollar Tree. I’ve been doing more shopping at Dollar Tree since The 99 changed over from 99 Cents Only a few years ago.

One thing I love about Dollar Tree is that you can buy items from their website in bulk. That means if you love, for example, Powered Drink Mixes, you can buy a whole case (12 packages) for the same price as in-store. This is one of my Top Ten items, in case you were wondering.

Here are my top ten must-buys at Dollar Tree and their price that other nationwide retailers:

1. Belvita dupes These come in a couple different flavors. Brand name Belvita biscuits and store brand varieties can cost between $2.99-$4.99 depending on the retailer.

2. Frozen onions and peppers, sometimes called stir fry blend. Dollar Tree sells them in 12 oz bags for only $1.25 each.  The same items can cost between$1.99-$2.72 depending on the retailer and brand.

3. Prime, Monster, and other energy drinks. This is a big savings strategy if you like energy drinks. You can buy Monster, Prime, Rockstar, and other brands online by the case! At Dollar Tree, they are only $1.25 (plus any CVR), and other retailers sell energy drinks $2.99-$4.00 depending on the retailer and beverage.

4. Boost Protein drinks. Dollar Tree sells them individually, but most stores sell multi-packs that break down to $2.50-$2.75/each drink.

5. Instant beverage powders, as mentioned above, you can buy an entire case of one flavor online, or go to the store and see all the varieties. They retail in stores for $2.00-$3.99 per box depending on flavor and retailer.

6. Hungry Jack Pancake Mix. This is a favorite in my house. It’s great for pancakes, and waffles, or you can make baked pancakes. Our favorites are from Dollar Tree Dinners on TikTok.  a 16 ounce box is only 41.25 at Dollar Tree vs. $2.72 at Walmart.

7. Spices- This is one where you need to go into your local Dollar Tree. Brands like Kingsford, Tajin, Mortons, Fresh Success, Kraft, and more. There are single spices, spice blends, and seasoning kits like Taco Seasoning and Chili seasoning. These are all available for $1.25 each, whereas other stores charge $1.50-$5.00 depending on blend and retailer for the same items. 

8. C&H brown sugar, 16 oz. This is a pretty good value at just $1.25, my local Target has it for $2.99. 

9. Pillsbury frosting. I usually make my own frosting, but sometimes, in a pinch, you need a can of frosting. Most Dollar Tree locations have a selection of flavors for $1.25 a can. Other retailers sell the same size can for $1.99-$2.49 depending on the retailer.

10. Full-size boxes of cereal. This is one where you need to go into your local Dollar Tree. Varieties and availability differ by location. Recently our local Dollar Tree had Family sized Cheerios varieties for just $1.25 a box! Meanwhile, full-size boxes of cereal can cost upwards of  $7.99 depending on variety and retailer.

 

Talk Back: I’d love to hear about your favs and must-haves from Dollar Tree!

 

This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.

This Week’s Meal Plan!

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI forgot to hit Publish on this post on Sunday night and just discovered it in my drafts. Oops.

We are back in the kitchen, and I will be posting pics of it on Instagram this week. I absolutely love my new kitchen. It has tons of counter space, and cabinets, and my new dishwasher is 1000 times better than the old one.

I picked up a bunch of stuff that was stashed in my mom’s chest freezer that I was unable to make without a kitchen, so the only grocery shopping I did this week was for some milk and plain bagels for the girl child.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, 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 and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: I’m back in the kitchen again and the CSA boxes are coming weekly. I’ve got all kinds of plans for batch-cooking soups and stews over the coming weeks.

  • Sunday:  Dream Dinners (Chicken Tarragon with roasted potatoes)
  • Monday: Smoothies or Protein shakes and snack trays
  • Tuesday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, and veggies with hummus

  • Thursday: Chicken nuggets or a veggie burger, fruit, and chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza