5/10/2022 Weekly Meal Plan!

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If you follow me on IG, you know yesterday was CRAZAY.

This morning I spent 3 hours chopping, roasting, dicing, mincing, sauteing, and making so many tasty foods. I made a big green salad, a marinated salad, sauteed onions, yellow peppers, and mushrooms for omelets, roasted tons of veggies, and cut carrots into carrot sticks for the kids to snack on. Oh, and the strawberries and melons are so good. I may have eaten some of them while cutting them up. sorrynotsorry.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, 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 $28. 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.

I went to the grocery store last night to pick up milk and some misc. groceries last night. With the increase in food costs, we are leaning more and more on our CSA box each week as the base of most of our meals.

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.  The big kid still brings lunch from home.

Dinner: We’re working our way through our monthly Dream Dinners order, and I am making two this week. We’ve got our usual Monday Nuggets and Friday Pizza planned, but other than that I’m cooking a lot this week!

5/6/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

I’m off work today! It’s Lunch on the Lawn at my kiddos school. We’ll have lunch with Bitty first, then with The Big Kid. It’s going to be a warm, sunny day. I’m looking forward to meeting their friends.

There are so many awesome freebies and deals this week, and the weather this weekend is supposed to be AWESOME here in San Diego.

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 Lego Duplo Floating Animal Train or Red Panda Playset
Free Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel
Free Sample of Nars Orgasm Blush
Free USPS Shipping Supplies
Free Kerasal Foot Care & Nail Care Products
Free Gatsby Chocolate Bar
Free Subscription to Women’s Health Magazine
Free Picket Fence Planter from Home Depot
Free Hearthsong Ninjaline Ninja Star 7-Piece Hanging Obstacle Co
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Lego Duplo Floating Animal Island Playset
Free Walmart Welcome Baby Registry Box
Free Bowhunting World or Predator Xtreme Magazine
Free National Parks Pass for Military & Dependents
Free Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
Octoly – Free Beauty Products
Free Aveda Botanical Repair Product
Free Sample of Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
Free Tena Sample Kits
Free ClarityRx Down + Dirty Microexfoliant Sample
Free Sample of VetriScience Calming Supplement for Dogs
Free RollinGreens Plant-Based Me’eat
Free Bubbies Gluten-Free Mochi Ice Cream
FREE Personalized Children’s Book – Only $1 Shipping
Free Subscription to LEGO Life Magazine
Free Sew & Stuff Rainbow Craft Kit at Joann
Free Sample of Mizensir Ambre Magique Fragrance

Deals:

Igloo MaxCold Evergreen 28qt Cooler ONLY $29.99 (Reg. $60)
Calico Critters Village Pizzeria ONLY $19.97 (Reg. $40)
55% Off Bogs Women and Girl Boots + 15% Off at Checkout
Barbie Doll and Grocery Store ONLY $14.99 (Reg $30)
VIP Pets Color Boost Styling Head ONLY $10 (Reg. $30)
75% Off Bionica Lightweight Strides + 15% Off at Checkout
Reebok Mini Backpack ONLY $9.49 (Reg $30)
Guess Women’s Pranze Sneakers ONLY $38.81 (Reg $69)
Reebok Racerback Bralette Set ONLY $6.99 (Reg $26)
Imaginext DC Gotham City Playset ONLY $25.51 (Reg. $60)
Sterling Silver Mama Bracelet ONLY $20 (Reg $125)
Sedona 12-Inch Roasting Pan & Rack for ONLY $7.96 (Reg. $40)
Up to 60% Off Joe’s Jeans + 15% Off at Checkout
Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic Retro Toy ONLY $7.49 (Reg. $20)
Igloo MaxCold Evergreen Backpack Cooler ONLY $22.49 (Reg. $45)

May 2022: New Month, New Coupons!

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

The printable coupon market is slowly coming to an end. Smartsource no longer offers printable coupons, and you may notice that there are fewer coupon inserts in your Sunday newspaper. This is in favor of more offers available on apps. But if you love printable coupons….

  • Coupons.com (printable coupons, e-coupons, and a cashback app)

One of my favorite websites is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks! New offers are added on the Smartphone Savings Apps all the time!

May is the start of picnic season. Barbeque food, Hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, and condiments will all be on sale throughout the summer and will be until September. Some of the sale items include:

    • Auto Maintenance (tires, oil changes, tune-ups)
    • Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates for WYB beer or soda)
    • Bug repellents – Sprays and Candles

For a complete list of types of foods and items that will be on sale, check out this post on the cycle of sales.

Here are a few of my favorite new coupons:

Save $2.00 on ONE (1) Sonoma Gourmet Item (The Kale Pesto Sauce is great)
Save $0.75 on any ONE (1) Barilla® Chickpea or Red Lentil Pasta
Save $6.00 on any ONE (1) Culturelle® product
Save $0.50 on any ONE (1) pack of Energizer® Batteries up to 20 count
Save $2.00 on any (1) BENGAY® product (excludes trial & travel sizes). BenGay is life around here lately with my tendonitis.
Save $1.50 on ONE (1) 10 lb or larger package of TIDY CATS® Cat Clumping Litter (excluding LightWeight)

Cents of Style: NEW Markdown and ALL Clearance Items B2GO FREE Starting AT $5!

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

This week Cents of Style is hooking us up with some sweet deals. This is a great opportunity to snag some of their favorite and best-selling items BUY TWO GET ONE FREE!! There are OVER 200 to choose from with sizes ranging from S-3XL. This deal includes shirts, sweaters, pants, skirts, shorts, tanks, graphic tees, accessories, jewelry, and basically a little bit of everything!

To take advantage of this deal use coupon code: BOGODEAL at checkout.

 

5/2/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI started this post yesterday but forgot to hit the Publish button.

This morning I chopped and prepped fruits and veggies. I’m roasting veggies, making a fruit salad, and making a big ol’ green salad. These will be part of our meal plan for the week.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, 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 $28. 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.

I will need to pick up milk this week, but other than that, we’ve got everything we need for this week, grocery-wise.

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.  The big kid still brings lunch from home.

Dinner: We’re working our way through our monthly Dream Dinners order, and I am making two this week. We’ve got our usual Monday Nuggets and Friday Pizza planned, but other than that I’m cooking a lot this week!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Carne Asada Taco Salad, Beans, Rice, and quesadillas (for the kids)
  • Wednesday: Waffles and Fruit Salad
  • Thursday:   Chicken Castoletta, Roasted veggies
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Soup (I’ve got a couple kinds in the freezer to choose from), Bagels, and fruit

What a Crock: Free Meal Bundles with Purchase!

Y’all know that I love my slow cooker. It’s the workhorse of my kitchen, especially when we are really busy.

If you want to start using your slow cooker, but are pressed for time and don’t have to meal plan, check out What a Crock! They have locations on the East Coast (so you can order online and pick up in-store), but for us out here in California, What a Crock ships!

I can’t wait to give What a Crock a try, I’ve heard so many great things about it from my friends in Pennsylvania.

Now through May 3rd, all customers can receive a bundle of meals worth up to $82 for FREE! To participate, they will simply need to reach a cart value of at least $99 (not counting the price of the bundle, which will be removed), then add the applicable bundle to their cart and enter the applicable promo code at checkout. More information can be found at this link!

What a Crock sells soup, casseroles, dips, and so much more! I love that What a Crock also sells gift cards- The gift of dinner is a great time saver! New parents, bereavement, illness, or “I’m thinking about you”- Any occasion is great to send meals or a gift card.

4/29/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

I’m so excited for Friday! There are so many awesome freebies and deals this week, and the weather this weekend is supposed to be AWESOME here in San Diego.

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 Bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Sauce
Free Core Bar at Walgreens
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Free Full-Size ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Select Stores
Free Ukraine Solidarity Sticker Pack
Free Koe Kombucha Watermelon, Tropical, and Strawberry Lemonade
Free Bath Bomb at Lush Stores on Saturday, April 30th
Free Jazz Appreciation Month Poster
Free Applegate Breaded Chicken
Free Toothpaste
Free JanaBanana Bars
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Bloomingdale’s Little Freebies Box
Free $4 or $2 at Hallmark
Free Clinique Happy Fragrance Sample
Free Token Bitters Samples, Gifts & More
Free Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser
Free Sample of Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Fragrance
Free GOOD PLANeT Foods Plant-Based Snackable Cheese Wedges
Free 128GB USB 3.1 Flash & a free 128GB Micro SD at Micro Center
Free Totino’s Family Game Night Sample Box
Free Kerastase Curl Manifesto Haircare Products
Free Bakery on Main Decadent Granola
Free Products with Highlight
Free Force Factor Product
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Free Mary’s Immaculate Poster with Your Name Inscribed
Free Tropicana Crunch Honey Almond Cereal Sample on May 4th (I am interested in this one)
Free Origins Lotion

Deals: 

Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifiers ONLY $5.89 (Reg. $10)
Microfiber Reversible Comforter Set ONLY $42.67 (Reg $130)
Farberware 15-Piece Cookware Set ONLY $79.50 (Reg $140)
MKF Kiltienne Crossbody Bag ONLY $29.85 (Reg $199)
Kate Spade Staci Large Carryall Wristlet ONLY $71.20 (Reg $239)
Vintage Kitchen Set ONLY $65.53 (Reg. $150) + Free Shipping
Pet Dogs Mouth Teethbrush Chew Toy ONLY $3.28 + Free Shipping
Last Day: Save on Motion Sensor Trash Cans at Wayfair
Perler Craft Bead Bucket Activity Kit ONLY $10.19 (Reg. $19)
Kate Spade Mini Leather Wristlet Wallet ONLY $28 + Free Shipping
e.l.f. Hydrating Coconut Mist ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $8)
Nutty Toys Squishy Cat Set ONLY $5.10 (Reg. $17)
Disney Minnie Mouse Bathtub for Babies ONLY $14.99 (Reg $27)
Discovery Kids 3-in-1 Tabletop Art Easel ONLY $20.96 (Reg $60)
Lavender and Sage 6-Piece Spa Bath Gift Set ONLY $21 (Reg $50)

Tomorrow is Way Day! Save money with Wayfair!

It’s Way Day!

Tomorrow (4/27), Wayfair is having an incredibly HUGE sale! With deals that will save up to 80% on everything for your home and FREE SHIPPING, it’s time to give your home a little refreshing.

I’ve got my eyes on a few new lamps to replace the ones in my bedroom that are getting on in years (and are falling apart).

 

 

4/22/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

It’s time to celebrate Friday! It’s Spring and there are all sorts of great freebies and deals this 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 McCormick Products
Free Eye Patches + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free Pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels
Free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich at Dickey’s
Free Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
Free SmartPants Multivitamins at Select Stores
Free Alcatel Phone Cases & Protectors
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Perfect Bar at Walmart or Target
Free Dove Dry Spray, Dog Biscuit, Neuriva, Persil & More
Free Anti-Aging Oil Serum + $100 eGift Code
Free Dallas Cannabis Company Sticker
Free Cosmic Bliss Organic Grass-Fed Dairy Ice Cream
Free Apple AirTag Accessory
Free Ready Sports Drink at Walmart & Giant Eagle
Free Sample of Moroccanoil Treatment
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free Sweeter Juice Skin Products
Teachers – Free Neutrogena Sunscreen Sample
Free Bath Soak, Body Scrub or Body Spray
Free 5×7 Photo Print From Walgreens
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Kids AirTag Accessory
Free Mr. Bubbles Bath Time Fun Kit
Possible Free $200 Radio Research Study
Free Applegate Deli Meat
Free Popchips
Free Sensodyne Whitening Toothpaste
Hero Skin Squad – Free Beauty Products
Free Keys Soul Care Skincare Samples
Free Gatorade Zero with Protein at Walmart
Free Tablet Accessories
Possible Free $250 Low Income Study
Free Conair Water Flosser
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sample of Vichy Mineral 89 Probiotic Concentrate
Free Wowables Paper Towels
Free EPIX Channels Preview – Starts Today

Deals:

Barbie Clearance as Low as $3.99 + Extra 25% Off at Target
Walgreens Custom Photo Poster $1.99 with Coupon (Reg. $12)
All Rocket Dog Shoes Under $35 + Extra 10% off at Checkout
Gold Plated XL Initial Necklace ONLY $19.97 (Reg $75)
2-Tier Countertop Fruit Basket Bowl ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $17)
Nexcare Max Hold Waterproof Bandages 60-Ct ONLY $5.64 (Reg. $11)
Burt’s Bees 6-Piece Set ONLY $8.91 (Reg $13)
60% Off NYDJ Denim + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Safari Animals ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $26)
.925 Sterling Silver Heart Crystal Earrings ONLY $6.99 (Reg $40)
Handheld Milk Frother ONLY $9.00 (Reg. $17)
Waterproof Curtain Panels ONLY $6.50 (Reg. $13)
Any Size Reversible Comforter Set ONLY $41.99 (Reg. $100)
Sunham Soft Spun Cotton Bath Towels ONLY $6.86 (Reg. $14)
T-Fal Excite Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $59.49 (Reg. $200)
Roll up Dish Drying Rack ONLY $9.25 (Reg. $17)
Frigidaire Compact Refrigerator ONLY $159.99 (Reg $400)
Paw Patrol Elbow & Knee Pad Set ONLY $9 (Reg $15)
Green Toys Cupcake Set ONLY $13.80 (Reg. $30)
Ozark Trail Air Mattress Twin ONLY $7.97 at Walmart
Reebok Seamless Racerback Bra 2-Piece Set ONLY $6.99 (Reg $25)
Home Expressions Bath Rug ONLY $8.44 (Reg $22)
Personalized Pendant Necklace ONLY $16.99 (Reg $45)
Wonder Nation Toddler Girls Shoes ONLY $7.55 (Reg $28)

2022 Earth Day Freebies and Deals!

Earth Day is April 22, 2022. Unlike in past years, there aren’t a lot of cool freebies for those of us in Southern CA. There are freebies in other parts of the country, but I won’t focus on those because, well, I’m in Southern CA, and freebies in the midwest don’t do me any good.

Freebies:

Deals:

There are a lot of free shipping deals, or free samples when you purchase deals for Earth Day, but I’m not really about those. One deal that I do love that is available all year round, but really ties into Earth Day is the the H&M clothing recycling offer. You’ll recieve a 15% off voucher when you take in a bag of clothes to be recycled, up to 4 vouchers for a large trash bag. More info and details can be found here

If you have a little kid, Target is running it’s carseat trade-in April 18-30, 2022. During that time, guests will have the opportunity to recycle an old, expired or damaged car seat and redeem a coupon on their Target app or Target.com/circle for 20% off one car seat, stroller or select baby gear. The coupon can be redeemed through May 14, 2022.

And if you are looking to recycle or sell your old technology, check out Gazelle. 

You can sell or recycle your old technology (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) and earn cash or a discount on a new/new to you device. Help Mother Earth and yourself!

Despite what you read online there are NO Origin Freebies, Disney Store Freebies, Free milkshakes on the west coast, Mac Freebies, Sephora Freebies, Ice Cream Freebies, or free coffee from Starbucks. 

And don’t forget, there will be more Freebies and Deals on Friday morning!