3/19/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

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!

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)

3/25/2023 KPBS Be My Neighbor Day!

My kids loved Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood when they were tiny. I watched Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood when I was little. I love the lessons of kindness, sharing, and how Daniel and the whole Land of Make Believe gang live and work together to make their world a better place.

So imagine how excited I was when KPBS reached out to share Be My Neighbor Day.

In celebration of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (DTN) and PNC Grow Up Great® (an initiative of The PNC Financial Services Group), Fred Rogers Productions is working with PBS stations across the country to host Be My Neighbor Day community events. Building on the values and themes of DTN, the events are used as an opportunity for member stations to collaborate with new and existing partners while promoting local volunteerism, family engagement, and community development.

KPBS is excited to join forces with local community partners to host San Diego’s first-ever Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the KPBS station on the San Diego State University campus. Young children (ages 0-8) and their families will celebrate kindness and learn how their neighbors are working to improve our region’s natural environment (and preserve the planet!) through interactive displays and meaningful activities. Current exhibitors include America’s Finest Charter School, Climate Science Alliance, Girl Scouts San Diego, Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego, Living Coast Discovery Center, Salk Education Outreach, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, and the SDSU Office of Energy and Sustainability.

If you and your family want to check out Be My Neighbor Day, click here.

Up to 15% Off Select Devices at Gazelle!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

With Spring around the corner, a new refresh is due! Be sure to shop Gazelle’s latest sale with options on latest iPhones and Google Pixel devices. Now through Monday 3/20Gazelle is offering up to 15% OFF latest devices including all iPhone 14 models! No code is required, see below for select models.

  • 15% OFF
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • Google Pixel 7
    • Google Pixel 7 Pro
  • 10% OFF
    • iPhone 13
    • iPhone 13 Mini
    • iPhone 13 Pro
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max
    • Google Pixel 6
    • Google Pixel 6A
    • Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • 5% OFF
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 Mini
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone SE 3rd Gen
    • iPhone SE 2nd Gen

 

Additionally, the latest bonus offered for the Trade-in store, is also available now through Monday 3/20. Get a 10% BONUS on all tablets. Offer Applies on single model only.

These offers runs for a limited time, so if you are in the market for a new to you phone, check out Gazelle today.

You can sell your unwanted smartphones and laptops to Gazelle to earn money! I’ve sold a couple of our old phones and iPads to Gazelle. It’s a great way to earn some cash and keep electronics out of landfills.

3/5/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’m back to Meal planning on Sundays. We receive and 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.

We have a lot of soup in the freezer. Like… 6 different types. We’re having a lot of soup this week. Thankfully, it’s soup weather, and everyone enjoys soup.

I’m planning on a few batches of roasted veggies to be served throughout the week as well.

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: We’ve got Soup several times for dinner, which is great. All I have t0 do is take it out to defrost the morning of!  And I have one Dream Dinner remaining, so we’ll be having it this week as well.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers
  • Monday: Dream Dinner, roasted veggies
  • Tuesday:  Soup and Cheese Toast

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

  • Thursday: Soup, roasted veggies, toast

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Salad Bar Night

2/17/2023 Friday Freebies and Deals

My throat is still very scratchy, and I have a raspy voice. But I made it through the week, and I’ve got freebies galore to share!

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.

 

Freebies:

Free SkinTe Collagen Sparkling Tea at Select Stores
Free 4pk of NotCo Plant-Based Milk
Free Violife Vegan Cheese at Walmart
Free Bamba Peanut Butter Puffs
Free YSL Beauty Black Opium Le Parfum Sample
Free 6 Months of DashPass for Roku Users
Free Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
Free Faber Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer Sample
Free Rituals Anti-Aging Day Cream Sample
Free Eyebrow Enhancing Pencil
Free Cereal POP Popcorn Fruity Pebbles at Sam’s
Free Tea at McAlister’s Deli
Free Oreo Cookies & Cream Bundlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
Free AWAKE Chocolate Caffeinated Chocolate Bites
Free Redken Pro Color Gels
Free Sample of WowButter Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Soy Spread
Free Wedding Planning Journal
Free Creed Movie for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Black Heritage Art Craft Event at Michaels
Free Dr. Brown’s Baby Products
Free Starry Soda After Cashback
Free $20 Stitch Fix Credit
Free Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths Sample
Free Darphin Paris Intral Inner Youth Resue Serum Sample
Free Clean Power My City T-Shirt & Stickers
Free Nailtopia Nail Product Every Month
Free Tootsie Rolls at Select Stores
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
Free Sample of New Skin Kids Liquid Bandage Paint
Free Thinful Sea Salt Caramel at Sam’s

Deals

Walgreens Winter Clearance 90% Off
Kids Pajamas as low as $7
Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Doll ONLY $5 (Reg. $10.99)
OMG Accessories and Backpacks 70% Off
Minnie Mouse Lipgloss ONLY $4.99 (Reg. $11.19)
Macy’s Toys up to 80% Off
KidKraft Super Model Wooden Dollhouse ONLY $46.43 (Reg. $140)
Clinique High Impact Lash Amplifying Serum ONLY $15 (Reg. $49)
Disney Princess Dresses as low as $11
Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Dress Up Set ONLY $14.90 (Reg. $33)
Walmart Furniture up to 70% Off
Frozen 2 Surprise Celebration Playset ONLY $10.42 (Reg. $19.14)

2/11/2023 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

I’m sick y’all. I have a sore throat. I can’t speak. I think I might have gargled hot asphalt. I lose my voice about once every few years- I guess it’s my time.

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 Sample of Decorte Liposome Repair Serum
Free Dude Wipes at Sam’s
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream Sample
Free Sour Patch Kids at Select Stores
Free We Stand Together Bracelet, Pin & Window Cling
Free Dior Capture Totale Le Serum Sample
Free Vote Vets America’s Military Sticker
3 Free Magazine Subscriptions
Free Violife Vegan Cheese at Select Stores
Free Costa Coffee Flat White Ready To Drink Iced Coffee
Free Watercolor Heart Frame Craft Event at Michaels
5 Free Wings at Wing & Rings on Sunday
Free Welch’s Juicefuls A Burst of Joy Chatterbox Kit
Free Hartz Home Protection Odor Eliminating Dog Pads
Free Custom Fido Alert Pet ID Tags
Free Anti-Friction Body Powder
Free ThermaCare Heatwrap
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Toleriane UV SPF Moisturizer
Free Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Fragrance Sample
Free NotCo Plant-Based Burger Patties
Free Medium Coffee at Dunkin in Greater Philadelphia Area
Free Biore Hydrocolloid Acne Patches
Free Coffee or Tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Free Verb 10th Anniversary Ghost Oil
Free Mezcla Plant-Based Protein Bars
Teachers – Free Art in the Classroom Posters
Free Small Plate at California Pizza Kitchen
Free Air Wick Essential Mist Starter Kit at Walmart
Free Pepsi Zero Sugar After Rebate
Free Duffle Bag for DSW VIP Members
Free Panda or Sloth Valentine at JCPenney -This Saturday
Free Tiny Tate’s Bake Shop Cookies at Publix
Free Sample of Nexwear Pads

Deals:

Alex and Ani up to 70% Off
Scoop Women’s Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater ONLY $8 (Reg. $34)
Olaplex Hair Products Buy 2 Get 1 Free + Extra Coupon
Smarter Biotin 5000mcg 2pk ONLY $2.26 (Reg. $22.26)
Reebok Walkawhile Women’s Shoes ONLY $26.99 (Reg. $60)
George Men’s Synthetic Pull On Short ONLY $4 (Reg. $15.98)
Little Tikes Cozy Ice Cream Truck ONLY $62.99 (Reg. $119.99)
Kate Spade Mulberry Street Lise Satchel ONLY $89 (Reg $379)
Hair Biology Hair Care ONLY $6 (Reg. $9.99)
Cuisinart 12pc Knife Set ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $50) + Free Shipping

2/4/2023 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Yesterday was my birthday, and I got to celebrate with my kiddos and mom. I had dinner with a friend, and in true Gen X style, we went to the mall after dinner.

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 Blue Buffalo Bluephoria Treats Chatterbox
Free Terra Origin Nutraceutical Supplements & Powder Samples
Free Starburst at Select Stores
Free BIC EasyRinse Razors at Walmart After Cashback
Free Llama Stickers
Free Super Bowl LVII Prep Party Weekend Event at Lowe’s
Free Gratsy Box
Free Pitaya Foods Jackfruit Bite-Sized Pieces
Free Joyce Meyer Talk It Out Journal
Free Sample Pack of Vitafol Ultra Prenatal Vitamins
Free Drinks at Panera
Free Duffle Bag for DSW VIP Members
Free Sample of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Free Froyo at TCBY on Feb. 6th
Free Zyfe Soap Sample
Free Box of Cure Hydration at Walgreens After Rebate
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free Pitaya Foods Watermelon Bite-Sized Pieces
Free 3-Pack of Aqulius Safety Glasses
Free Lollipops
Verizon Up Rewards – 100 Free Starbucks Stars
Free Mush Overnight Oats at Sprouts
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free 30-Day Sample of Ubiquinol CoQ10 Softgels
Free Moonshot Organic Crackers
Free Pizza from 7-Eleven for the Big Game on 2/12
Free Cannabiva CBD Sample
Free Goodles Mac & Cheese
Free RESPAWN by 5 Gum at Circle K After Rebate
Pork Products Class Action Settlement
Free Museum Admission – Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders
Free Cheez-It Puff’d at Sam’s
Free Michel Germain Sexual Noir Eau de Parfum Sample
Free Pitaya Foods Avocado Bite-Sized Pieces

 

Deals

Disney Princess Kid’s Tent ONLY $26.97 (Reg. $50.98)
Dr. Brown’s Newborn Gift Set ONLY $69.99 (Reg. $99.99)
Battery Daddy Storage Case & Battery Tester ONLY $9.99 (Reg $20)
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push Bulldozer ONLY $15.49 (Reg. $27.99)
Crayola Sprinkle Art Shaker ONLY $16.06 (Reg. $26.19)
Cadet Gourmet Triple Chews ONLY $1.81 (Reg. $6.50)
Sweet Seams Soft Rag Doll Minnie Mouse Set ONLY $5.72 (Reg. $20)
70% Off Muk Luks ONLY $9.99

National Soup Day is February 4th!

February 4th is National Soup Day! This is probably one of my favorite days of the year.

Soup is an inexpensive, filling meal. It works with any dietary restrictions, and you can cook it on the stove or in a crockpot.

Here are just a few of my favorite soup recipes:

Veggie Soup 
Chicken Fajitas Soup 
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Potato Cheese Soup
Hearty Veggie Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Veggie Tuscan Soup
Homemade Chicken Soup
Zuppa Tuscana Soup CopyCat Recipe
Chicken Corn Chowder
Roasted Onion and Caramelized Onion Bisque
Butternut Squash Bisque
Beef Stew
Harvest Veggie Ravioli Soup

Recipe: My Favorite Pasta Salad!

In my recent post about hosting a mermaid-themed party, I mentioned that we will be serving pasta salad.

One of the things that I love about pasta salad is that it’s so flexible.

Basically, all you need is a pound of pasta (your choice) cooked per package directions, drained, and rinsed. After that, whatever you add is up to you.

  • I use 1 cup of dressing to start. Usually, I use zesty Italian-type dressing, but if you are a pesto lover, 1 jar/can of pesto and a few tablespoons of your favorite oil (I like avocado oil) is excellent. Red or green pesto, whatever your preference is. If you are serving vegetarians, avoid red pesto because it contains anchovies.
  • 1 cup of diced cheese- Mozzarella, or mozzarella pearls, or cut up a couple string cheese sticks.
  • 2 cups vegetables, cut into bite-size pieces.  Bell peppers, broccoli, black olives, tomatoes (either grape or cherry), and fresh, shelled peas are some of my favorites.
  • Optional, but tasty: a bunch of fresh basil, cut into ribbons (chiffonade).

Mix all ingredients together, and store in a tightly closed container for at least 4-6 hours prior to serving.

This recipe serves about 8-10 as a side dish, less as a main dish. If you need to add meat to this, as a can or 2 pouches of chunk tuna, drained and rinsed.