Kitchen Reorganization on a Budget!

We’re at the point in kitchen renovation where we need to put the kitchen back together. I was tired of eating out of the myriad boxes in my living room.

Being on a budget, I looked for simple and easy ways to make our kitchen work better for us. Our pantry is long (about 1 meter) and narrow. It’s such a pain. So much of it is inaccessible.

I cleaned out a bunch of the clutter as I unpacked the boxes. My mom gifted me these cool white baskets (which you can find on Amazon here).  She previously used them to store fabric. I put my label maker to good use and labeled the white baskets with the following categories:

  • Soup
  • Sauces
  • Baking Goods
  • Rice and Noodles
  • Oils and Fats
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Goods
  • Soup
  • Snack Box
  • Snacks (I use this for the overflow of snacks)

I also reorganized the spice cabinet, and I’ll be moving some of the bulk spices to these glass jars from the plastic bags they came in probably later this week.

Moving on to all of the drawers in my kitchen. Yeah. Nine Drawers of various sizes. I lined them with Contact Paper from Dollar Tree– which BTW, is so much cheaper than Amazon or the big box hardware stores. I also lined the cabinets that hold our dishes. I did not line the pantry shelves- They are really long and narrow and I can’t reach all the way to the back.

To contain all of the STUFF in each drawer, I picked up some of these skinny drawer organizers, and the drawer organizers in the picture, which are wider and medium-sized.

The Silverware has a drawer caddy (not shown in the photo, but it goes in the empty drawer), but the rest of the drawers were just a disaster. Now the cooking utensils will be corraled, the batteries rolling around the junk drawer will be contained, and all of the yummy drink powders and drink concentrates (like Mio) are corraled.

So for less than $50, I was able to reorganize the kitchen and spruce it up a bit.

After the kitchen is done and the water heater is installed, we’re having a cleaning service coming to do a post-construction clean up. There is drywall dust all over my freaking kitchen and living room. It’s so gross.

April Sprouts Farmers Market Monthly Freebies!

Sprouts is hooking us up and helping us stay healthy! Every month on the Sprouts app in the Digital Coupon section, there are between 4-6 free items (they are marked “SAMPLING PROGRAM”).

Quantities are limited on the app, so if you are interested in any of these, I recommend that you add these coupons (by opening the Sprouts app, click on digital coupons, and click on each coupon in the lower corner where the little green circle is) to your app ASAP.

Not all Sprouts locations will have these freebies, so I suggest trying larger Sprouts locations in your area.

These are full-sized freebies- not small sample-sized products. they are located in the store with the other products of the same type.

Not all accounts will receive all the same products.

This month the following items are available:

  • Plant Boss Product
  • HighKey Mini Cookies
  •  Hoplark Sparkling HopTea, Non-Alcoholic (The Citra Bomb One, The Calm One or The Green Tea One, 16 oz.)
  • Bob’s Red Mill Bar (1.76 oz.)
  • Koia Low Sugar Fruit Smoothie

And because April is Earth Month, make sure to check the coupon section of the Sprouts apps for all kinds of High Value and BOGO coupons for your favorite earth-loving products. 

4/1/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals- No Joke!

We’re getting towards the end of our reconstruction. I know I said that last week, but there isn’t much left.  The cabinets will be installed next, and then the water heater can be installed.

I’m getting y’all some top-notch freebies and deals this week- Enjoy and stay safe!

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Subscription to ELLE Magazine
Free Freestyle Diapers
Free EZVIZ Smart Home Security Products
Free Mossy Oak Cheese Straws
Free Primal Kitchen Dips
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum Sample
Free NotCo Plant-Based Milk Alternative
Au Bon Pain – Free Travel Mug, Birthday Lunch & More
Free Sample of Strivectin Super C Retinol Serum
Free MESH01 Footwear, Apparel, Equipment & Other Products
Free United Soybean Board Hat
Free Sensory Play Toys
Free LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix Samples
Free $5 at Corner Bakery Cafe
Possible Free $300 TV Research Study
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Sample of ECOS Liquidless Laundry Sheets
Free Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday
Possible Free $200 Pet Food Study
Phantom Fireworks – Free Pack of 6 Gold Sparklers
Free Baby, Kids, Household & Other Products
Free Keracell, Your Best Face, ClarityRX & Teri Love Serum
2 Free Boxes of Crayons at Crayola Stores – Select States
Southern Marsh Ambassadors – Free Products
Possible Free $400 Lawn Care Study
Free Toothbrush
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free 2-in-1 Tablet Stand
Lane Bryant Covert Client Program – Free Clothes, Points & More
Free Dianella Deep Conditioning Mask

 

Deals:

Up to 65% Off Beach Towels + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $8)
Barbie Leopard Rainbow Hair Doll ONLY $7.99 (Reg. $20)
Air Fryers 50% Off at Target
Bella Mini Waffle Maker ONLY $6.49 (Reg $13)
Disney’s Minnie Mouse Wristlet ONLY $14.40 (Reg $24)
Kate Spade Slide Tote ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
Cuddl Duds Plush Throw ONLY $19.99 (Reg $50)
Carter’s Girls Pajamas ONLY $7 at Macy’s (Reg $20)
Personalized Glass Lantern ONLY $29.99 (Reg $50)
Funko Pop McDonald’s Rockstar Nugget ONLY $4.72 (Reg. $11)
Up to 60% Off Timberland & More + Extra 10% Off at Checkout

Veggie Loaded Zuppa Toscana Recipe!

I’ve posted my copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe before and it’s good, but this recipe is better! Heartier, more filling, and best yet- Loaded with Veggies. We got all of the veggies from our Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box. To learn more about these awesome produce boxes, check out my post here.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb of Italian Sausage (hot or mild, your choice)
  • 3 T. crumbled cooked bacon (I like the kind from Costco)
  • 2 T. Butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 ribs of celery, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 T. Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 3 medium potatoes, sliced into bite-sized pieces (I left the skin on- it’s up to you)
  • 1-quart chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 bag triple-washed spinach
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (or 12 oz milk of your choice)

Directions:

  1. In a large stockpot, cook and crumble Italian Sausage
  2. Add in bacon and heat  until sizzling
  3. Add butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent (about 10 minutes).
  4. Add garlic, and herbs/bay leaf- cook until fragrant.
  5. Add broth, and scrape brown cooked bits off the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add Potatoes, cook on medium with the lid on the pot until the potatoes are soft (about 15 minutes).
  7. Remove lid, turn the stove up to high, add spinach. Stir and incorporate the spinach until wilted.
  8. Turn the stove down to low, add milk, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Remove Bay leaf prior to serving.

This makes 10-12 servings. Serve with bread of your choice. I like to top with a little parmesan cheese.

Notes/Substitutions:

  • If you prefer Kale, substitute for the spinach and add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
  • This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and it freezes well.
  • If you are a vegetarian, substitute 2 cans of rinsed/drained cannellini beans in place of the Italian sausage (or meat-free Italian sausage), and use crumbled vegetarian/vegan bacon. Use Vegetable broth, and 12 oz. alternative milk (I like almond or hazelnut for this recipe). Add in 1/2 t. Fennel Seed, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage) when using beans.

 

3/25/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

We’re getting towards the end of our reconstruction. The flooring guys are coming tomorrow to lay the new tile, then the cabinets can get built and installed, and then the water heater can be installed.

 

I’m getting y’all some top-notch freebies and deals this week- Enjoy and stay safe!

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free QR Pain Relief Cream Sample
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free Canon IVY Mother’s Day Memories Party Kit
Free Subscription to ELLE Magazine
Free Full-Size Vglambar Product
Free Charging Cables
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Access to MyHeritage Ancestry Tools for 2 Weeks
2 Free Toyota Grand Prix Long Beach Ticket
Free Magnetic Eyelashe Kit, Mascara, Tweezer & Mirror
Over $300 in New Class Action Settlements
Free Walmart+ for 90 Days – Free Shipping on Clearance Finds
Free Doughnut at Krispy Kreme
Free Restroom Request Card for Crohns & Colitis Patients
Free Bon Devil Plant-Based Ganache
2 Free Boxes of Crayons at Crayola Stores – Select States
Free Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine
Free Jr. NBA Sticker
Free Sample of Clear DysphagiAide
Free Love, Career, & Magic Fantasy Character Stickers
Free 4-pk of Evolve Protein Shakes at Walmart
Free Brown Scapular
Free Subscription to Out Magazine
Free Wax Melts Sample
Free Walkie Talkie Set
Free Subscription to Men’s Health Magazine
Free Colgate Whitening Kit
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Easter Bunny Photo at PetSmart

Deals:

Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet ONLY $69.99 (Reg. $140)
ASUS 11.6-In Chromebook Intel Celeron ONLY $99 (Reg $219)
Kate Spade Jewelry $10.20 + Free Shipping
Bella 4-in-1 Electric Spiralizer ONLY $27.99 (Reg $50)
MUK LUKS Women’s Sigrid Boots ONLY $9.99 (Reg $120) Shipped
JoJo Siwa Lunch Bag ONLY $5.99 (Reg $40)
Puddle Jumper Kids Deluxe Life Vest ONLY $8.99 (Reg. $30)
DKNY Layered Pendant Necklace ONLY $26.60 (Reg $38)
Barbie Lifeguard Playset ONLY $6.49 (Reg. $20)
Lalaloopsy Crumbs Sugar Cookie & Pet Mouse ONLY $11.37 (Reg $30)
MUK LUKS Women’s Haley Boots ONLY $11.99 (Reg. $76)
Save 65% on Jessica Simpson + Extra 15% Off at Checkout
Green Toys Airplane ONLY $6.71 (Reg. $15)
LOL Surprise Ooh La La Baby Surprise ONLY $20.99 (Reg. $40)
Slip-On Sherpa Sandals ONLY $19.99 (Reg $50)
Puma Men’s Regular Fit Jogger Pant ONLY $17.99 (Reg $45)
New Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet ONLY $69.99 (Reg. $140)
Adidas Adilette Aqua Slides ONLY $14.40 (Reg. $25)
Spray Off Play Off Game ONLY $5.68 (Reg. $20)
65% Off Open-Toe Slippers & Slides + Extra 15% Off at Checkout
Fire HD 8 Tablet ONLY $44.99 Shipped (Reg. $90)
Threshold Wood Accent Lamp ONLY $6.00 (Reg. $12)
65% Off Nine West + Extra 15% Off at Checkout
Reading Glasses 5 Pairs ONLY $15.95 (Reg. $30)
Quilted Wristlet Clutch ONLY $13.99 Shipped (Reg $35)
Pocket Maxi Tank Dress ONLY $14.99 (Reg $46)
Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush Set ONLY $19.99 (Reg $30)
Down Alternative Comforter – All Sizes ONLY $34.99 (Reg $80)
3 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited for Free
This App Will Give You 85 Free Photo Prints Every Month
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder ONLY $29.88 (Reg. $60)
Kate Spade Card Holders ONLY $25 (Reg $79)
Studded Strap Sandals ONLY $19.99 (Reg $50)
The Big One Disney’s Minnie Mouse Comforter Set ONLY $33.99
Kids Engraved Insulated Tumbler and Straw ONLY $17.99 (Reg $35)

3/21/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe are entering week four of no kitchen due to our water heater leak.

Our kitchen is in the middle of remediation, and we got insurance approval Friday, so I’m hoping that this will be our last week sans kitchen. It’s very frustrating.  My oven and stove are inaccessible, so I’m relying a lot on my sweet air fryer/convection oven/toaster combo (Like this one, but ours is bigger), microwave, and fridge for this week (and probably next week too).  I planned, but I’m not 100% committed to anything.  I took the big kid grocery shopping on Saturday to pick up lunch food and find some stuff to keep their little tummies full. I’m trying really hard to have food at home that the kids can eat, so we aren’t going out to eat.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, and what’s in the fridge. All of my pantry is packed up, and I don’t have access to 90% of my kitchen. I will be taking my CSA box over to my mom’s house today or tomorrow to do some prep- roasting veggies, making salad.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Soup, fruit, and bagels
  • Wednesday:  Mac n’ Cheese (I got some frozen Stouffer’s brand at the grocery store), veggies (cucumbers and carrots), fruit salad, and toast
  • Thursday:  I really want to make a pot roast in the crock pot, but I don’t know what box mine is packed into. So we may end up grazing.
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Who Knows, by Sunday I may have lost my marbles if the kitchen isn’t done.

3/18/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

We’re still in the middle of remediation and construction here. We’re entering week 4, and the past 10 days have been really hard on me.

I’m sorry I haven’t been posting as much lately, dealing with all of this has been a lot. And by the time I get everything else done, I’m too tired to write.

I’m getting y’all some top-notch freebies and deals this week- Enjoy and stay safe!

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Nature’s Fynd Meatless Breakfast Patties Original
Free Biosteel Sports Drink at QuikTrip
Free Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Testing Ruler
Free Simplot Foods Sidewinders Fries Sample
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Mtn Dew Zero Sugar at Walgreens
Free Juice Beauty Products
Free Freestyle Diapers
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cream
Free Copy of The Quiet Gut Cookbook
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
75 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Play Day Max Liquidator Water Blaster
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sustainable Japanese Body Lotion
Free Think Baby Massage Moisture Cream Sample
Free Dude Wipes at Walmart
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Paco Rabanne Phantom Men’s Fragrance Sample
Free Bags of Pretzel Pete
Free YETI Stickers for Registering Your YETI Drinkware
Free Sustainable Japanese Body Wash
Free Beauty Products & More with Topbox Circle
Free Puredown Bedding Products
Free Fresh Cravings Salsa
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer

Deals:

Unicorns 101 Hardcover ONLY $8.29 (Reg. $18)
Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Toaster Oven ONLY $45 (Reg. $99)
Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple ONLY $6.59 (Reg. $11)
75% Off Hush Puppies Shoes + 10% Off at Checkout
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Beauty Products on Amazon
Purina Busy Real Beefhide Dog Chews ONLY $4.61 (Reg. $10)
Easter Bunny Lawn Inflatables 66% Off + Free shipping
Kids Toy Organizer ONLY $50.34 (Reg. $164)
Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails ONLY $4.74 (Reg. $9.20)
Pioneer Woman 4-Piece Comforter Set ONLY $39 (Reg $69)
Barbie Puppy Doll Playset ONLY $9.99 (Reg $20)
Cozy Popcorn Cardigan ONLY $26.99 (Reg $50)
Women’s Bonded Fleece Jacket ONLY $7.97 (Reg $22)
Blue’s Clues Toddler 4-Piece Pajama Set ONLY $7 (Reg $15)
Paint Your Own Wooden Treasure Chest ONLY $2.97
Skorts by HEAD for $15.29 with Extra 10% Off
MGA Entertainment Dream Ella Car Cruiser ONLY $5.00 (Reg. $15)
Wilton Aluminum Square Cake Pan ONLY $3.29 (Reg. $13.59)
Dash 3.5-Quart Stand Mixer ONLY $35.99 (Reg $58)
Cookware Play Set Kitchen ONLY $89.99 (Reg $170)
Greenworks Snow Blower 80V Cordless ONLY $149 (Reg $269)
Michael Kors Puffer Coat ONLY $96.75 (Reg $350)
Remote Control Dinosaur Toys ONLY $34.09 (Reg. $90)
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $14.99 (Reg. $30)
60% Off Lucky Brand Kids + Exclusive 10% Off at Checkout
Girls 4-Piece Pajama Set ONLY $4.03 (Reg $15)
St. John’s Bay Mens Hooded Parka ONLY $43.19 (Reg $120)
85% Off Almost Famous and More + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Just Play JoJo Siwa JoJo’s Dream Car ONLY $8.00 (Reg. $44)
Druzy Studs ONLY $6.99 (Reg $17)

Host a Paint Night Party on a Budget with Dollar Tree!

Looking for a fun, frugal night in?

Check out this great idea from our friends at Dollar Tree!

Host a Paint Night Party- Dollar Tree has everything you need (except the wine!) to host a sip and paint.

Shop in-store or online- You can order online and have it shipped to the store for free (hooray for saving money on shipping).

 

Celebrate Pi Day (3.14) with Some Tasty Deals

It’s Pi Day (March 14th, or 3.14 as it’s written out). 

This made-up holiday is to celebrate the mathematical constant π (pi), which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. 

Basically, it’s a way to get people to eat more pi(e). 

Here are a few deals to celebrate various types of pi(e) today. I’ve only included offers with locations in Southern California, you may know of other deals, please feel free to leave a comment. 

I’m pretty bummed that Marie Callendar’s Restaurant isn’t doing a deal, but you can get a whole lemon meringue pie for just $9.99. 

Round Table Pizza: This is where we are headed for dinner tonight! Buy a personal-size cheese pizza for $3.14 on Pi Day at participating locations. Join the rewards clubs to take advantage of the offer (you can download their app and join- check your favorite spot to download apps).

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Get a mini, one-topping version of the restaurant’s deep-dish pizza for $3.14. Available all day Monday, dine-in only.

7-Eleven: Members of the 7Rewards loyalty program can buy a large pizza for $3.14 on Monday at  participating stores.

Chuck E. Cheese: Chuck E. Cheese said its Spring-tastic Family Fun Pack is available through April 24 for delivery or carryout. For $34.99, get two large pizzas, Unicorn Cotton Candy, a goody bag and spring activity sheet, and 250 e-tickets for your next Chuck E. Cheese visit.

 

3/14/2022 Meal Plan Monday

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe are entering week three of no kitchen due to our water heater leak.

Our kitchen is in the middle of remediation, and it’s gotten to the point where we are just waiting for estimates to be approved by our insurance. It’s very frustrating.  My oven and stove are inaccessible, so I’m relying a lot on my sweet air fryer/convection oven/toaster combo (Like this one, but ours is bigger), microwave, and fridge for this week (and probably next week too).  I planned, but I’m not 100% committed to anything.  I need to go to the grocery store this morning and pick up some milk and a few other things to fill in. I’m trying really hard to have food at home that the kids can eat, so we aren’t going out to eat.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, and what’s in the fridge. All of my pantry is packed up, and I don’t have access to 90% of my kitchen. I will be taking my CSA box over to my mom’s house today or tomorrow to do some prep- roasting veggies, making salad.

  • Monday: It’s Pi day, so the kids and I are heading next door to Round Table Pizza for $3.14 personal cheese pizzas.
  • Tuesday:Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Wednesday: Parmaesan Crusted chicken and veggies- I prepared this late last week at my mom’s house and I’ve got it in the fridge
  • Thursday: Salad Bar Night with garlic bread and roasted veggies
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Who Knows, by Sunday I may have lost my marbles.