frugal life

4/17/2023 Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis past week was PACKED. I finally sat down to write up my meal plan yesterday, and forgot to hit submit until right now!

Spring break is over and we are all back to school and work. Out-of-town guests have gone home, and we are back to our regular routine!

I did a little meal prep yesterday, including testing out a new pizza dough recipe, but the real prep will be this afternoon!

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is delivered on Mondays, and that is a huge help when it comes to meal planning.

We’ve got a few Dream Dinners for the week, and I’m really looking forward to Somona Steaks!

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 (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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. The big kid brings his lunch every day, and the little one buys her lunch about half the time. Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. Now that I’m back in the gym and the kids are both in Martial Arts, we need to fuel our bodies properly.

  • Sunday: Clean out the Fridge Night!
  • Monday: Dream Dinner, Rice, Roasted Veggies

  • Tuesday:  Fritatta, Fruit Salad, toast

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, mac n’ cheese, fruit, cheese and crackers

  • Thursday: Dream Dinner (Steaks), Green Salad, Roasted Veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Homemade pizza, salad, veggie tray

Family Recipe: Albondigas (Meatball Soup)

Abby H.

I learned to make this soup originally in High School Food and Nutrition class. The teacher was very big on low fat, low carb (it was the 90’s), so I’ve made a lot of changes from the original recipe to include more vegetables, aromatics, and herbs/spices.

Thankfully our  Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box loads us up weekly on locally grown, farm fresh veggies. All the veggies I used in this recipe came from our CSA box!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20)
  • 1/3 cup uncooked rice (don’t use instant rice. I used jasmine rice)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 c plain bread crumbs 
  • 1 T. Parsley
  • 1 T. Olive oil
  • 2 T. Minced garlic
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 ribs of celery, chopped 
  • 1/2 yellow or white onion, diced
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced
  • 2 15-ish oz. cans diced, peeled tomatoes
  • 2 green zucchini or calabaza (Mexican Squash), cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 T. Penzeys Penzeys Salsa & Pico Seasoning
  • 6 cups chicken or veggie stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, rice, egg, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Form small meatballs, and set aside until all the meat is balled up. 
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil and fry meatballs, turning frequently so all sides are browned.
  3. Remove meatballs, and set aside. Keep the drippings in the Dutch oven.
  4. In the Dutch oven, over medium heat, sauté carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes for about 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent. 
  5. Add in the garlic, continuing to cook over medium heat, until garlic is fragrant.
  6. After garlic is fragrant, turn heat down to low, add in remaining ingredients, including the meatballs that have been patiently waiting. Cover with a tight fitting lid, and allow to simmer for 15-30 minutes, giving time for the ingredients to mingle, and the meatballs will swell slightly, as the rice in them cooks. 

 

This recipes serves 6-8. It freezes well and is so good topped with a little queso fresco, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime and a little hot sauce. 

If you don’t eat beef, you can use any other ground meat. I’ve never used faux ground “beef”, so I can’t vouch for it. 

4/9/2023 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

We finished up our first week of spring break! Next week we’re hitting up the zoo or Safari Park, maybe a few museums at Balboa Park, and if it stays warm, we may go swimming at our community pool.

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.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Hershey’s Kisses at Select Stores
Free Flock Chicken Skin Crisps After Rebate
Free His Only Son Movie Ticket
Free Braille Book Every Month
Free Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals
Free Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Temporary Tattoo
Free Pack of Once Again Cracker Sandwiches
Free Halfday Tea After Rebate
Free 8×10 Photo Print at CVS
Free Albanese Gummi Bears Sample at Sam’s
Free Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen Sample
Free Bottle of Pedialyte at Walmart
Free Minute Maid Aguas Frescas Chatterbox
Free Sample of AERIN Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Tote Bag & More
Free Mexican Fruit Fly Temporary Tattoo
Free 6 oz. Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste at Big Lots
Free Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum Sample

 

Deals:

Shea Moisture Recovery Masque ONLY $1.46 (Reg $3.29)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ONLY $169 (Reg $349.99)
Today ONLY: $10 Women’s and Girls Shorts at Old Navy
Nexxus Travel Shampoo ONLY $1.99 (Reg $4.99)
Titan Deep Freeze 8qt Roll Top Cooler ONLY $14.99 (Reg $24.99)
Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop ONLY $69 (Reg $100)
Kate Spade Harlow Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $279)

San Diego Area Upcoming Clothing Swaps

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.

 

April 8, 2023 Porchlight Community Services, Inc. 8888 Clairemont Mesa Blvd From their site “We invite you to be part of our SWAP PARTY! Bring clothing, accessories, personal hygiene, or toiletries.

There is a $5 fee, however, it goes to offset the cost of their programs, which are incredible.

The Second event is my personal favorite: Spring Swap for extended sizes 14 and up on May 7, 2023.

I always find cute clothes at this swap, and I love it because it’s all plus-size clothes. I always fill my Ikea Bag with clothes, accessories (and usually shoes too).

And if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

Dream Dinners: Lower Minimum Order, Lots of Tasty Options!

Abby H.

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 April has some of my favorite meals:

  • Chicken with Honey, Garlic, and Orange with Oven Roasted Broccoli
  • Chateau Chicken with Almond Butter Sauce
  • Sonoma Grilled Steak
  • Tuscan Chicken Bake
  • Classic French Dip and Au Jus

I am picking up my Dream Dinners order tomorrow afternoon, and it is definitely coming in the clutch over spring break. We’ll be able to have our usual fun adventures and I’ll be able to get dinner on the table.

If you want to learn more, find your local Dream Dinner location, or place an order, click here.

Free Covid-19 Tests Delivered to Your Door!

Abby H.

I don’t know about you, but we’re still using Covid-19 tests on the regular. After visits to busy places, after traveling, and when the kids’ and I have someone in their class test positive.

Running out to the drugstore at the last minute- No Thanks!

With this offer, Request your COVID-19 Tests NOW, and don’t pay last-minute prices at the Store. They verify your insurance, and you receive Covid-19 Test Kits automatically each month at NO COST to you!

I did it this morning, and the test kits are on their way!

To get started, click here.

Weekly Meal Plan: Spring Break Edition!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis past weekend was PACKED. I finally sat down to write up my meal plan yesterday. This week and next are spring break for the kiddos and me. We are also having out-of-town guests, so I needed to plan out snacks and meals.

Thankfully our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is delivered on Mondays, and that is a huge help when it comes to meal planning.

I prepped a bunch of veggies last night and this morning, including chopping veggies to roast, making a kale salad, and making a fruit salad.

I’ll be making some soups for the freezer this week as well, and I’ve got a new recipe to share.

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 (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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. With Spring Break and lots of adventures out of the house, I’ll be packing snacks to take with us on the road. We’re definitely going to the free museum Tuesday at Balboa Park.

Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. Now that I’m back in the gym and the kids are both in Martial Arts, we need to fuel our bodies properly.

  • Sunday: Soup and Salad
  • Monday: Mac and cheese, fruit, toast

  • Tuesday:  Salad with grilled chicken, roasted asparagus

  • Wednesday: Moosie’s Pot Roast, Roasted Veggies

  • Thursday: Fritatta, Corn Muffins, Fruit Salad

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftovers

3/25/2023 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

Spring break starts next Friday at 2:01pm! WOO HOO!

This week has been busy, as usual. I’ve started back at the gym after a 3-year hiatus and plan to slowly regain my upper body strength.

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.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Subscription to Bon Appetit
Free Coca-Cola Bottle Opener at Select Stores
Free AUVI-Q Back-to-School Kit
Free Hungry Buddah Keto Bars
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free Bloomingdale’s Little Freebies Box
Free Blue Light Laser Pen for Wrinkles & Acne
Free Drink of Your Choice at Wawa
Possible Free Jan Marini Skincare Samples
Free Flock Chicken Skin Crisps After Rebate
Free 2023 Our Lady Calendar
Free Keds Stickers
Free ZenBiome Cope & Sleep Supplements
Free HOP WTR After Rebate
Free Seaworld Teacher Fun Card
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Sam’s
Free The Good Patch Wellness Patch Sample
Free Happy Sloth Co. Sticker
POPSUGAR Dabble – Free Beauty Products
Free Dog Grooming Tools
Free L’Oreal Everpure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Free Royal Canin Kitten Chatterbox
Free Simply Smartfood Popcorn at Stop & Shop
Free Truly Grass Fed Cheese at Publix
Free 8.4 oz. Can of Red Bull at Big Lots
Free Everyone Is Welcome Here Poster for Teachers
Free Goodles Mac & Cheese
Free Sample of Downy Unstopables at Sam’s
Free Haig Delicacies Dips at Ralph’s After Rebate
Free Pete & Gerry’s Pasture-Raised Eggs
Free Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
Free Pom-Pom Chick Wreath Craft Event at Michaels

Deals
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty: 50% Off Boxum, IT Cosmetics & Benefit
Buzz Lightyear Figure ONLY $3.29 (Reg. $11.99)
Free Wet n Wild Cosmetics – Last Day
Home Edit Bento Box Food Storage Container ONLY $11.98 (Reg $20)
ChuckIt! Indoor Roller Dog Toy Ball ONLY $4.48 (Reg. $9.99)
Better Homes & Gardens Canister 3pk ONLY $10.97 (Reg. $18.28)

3/19/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’m back to Meal planning on Sundays. We receive an email on Saturdays from   Yasukochi Family Farms letting us know roughly what will be in our CSA box that is delivered on Monday afternoon.

Sunday I tend to prep proteins, make a batch of soup (incorporating a majority of the leftover veggies from that week’s CSA box), take stock of the pantry, fridge, and freezer, and lay out our basic meal plan for the week.

Today I’ll be making a few big batches of soup- half to go in the freezer, and half to serve this week. I may also make a batch of spaghetti sauce too.

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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. The big kid brings his lunch from home every day and the littlest buys her lunch at school about half the time. In California, all public schools provide breakfast and lunch for free.

Dinner: Lots of veggies this week! We’re running low on meat, and with the price of it increasing, we’ll be enjoying plenty of vegetable-based meals this week.

  • Sunday: Chili on baked potatoes, roasted asparagus (kids will be having baked potatoes dressed to their preference)
  • Monday: Soup and salad (or protein shakes and salad)

  • Tuesday:  Vegetable Soup and Cheese Toast

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, crackers, and cheese (the typical Wednesday night dinner)

  • Thursday: Ramona’s Mess (Recipe coming up this week), fruit salad

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftovers

Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s been a busy week! The Big Kid turned 12, and we’re celebrating tomorrow with friends, and we had a family dinner with pizza and ice cream cake on Wednesday.

I’m taking a very in-depth certification course while working full-time (between 2 jobs), so I haven’t had much energy to blog. My blogging journal is FULL of articles and ideas. I’ll have many posts coming up, especially during Spring Break.

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.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Sample
Free Inside Movie Ticket
Free Hershey’s Kisses at Select Stores
Free Sound Sparkling Water After Rebate
Free Dude Wipes at Sam’s
Free Pretzel with the Wetzel’s Pretzel App
Free Pint of Eclipse Ice Cream After Rebate
Free Movie with Universal Pictures All-Access
Free Exploding Kittens for Kids Focus Group Games Pack
Free 2-Pack of Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup
Free Gratsy Box
Free Scar & Stretchmark Treatment
Free Sample of Clinique Moisture Surge
Free Barnes & Noble Gift Card for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free He Gets Us Hats & T-Shirts
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Sam’s
Free PLEZI Kids Juice Drink
Free Core Oat + Adaptogens Nutrition Bar After Cashback
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Pom-Pom Bunny Art Craft Event at Michaels
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free Subscription to Town & Country Magazine
Free 11pc. Cookware Set
Free YSL Y Eau de Parfum Sample
Free Cleveland Kitchen Sauerkraut & Kimchi
Free Box of Magic Spoon Cereal After Rebate
Free Subscription to HGTV Magazine
Free Hair Styling Product + $50 Amazon eGift Card
Free Subscription to ELLE Magazine
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free 12.5 oz Dr. Teal’s Hand Soap at Big Lots
Free Degree Dry Spray Sample
Free Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday
Free Core Bar After Rebate
Free 8pk BelliWelli Snack Bars After Rebate
Free Can of Surely Non-Alcoholic Wine at Boisson After Rebate
Free Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free BIC EasyRinse Men’s Razors at Walmart After Cashback
Free $10 Uber Ride Credit
Free Stur Antioxidant Water Enhancer After Rebate

 

Deals:

PLAYMOBIL Back to the Future Hoverboard Chase ONLY $18 (Reg $45)
Blue’s Clues & You! Clean-Up Time Play Set ONLY $18 (Reg. $42)
Blues Clues Wooden Pull-Back School Bus ONLY $11.62 (Reg. $27)
Barbie Dreamtopia Slime Mermaid Doll ONLY $12 (Reg. $20)
Armor All Ultimate Car Care Gift Set ONLY $22.88 (Reg. $36.36)
Decorate Your Own Wooden Magnets Craft Kit ONLY $16.35 (Reg $30)
Jergens Shea + Cocoa Butter Body Lotion ONLY $4.87 (Reg. $10.49)
Jay Leno’s Garage Wash & Gloss Set ONLY $29 (Reg. $70)