family

11/10/2020 Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’ve been trying to meal plan on Sundays, but this weekend got away from me. It was raining, so we spent a lot of time playing indoors: Playmobils, Legos, drawing and doing crafts. Not a lot of time to sit down at in front of the computer.

The past few weeks I’ve been cooking larger batches of recipes, so this week we’re pulling out a batch of Salsa chicken from the freezer. I found a batch of veggie red sauce in the freezer too. I’m hoping to put together some soups this week for lunches and stash some in the freezer. I love making soup- It’s easy and frugal. and sooo tasty.

If you have kids between 2-18, check with your local school to see if they are offering free lunches and/or breakfasts. You can also check the USDA Website– but it might be a little out of date.

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 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 kitchen inventory printable, I like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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 love the Kodiak Cakes Mix).  I also keep sandwich Ziploc bags of other frozen fruit on hand to make the kids smoothies when they request them (a few times per week). Berries, peaches, and mangos are pretty popular. recently the Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunches will be whatever the kids want for the time being. The big kid has lunch at school, so it’s whatever he chooses from the lunch box in the cupboard, plus some fruit and juice or milk. Since the little girl is in the morning cohort at school, she has lunch at home. Buttered noodles, yogurt, apple slices, and a popsicle are her go-to lunch.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers
  • Monday:  Soup, veggies/fruit, and garlic bread
  • Tuesday: Veggie Nuggets and Fruit (Big kid has OT in the late afternoon, so it’s always a quick dinner on Tuesday)
  • Wednesday:  Salsa Chicken, Rice, and steamed veggies
  • Thursday: Spaghetti with veggie red sauce, salad, and garlic bread
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftovers

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

11/2/2020 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’ve started doing weekly meal planning on Sundays. It’s easier to do it while I’m writing up the weekly calendar/schedule and prepping the snack box for the week. I didn’t get a chance to type this up last night. The time change kinda kicked all of our butts, combined with all of the Halloween shenanigans. Socially distanced shenanigans!

The kids and I hit up the grocery store yesterday afternoon and picked up some stuff that we were out of and are consume daily.

Last week I made soup twice, so we’ve got some leftovers in the freezer. I’ll be dipping into the stash for dinner one night this week for soup. And I made a frittata late last week for lunch, so we’ve got leftovers of that for dinner tonight!

Thanks to some local deals, offers, and the school lunches the kids bring home, I have been able to keep our grocery budget to $60 per week for the past MONTH! It’s amazing. The extra money is going into our holiday savings account.

If you have kids between 2-18, check with your local school to see if they are offering free lunches and/or breakfasts. You can also check the USDA Website– but it might be a little out of date.

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 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 kitchen inventory printable, I like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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 love the Kodiak Cakes Mix).  I also keep sandwich Ziploc bags of other frozen fruit on hand to make the kids smoothies when they request them (a few times per week). Berries, peaches, and mangos are pretty popular. recently the Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM. I’ll be posting the recipe for his current favorite this coming week.

Lunches will be whatever the kids want for the time being. The big kid has lunch at school, so it’s whatever he chooses from the lunch box in the cupboard, plus some fruit and juice or milk. Since the little girl is in the morning cohort at school, she has lunch at home. Buttered noodles, yogurt, apple slices, and a popsicle are her go-to lunch.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers
  • Monday:  Salad and leftover veggie and cheese fritatta
  • Tuesday: Veggie Nuggets, Wings, and Fruit (Big kid has OT in the late afternoon, so it’s always a quick dinner on Tuesday)
  • Wednesday:  Beans, Rice, Veggies, & Quesadillas
  • Thursday: Veggie Soup & Garlic Bread
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Pancakes, Eggs, & Fruit

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

99 Cents Only has Deals for Thanksgiving (and a Coupon)

Abby H.

Y’all know I love 99 Cents Only,  and I have for years. I’ve written about my top 10 deals from 99 Cents only before here, and now I’m happy to report that you can celebrate Thanksgiving with an incredible feast frugally from our peeps at 99 Cents Only!

From stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, salads, yams, gravy (canned or pouch mix), canned veggies, cream of mushroom soup (for the green bean casserole), crispy french fried onions, and dessert options for your feast to decor for the table and the rest of the house, 99 Cents Only has you covered!

And this week, there is a coupon to help you save a bit more- Click here for 1 free item (priced up to .99) when you purchase $15 or more. Exclusions apply, the link has them all listed on the coupon.

And don’t forget that you can use cashback apps for purchases at 99 Cents Only! My two faves are Fetch Rewards and Checkout51. Learn more and find links here.

Socially Distanced Halloween Activities for 2020

Abby H.

Halloween is looking a lot different this year, with social distancing, and a lot of places still having quarantine/limited contact with others.

We usually do a lot of Halloween events. We usually go to Brick or treat at Legoland, and we usually go to a pumpkin patch and several Halloween carnival the week of Halloween.

Unfortunately, a lot of the events we go to aren’t happening this year. Instead, a lot of the groups/organizations that put together carnivals and fun events have instead opted to switch to contact list or drive-through trunk or treat/trick-or-treat events. We haven’t gone to any yet, so I’m not really sure how it’s gonna work but will be going to a bunch this week and weekend. We skipped one that was taking place last Saturday because we did not have our costumes prepared.

Here is a small list of trunk or treat/drive-through events that I have found after a quick search on Facebook. If you have any other events that you would like to add, please leave a comment below with a link to the event page. I love Halloween, as do my kids. Any excuse to dress up, and I know there are so many people out there that look forward to Halloween every year.

10/30/2020

10/31/2020

November 1st

 

 

Coming to Netflix: Jingle Jangle A Christmas Journey

Abby H.

If you haven’t heard about this movie, Be prepared to be wowed! I’ve seen stills all over Facebook (mostly in my costuming groups- the costumes you guys, THEY ARE FABU!) and I am so excited to share Jingle Jangle with you!

First off, here is the official trailer (on youtube).

A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within.

SERIOUSLY- LOOK AT THIS COAT!

From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.

This movie looks like it is going to be a hit with our family. And one thing I love is that it’s so different from the traditional holiday movies- There is no Santa Claus, no small town where the holiday love story happens (sorry Hallmark movies, you get no love from me).

I can’t wait to watch this movie with the kids- Jingle Jangle comes to Netflix on November 13th.

 

UCSD Eyemobile for Children- Free Eye Exams and Glasses!

Abby H.

The UCSD Eyemobile for Children will be making its way around San Diego County this month offering free eye exams and free eyeglasses to kids 3-16-years old. Call to make an appointment (858)822-2585.

  • Chula Vista 10/13/2020
  • National City 10/15/2020
  • City Heights 10/20/2020
  • Barrio Logan 10/22/2020
  • El Cajon 10/27/2020

For more information, please visit their website. Thanks to Lena at San Diego Regional Center for the heads up on this program!

 

And if you are looking for freebies and deals on glasses and contacts for adults, check out my post here from July 2020.

Legoland California Treats Kids to a Bricktacular Halloween in Miniland USA!

Abby H.

Fall is a time for costumes, treats, and family fun, and even though LEGOLAND® California is still awaiting approval to open, the Resort is joining in the festivities with an outdoor experience of its own…Introducing: Halloween in Miniland! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during October (Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 & 31) the Park’s Miniland U.S.A  becomes a not-so-spooky Halloween destination filled with activities, tasty treats, and one of a kind LEGO® Halloween décor inviting families to wear their favorite costumes and have safe fun.

Halloween in Miniland features character meet and greets, virtual costume contests, a Miniland scavenger hunt, LEGO building activities, and, of course, a goody bag filled with candy and a LEGO surprise! Families can enjoy savory food options at Smoke House BBQ and NINJA Kitchen and satisfy sweet cravings with LEGOLAND California’s world-famous Granny’s Apple Fries. The treats don’t stop there as families can also take a stroll through The Big Shop to find the latest must-have LEGO sets.

LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel will also join in on the Halloween fun with festive décor throughout the fall season! Guests visiting SEA LIFE® aquarium will be treated to special Halloween decorations and LEGO models that will be on display underwater in the aquarium’s tanks.

Halloween in Miniland is a special outdoor experience and admission can be purchased online for as low as $12.99. Guests are required to purchase tickets online in advance to reserve access to Miniland for their desired dates and time to visit. As guests and employees’ health and safety remain the top priority at LEGOLAND California Resort, guests will experience some differences in Miniland including reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices, and enhanced cleaning regimes. Face coverings (PPE) will be required for all guests three years old and up as well as for staff members. Guests are highly encouraged to visit the Resort’s website for further guest experience and visiting details. For more information, and to purchase tickets to Halloween at Miniland or SEA LIFE aquarium, visit www.legoland.com/california.

WHEN: Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 &31

  • Friday: 3- 7pm
  • Saturday: 10am-2pm or 3pm-7pm
  • Sunday: 11am-3pm

Glasses and Contacts Freebies & Deals!

Abby H.

When you or a loved one wear glasses or contacts, you are always on the prowl for a good deal or freebies.

Since I’ve got two bespeckled family members, I’m on the lookout constantly!

Here are a few deals and freebies that I’ve come across lately.

Warby Parker has a great offer- for some of us, it’s hard to know what kinds of frames look and feel good on our faces. It’s as easy as 1, 2,3.

  1. Pick 5 frames – Warby Parker will mail them to you for free.
  2. Spend 5 full days with’em – Then send them back with our free shipping label.
  3. Find your favorite – Buy now from $95 or pay over time with Affirm.

Having used Warby Parker before, their glasses are great, and their service is amazing! We bought glasses online, and later when they needed to be adjusted (helpful tip: Don’t roughhouse with kids when you are wearing glasses), we took them to our local Warby Parker store and they “tuned up” the glasses FOR FREE!

If you prefer contacts, Waldo has a great trial offer. I wrote about it here.

If you wear glasses, you have to have a eyeglass repair kit. You can usually score a free one when you get new glasses (Warby Parker sends a little one when you purchase glasses from them, along with a cleaning cloth), but sometimes you need a little more.

Enter this comprehensive eyeglasses repair kit from Amazon. I bought it for my mom for Christmas last year. She told me she needed one, but was having a hard time finding one in stores. It has everything you might possibly need to repair glasses! the screwdrivers have comfort grips too!

And of course, you gotta keep your glasses clean, so here is a great freebie offer: Free Lens Cloth & Cleaner at Walmart Vision Centers 

If you need help getting glasses or vision exams for your kids, check out Vision to Learn. They operate in 13 states and partner with the Boys and Girs Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America. Kids 6 months-1 year can obtain a free eye exam from InfantSEE.

And if you are wondering what to do with all of the old eyeglasses in your house that are no longer your current prescription…. The Lions Club helps recycle eyeglasses and get them into the hands of the needy. You can find out more about how and where to recycle your unwanted eyeglasses here.  I also recommend checking with your local optometrist’s office. They frequently partner with local Lion’s Clubs to collect old glasses. You could help a person in need get the glasses they can’t afford!

What are your tips for saving on glasses and contacts?

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MY SPY- On Amazon Prime!

Abby H.

unnamed.pngThe kids and I saw My Spy in the theater right before the stay at home order was put in place. It was super cute and both kids (5 & 9) loved it. And now you can watch it at home on Amazon Prime or at a local drive-in theater with your kids!

Drive-In Theater Listing

My Spy follows JJ a hardened CIA operative (Dave Bautista) who has been demoted and finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, named Sophie (Chloe Coleman) where he has been sent undercover begrudgingly to surveil her family. When Sophie discovers hidden cameras in her apartment, she uses her tech-savviness to locate where the surveillance operation is set. In exchange for not blowing JJ’s cover, Sophie convinces him to spend time with her and teach her to be a spy. Despite his reluctance, JJ finds he is no match for Sophie’s disarming charm and wit. The hilarious actioner is directed by Peter Segal from a script penned by Jon and Erich Hoeber and stars Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Kristen Schaal, Parisa Fitz-Henley and Ken Jeong. Producers are Chris Bender, Peter Segal, Jake Weiner, Robert Simonds, Gigi Pritzker, Dave Bautista and Jonathan Meisner.

There were a few times where the violence was a little intense for the kids, but the physical comedy, explosions, and jokes made up for that.

My son loves Kristen Schaal (You may know her as the voice of Mabel from Gravity Falls, and Louise from Bob’s Burgers), so he was hooked after I showed them the preview.

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If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly action movie to entertain the kids this summer, check out My Spy

.

 

What I’ve Been Up To…

Abby H.

_DSC2099As some of you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting a lot lately, either here or on Social Media. I’ve been busy. Distance learning is coming to a close for the year, so we’ve been doing a lot of meetings and paperwork (I’ll be glad when the mountains of homework packets stop).

In addition to supervising all of the learning (for both kiddos), I’ve also been taking a more active role in helping my big kiddo find behavioral therapies that will work well on his journey through life. My big kid is on the Autism spectrum (ASD) and that means that we do behavioral therapy a few times a week in addition talk therapy. So lots of time helping process feelings and emotions, and that leaves this mama bear feeling tired.

I (try to) get up early about 6:30 each morning, make coffee, do emails, and work on getting stuff set up for the day before the kiddos wake up. Sometimes I’m super successful and get it done. Sometimes I’m lucky if I get a shower.

Successes for the days are measured so much differently now. Did we make it through a day without tears? Missing friends, regular routines, going to the gym, extracurricular activities- all of these weigh heavy on the kids, and grown-ups.

We’ve also been trying to get our home more organized, and we’ve been getting some help from a family friend who is a Konmari guru. We’re about halfway through the process, and it’s been super liberating to get rid of stuff that no longer serves us. We sold all of the DVD’s/video games that we no longer wanted, and raised over $200, that we’ll put towards family fun (maybe sock it away for a 2021 vacation?). Thankfully our local thrift shops are accepting donations at this time. We’ve been loading up the back of my car weekly to donate goods.

In an attempt to wear the kids out physically, I’ve been taking them out for a walk a few times a week with my parents at a local park. Social distancing and masking occur- Also a liberal application of mosquito repellant is applied- The kids and I are very tasty according to the local ‘squito population. We also picked up a small pool for the patio- We are on our second. The first was not heavy-duty enough. This is the one I recommend. We also put tarps under it to protect it from the textured decking. I also use this solar fountain to keep the water moving all day, and we cover it with a tarp at night. I usually dump the water and refill it 2-3 times per week.

downloadSaving money has been a challenge as of late- There aren’t as many deals as supplies aren’t being delivered to stores regularly, less staff to stock shelves, etc. And really, who has been shopping lately for fun? Not many of us. I’ve been using coupons when I can find them, but what I have really found useful is Honey. Honey is a browser extension that helps you find coupon codes and sale prices on items that you are shopping for online. I used it to save over $145 when we bought the big kids new bed a few weeks back.

And I’ve been making masks for family and friends- I made some especially for the kids this week too.

kalecutI’m here y’all! I’m up to my eyeballs, but I’m here. And of course, I’m doing the Always Eat After 7pm program, so I’ll be posting about that. There are so many good recipes I am excited to try (dark chocolate dipped PB cookies, uh, yeah). and I’ll be posting some recipes this weekend- I’ve got a killer Kale Salad recipe that is so tasty and easy (and it keeps in the fridge for a few days too).

I’ll be hosting an Amazon Gift Card Giveaway soon! I want to spread the love with you!

 

Talk Back: What have you been doing lately?