12/13/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis past weekend was BUSY! I haven’t had a chance to go to the store, but I think we’ll be able to stretch it for a few more days until I have some free time. This week is looking busy too. Little Bit gets her casts off Wednesday after school- Hooray!

I did some cooking yesterday- I made some side dishes, including Roasted veggies, Rice a Roni. I made lunches for the adults, and re-organized the lunch/snack basket for the kids in the pantry. I also used up some of the wilting fruit to make some zipsicle style popsicles (strawberry and banana, and pineapple). And I made cookies!

Since this week is so busy, we’ll be having a lot of quick-prep dinners, or we’ll be relying on the foods I prepped yesterday.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

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 try to 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 a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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 are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: I am planning some great meals this week. I did some batch cooking yesterday and got the fridge organized.

  • Monday: Nuggets, fresh fruit (orange and apple slices are on tap), rice a roni
  • Tuesday: Soup and Cheese Toast, Fruit, Roasted Veggies
  • Wednesday:  Waffles or Pancakes (kids choice), Fruit, Eggs- And maybe Beyond Meat sausages
  • Thursday:   Bean, Rice, Cheese, and Roasted Veggie bowls
  • Friday: take out (Usually pizza and Chinese food)
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Fritatta, Salad

Please stay safe you guys!

12/10/2021 Friday Freebies!

We’ve had a busy week- Decorating our tree, checking out local lights, and wrapping gifts! And the kids and I are going through our closets and cleaning out the clothes that no longer fit or serve us to share with others- I’m a big fan of hand-me-downs.

There are a bunch of events coming up over the next week. Toy exchange tomorrow, and more information and resources here.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

There are some pretty cool freebies this week!

Freebies:

Free Fresh Cravings Hummus
Mack’s Free Ear Plug’s Giveaway – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Free 2022 Snort Calendar
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Coffee or Tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Claim $25 in the Godiva Class Action Settlement
Free Special K Protein Meal Bars Chatterbox Kit
Free Olly Sleep Gummy Vitamins at Select Stores
Free Sample of Chanel Perfume
Free Farmacy Beauty 3-Day Healthy Skin Sample Set
Free Doritos Locos Taco at Taco Bell
Free Holiday Chocolate Candy at Big Lots
Free $50 Charity Donation Card
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Toasted Breakfast Burrito at Taco Bell – Today
Free Coffee or Fountain Drink at Pilot Flying J
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free Samples of Astroglide Lubricant
Free Sample of Derma E Hydrating Day and Night Cream Duo
Free $25 Teens Research Study
Free Rockstar Energy Drink at Casey’s
Free Catit Creamy Cat Treats
Free Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sample
Free Church Mutual 2022 Calendar
Free $5 Amazon Prime Video Credit
Free Brown Scapular
Free Hot or Iced Coffee at Pret A Manger on Fridays
Free 2022 Erie & Arts Calendar
Free $200 Household Appliances Research Study
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free Youtheory Daily Fat Burner

Deals:

New Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ONLY $139.99 (Reg $179)
Arizona Men’s Graphic Hoodie ONLY $10.49 (Reg $44)
Disney Minnie Mouse Phone and Camera ONLY $10.99 (Reg. $22)
Funkoverse Marvel 100 4-Pack ONLY $20.15 (Reg. $40)
Kate Spade Glitter Crystal Stud Earrings ONLY $19.99 (Reg $32)
Fortnite Early Game Survival Kit Figure Pack $9.93 (Reg. $20)
Martha Stewart Mattress Pad ONLY $16.99 (Reg $40) – Any Size!
Hot Tools Mid-Size Pink Hair Dryer ONLY $17.99 (Reg $50)
My Little Pony Izzy Moonbow Set ONLY $5 (Reg $15)
Kate Spade Lexy Shoulder Bag ONLY $89 (Reg $399)
Disney Raya Fashion Doll ONLY $6.05 (Reg. $16)
Minnie Mouse Cell Phone & Camera Set ONLY $10.99 (Reg $22)
50% OFF Sweatshirts and Sweatpants at Old Navy

Free Craft Event at JCPenney for Kids- 12/11/2021

Heading to the mall this weekend? Check out this fun, free craft from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney and kids can decorate a holiday magnet.  Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids, and fun, free activity.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult.

 

And looking forward to January 2022, check out this cute penguin craft:

Ripple Street: MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties Chatterbox

Looking to try something new?

Wake up your tastebuds and enjoy a delicious meat-free addition to any balanced breakfast with MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties. They’re plant-based and seasoned with an inviting blend of aromatic herbs and spices to delight everyone in your family. Find Original, Hot & Spicy, and Maple MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties in the freezer aisle of your local retailer. Which flavor are you most excited to try?
If you are selected, you will receive:

1 Free coupon to purchase MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties from your local store.

To apply, click here. 

 

Free Event This Saturday! 17th San Diego International Children’s Film Festival

This weekend is the 17th San Diego International Children’s Film Festival.

After an exciting festival opening, last Sunday at Comic-Con International Special Edition, the 17th annual San Diego International Children’s Film Festival continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at the San Diego Central Library downtown, 330 Park Blvd.

There will screen dozens of short films from around the world – animation, live-action, and documentary. These films are good for all ages, from toddlers through teens and beyond. See the complete film schedule at www.childrensfilmsd.org

Admission is free for everyone, and you don’t need tickets. Just show up anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and enjoy the films in the library’s beautiful Neil Morgan Auditorium on the ground level. If you have a moment, please register your planned attendance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/206726182577. There will also be some fun giveaways at the event!

12/3/2021 Friday Freebies!

It’s December! Time to decorate, baking, chill with your peeps. I’m excited to take the kids to look at Light displays, and make some cookies!

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

There are some pretty cool freebies this week!

Freebies:

Free Photo Greeting Card + Free Shipping
Free Dick’s Sporting Goods Products
Free Sample of Rituals of Namaste Anti-Aging Day Cream & Serum
Free Intimate Science Beauty & Wellness Samples
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Verizon Up Rewards – Free $3-$5 Amazon or Starbucks Gift Card
Sephora – Free NARS, Laneige, Moroccanoil or Kerastatse Mini Set
Free Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush
Free Koia Drink
Free New Wash Hair Care Sample
Panera Members – Free Bagel Everyday in December
Free Black Box Wines Magnet, Koozie & More
Possible Free Shangi-Chi and The Ten Rings Gift Box
Free Big Mountain Foods Products
Free Cooking Together Cookbook
Free Custom 3D Flamcard Photo Card at Walgreens
Free Sample of Tena Stylish Underwear
Free $50 Amazon, Target or Visa Gift Card with Dodge Test Drive
Free Subscription to Architectural Digest
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Flavor Your Life 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Free Fishing Licenses for Disabled Anglers
Free $10+ DSW Rewards with Donation

Free Food Resources for December 2021 (San Diego County)

A new month means that it’s time for the monthly update of free food resources in San Diego.

With over 20 holidays and celebrations taking place in December, there is plenty of need. Here are a few Christmas/Holiday events where free toys/food are available.

Some food banks and charities will have extra distributions this month.

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for November 2021 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

Give the Gift of Creativity with Craftsy (and FREE CLASSES)!

If you have a hard to shop for person on your gift-giving list this holiday season, I recommend the gift of creativity!

Craftsy has some amazing deals this Cyber Week!

All Classes and DVDs are 75% off with coupon code CYBER75 at checkout.

 

If you are new to Craftsy and want to check it out, they also offer a lot of free classes. Here are just a few that I love:

 

11/26/2021 Friday Freebies!

Better late than never, right? I promise I Was not out Black Friday shopping today. I was doing some crafts and taking the kids to the zoo, finished up with dinner with my mom (dad is still in the hospital).

I’ll have some good deals and money-saving posts this weekend and next week. So glad the kids are going back to school on Monday. I love them, but… this week has been brutal.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

The List of Freebies is small this week, but there are all sorts of great deals coming up. I’ll have breakdowns and such coming up!

Freebies:

Ulta – Free BECCA Cosmetics Plumping Lip Balm for Your Birthday
Free Pair of 2 Carat Diamond Earrings $79.95 Value
Free Pinkizh Pink Clay Mask, Applicator & Konjac Sponge
Free Sample of TBH Kids Shampoo & Conditioner + Hair Scrunchie
Free CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream or Shampoo
Free Conair Reflections Lighted Mirror or Selfie Ring Light
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Free Large Fries at Checkers and Rally’s on 26th – 28th
Free Maddy’s Sweet Shop Shortbread Snaps

 

Earn up to $100 referring friends to Venmo!

Venmo is offering referral cash right now- Just in time for the holiday!

Head to the You page of the app and tap Invite Friends, Earn $10. Then, using the share link, invite 10 new peeps to Venmo—old roomies, pet sitters, even Dad.

Everyone you refer will earn $10 for signing up after you make a bank- or card-funded payment of at least $5 within 14 days.

You’ll get $10 for each person that you refer, and can earn up to $100 from this offer. Score! I use Venmo to pay friends back for coffee when we split the bill and the lady who does my pedicures!

And if you haven’t signed up for Venmo yet, check it out here.

 

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