2/21/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is going to be a lot calmer/slower than the past few weeks. We are down to our usual weekly appointments only. Thank goodness, I don’t think I could handle a third marathon week.

I cleaned out/rearranged the freezer, fridge, and cupboard this weekend. I found a lot of great stuff I had forgotten about. I did the quarterly trip to Costco yesterday and grabbed a few things beyond our usual stock up of household goods (trashbags, laundry soap, dishwasher tabs, etc.). I grabbed a rotisserie chicken (good for at least three meals) and some fruit to get us through the week. If you need ideas for what to do with rotisserie chicken, there are ideas here, here, and here.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The little kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Rotisserie Chicken, Salad, & Roasted Veg
  • Monday: Hashbrowns, eggs, Banana Bread, fruit
  • Tuesday:  Dream Dinners Entree (our last one), Roast Veg
  • Wednesday: Nugget Night with veggies, apple slices, and cheezits
  • Thursday: Crockpot Meal
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

2/19/2021 Friday Freebies & Deals

bright boxes

This week was a lot calmer than last, but we still had a few bumps in the road, including broken glasses, which resulted in a trip to the optometrist. Being an adult is never dull.

My birthday was earlier this month and I rocked a bunch of freebies. Wanna check out my list of goodies? Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Entree at The Old Spaghetti Factory
Free NEATwipes – Kills 99.9% of Germs
Free Tropicana Premium Drinks at Walmart
Free Tylenol Products After Rebate
Free Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins
Free Short Stack of Pancakes at IHOP
Free Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation Sample
Free Contadina San Marzano Style Whole Canned Tomatoes
Free Sample of Vitafol Ultra or Gummies Prenatal Vitamins
Free 6 Months of Apple News+
Free Arm & Hammer AbsorbX Cat Litter with Mail-In Rebate
Free Dr. Charles Stanley Love Lessons DVD
Free Ocean’s Halo Organic Soy-Free Dressing
Free Maker’s Mark Ambassador Gifts Every Year
Free Astroglide Oil Liquid & Massage Lotion
Free Kite Hill Dairy Free Yogurt at Select Stores
Free Mane ‘n Tail Quin Houff Hero Card
Free Samples of Nature Nate’s Honey Minis
Free 4-pk of Seemore Meat & Veggies Natural Sausages
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

 

Deals:

Crayola Toy Story 4 Coloring Pages ONLY $4.99 (Reg. $10)
Womens Clog Slippers With Memory Foam ONLY $19.99 (Reg $35)
Power Rangers Beast-X King Morpher ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $20)
Play-Doh Party Pack ONLY $4.49 (Reg. $8)
Women’s Leggings ONLY $4.79 at JCPenney (Reg $16)
Kids Snow Boots ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $30)
I Love You to the Moon and Back Board Book ONLY $3.59 (Reg. $8)
Glow in The Dark Acrylic Paint Set on $13.72 (Reg. $40)
Toozey Puppy Toys for Small Dogs 7-Pack $12.74 (Reg. $30)
Ply-Doh Cash Register Toy ONLY $8.08 (Reg $15)
Gillette5 Men’s Razor Blade Refills 12-ct ONLY $14.81 (Reg $25)
Portable Generator on Sale for $199 (was $417) – Hurry
Medical Thermometer with Fever Alert ONLY $5.77 (Reg. $16)
Carter’s Baby Girls 4-Piece Pajama Set ONLY $10.79 (Reg $36)

2/16/2021 New Coupons!

It’s the middle of February, and if one of your goals for the new year is to save money, check out the coupons below! I’ve been printing and clipping coupons for years (decades really), and while the coupon values have dwindled over the past few years, I still manage to find some good ones to share with you a few times a month.

I’m all about keeping cash in your pocket!

Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) SlimFast® Original or Advanced product

Save $0.50 on any ONE (1) pack of Energizer® Batteries

Save $2.00 ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Whole Blends® Sulfate Free Remedy or Miracle Treatment product

Save $1.00 On any Unbun product, limit one per visit

 

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.

Most of the time, Social Nature will mail me a coupon for a free product and I go to my local Target, Sprouts, or other retailer and pick up the item. I’ve gotten products valued at $20+ too. I recently sampled and reviewed skincare products, kombucha, frozen entrees, and veggie burgers to name a few.

Right now there about a dozen new products that you can apply to try from Social Nature!

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!

 

2/15/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgToday is a national holiday here in the US (President’s Day), so no school for the kiddos, but that doesn’t mean that I get any reprieve in the action.

I did a little shopping yesterday (we ran out of milk, ohs noes!). But it was a pretty small shop. Once again, we’re eating a lot from our pantry and freezer. I scored some great produce last week and we’ll be eating that for most of our salads.

I did some meal prep over the weekend, including making up beans and rice for lunches (and Sunday’s Dinner), and I made a HUGE batch of Machacas yesterday- half of it went onto the freezer for another meal in a few weeks.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The little kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Beef Machacas, Beans, Rice and Salad
  • Monday: Black Bean Burgers, Chick’n Nuggets, Cauli Fries, salad
  • Tuesday:  Dream Dinners Entree, Salad (green or fruit)
  • Wednesday: Protein shakes, Meal of Snacks or leftovers
  • Thursday: Soup, Grilled Cheese sammiches, fruit
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

Rare $15/$100+ Coupon at Sprouts (ends today)!

I love Sprouts! We grew up shopping for produce there, and as an adult, I love shopping there too. I discovered this coupon buried in my email, and it expires today!

This coupon is perfect if you are primarily a Sprouts shopper, or if you want to stock up on some of the goodness that Sprouts sells. I love that you can use other coupons too (either paper coupons, or in-app coupons from the Sprouts app). And to sweeten the deal, you can use cashback apps too- that saves you money after the fact.

However you use this coupon- It’s a rare deal!

2/8/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThankfully, this week is going to be a lot slower than last, but still, we’ve got at least one appointment or function each day.

I did a little shopping yesterday (we were out of tin foil and baggies for school lunches and leftovers), but I may hold off on shopping until mid-week. we’ve got a lot of stuff in the fridge and pantry, and if we could skip a week of shopping and just eat what’s on hand… That would be great! Everything on the meal plan below is from what we have onhand.

I received a couple Amazon GC for my birthday, and I picked up some teas to replenish my stash, and I traded in the empty cartridge for our Soda Stream for 50% off a new one a few weeks back, so we are good on beverages too.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The little kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Leftovers (Pizza, Pasta, Chicken and veggies)
  • Monday: Chicken Alfredo & Brocolli
  • Tuesday:  BBQ Chicken (in the slowcooker), baked sweet potatoes, Rice (or maybe a salad)
  • Wednesday: Meatloaf, Salad, mashed potatoes
  • Thursday: Protein shakes, Meal of Snacks
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

2/5/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

bright boxes

Friday Fun Times! We’ve got a three day weekend ahead of us- The kids and I are planning on a trip to the zoo sometime over the weekend.

My birthday was earlier this week and I rocked a bunch of freebies. Wanna check out my list of goodies? Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free $135 Snacks Research Study
Free Sample of IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Cream
Free Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Duo Samples
Free Medicated Shampoo
Free Casey’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Subscription to People Magazine
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Mountain Dew Melon at Publix
Free Hand Cream
Mack’s Free Ear Plug’s Giveaway – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Free Coors Light 6-Pack
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free 4 Hass Avocados at Winn-Dixie
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
2 Free Setting Powders + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Valentines Day Postcard
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Good Housekeeping Institute Panel – Free Products
Free Cool Beans Frozen Wrap
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free COOLA Great Barrier Cream Sample
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Become a Funovation Toy Tester & Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
Free Pinkberry Yogurt for Your Birthday
Free Subscription to Parents Magazine
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Progresso Toppers Soup at Publix
Free Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Hood Degreaser Wipes
Free Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion for Healthcare Workers
Free Macy’s Fragrances
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Sample of Tim Hortons Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free L.A. Girl Jetsetter Mascara or Eyeliner
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide at Sam’s
Free Collagen Gold Eye Mask & Collagen Lips Mask Set
Free Hot or Iced Coffee at Pret A Manger on Fridays

Deals:

Dinosaur Bring Along Backpack and Dinosaur Toy $6.50 (Reg. $23)
KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table $85.26 (Reg. $230)
Disney Plush & Stuffed Animals as Low as $1.98 at ShopDisney
Relative Insanity Party Game ONLY $12.18 (Reg. $21)
Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana SOLO $29.99 Shipped (Reg $120)
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Baby Alive Tea n Sparkles Doll ONLY $7.49 (Reg $20)
Sun Joe Cordless Handheld Vacuum ONLY $20.99 (Reg $28)
Hello Kitty Modern Kitchen Play Set ONLY $47.99 (Reg $100)
Finding Nemo Baby Bath Toys Set ONLY $6.64 (Reg $11)
TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner ONLY $2.53 (Reg. $8)
Kim Rogers 3-Piece Handbag Set ONLY $31 (Reg $78)
Multipet Loofa Dog Plush Dog Toy ONLY $3.99 Shipped (Reg $10)
Frigidaire Portable Retro Mini Fridge ONLY $24
Dental Tools 6-Piece ONLY $8.47 (Reg $17)
MUK LUKS Women’s Janet Boots ONLY $24.99 (Reg $65)
Walgreens Custom Photo Poster $1.99 with Coupon (Reg. $11)
10-Piece Food Storage Set ONLY $11.99 at Amazon
Bella Pro Series Analog Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $17.99 (Reg $40)
Women’s Sherpa Jacket ONLY $7.88 at Walmart (Reg $20)
Wakeman Folding Utility Cart ONLY $89.99 (Reg $159.99)
NUK Rest Easy Spoons 6-Pack ONLY $2.82
Free $10 Nordstrom Rack Gift Card When You Ship to Store
T-fal Nonstick 10 Saute Pan with Lid ONLY $31.81 (Reg. $56)

2/1/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is going to busy! Between doctor’s appointments, my birthday, and the usual stuff that we do each week- I’m so glad that I meal plan! It’s going to make dinner time each night.

I did my weekly trip to the store this morning after school drop off for bread, milk, eggs, and snack/lunch items.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: The kiddo and I usually have something quick and filling (I’ve been prepping bean and rice bowls on Sundays for us to have during week) so we can get back to our adventures.  Big kid takes his lunch to school. He’s been digging on Bear naked protein granola in his lunch lately. It’s his new favorite.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Soup, Salad, and Garlic Bread
  • Monday: Dream Dinner Meal, steamed veggies
  • Tuesday:  Protein shakes, Meal of Snacks
  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, garlic bread
  • Thursday: Dream Dinner Meal, steamed veggies
  • Friday:  Pizza Night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Fiesta

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

Family Recipe: Cheesy Potatoes!

Potatoes are delicious and versatile. One of our favorite family recipes is these nomtastic cheesy potatoes!

Cheesy Potatoes 

Ingredients:

  • 6 – 8 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces (preferably russets)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons AP flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups cheese (I like medium cheddar, but you could use colby, or a sharper cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  • One sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed

Directions:

  1. Parboil potatoes, 6 to 8 minutes, drain.
  2. While potatoes are cooking, in a pot, melt the butter. Sprinkle melted butter with AP flour and stir until a paste forms over a low heat. The paste should brown slightly- DON’T BURN IT!
  3. Pour milk into the flour/butter paste and whisk briskly. You do not want lumps. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens. This may take a few minutes. As the mixture thickens and there are no lumps, add the cheese slowly, about 1/2 cup at a time, until it is incorporated/melted into the sauce. Once the sauce with complete, remove from the heat.
  4. Mix drained potatoes with sauce, add bacon pieces
  5. Pour into a greased baking dish (I use 11 x 9 baking dish)
  6. Top with half a cup of cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers.
  7. Bake 30 to 45 minutes at 350°.

Serve with steamed veggies, or a green salad. I also like this with crusty French bread. This makes a great side dish, or contribution to a potluck.

You can omit the bacon if you are vegetarian.

You can swap out the bacon for 1 cup cooked, chopped ham or chicken if you want to make this a hardy main dish.