family

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

JCPenney- Buy 2, Get 2 Free Underwear, Socks, and Bras Sale (Ends today!)

Abby H.

Just in time for winter holiday shopping! Through today only, JCP has underwear, socks, and bras for the whole family on sale. Buy 2, get 2 free.

I just found out and rushed to get pairs in the kids’ current sizes (2 packs) and the next size up (2 packs). Perfect for the holidays (who doesn’t want underwear or socks in their stockings??), or jump on spring shopping by getting the next size up.

The sales end tonight, so if this is something you need, Get to it! I also shopped through MyPoints and earned 550 points, approximately the equivalent of a $3.00 Target Gift Card! To learn more about MyPoints, click here.

10/27/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgNow that we are back into the full swing of school, work, and therapies, I feel busy all day from the second my feet hit the floor until my head hits the pillow.

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.

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:  Soup, grilled cheese, strawberries
  • Monday: Macaroni and cheese, Fruit Smoothies

  • Tuesday: Homemade Pizza and Salad

  • Wednesday: Roasted Veggie Soup, quesadillas, chips

  • Thursday: Whatever we feel like, it’s Halloween!

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

10/27/2024 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

Hye friends- I’ve been battling a weeklong headache, so my posting has been nonexistent. I promise that there will be some posts coming up, starting with these freebies and deals.

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:

Score a Free Babylist Hello Baby Box Filled with Samples & Full Sized Products
Babylist Registry Perks – 15% Off & Free Registry Box
Free Vida Mate Yerba Mate at Select Stores
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
Free GOOD GOOD No Added Sugar Spreads
Free Knife Skills Classes at Williams Sonoma
Spooktacular Halloween Food Deals & Food Freebies You Can’t Miss in 2024: Pizza, Fast Food, and More
Free Valley Mist Pure Lip Balm
Free Gift When You Link Your Ulta Beauty Rewards & Target Circle Accounts
Free Coffee & Donut at Krispy Kreme for First Responders
Free Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Free Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
Free Treat Buckets at Party City on October 31st
Free LOVO Chocolate Bar After Rebate
Free Candy of Your Choice
Free CLEAN RESERVE Fragrance
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
Free Order of Cheese Stick Stack at Dave & Buster’s
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free VCF Sample
Free SENSAI Beauty Extra Intensive Series Skincare Samples
Free Day of the Dead Face Painting Events at Stater Bros. Markets
We Found The Best Black Friday and Cyber Week Streaming Deals: 2024 Edition
Free Firecracker Farm Hot Salt Sample
Free Halloween Craft & Costume Party Event at Pottery Barn Kids
Free Oscar Mayer Stuffed Dogs Chatterbuy Kit
Free Belle Aroma Holiday Scented Ornament
Free Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Free Clean Age Natural Deodorant After Rebate

 

Deals:

Kate Spade Sadie Crossbody Set Two-in-One ONLY $49 (Reg $249)
Complete Home Sandwich Bags Buy One Get Two Free
Pajamas for the Family From $12 at Old Navy
Garnier Whole Blends ONLY $1 (Reg. $4.99)
Food Network 10-Piece Cookware Set $59.99 After Kohl’s Cash
Premier Comfort Heated Plush Throw ONLY $35 (Reg $100)
Free $20 Target Gift Card with Purchase of $100 of Baby Essentials
Free $10 Gift Card with Purchase of Three Household Products
ionvac SmartClean 2000 Robovac ONLY $79.99 (Reg. $129)
Kitchen Appliances up to 30% Off
Select General Mills Cereal ONLY $1.49 (Reg. $6.29)

San Diego Residents: No cost energy upgrades for your home from SDG&E!

Abby H.

I received this information in my email this morning, and I thought I would share it.

We took advantage of this program a few years ago. It was quick and easy. This program as easy and 1, 2, 3.

Unlock Home Energy Savings
Whether you rent or own, the Residential Energy Solutions (RES) Program offers no-cost, energy-efficiency upgrades for your home. The RES Program can help reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency while giving you added comfort in your home.

You may qualify for:

  • Smart Thermostat
  • Smart Fan Controller
  • Pipe Wrap
  • AC Tune Up
  • Faucet Aerators & Shower Head

 

How to Participate:

1. Schedule an in-home appointment
2. Receive no-cost upgrades
3. Enjoy your energy savings

For more information call our authorized contractor, Synergy Companies at 1-888-272-8394 or visit sdge.com/RES.

And don’t forget- You can save money and earn cash or gift cards when you save energy with Ohm Connect. Learn more here. 

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I meant to get this post out earlier today, but I was busy making bracelets. Mom life is rough, y’all.

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 Sample of Moroccanoil Body Polishing Scrub
Free Food & Beverage Products from the Nestle GoodNes Community
Free Sample of IAMS Puppy or Kitten Food
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Socks, Hat, Tote Bag & More
Free Samples, Coupons & More from Gerber Insiders
Free Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme
Free Belle Aroma ScentWow Aromatherapy Car Fragrance Diffuser
Free M&M’s Delivered to Your Door on Halloween
Free Sample of Amazon Pepper Hot Sauces
Free GORGIE Energy Drinks
Free Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
Free Chicken Cantina Taco at Taco Bell
Free Rind Dried Fruit Snacks & Mixes
2 Free Outback Steakhouse Boo Baskets
Free Soapbox Skincare Infused Body Wash
Free Sample of Beggin’ Flavor Stix with Bacon & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Free Go Raw Organic Sprouted Seed Salad Toppers at Walmart After Rebate
Free BelGioioso Ricotta Chatterbuy Kit
Free Dish Soap
Free American Spirit Butt Pouches – Order Every Month
Free Winged Wellness Product at Walmart After Rebate
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free ZOA Energy Drink at Select Stores
Free 25.4 oz. Nutpods Creamer After Rebate
Free Belle Aroma Essential Breeze Portable Aromatherapy Fan Essential Oil Diffuser
Free Digital Postcard with Santa at Spirit Christmas
Free Ghostbusters: Spirit Unleashed Ecto Edition PC Game for Prime Members

 

Deals:

Apple iPad 9th Generation ONLY $199 (Reg $329) – Lowest Price Ever!
Renu Contact Solution ONLY $2.99 (Reg. $8.99)
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Free Covergirl Perfect Blend Pencil
Amazon Spend $50 Get $15 in Credit on Household Products
Target Store Themed Halloween Costumes as low as $10 & BOGO 50%
Walgreens Super Premium Toilet Paper ONLY $1.99 (Reg $4.99)
Barbie Clothes & Play Sets up to 70% off
Cooks 2-Slice Toaster ONLY $22.49 at JCPenney (Reg $50)
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $6.98 Free Shipping
Free Covergirl Eye Enhancer Eyeshadow Palette

10/6/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is going to be bonks. We’ve got appointments every day this week.  I did a bunch of meal prep today, and we’ll be having a lot of grab-and-go pre-prepped meals as a result.

I’ve also fallen off my more regimented eating plan, and I haven’t been able to get to the gym as much as I’d like lately, so I’m buckling down on my personal food intake and sticking to what I’ve planned only (for myself, we’ve got all kinds of back up meals if the kids aren’t feeling what I had planned).

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 take a weeks worth of lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the breakroom firdge.

Dinner: With everything going on this week, meal prepping has been a huge lifesaver.. Hopefully after this next hot spell, we’ll get some more typical fall weather and I can use my crockpot more often!

  • Sunday:  Soup, grilled cheese, fruit salad
  • Monday: Chicken Nuggets, Watermelon slices, chips

  • Tuesday: Fruit Smoothies, bagels with cream cheese

  • Wednesday: Soup, quesadillas, chips, fruit salad – We have a bunch of soups in the freezer!

  • Thursday: Hashbrown breakfast bake- I didn’t have time to do this one last week

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Time For Glasses? Deals and Glasses Freebies

Abby H.

It’s that time of year. Glasses time for the kids. Kids are rough on everything, including glasses. The big kid usually goes through 1-2 pairs a year, just in day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily I’ve found some ways to save money on glasses and I thought I’d share.

1- Take advantage of existing vision insurance. Look on the back of your kid’s health insurance card to find out which company handles the vision coverage, or give your child’s health insurance carrier a call. My kids receive one eye exam and 1 free pair of glasses per year. I’m not sure if it’s available in all states.

2-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 Girls Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids. If you aren’t in a state where they operate, check out InfantSEE.  They offer Kids 6 months-1 year a free eye exam.

3- If you are in San Diego, the Shiley Eye clinic (part of UCSD) has the EyeMobile. They have frequent outreach events to help kids obtain needed eye exams and glasses. Check out their Facebook Page to keep up to date on their upcoming events.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America.

4- Onto the deals. Once you have your prescription in hand, check out online stores like Abbe glasses. They have great deals on frames and lenses. I scored two pairs of glasses for under $50 for the big kid with their BOGO sale. ILoveGlasses also has good deals as well. Both of these companies are great for budget-conscious families. If you are looking for something a little higher-end (or for grown-ups), I also like Warby Parker.

They have a great glasses try-on program, and they also sell Contacts. In fact, they have a free contact offer.

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!

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?

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

New Recipe: Chicken Bruschetta Stew with Orzo

Abby H.

This soup was easy to make, flavorful, and a big hit.

I used Bruschetta from Aldi’s, however, if you don’t have one nearby, Trader Joe’s Bruschetta is great too.

Unlike most of my other recipes, I will not be providing any sort of dietary alternatives. I’m not sure this recipe would come out the same if it was vegan/vegetarian.

Chicken Bruschetta Stew with Orzo 

  • 1 lb chicken cut of your choice, diced into bite-size
  • One bag, onions, and pepper strips defrosted and chopped into bite sides pieces 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
  • 1-quart chicken broth or stock
  • 1 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with oregano and basil 
  • One small jar (about 6-ish oz), red pepper, and artichoke bruschetta (I bought mine at Aldi’s.) 
  • 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta (it is rice shaped)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder 
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
  • Topping: 
  • 2 cups Italian cheese blend, divided 

Directions: 

  1. In a large stock pot, heat oil. Add in bite-size pieces of chicken and cook over medium heat frequently until chicken is no longer pink about 5 to 7 minutes. 
  2. Add in onions and peppers, cooking over medium heat. Stir occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are no longer white, and the peppers are fragrant. 
  3. Pour in a quart of broth and a can of tomatoes. Stir to combine, allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. 
  4. Add an entire jar of bruschetta (approx. 6-ish ounces) to stock pot. Stir to incorporate, and add in orzo and all seasonings. 
  5. Cover pot with lid, turn the stove down to low and allow soup to slowly simmer and orzo to cook for about 15+ minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed, and add salt and pepper as desired. 
  6. soup can be served at this time, or it can be left to simmer on low as needed. 

To serve: ladle soup into a bowl and top with approximately one to 2 ounces of cheese as desired. Serve with garlic bread or hot, crusty buttered bread. Well with a mixed green salad

And as always, the soup is better the next day. This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings and can be frozen.