8/23/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgYesterday was pretty busy, I didn’t get around to posting our meal plan for the week. We went to the beach and had in-home therapy.

I hit the grocery store last night but I forgot bagels, so I’ll be going back this morning.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Pancakes and fruit

  • Tuesday: Chef Salad (It was popular last week!)

  • Wednesday:  Frittata, toast, fruit

  • Thursday:  Baked pasta, roasted veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Bean, rice, and cheese bowls

8/19/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

This week was a mix of shenanigans and staying home to beat the heat. Today the high is only 87, so we’ll see if we can leave the house and have some adventures.

We’ll be getting free backpacks tomorrow, Courtesy of SMOAC. You can learn more here.

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 Ripple Plant-Based Dairy-Free Product Samples
Free L’Oreal Unbelievabrow Brow Gel Sample
Free Giorgio Armani My Way Fragrance Sample
Free Tasty Bite Entrees at Select Retailers
Free Life’s Grape Snack Pack at Whole Foods
Free Popcorn at Whole Foods
Free KOS Naturals Grass-Fed Protein Sample
Free Kat Von D Makeup
Free Sample of AloeMD Pain Relief & Recovery Cream
SampleSource – Free Full-Size Bag of Greenies Dental Treats
Free Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 70+
Free Dunham’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Blue Stop Max Gel at Sam’s Club
Free Bag of Blue Buffalo Dog or Cat Treats
Free Far Out Toys Products
Free Bakery on Main Crunchy Cluster Granola
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Sam’s
Free Sample of Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Sam’s Club – 50 Free 4×6 Prints
Free Chickapea Organic Spirals
New Free Samples from Sampler
Lane Bryant Covert Client Program – Free Clothes, Points & More
Free SampleSource Fall Sample Boxes Coming Soon
Free Simple Mills Protein Pancake Mix
PrismPop – Free Beauty Products
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Tote Bag & More
Free Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
Free Lancome Idole Eau de Parfum Nectar Sample
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse or NasaFlo Neti Pot

 

Deals:

Wireless Charging Station ONLY $20 (Reg. $36.99)
Women’s Studded Gladiator Sandals ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $26)
Bathroom Countertop Organizer ONLY $15 (Reg. $30)
Women’s Biker Shorts ONLY $9.49 (Reg. $18.99)
Women’s Active Jacket With UPF 50+ ONLY $6.81 (Reg. $30.99)
Mickey Mouse Americana Backpack ONLY $18 (Reg $30)
Women’s Gold Invicta Watch ONLY $108.96 (Reg. $495)
VR Worlds – PlayStation VR ONLY $7.99 (Reg $20)
onn. 30-In Sound Bar ONLY $29 (Reg $59)
Beats Studio Buds ONLY $99.99 (Reg $150)
Adidas Cloudfoam Women’s Sneakers ONLY $35 (Reg $75)
Arctic King 7-Cu ft Chest Freezer ONLY $169 (Reg $227)

8/15/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis is our last full week of Summer Break. We have zoo, beach, swimming with friends, and a few other things to do before we start school.

I went to the grocery store on Saturday and picked up milk and bread, other than that we should be good. I re-organized the freezer and found a few things I forgot we had (and were not on the freezer inventory).

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Chicken nuggets, Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: pollo asada tacos, grilled veggies, rice, refried beans

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad, quesadillas

  • Thursday: Protein shakes and bagels

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Breakfast for dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, crescent rolls, fruit)

The Back To School Countdown has Begun!

I know some of your kids have already started school for the 2022-2023 school year, but my kiddos don’t start for another few weeks.

The Back to School countdown has begun, and here is how we are saving money.

School Supplies: Most schools’ public supply lists by class on their website. Once you know who your child’s teacher is going to be, you can purchase supplies. Most teachers like trusted name-brand supplies like Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, Crayola washable markers, and Expo whiteboard markers.  Here are a few of the stores that have great prices on school supplies!

Target: School supplies starting at $0.25
Walmart: Up to 75% off select school supplies
Office Depot and Office Max: Up to 60% off bestselling school supplies. Save 25% off on backpacks excluding Jansport
Michaels: Teacher Must-Haves, Art Supplies, and more all under $10.00

There will be several backpack giveaways throughout August. There is one tomorrow in Lemon Grove. Information can be found here. 

There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 20, 2022 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

Clothing/Shoes: If you are like me, you grab kids’ clothes at swaps all year, but there are some things that you need to buy new. Once you’ve set your budget for clothes/shoes/accessories, keep an eye out for BTS sales (which are in full swing right now).

Because Southern California doesn’t get chilly in the fall, a lot of the standard BTS clothing fare isn’t great for our kids- long pants, turtlenecks, sweaters, jean jackets- I’m sweating just thinking about those! Don’t forget to scope out the sale and clearance racks for shorts and short sleeve shirts!

I love shopping Kohl’s and JCPenney. They frequently have sales, coupon codes, and deals where you can earn Kohl’s Cash/JCP Rewards for future purchases. Earn even more cashback when you shop online and opt for in-store pickup. I like shopping through Mypoints or Ibotta (make sure to check out both of their browser extensions to help you earn points/cashback). This is also a hot tip for Target and Walmart shoppers!

If your budget is a little too tight, check out local clothing swaps! Porchlight is holding one on 8/27/2022 for womens’ and kids’ clothing. More information can be found here.

We also shop a lot at thrift stores- Amvets and DAV are two of my favorites here in San Diego.

Food: I know this might be weird to include, but kiddos have to have healthy food to function and grow. Thanks to the California Universal Meals program, all kids in k-12 education settings will receive free breakfast and lunch if wanted. And I will continue to post about free opportunities for food each month, and more often as they come across my desk. Feeding San Diego Tour is a great resource that has locations all over San Diego County!

 

 

 

 

8/12/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week was full of errands and getting ready for school stuff. It’s so hot (already 75 degrees at 7:30am).

We went to the Natural History Museum yesterday, thanks to the free passes the kids scored doing the San Diego County Library summer reading program.

If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

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 Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate with Registry
Free Subscription to Vogue Magazine
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = Free Item
500 Free Trojan Condoms for College Students
Free Screening of Vengeance
Free Sample of SkinCeuticals Cream or Serum
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Grenera Moringa Tea Sample
Free Mott’s & Yoo-Hoo Coloring Book at Sam’s
Free Post-It Notes Samples
Free Micellar Milk Cleanser or Hydrating Cleansing Balm
Free Oxyfresh Pet & Home Products
Free Iron Hawk Swag
Free AMONG US Mini Figures or Airship Toys
Free Downy Light Scent Booster at Select Stores
Free Peta Kids Comic Books
Free 2023 Fellowship Calendar
Free Bon Dévil Ganache
Free $10 ThredUP Credit = Free Womens & Children Items
Free Sample Pack of Exederm Ulta Sensitive Skin Care
Free Gatsby Low-Calorie Chocolate
Free Simple Mills Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies
Free Little Bellies Organic Pick-Me Sticks
Free Millie Moon Diaper Sample Pack
Free Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Creme
Free Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins
Free Pencil Pouch at JCPenney
Free Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum Sample

 

Deals

DSW 40% Off Sneaker Coupon + Free Shipping
Kate Spade Kitt Large Tote ONLY $69 Shipped (Reg $299)
Disney Minnie Mouse Toddler Bed ONLY $59.99 (Reg $85)
Mainstays Plush Velvet Office Chair ONLY $64 (Reg $75)
Save $10 When you Buy $30 of Select Items
PowerXL Belgian Waffle Maker ONLY $15.99 (Reg $50)
Little Tikes Pack ‘n Go Trike Childs Toy ONLY $58.88 (Reg $84)
Hisense 50-Inch Smart TV ONLY $248 Shipped (Reg $348)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Morphe Bake & Set Setting Powder ONLY $7 (Reg $14)
Sofia Vergara Top & Skirt Set ONLY $10 (Reg $40)
Barbie Pet Boutique Playset ONLY $18.97 (Reg $34)
Women’s Floral Robes ONLY $7.99 (Reg $22)

8/8/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is going to be a hot one. We’ve been super cooling the house, and running fans as much as we can. In addition to the heat, it’s been humid- overall I’m not a fan of this weather.

As a result of this weather forecast, we’ll be eating a lot of food that doesn’t require the oven.

Summer break is wrapping up, however, we’ve got all sorts of adventures planned, you can check out some of our adventures here.

I didn’t do much meal prep for this week, just some grocery shopping for produce ($25 worth of salad kits, and fruit), and cutting up fruit yesterday. When it’s hot, the kids don’t eat much beyond popsicles and snacks during the day.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’m planning for a week of cool foods, with very little being cooked in the oven. I may use the toaster oven as needed.

  • Monday: Chicken nuggets, Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: Salad, hummus & flatbread, fruit

  • Wednesday: Corn dogs, fruit, salad

  • Thursday: Protein Shakes, fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Salad, quesadillas, fruit

8/5/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week was warm and sticky. I am so done with this monsoon humidity. We swam, went for a drive, and generally hung around the house.

If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

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 Tweezerman Emerald Shimmer Nail Care Kit
Free Slurpee for Your Birthday at 7-Eleven
Free Subscription to Bon Appetit
Free Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent at Select Stores
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Lost Coast Roast Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Free Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Free Subscription to GQ Magazine
Free Veeam T-Shirt
Free Pizookie at BJ’s
Free Milkshake at Steak ‘n Shake
Possible Free $125 Healthy Foods Research Study
Free Chocolate Chip Pizzert at Pizza Inn
Free LOCTITE Threadlocker Samples
Free Issue of SchoolArts Magazine for Teachers
Free Cross Stitch Craft Kit at Joann
Free Sample of Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Free Tweezerman Lash Set
Free Summer Camper from Home Depot
Free Organyc Feminine Care Pads Samples
Free Sample of Harry’s Body Wash
Free Storypod Screen-Free Learning Fun Party Pack
Free Subscription to Vogue Magazine
Free Body Skin Gel or Body Lotion
Free L’Oreal Le Color Gloss Sample
Free Roe, Roe, Roe Your Vote Sticker
Free Screen Staycation Kit
Free Canon IVY Back to School Party Kit
Free Jar of Gooey Hazelnut Cocoa Spread

 

Deals

Tools of the Trade 22-Pc Kitchen Gadget Set ONLY $21.93
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Rainbow High Color Convertible Car ONLY $14.97 (Reg $54)
Morphe Multi Palette Glitz & Glow ONLY $5.76 (Reg $16)
Ceramic Curling Iron at Walmart ONLY $26.49 (Reg. $70)
Target – Save Up to 60% OFF Amazon Devices
Wise Owl Camping Blanket ONLY $37.99 (Reg $60)
Edison Ellis Modern Corner Gaming Desk ONLY $67.14 (Reg $245)
Kids Headphones with Microphone ONLY $13.99 (Reg $27)
Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 ONLY $19.30 (Reg. $31)
Clinique Eye Concentrate ONLY $4.90 (Reg. $24.99)
Kid’s Gardening Set ONLY $9.98 (Reg. $17.99)
CamelBak with Straw Top ONLY $7.99 (Reg. $17.99)
Ozark Trail Oversized Camping Chair ONLY $30 (Reg $73)
Morphe Blue Ya Away 18A Palette ONLY $3.60 (Reg $20)
Bella Pro Series Espresso Machine ONLY $34.99 (Reg $60)

Cents of Style: Kimono CLEAR OUT Starting At ONLY $9.99!

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

Looking for a new cover-up for the beach, or do you really love kimonos?

Check out this sweet deal from our friends at Cents of Style. Kimonos are only $9.99 with a coupon code this week! There are 8 styles still available.

The coupon code for this deal is CLOSEOUT and it will make them ALL UNDER $20 and starting at $9.99! The code will be active until 8/8 at midnight. FREE shipping over $40!

 

2022 California Climate Credit- It’s Back for August and September!

It’s back! I posted earlier this year about the credit on your April bill, and now we are getting credits in both August and September!

This August* your utility bill will include an electric credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.” Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.

In the past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October, and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020-2022, the California Public Utilities Commission authorized SDG&E to temporarily shift the electric credit to be applied in August and September.

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers – during what are typically the hottest months of the year – and reduce bill volatility.

The gas credit will continue to be applied in April. In 2023, the climate credit will revert back to its original timing of April and October unless the Commission directs otherwise.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases, to buy carbon pollution permits.

The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program. The Climate Credit is one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

The California Climate Credit is one way Californians are working towards a zero-carbon state. Find other ideas for energy and money-saving upgrades for your home while reducing your carbon footprint at energyupgradeca.org/the-movement.

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

I cashed out some of our points for a $10 Amazon Gift card a few weeks ago, and we almost have enough for another Amazon Gift Card!

 

8/1/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis weekend was a busy 48 hours. Martial arts, mental health appointment, birthday party, tie dye prep, and I got up early yesterday (thanks to the kids) and spent a few hours prepping and roasting veggies, making sweet rolls, and reorganizing the fridge and freezer.

Summer break is here! We’ve got all sorts of adventures planned, you can check out some of our adventures here.

This week is going to be leaning a lot on the prep I did yesterday and a few casseroles in the freezer. I’m hitting up the grocery store for just a few things we need, and I should be able to stay out of the store the rest of the week.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Chicken nuggets, Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo bake, roasted veggies, salad

  • Wednesday: Salad, quesadillas, fruit

  • Thursday: Chicken Pesto Lasagna, fruit, salad

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Baked mac n’ cheese, salad, fruit