September 2021: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Frozen Wraps By Cool Beans
  • Cauliflower Burgers By Dr. Praeger’s
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By NITRO Beverage Co.
  • Organic Oatmilk Pudding By noops
  • Plant-Based Milk Alternative By NotCo
  • Keto-Friendly Tortilla By Unbun Foods
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By RISE Brewing Co

 

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

9/19/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI spent all weekend at home, hanging with kiddos and doing meal prep. I made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (recipe here), and roasted veggies for various meals. I also made some omelet starters- various cooked veggies, ready to be added to eggs (along with cheese, because c’mon- CHEESE!)

I went grocery shopping on Thursday, and I split a share from Porchlight with my buddy Brooke.  The only thing I need to buy for the week is maybe some milk later in the week.

The CSA box will be here tomorrow AM and I’ll prepare some salads, more roasted veggies, and maybe even some soup (fingers crossed!).

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.

And I’ve been getting a lot of 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. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

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, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: We’ve got a pretty good schedule down for dinners. We have nuggets (vegetarian for the boy child, chicken for the rest) on the nights that we have respite. It’s quick to prepare and clean up, and I can serve it on our cafeteria trays with other fingers foods (we have trays like these) like cut-up fruit, crackers, and cheese. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Roasted Veggies, Salad, Quesadillas
  • Monday: Veggie Chili, Sourdough Rolls, Fruit
  • Tuesday: Shakshuka, Rice, Fruit
  • Wednesday: Nugget night, fruit, cheese, and crackers
  • Thursday: Parm crusted Turkey Breast, Fruit Salad, Kale Salad
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers, fruit

Please stay safe you guys!

Fashion Friday 9/16/21: COZY Sweatshirt & Hoodie Collection Starting At ONLY $15.99

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

Are you ready for cooler temps and snuggly soft sweatshirts?
Cents of Style is hooking us up this week!
Favorite Tops

With so many styles, colors, and graphics to choose from, and in sizes S-3XL, there is something for everyone!

Oh, and there are hoodies too!

The coupon code is BYESUMMER and it takes an EXTRA 20% OFF the lowest marked price making them start at ONLY $15.99!

Don’t forget FREE Shipping over $35! The code is active until 9/21/21 at midnight!

Easy Hummus Recipe!

Yesterday in my tabouli recipe, I mentioned I’d be sharing a hummus recipe soon. Here we are!

This recipe is super easy, and you can pick up all the ingredients in any grocery store, on Amazon, or even at Target.

Ingredients:

  • 2 15.5 oz canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup tahini (I like Tumeric Tahini from Havens Kitchen)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped (or you can use 1 teaspoon chopped jarred garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 t. cumin
  • salt to taste
  • Garnishes (optional): additional olive oil, everything but the bagel seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of cumin, sumac, chopped parsley)

Directions:

  1. In a food processor/blender, blend all of the ingredients (except the garnishes)
  2. If the hummus is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and blend again. repeat as needed, adding up to 3 teaspoons of water.
  3. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Pour into a bowl, top with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and any other additional garnishes as needed.
  5. Serve with veggies, pita, or chips/crackers.

This recipe is vegan, and gluten-free.

 

AO Opinions: Upcoming Parent Project $125

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of Children’s topics.

  • Open to: Parents of 5-9 year olds
  • To be considered complete the pre-screener here. 
  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Monday, September 20th, or Tuesday, September 21st, 2021

    Various Times Available.

9/17/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Woo! it’s been a hot week. I’m looking forward to cooler fall temps! There are a lot of cool freebies and deals this week.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Beef or Chicken Fajita Taco at Stripes & 7-Eleven
5 Free 4×6 Photo Prints at CVS
Free 2022 Church Mutal Calendar
4 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Stop Soldier Suicide T-Shirt
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Comvita Manuka Honey
Free Good Karma Plantmilk Product
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Circle K Every Wednesday
Free 6 pk. Neon Zebra Cocktail Mixers at Walmart
Free Haircare Products
Free Sample of Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer Foundation
Free Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo Bar
Free Coffee at Panera Bread for 3 Months
Free Camping Lantern or Keychain Flashlight
Free L’Oreal Paris Men Expert One-Twist Hair Color Permanent Hair color
Free Bud Light Seltzer Football Homegating House Party
Free Neon Zebra Margarita Cocktail Mixer Sample
Free One by Poise Liner & Pads Sample Pack
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Car Care Products
Free Exfoliating Skin Care Products
Free Hair Brush Set, Spa Towel Set or Bath Set with Stone
Free Samples of Orgain Sport and Recovery
Free Sample of WowButter Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Soy Spread
Free Ron Krivosheiw 5×7 Museum Quality Fine Art Canvas Print
Free Coconut, Grapefruit or White Citrus Bath Sets
Possible Free $150 Juice Research Study
Free Puredown Comforter, Blanket, Pillow, or Coverlet Set

Deals:

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Cloud Playset ONLY $6.34 (Reg. $15)
Arizona Women’s Cardigans ONLY $24.99 at JCPenney (Reg $44)
Paw Prints Fabric Pet Toys Bin ONLY $4.99 (Reg $16)
Coleshome Computer Desk ONLY $29.99 Shipped (Reg $80)
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ONLY $49.99 (Reg $100)
AquaDance 30-Setting Premium 3-Way Shower Combo $10.87 (Reg $50)
Cry Babies Fantasy Pet Rym ONLY $3.97 (Reg. $12)
Dash Hand Mixer ONLY $10.99 (Reg $23)
MUK LUKS Women’s Street Smart Sneaker ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $55)
Save $30 on Tide, Crest, Bounty and More of Your Favorite Brands
Wilton 9-Piece Cake Decorating Kit ONLY $4.17 (Reg. $8)
NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette ONLY $3.14 (Reg. $12)
Pictionary Air Kids vs Grown-Ups ONLY $5.43 (Reg. $20)
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Narwhal Pool ONLY $4.82 (Reg. $15)
Michael Kors Hartley Sunglasses ONLY $59 (Reg $129)
Fgteev Party In The Elevator ONLY $5.83 (Reg. $25)
MUK LUKS Women’s Street Savvy Sneaker ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $55)
Arm & Hammer Nubbies Dog Treats ONLY $1.85 (Reg. $6)
Iso-Pedic Luxury Charcoal Infused Pillow ONLY $9.93 (Reg $35)

Cross Country Cafe: Hot Chocolate & Tea Markdowns

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

Cross County has some amazing deals right now, and also an awesome giveaway!

The deals can all be seen here. 

K-Cup® Tea sale: Lots of Twinings and Bigelow options for just $9.99 a box

Not a Coffee Fan? Check out the tasty Hot Chocolate options on sale!

Enter to win 96 Apple Cider Pods
Win FOUR full-size boxes of Apple Cider K-Cup® coffee pods! Enter to win before 9/30/21.

AO Opinions: Upcoming Supplements Project $100

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of Nutritional Supplements.

  • Open to: 35-65 year olds
  • To be considered complete the pre-screener survey here.
  • Compensation: $100 (if chosen)
  • Wednesday, September, 22nd, or Thursday, September, 23rd, 2021 Times Currently Available:
    12:00PM-1:15PM ET / 11:00AM-12:15PM CT / 9:00AM-10:15AM PT
    2:00PM-3:15PM ET / 1:00PM-2:15PM CT / 11:00AM-12:15PM PT
    4:00-5:15PM ET / 3:00-4:15PM CT / 1:00-2:15PM PT
  • MUST JOIN 15-MINS EARLY

Thursday 9/16/2021 is National Guacamole Day!!

Are you ready? I know I am. I know Rubio’s is famous for their fish tacos, but have you ever had their guac? 10/10, chef’s kiss, omnomnom.

On Thursday, September 16, Rubio’s is celebrating National Guacamole Day by giving out free, freshly made chips and guacamole with any order. Rubio’s guacamole is made onsite daily, using rich Hass avocados, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and natural sea salt. Tortilla chips are also prepared fresh daily with a light sprinkling of all-natural sea salt. Guests can use the coupon here in restaurants across California, Arizona, and Nevada. When ordering online at Rubios.com or through the app, use coupon code GUAC.

I know what we are having for lunch on Thursday!

AO Opinions Upcoming Food Delivery Drivers Project $75

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of Food Delivery.

  • Open to: Food Delivery Drivers 
  • To be considered complete the pre-screener survey here.
  • Compensation: $75 (if chosen)
  • Monday September 27th thru Friday October 8th 2021 – 9:00AM-5:00PM ET (1-hr) Videoconference