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)

Kids Bowl Free- It’s Back for Summer 2022!

file0001910298986.jpgThis popped into my inbox last night. I’m so glad it’s back.

Looking for something fun, air-conditioned, and cheap to do this summer? Yeah, you are!

Kids Bowl Free has been around for years, and it’s a great way to get kids active even when it’s hot outside. I’m so excited it’s back for 2021!

Kids 2-18 can bowl 2 games for free each day the program is running at participating bowling centers all across the US and Canada. All you pay for is shoe rental- or bring your own if you have them!kidsbowlfree_logo-new-2019.jpg

This program is available all over the US and Canada. The complete list can be found here. Sign up is quick and easy. To get started, register here.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of this deal! It’s one of our favorite summer activities.

Tryazon: Gabby’s Dollhouse TryaBox

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Discover magic and surprise with this purrfect Tryazon TryaBox opportunity from Spin Master featuring Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse! Live in the meow with Gabby, Pandy Paws, and the rest of the Gabby Cats from DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse, now streaming on Netflix! With its cat-inspired shape and colorful details, it looks just like the show! Drop-in and receive dollhouse deliveries from the cat-tail tower, ride the cat-a-vator to each floor, discover hidden surprises in rooms and so much more!

Tryazon has 250 participant spots open this time and those chosen will receive Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse to sample and review at home! No party required! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/spin-master-gabbys-dollhouse-tryabox/

Free Food Resources for March 2022(San Diego County)

The spring is bringing many new and improved free and low-cost food options around San Diego County!

Keep in mind there are still supply chain issues, so there may not be a lot of food at some distributions, especially those that serve a large portion of the community.

I recommend showing up a little early with a bottle of water and a book and waiting in line. Time passes quickly in these lines, and it’s a great time to learn from others about community food options. Remember to socially distance and follow local masking regulations.

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

Our friends at Faith Chapel are super ahead of the game and sent out information regarding their 2022 food distributions early on in the year.

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 March 2022 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.

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. 

 

3/1/2022 National Pancake Day at IHOP

It’s National Pancake Day! Traditionally known as Shrove Tuesday, This is the last Tuesday before Lent. More information about the holiday can be found here.

It’s time to celebrate today at your local IHOP. Today only, you get a FREE short stack of pancakes from 7am – 4pm** at your local IHOP®! In return, we encourage you to donate to children’s hospitals.  Dine-in only. One free short stack (three buttermilk pancakes) per guest.

If you can’t make it again, Get 20% Off Your First Online Order With Code IHOP20^.

**Hours may vary by restaurant. Contact your local IHOP for more information.
§For a limited time. Hours of availability and price, participation and selection may vary by location. Dine-in only, except at limited locations. Tax and gratuity excluded. Not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers.

 

New PinchMe Samples Drop 3/8/2022

Sample Tuesday is Coming 3/8/2022- Mark your calendars, set an alarm on your phone!

Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is what arrived at the end of June for the June 2021 boxes. The One Bar was really good.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

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.