2/21/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

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The kids and I have the day off school/work today! The kids stayed at home and played, and I ran a bunch of errands, effectively taking care of 99% of my care tasks for the week. I will not be adding any additional tasks.

I did zero meal prep over the weekend, as we had out-of-town guests, and I went out with friends on Saturday, and I stayed out waaay too late.

I’m picking up an order of Dream Dinners this afternoon, and our CSA box will be delivered this afternoon.

Our 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. 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.

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. It’s supposed to be cool and rainy/overcast for much of the week, so I’m thinking of Soup and grilled cheese at least once!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Soup and Grilled Cheese (I have a couple batches in my freezer)
  • Wednesday: Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (probably waffles and fruit)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Pulled Pork Banh Mi Sliders

 

Deal Alert at Walmart: Degree Body Wash & Soak (NO COUPONS NEEDED)

Right now there is a great deal on Degree Body Wash & Soak ar Walmart when you use both Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.

I took advantage of this deal on Friday morning.

You can do this deal up to three times (and you can buy all three together if you want, no need to do separate transactions).

  1. Degree Body Wash & Soak $5.47/each
  2. Submit to Ibotta for $2.00 rebate (limit 3)
  3. Submit to Fetch Rewards for 2000 points each (that’s equal to $2 in rewards each). There is a limit of 5 on Fetch, but I only bought 3.
  4. Pay $16.41 plus tax out of pocket
  5. Submit to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards and receive $12.00 back between both.

Total after rebates: $4.41 plus tax or $1.47 plus tax each.

It’s easy and takes minutes. I submitted both rebates before I pulled out of the Walmart parking lot!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I earned $295 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

If you are new to Ibotta, you can sign up here.

2/18/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Sorry that this post is later in the day: today was busy. We have out-of-town guests, I had an IEP meeting, I’ve been dealing with Life insurance claims, and combined with helping my mom, it’s been a week.

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:

Free Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Sub & Drink at Jersey Mikes
Free AYO Foods Hand-Crafted West African Bowls
Free Lovely Day Bars Sample
Free WholeBerry Passion Fruit Snack Rounds
Free Sample of Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum
Free Samples of ZURU Edge Dietary Supplements
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Soft Drink at Sonic
POPSUGAR Dabble – Free Beauty Products
Free Cuervo Lime Kit – 1st 1,000
Free ClarityRX, E’shee and Simply Venom Serum
Free Coda Movie Screening
Free Nuttzo Organic Power Fuel at Walmart
Free Vicks PureZzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies
Possible Free O’Go Yarn Products
Free Sample of StriVectin Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Spicy Breakfast Sausage Patties
Free Tim Hortons K-Cups at Select Stores
Free Softsoap Hand Soap
Free Fody Gluten Free Pasta Sauce
Free Planet Oat Oatmilk at Kroger & Affiliates
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Breakfast Sausage Links

Deals:

Juniors Deep V-Neck Sweatshirt ONLY $5.50 (Reg $14)
Maplewood Casual Duck Boots ONLY $29.93 (Reg $70)
Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Doctor ONLY $17.99 (Reg $30)
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator ONLY $14.97 (Reg. $30)
Kate Spade Harper Satchel ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
MUK LUKS Amira Slippers ONLY $19.99 Shipped (Reg. $40)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss $2.28 (Reg. $9)
Funko Games Disney You Can Fly ONLY $7.50 (Reg. $17)
Save 40% on Outdoor Toys + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
75% Off Sports Bras + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Classic Cuisine Portable Food Storage Set ONLY $10 (Reg. $24)
40% Off Puma + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Jean Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
40% Off Champion + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Wooden Magnetic Play $10.99 (Reg. $21)
80% Off Sheet Sets + Extra 10% Off at Checkout

AO Opinions: Upcoming Feminine Care Project $50

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the topic of Feminine Care Products.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here.
  • Compensation: $50 (if chosen)
  • Open to: FEMALES 18-45 Year Olds
  • Feminine Care Product testing Mar 5 – Apr 1 – Respondents will be asked to replace normal menstrual pad product with the test product for one month/one cycle. At the end of the test period, we’ll email you a follow up survey so you can give us your opinion of the product.

Tea Collection: Take An Additional 25% Off Sale & Clearance!

Tea Collection is hooking us up, now through 2/21/2022! Don’t miss an extra 25% off Sale & Clearance. Lots of beautiful styles at even more amazing prices.

Deal: Extra 25% Off Sale & Clearance
Code: FEB25OFF
Valid Through: Thursday, February 17, 2022 through Monday, February 21, 2022

Fine Print: Receive an additional 25% off sale & clearance prices at Teacollection.com. Offer valid from 2/17/2022 through 2/21/2022 at 11:59 PM PT. Applies to select third party products, where stated. Excludes Sets. Discount taken pre-tax. Cannot be combined with other promotions. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not redeemable for cash. Limited to stock on hand. Please note: costs have increased due to growing challenges in our supply chain. Tea Collection has added a 0.75 cent fee to all orders. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to service@teacollection.com.

In-Person Dream Dinners Workshop: 2/22/22 in La Mesa, CA!

I know y’all have been waiting for this in-person event, I know I have!

You’re invited to my Meal Prep Workshop at Dream Dinners! Learn my secret to making easy, homemade meals, taste delicious appetizers and spend some time with friends. You’ll receive three delicious, medium-size meals to enjoy at home with your family for just $50.00.

Plus, you get to create our exclusive Scone Trio. Only available at the Meal Prep Workshops, these delicious scones are a fun baking activity the whole family can help with.

  • Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – 6:00 PM
  • Dream Dinners La Mesa: 5208 Jackson Drive Suite 116 La Mesa, CA
  • RSVP Here, Invite Code is yummy1

There are limited spaces available, and this offer is only available for guests of this event. Reserve your spot today by choosing three dinners from the menu here and completing your order!

If you are coming, please let me know!

Fetch Rewards: 5,000 Point Reward for shopping at Family Dollar!

There are four Family Dollar stores in San Diego, but none are super close to us, so I’ve never shopped there. And some of my favorite Deal Tik Tokers shop there, so I’ve been the deals, and man… they are good.

Here is another deal for Family Dollar.

Spend at least $20 on your favorite Unilever brands at Family Dollar and earn 5,000 points! Get big rewards on things you already buy from brands like Dove, Hellmann’s®, and Suave®.

Don’t forget to download the Family Dollar Tree app too. There are coupons and in-app deals that will help you save even more!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I earned $295 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

It is simple, takes minutes, and the points really rack up!

Upcoming Technology Project Earn $600

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

This is a two-part study, and as such pays a lot more!

To be considered, complete the pre-screener here. 

Compensation: $600 (if chosen)

Open to: 18-44 Year Olds

Online Project:

  • PART 1: Tuesday, February 22 – Sunday, March 6, 2022 – Test two new tablets and accessories that will ship for this research. Two-week commitment journaling about the usage of each tablet (2-hour commitment each week – totaling 4 hours of commitment overall) – A week after the research will need to return the devices (free of charge). Return the devices in the same box everything came in with a pre-paid shipping label.
  • PART 2: Follow-up online Focus Groups MUST be available if chosen.

Times:

  • Wednesday, March 9, 2022:  4:00PM-5:30PM PT
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022: 1:00PM-2:30PM PT or 3:30PM-5:00PM PT

2/14/12022 Weekly Meal Plan!

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The kids and I have the day off school/work, so we’re spending v-day together! I’m thinking about heart-shaped pizza for lunch!

I did a little bit of meal prep Saturday night and Sunday morning. I also updated the fridge, freezer, and pantry inventories. I didn’t watch “The Big Game”, I had other stuff to do.

We are skipping our CSA box this week- I still have a lot from last week, and that’s after sharing it with my mom and a family friend!

Most other weeks, 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. 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.

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: We’ve got a few Dream Dinner left, and I’ll be making those along with some other stuff in the freezer (looking at you lasagna). We’ve got out-of-town guests this week, so I planned dinners that are appropriate for company, filling and budget-friendly.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Chicken with Peanut Sauce (It’s a Dream Dinner, but I’m using rice instead of the Penne that comes with it), Rice, Salad
  • Wednesday: Waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit
  • Thursday:  Kentucky Pork Chops, taters, roasted Veg (We didn’t end up having this last week- I forgot to take it out of the freezer!)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread, roasted veggies or salad

I’ll be hosting two Dream Dinners events, one virtual, and one in person at the La Mesa store later this month- It’s a great way for those of you who want to check it out for yourselves!

February is Fun for Seniors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

If you have a senior in your life and you want to send them on a frugal adventure, check out this sweet deal!

The kids posing with Jefferson’s Sloth

During the month of February, all visitors age 65 and older receive free admission to the Safari Park. Enjoy the sights on an Africa Tram, see the platypuses and other Aussie species at Walkabout Australia, wander through Tiger Trail, take a stroll around Mombasa Lagoon, and relax with refreshments on the patio at Kijamii Overlook. There’s a world of sights to see—all at the Safari Park!

For more information about Seniors Free, check out the Seasonal Events section of our FAQ page.

Seniors 65+ must present valid photo ID at turnstiles for free entry. Parking is not included.

My kids love the Safari Park, and while we are waiting for our tax refund to renew our zoo/safari park membership, this deal is definitely a must-do for anyone over 65!

The kids love Meerkats.


Some frugal tips for visiting your local zoo/animal park (These are all true for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, your local parks may differ)

  • Bring your water bottles, and fill up at the drinking fountains/filling stations all over the park.
  • Pack your own snacks/lunch. There are tons of picnic/eating areas all over the parks.
  • Bring some cash for 1 treat/toy/souvenir. With cash, you have a firm budget.
  • If you are a zoo/safari park member, you may get a discount in the shops/restaurants (check online).