New Freebies from Try Products!

I posted about Try Products over the summer. There are a few new freebies from Try Products now. Try Products has amazing products for you to try absolutely FREE.  It’s 100% Free. No credit card is required EVER!

Here are the latest new offers:

Cross Country Cafe: Pumpkin Pie Hot Cocoa Recipe!

Yesterday, Cross Country Cafe shared a simply fabu fall recipe! And I know how many of you dig on the fall pumpkin spice drinks.

This is the best pumpkin pie hot cocoa with two ingredients and a Keurig® brewer! You can too with these simple directions.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Brew your hot cocoa K-Cup® pod in a large mug using the lowest water setting on your brewer.
  2. Now, brew your Pumpkin Spice K-Cup® pod directly into the same mug. Again, the lowest water setting is optimal.
  3. Top with tons of whipped cream and mini marshmallows, and if you are feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

If this isn’t your jam, Cross Country Cafe has an entire page dedicated to fun, easy recipes here. 

10/19/2021 Weekly Meal Plan & Life Update

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe are starting week FOUR with no full-size fridge and no freezer. Still living that #coolerlife.

We are still waiting for our fridge to get fixed. They’ll be out with the parts on 10/30/2021. So that means 6 weeks without a fridge and freezer. Never buy anything from Sears or American Freight (formerly Sears Outlet). Seriously, this has been a nightmare.

The CSA Box came yesterday and I did some light meal prep. I’ll post pics on Insta later today with info about our fun meal prep for lunches this week.

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: Until this fridge debacle is over, I won’t be doing any meal prep beyond the stuff in the CSA box. We’re trying to eat up as much of the produce as possible. We’re eating a lot of salads early week, and more hardy stuff (roasted potatoes and baked apples with grilled cheese and soup) towards the end of the week, with our usual Friday night takeout. I want a new fridge- I miss bacon!

  • Monday: Mac n cheese, strawberries
  • Tuesday: Roasted veggies, salad (avocado ranch)
  • Wednesday: Roasted chicken, baked potatoes, veggies
  • Thursday: Chicken noodle soup, biscuits
  • Friday: take out
  • Saturday: leftovers
  • Sunday: breakfast for dinner (pancakes, eggs, fruit salad)

Please stay safe you guys!

Cents of Style Deal of the Week: Jagger & Joanna + 2 More Boyfriend Tees ONLY $9.99 & $12.99

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

I have one of these shirts and it’s so comfy and versatile.  These boyfriend tees in both the short sleeve (JAGGER) and long sleeve version (JOANNA) + 2 other BEST SELLING styles are on sale for ONLY $9.99-$12.99 with coupon code IDEALTEE.

This deal is good through 10/26/2021, and don’t forget: Shipping is free with purchases of $35+.

These shirts are great for fall layering and work in any wardrobe!

Favorite TopsFavorite Tops

 

October 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:

  • Wedderspoon Immunity Gummies
  • Veggiecraft Farms Veggie Pasta
  • Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks
  • Partake Gluten Free Vegan Cookies
  • Notco Plant-Based Milk Alternative
  • Khadi Beauty Natural Ayurvedic Hair Oil – Rose Repair

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!

Tryazon: Spin Master Black Friday Preview Party

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.

Try some of the most popular Spin Master brands in one mega Tryazon Featured Party opportunity! Featuring PAW Patrol, Air Hogs, Kinetic Sand, Cool Maker, and more, this will be a Black Friday Party like never before! With SIX different toys included there is a little something for everyone, making this the perfect party opportunity to jumpstart your holidays.

They have 250 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a variety of Spin Master toys to sample and share with friends and family, valued at $300+ in total!

Learn more and apply here.

 

10/15/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

This week has been busy. Trying to get Halloween costumes situated, plus medical appointments and all the other fun stuff that comes along with fall.

Speaking of Halloween, here are some fun San Diego, Ca area events coming up. 

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

Freebies:

Free Thanksgiving Photo Frame Craft at JCPenney
Free WLDKAT Skincare Products
Free The Body Shop Give with Joy Chatterbox Kit
Free Anthony Men’s Skincare Trio Sample Pack
Free Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution
Free Wedderspoon Immunity Gummies
Free NeeDohToys
Free Wedderspoon Digestive Gummies
Free Mezzetta Marinara Sauce
Free Mike & Ike Candy at Dollar General
Free Mosaic Family Meals
3 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Force Factor Leanfire Thermo Gummies
Free Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Matrix
Free Sample of Rascal + Friends Diaper
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Cesar Wholesome Bowls Sample
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Walmart
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Free Heineken 0.0 Sample Pack
Free Purina Hens Tote Bag, Whisk, Sticker & More
Free Impossible Foods T-Shirt, Socks & More
Free 2-Year Subscription to People Magazine
Free Subscription to Martha Stewart Living Magazine
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Kroger & Affiliates

Deals:

Infinity Home Novelty Print Fleece Throws ONLY $5.93 (Reg $20)
8-Inch Gel-infused Memory Foam Mattress ONLY $317 (Reg $1,027)
Free October Makeup Box ($100 Value)
MUK LUKS Women’s Short Fashion Boots ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $125)
Hiker Boots ONLY $19.99 at Walmart (Reg. $110)
Style & Co Cotton Tank Top ONLY $3.93 at Macy’s (Reg $15)
Coleman 50-Quart Cooler with Wheels as Low as $19.50 (Reg. $49)
Buy 2 Get 2 Free 3-Wick Candles at Bath & Body Works
60% Off Under Armour: $9 Shorts, $13 Sports Bras and More
Green Toys Watering Can Toy ONLY $6.80 (Reg. $17)
3-Pc Reversible Full/Queen Comforter Set ONLY $24.93 (Reg $80)
Shark ION Robot RV761 ONLY $199.99 at Macy’s (Reg $434)
LEGO BrickHeadz Nutcracker ONLY $9.99 on Amazon

10/11/2021 Weekly Meal Plan & Life Update

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgWe are starting week three with no full-size fridge and no freezer. Still living that #coolerlife.  We did buy a mini-fridge last week, so we are able to keep some fresh food in the house. Milk and creamer and drinks live in the cooler in the kitchen. I’m hoping the warranty company makes up their mind this week and we can get our new fridge. Life without condiments is rough, y’all.

We’ve been eating a lot of shelf-stable stuff (beans and rice, crockpot chili), and I’ve been hitting the store solo to pick up salad kits, and bananas, and apples. Last week we ended up having the share a lot of our CSA box as I wouldn’t store some of the items in the cooler without freezing/damaging the more delicate items.

The CSA box will be here today while I’m at work. I’ll do the prep work this afternoon/evening.

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.

I’m super stoked that I’ll be getting flowers this week too as my add-on. Look over at my Instagram and Facebook for pics later today.

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: Until this fridge debacle is over, I won’t be doing any meal prep beyond the stuff in the CSA box. We’re trying to eat up as much of the produce as possible. We’re eating a lot of salads early week, and more hardy stuff (roasted potatoes and baked apples with grilled cheese and soup) towards the end of the week, with our usual Friday night takeout. I want a new fridge- I miss bacon!

  • Sunday: We had bowls from El Pollo Loco, and the kids had leftover pizza.
  • Monday: Roasted Veggies, Salad, Quesadillas- Produce is delivered today and I roast up a pan of veg as soon as I can!
  • Tuesday: unknown
  • Wednesday: unknown
  • Thursday:  unknown
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers (if we have any)

Please stay safe you guys!

10/8/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

It’s raining! Woo hoo! Ok, so if you aren’t in Southern California, you probably don’t understand why it’s so exciting. We’re in a drought and any little bit helps. Also, now I don’t have to wash my car.

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

Freebies:

Full Sized Freebies from Sprouts!
Free Homefree Healthy Cookie Party
Free Khadi Rose Repair Oil
Free Abbey’s Hope Watch Watchdog Tag
Free Kids’ Guide to Helping Animals Magazine + Stickers
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Free Mylanta Gas Minis Sample
Free Headlamps, Handheld Flashlight or Clip Light
Free 2-Year Subscription to People Magazine
Free I Heart Equality Sticker
Free Thin the Threat Bumper Sticker
Free Above MS Recipe Book
Free 89.3 The Arbor Hologram Sticker
Free Sample of Nescafe Intenso Coffee
Free Planet Oat Unsweetened Oatmilk at Kroger & Affiliates
Free 3-Pack of Hallmark Little World Changer Greeting Cards
Free Coffee at Cumberland Farms Every Friday
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free khadi Neem Harmony Hair Oil
Free Avene Solaire UV SPF or Tinted Sunscreen Fluid
3 Free Gratitude Postcards
Free Access to MyHeritage Ancestry Tools
Free Lowe’s Hal-LOWE-en Trick-or-Treat Tryouts Event
Free Modelo Beverage Can Holder on Oct & Nov 11th
Score a Free $10 Credit from Amazon
Free Ocusleep Sleep Glasses
Free Skincare Product + $40 Amazon Gift Card
Free Subscription to Cigar Aficionado Magazine
Free Bruichladdich Scotch Whisky Virtual Party
Free Sample of NYX Cosmetics’ Marshmellow Primer
Free Gatorade Zero with Protein
Free Khadi Vitality Grow Hair Oil
Free Ginkgo Biloba Complex Pills
Free Men’s Moisturizer Product + $30 Amazon Gift Card
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation

Deals:

Rimmel Lasting Finish Extreme Lipstick ONLY $3.58 (Reg. $6.49)
Holiday Velvet Plush Throw ONLY $10.49 at JCPenney (Reg $30)
Nike Shirts on Clearance for $4.50
Coach Pave Signature Huggie Earrings ONLY $24.96 (Reg. $78)
MUK LUKS Women’s Sharon Boots ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $115)
Ultrasoft Sheet Twin Set ONLY $13.99 (Reg $45)
Save $30 on Tide, Crest, Bounty and More of Your Favorite Brands
Martha Stewart Glass Pitcher ONLY $8.99 (Reg $24)
Martha Stewart Harvest Pumpkin Cocottes ONLY $19.99 (Reg $50)
White Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring ONLY $15 (Reg $75)
Michael Kors Pebbled Crossbody Bag ONLY $89.25 (Reg $258)
Coach Double Corner Zip Wristlet ONLY $39.20 (Reg. $98)
Garmin Vivofit Jr ONLY $39.00 (Reg. $80)
MUK LUKS Women’s Cheryl Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg $65)
Hush Puppies Fall Flats ONLY $31.49 with 10% Off at Checkout
70% Off Sweaters From Evelyn Taylor + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
JoyBay Ride On Swing Cars ONLY $31.49 with 10% Off at Checkout
60% Off Hanes & More + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
35% Off bareMinerals, Buxom & More + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette ONLY $10.29 (Reg. $18)
Telestrations Board Game ONLY $11.96 (Reg. $30)
MUK LUKS Bootie Slippers ONLY $7.99 (Reg. $24)
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette $6.16 (Reg. $12)
MUK LUKS Liza Boots ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $65)
BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower ONLY $89 (Reg. $147)
LEGO BrickHeadz Nutcracker ONLY $9.99 on Amazon
Rubbermaid Storage Containers 18-Piece Set ONLY $25 (Reg $35)
Adjustable Measuring Cups Set of 2 ONLY $12.99 (Reg $25)
The James Bond Collection Blu-ray ONLY $59.99 (Reg. $115)
Martha Stewart 3-Pack Nesting Bowls ONLY $16.99 (Reg $44)
Nike Classic Kids Backpack ONLY $15 (Reg $30)
Cooks 30-Pc Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $55.99 (Reg $160)
Nike Boys Dri-FIT Block Logo Print Shorts ONLY $8.40 (Reg $28)
Fruit of the Loom Men’s Briefs 15-Pack ONLY $12.50 (Reg $23)

New Recipe: Italian Pot Roast

I got a roast the other day because I really wanted something beefy and comforting, but I didn’t want to make Moosie’s Pot Roast, because while it’s so good, it’s a tad heavy.

I wanted to make something beefy, flavorful, and rich, but not heavy. I pulled out a few cookbooks, looked through the cupboard and the cooler where the veggies are chilling (pun intended), and came up with this. It’s like Oso Bucco, Bolognese sauce, and beef stew had a complicated tryst. All of the fresh vegetables came from our Yasukochi CSA Box.

 

 

 

 

Italian Pot Roast

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 Chuck Roast (2-3 lbs)
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 T. Olive Oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, halved and sliced
  • 1 Bell Pepper, sliced (I used Red, but use whatever you’ve got)
  • 2 Carrots, Peeled and diced
  • 3-5 cloves garlic, diced
  • 6-8 fresh tomatoes, chopped (You can substitute 2 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes if you don’t have fresh)
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 T. Italian Seasoning

Directions:

  1. Salt and pepper the roast and set aside. I recommend allowing the roast to warm up to room temp before searing it.
  2. In a large pan, heat 2 T. olive oil, and saute onions, peppers for about 10-15 minutes, until soft and browned.
  3. Add in carrots and garlic, and allow them to cook for about 5 minutes. Garlic will be slightly browned and fragrant.
  4. While veggies are cooking, chop up tomatoes and add to slow cooker.
  5. Add tomato paste to slow cooker.
  6. Add cooked veggies, bay leaf, and Italian Seasoning to the slow cooker.
  7. Add remaining 2 T. olive oil to the previously used large pan, and allow to warm.
  8. Sear the roast on all sides.
  9. Add roast to slow cooker.
  10. Pour wine into the large pan and turn heat to medium-high. Scrape all browned meat and veggie bits with a wooden spoon. One wine comes to a brief boil and all browned bits are scraped off the pan, pour liquid into the slow cooker.
  11. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  12. Put roast beef from the slow cooker, and shred with forks. Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir. Cook for an additional hour.

Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta/noodles of your choice.