3/7/2022 Meal Plan Monday

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Uh, so the long and the short of it is that there is no meal plan this week.

Our kitchen is in the middle of remediation, due to a water heater failure two weeks ago. You can see pics on my Instagram later today. I’m taking my CSA Box to my mom’s house later and I’ll be roasting and doing veggie prep there for the week.

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 the week.  I planned, but I’m not 100% committed to anything other than eating roasted asparagus this week.

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.

This week I also got a lovely bouquet of flowers (pics on IG in a bit), that I’ll be taking to my mom. We have dehumidifiers going 24/7 and I don’t want the flowers to dry out.

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.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (probably bagels with cream cheese,  fruit, and yogurt)
  • Wednesday: Pesto ravioli and roasted veggies
  • Thursday: Salad Bar Night with garlic bread
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Who Knows, by Sunday I may have lost my marbles.

3/4/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

We’re still in the middle of remediation and construction here- Our water heater died last week. It’s crazy and I miss hot showers. Right now all the hot water is being used for the kids to get clean. We’ve got a loaner 20-gallon water heater and it’s so small!

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:

25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Bizzy Coffee Stickers
Free Charger, Docking Station & More
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit
Free Bandages, First Aid Kits or Antiseptic Cleaners
Free Box of Kodiak Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix Coupon
Free Hope & Sesame Non-GMO Sesamemilk
Free Acne Facial Cleanser or Acne Patches
Free Sample of Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club Fragrance
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum Sample
Free Drink or Food Item at Starbucks
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Milton’s Craft Bakers Cauliflower Crust Pizza in Stores
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
Free 6 or 12-Pack Blue Moon LightSky
Free COVID Antiviral Treatments
Free Sample of Malin + Goetz SPF 30 Face Moisturizer
Free Sample of Replenix Redness Reducing Triple AOX Cream
4 Free Cinnabon BonBites + Free Birthday Treat
Free Save Earth Save Us Sticker
2 Free Skincare Products + $50 Amazon eGift Card
Free Items with Vogue Insiders
Free Bubbies Gluten-Free Mochi Ice Cream
Free PawPrint Magazine
Free Subscription to Cigar Aficionado Magazine
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More
Free Ocean’s Halo Organic Soy-Free Dressing
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points

Deals:

75% Off PicassoTiles Magnetic Building Blocks + Extra 10% Off
NERF Headset with Communication Mic ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $20)
Barbie Color Reveal Surprise Party Set ONLY $27.19 (Reg. $50)
Unisex Hooded Puffer Jacket ONLY $49.59 (Reg $125)
Rachael Ray 12-Pc Nonstick Pots and Pans Set ONLY $89 (Reg $198)
Fryin’ Flyin Donuts Family Game ONLY $3.97 on Amazon
Multipurpose Drawstring Trash Bags 50-Count as Low as $5.61
Sofia Vergara Clearance as Low as $5.00 (Reg. $22)
Threshold Salt and Pepper Grinders ONLY $7.50 (Reg. $15)
Women’s Apparel Clearance as Low as $5.00
Kathy Ireland Daffodil Moccasin ONLY $18.99 (Reg. $44)
Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines $17.49 (Reg. $35)
75% Off Active in Jogger Leggings + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Ozark Trail 22-Piece Camping Set ONLY $115 (Reg $169)

March 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:

  • Keto Krisp Almond Butter & Blackberry Jelly Plant-Based Bar
  • Bitchin’ Snack Products
  • Copper Cow Coffee Pour Over Latte Kit
  • Endangered Species Chocolate Caribou Bar
  • Nairns Flat Bread Cracker

I only got the Keto Crisp freebie this month. 

 

2/28/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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This week I lagged on the meal plan, and as a result, this post is a little later than usual.

I chopped, peeled, and prepped fruits and veggies this afternoon after work.  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.

This week I also got a jar of Strawberry jam. I can’t wait to slather it all over popover (recipe coming up this week).

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, Dream Dinners, and what we’ve got in the house. I didn’t do a big shop this week, just milk and popsicles.

Join the Disney Movie Club and get 4 Disney Movies for $1!

I love sharing this deal. We’ve been members of The Disney Movie Club for a decade (at least).

We always select the DVD + Bluray +Digital download sets. That way we can share the movie with friends or family, and the downloaded movies are available on household devices (perfect for when we travel and there is no wifi).

    • Get Started With 4 Movies For $1.00 Each And Start Building Your Disney Dream Collection.
    • About every 4 weeks we’ll notify you of the new Featured Title. If you want the Featured Title, do nothing – it will be sent to you automatically. If you want a different movie or nothing at all, simply let us know within 10 days.
  • Cancel Anytime After Buying Any 4 Movies At Regular Price within 2 years. Starting at $19.95

Oh, and this deal gets better- Each movie you select comes with a Disney Movie Insiders Points Code- Earn Points and redeem them for Disney-related gifts, DVDs, gift cards, and more. I try to post free codes weekly when I find them online.

2/25/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week has been a crazy one: Between helping my mom with life insurance and pension stuff, trying to get our taxes done, and her, and now my water heater is dying… I’m up to my armpits in stuff.

Never fear friends- I can’t leave y’all high and dry without the freebies and deals of the week.

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 Dr. Barbara Sturm Better B Niacinamide Serum Sample
Free Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Sample
Free Medium Cold Brew at Dunkin
Free Vamos Instant Coffee Sample
Free Museum Admission – Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
Free Lucky Charms The Magic Inside Book
Free Lemonade, Quick Chick & Trio Upgrade at Chicken Salad Chick
Free LED Portable Worklight at Harbor Freight
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Costa Brazil Face Serum Sample
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Tea at DAVIDsTEA
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Original Chick Meal at Chicken Salad Chick
Free Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics
Free Owala Reusable Water Bottle on 3/16
Free Abstract Art Craft Kit at Michael’s
Free It Cosmetics Products
Free Bookmarks, Posters, Activity Sheets & More
Free EPA Activity Books
Free Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn at Target
Free Sample of Kona Red Mountain Coffee
Free Racial Justice Poster
Free Treat at Applebee’s

 

Deals:

Disney Mickey Mouse Backpack ONLY $27.99 (Reg $70)
Up to 70% Off ZOOGS Kids Boots + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Paw Patrol Chase Rescue Track Set ONLY $9.40 (Reg. $20)
70% Off Bally Total Fitness + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Alyx Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
Tek Gear Boys Fleece Hoodie ONLY $14.39 (Reg $30)
Fashion Crossbody Cell Phone Wallet ONLY $21.99 (Reg $45)
Insignia 70-Inch Fire TV ONLY $549.99 (Reg $650)
Stainless Steel Manicure Set 7-Pieces ONLY $12.99 (Reg $36)
St. John’s Bay Men’s Fleece Sweater ONLY $8.99 (Reg $30)
Women’s Pajama Pants 2-Pack ONLY $7.88 (Reg $16)
MKF Collection Victoria Weekender ONLY $53.82 (Reg $299)
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard ONLY $32.99 (Reg $60)
Timberland Big Boys Tree Zip Hoodie ONLY $17.83 (Reg $60)
FREE Apple AirTag With Your First Super Chewer Box
Skechers Toddler Boys Razor Flex Shoes ONLY $22.50 (Reg $45)
Disney Booster Car Seat ONLY $54.83 (Reg $85)
MUK LUKS Women’s Leigh Bootie Slippers ONLY $19.99 (Reg. $40)
MKF Collection Small Wallet ONLY $19.62 (Reg $109)

 

Vegetarian Recipe Round Up

It’s time for some yummy veggie meals!

Most of these are vegetarian, not vegan. These are recipes that I feed my family, so they are kid-approved and don’t require any weird, expensive ingredients.

And as a bonus, many of the ingredients for these ingredients are frequently given out in Neighborhood Distributions.

2/21/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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The kids and I have the day off school/work today! The kids stayed at home and played, and I ran a bunch of errands, effectively taking care of 99% of my care tasks for the week. I will not be adding any additional tasks.

I did zero meal prep over the weekend, as we had out-of-town guests, and I went out with friends on Saturday, and I stayed out waaay too late.

I’m picking up an order of Dream Dinners this afternoon, and our CSA box will be delivered this afternoon.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, 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, Dream Dinners, and what we’ve got in the house. It’s supposed to be cool and rainy/overcast for much of the week, so I’m thinking of Soup and grilled cheese at least once!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Soup and Grilled Cheese (I have a couple batches in my freezer)
  • Wednesday: Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (probably waffles and fruit)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Pulled Pork Banh Mi Sliders

 

Deal Alert at Walmart: Degree Body Wash & Soak (NO COUPONS NEEDED)

Right now there is a great deal on Degree Body Wash & Soak ar Walmart when you use both Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.

I took advantage of this deal on Friday morning.

You can do this deal up to three times (and you can buy all three together if you want, no need to do separate transactions).

  1. Degree Body Wash & Soak $5.47/each
  2. Submit to Ibotta for $2.00 rebate (limit 3)
  3. Submit to Fetch Rewards for 2000 points each (that’s equal to $2 in rewards each). There is a limit of 5 on Fetch, but I only bought 3.
  4. Pay $16.41 plus tax out of pocket
  5. Submit to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards and receive $12.00 back between both.

Total after rebates: $4.41 plus tax or $1.47 plus tax each.

It’s easy and takes minutes. I submitted both rebates before I pulled out of the Walmart parking lot!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I earned $295 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

If you are new to Ibotta, you can sign up here.

2/18/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Sorry that this post is later in the day: today was busy. We have out-of-town guests, I had an IEP meeting, I’ve been dealing with Life insurance claims, and combined with helping my mom, it’s been a week.

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 Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Sub & Drink at Jersey Mikes
Free AYO Foods Hand-Crafted West African Bowls
Free Lovely Day Bars Sample
Free WholeBerry Passion Fruit Snack Rounds
Free Sample of Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum
Free Samples of ZURU Edge Dietary Supplements
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Soft Drink at Sonic
POPSUGAR Dabble – Free Beauty Products
Free Cuervo Lime Kit – 1st 1,000
Free ClarityRX, E’shee and Simply Venom Serum
Free Coda Movie Screening
Free Nuttzo Organic Power Fuel at Walmart
Free Vicks PureZzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies
Possible Free O’Go Yarn Products
Free Sample of StriVectin Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Spicy Breakfast Sausage Patties
Free Tim Hortons K-Cups at Select Stores
Free Softsoap Hand Soap
Free Fody Gluten Free Pasta Sauce
Free Planet Oat Oatmilk at Kroger & Affiliates
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Breakfast Sausage Links

Deals:

Juniors Deep V-Neck Sweatshirt ONLY $5.50 (Reg $14)
Maplewood Casual Duck Boots ONLY $29.93 (Reg $70)
Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Doctor ONLY $17.99 (Reg $30)
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator ONLY $14.97 (Reg. $30)
Kate Spade Harper Satchel ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
MUK LUKS Amira Slippers ONLY $19.99 Shipped (Reg. $40)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss $2.28 (Reg. $9)
Funko Games Disney You Can Fly ONLY $7.50 (Reg. $17)
Save 40% on Outdoor Toys + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
75% Off Sports Bras + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Classic Cuisine Portable Food Storage Set ONLY $10 (Reg. $24)
40% Off Puma + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Jean Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
40% Off Champion + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Wooden Magnetic Play $10.99 (Reg. $21)
80% Off Sheet Sets + Extra 10% Off at Checkout