food

Dream Dinners La Mesa: Heart Health Workshop & Dinner

Abby H.

Dream Dinners La Mesa has an awesome upcoming Heart Healthy Workshop! Presented in partnership with Wellness Workshop by Sonia’s Healthy Corner and featuring dinner provided by Dream Dinners.

February 27th, 6:00 pm
at La Mesa Dream Dinners

Led by expert nutritionist and Health Coach, Sonia Cervantes from Sonia’s Healthy Corner, this workshop will help you to foster a joyful relationship with food. Learn to love foods that love you back and make your culinary journey a source of pleasure and well-being.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Practical advice on crafting a heart-healthy diet tailored to your lifestyle
  • Guidance on incorporating superfoods into your meals for maximum health benefits
  • Tips for managing portion sizes and making mindful food choices
  • Strategies for enhancing your overall well-being through nutrition

Enjoy a delectable dinner provided by Dream Dinners as you mingle with fellow attendees and soak in all the valuable information shared during the workshop.

Space is limited, so RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you there and embark on this journey towards a healthier, happier you!

For more information call/text 619-460-6800 or email  lamesaca@dreamdinners.com

2024 Birthday Freebies!

Abby H.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hunting down and checking up on some new birthday freebies for 2024. One of my favorite places to look is MySavings. Their Freebies on Your Birthday list is pretty long. There are a lot of great options for those of you outside of California.

My birthday is coming up in a few days, and here are a few of the freebies that I am most excited about, I’ve noted if I’ve received the emails/app notifications for them this year.

Oh, and in the past, I’ve reminded those in CA, OR, FL, NY, SC, AZ, WA, and NV, to check out eBirthdayClub. There are TONS of great freebies on this site. This year I’ve only gotten “Plan a party here and receive $15 off or 2 free apps if you spend over $250” from a few companies that use eBirthdayClub. Not too exciting.

Non-food Birthday Goodies:

  • Members of the Cost Plus World Market Explorers program get a surprise birthday gift, among other perks; you will also get a 10% off coupon upon enrollment. (received 2024)
  • Torrid– Members of the DivaStyle Club will receive $10 off their next purchase of $10+(received 2024)
  • Dave & Buster’s: $10 in free gameplay for those in the D&B Rewards Club. (received 2024)

Free Food Birthday Goodies:

  • Red Robin:  FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news. Received in 2024
  • Starbucks – Download their app and get a free birthday handcrafted beverage of your choice on your birthday only.
  • Denny’s: Free Grand Slam for your Birthday. They also email out other freebies and coupons. Received in 2024
  • Dunkin Donuts Birthday Club will kick down with a free coffee.
  • Bj’s Brewhouse– Rewards members receive a free Pizookie for their birthday. Received in 2024
  • Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub for your Birthday! (No matter what you read online, there is no Subway or Submarina birthday Freebies- Those deals are DEAD) Received in 2024
  • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: When you sign up for a Smile-age Account, you’ll score a free Fro Yo for your B-day!  (I love Menchie’s!) Received in 2024
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes: Join their email list and receive a FREE Bundlet on your Birthday. (look for the link at the bottom of their website) Received in 2024
  • Sbarro Rewards Club: Free piece of pizza for your birthday when you purchase a drink. You’ll also get a coupon for a free slice when you sign up. Received in 2024
  • Bruegger’s Bagels gives you three free bagels for your birthday. SCORE! Our family eats tons of bagels, so this is a sweet deal. Received in 2024
  • Mary’s Donuts– East County peeps know what I’m talking about! Free drink and TWO Donuts! Received in 2024
  • Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub Score a free Charburger on your birthday.  Received in 2024
  • Panera– Sign up for MyPanera and get a free pastry or sweet on your birthday. Received in 2024

 

Sadly, there aren’t many additions this year, and there are more than a few previous offers/deals that are no longer available.

Remember to read the fine print for these offers. Most of them are for adults, ages 18+ (19 in some states). Some offers require the coupon/offer to be printed out, and some you can just show your phone.

 

 

 

La Mesa Dream Dinners: Wellness Workshop!

Abby H.

Our friends at La Mesa Dream Dinners are helping us start 2024 off right! I am excited to share this with you. I love the community at Dream Dinners. Marsi and her team are innovating new ways to eat healthy and save you time!

La Mesa Dream Dinners has teamed up with local nutritionist and Health & Wellness Coach, Sonia Cervantes, CHC to bring you a new Health and Wellness series for 2024. Together, they have curated a series of courses designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your well-being. This series encompasses cooking classes and easy meal prep sessions that you can easily replicate at home. Beyond the kitchen, they aim to provide lifelong lessons on positive thinking, intentional planning, and self-care, emphasizing that your family’s health begins with you.

What to Expect in Each Session:

  1. Healthy Tips: Receive valuable insights and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  2. Interactive Activities: Engage in activities that promote positive thinking and intentional planning.
  3. Cooking Activity: Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience featuring healthy meals. Learn, cook, and savor the delicious results during the class.

Join them on this journey to empower yourself through self-care, community, and nutritious food. They believe that by making small, positive changes in your lifestyle, you can pave the way for a healthier and happier life. Take charge of your well-being, and let’s embark on this transformative experience together!

Sign Up today!!

Your journey to a healthier and more fulfilling life starts here.

For more information, contact La Mesa Dream Dinners call/text 619-460-6800 or email lamessaca@dreamdinners.com

Fetch! 1,000 point bonus disappears today!

Abby H.

Start the year off right with 1,000 points for every friend who joins Fetch using your referral code and snaps a receipt. They’ll get 500 points, too! This bonus ends tonight, 1/4/2024.

There’s no limit to the Rewards you can earn, so tell everyone. It’s super easy, and each friend who signs up gets 500 points.

Referring friends is easy. Step one: share your referral code with friends. Step two: friends enter your code and snap a receipt. Step three: points are deposited into your account.

Let’s get started! If you are new to Fetch Rewards, you can learn more here. When you sign up, use my referral code ND2TB and share the love (and referral points!).

When you sign up, leave your referral code in the comments!

 

Fine Print: In order for you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CST on 1/4/2024. After 11:59 PM CST on 1/4/2024 the referral bonus will expire.

Free Resources for San Diego County Families in Need

Abby H.

This is my annual post to help point you toward some free resources for San Diego County residents.

Food:

Clothing:

  • Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.
  • The Sonrise Church in Santee has a clothing swap/free clothing resource. One for kid’s clothes, and another for women’s clothing. Miss Charity’s Closet & Little Blessings Boutique 2nd Saturday of every month at 9:00 am Contact Charity Murphy for more info clmurphy71@gmail.com
  • The Closet of 54th. They are open once a few times each month.  They have women, men, and children’s clothing. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.

If you know of any other clothing resources, please leave a comment!

2024 New Years Sale from Yasukochi Family Farms!

Abby H.

If you are looking to eat healthier this year, save time, and money, this offer will help with all three!

Yasukochi Family Farms is offering a deal on all of their CSA box sizes, now through January 4, 2024.

They have deals on subscriptions from 1 month, all the way to 9 months!

To learn more, and see pricing, visit their website here.

We’ve been receiving their boxes for 3 years and it’s an amazing value.

Today Is National Cake Day!

Abby H.

Yup, it’s International Cake Day. I’m celebrating with the kids by baking a cake later this afternoon.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate at home, here are my tips for making a cake mix taste more like a scratch-baked cake.

Here are a few of my favorite cake recipes:

11/24/2023 Weekly Freebies!

Abby H.

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

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

It’s Freebie time! There are all sorts of cool freebies this weekend.

Free EPICKA Travel Party Pack
Free Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In Place Makeup Sample
2 Free Christmas VideoStamps Cards + Free Shipping
Free Rituals Anti-Aging Day Cream Sample
Free Coffee Every Tuesday at Wawa
T-Mobile Tuesdays – Free Redbox Rental, Pawp Pet Care & More
Daily Goodie Box – Free Heat Holders Thermal Socks
Free Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
Free Axe Body Spray Sample  From Sampler 
Free Tia Lupita Foods Product After Rebate
Free Stella Blue Coffee After Rebate
Free Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine
Free Sample of ENZO Wipes
Free Sample of NYX The Marshmellow Smoothing Makeup Primer
Possible Free Fortune Favors Candied Pecans
Possible Free EverRoot Skin and Coat Dog Supplements
Free Pouch of Cozumi Seasoned Rice After Rebate
USPS Operation Santa – Possible Free Gift or Send a Gift to a Child in Need
Free 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
Free Blue Square Pin
Free Accessibility For All Magnet
Free Decorated Christmas Tree for Those in Need
Free Donut at Dunkin’ Every Wednesday
Free $5 Shop Cash from Stanley
Free Human Rights Equality Sticker
Free Photo with Santa at PetSmart
Free Black Box Wines Hat, Wine Glasses & More
Free $10 Google Store Credit

It’s Soup Season! Southwestern Chowder Recipe

Abby H.

It’s Soup Season y’all! I recently made this soup for the first time after craving something full of veggies, but a little more comforting than a minestrone or Tuscan Sausage soup.

This soup is easy to make and is perfect with cornbread or garlic bread (which many of you know is a staple in my house). I served it with a variety of toppings as well.

Paired with a simple green salad, this is a great fall dinner.

Southwestern Chowder

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons butter or neutral oil (I like Avocado Oil)
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup peeled and diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces- I used red-skinned potatoes and left the skin on, but if you use russets or Yukon gold (basically any brown-skinned potato), peel them.
  • 1 15 oz. can of corn or 2 cups of frozen corn
  • 1 small can Ortega chilis
  • 2 cups chicken, cut up into bite-sized pieces (leftover rotisserie chicken is great for this or use leftover Turkey!)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock or Bone Broth
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • garlic powder, salt, pepper

Directions:

  1. In a large stock pot, saute onions, carrots, and celery in butter/oil over medium, until onions are translucent.
  2. Add in bay leaf, potatoes, corn, and stock/broth.
  3. Cook over medium/low, with the lid on the pot for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
  4. Add in all remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste/as needed throughout the simmering.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese crisps, tortilla strips, sour cream, chives, hot sauce (your choice)
  7. Serve with bread of your choice.

Serves 6-8.

Notes:

  • This soup freezes well, and is great for potlucks!
  • If you prefer your chowder thicc, add 1/2-3/4 cup of potato flakes to the soup and stir to combine about 5 minutes before serving.
  • This Soup is naturally gluten-free.
  • To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth, omit butter (sub in oil), use plant-based faux chicken, like this from Sweet Earth), and use plant-based milk or cream in place of evaporated milk. I’ve heard good things about Cashew Cream.

Here are a few of my favorite cheese crisps:
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Score a Free Dinner From Dream Dinners!

Abby H.

As you are all aware,  Dream Dinners is one of my favorite ways to save time and get tasty, healthy meals on the table in 45 minutes or less!

If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners yet, now is the perfect time! They have lowered their minimum orders to three meals, and new customers can score a free dinner. When you order 3 or more dinners, they get a free medium Cashew Chicken and Noodles with code SHARE at checkout.

There are over 70 Dream Dinners locations throughout the US, but if you don’t live close to one, fret not! There is a deal for you as well! New Guests can get free shipping on their first box of 4 medium dinners as a special offer just for you. Use this code at checkout: FREESHIP.