Protecting Your Pennies

Buy Smart. Plan. Play

Featured

$2.74 6 Pack Zevia Kidz at Target Through 7/22

by Leave a Comment

Do your kids love the Zevia Kidz flavors? You can get a 6 pack at Target this week for only $2.74! 

Cheap @ Target - Zevia Kidz Exp 7-22-20 (1)

After moving to Houston, TX with little money and no job in my mid-20’s, I learned to coupon so that I could eat! Now, I’m helping you save money with on plan, THM approved products. 

Never miss a deal – Join the Protecting Your THM Pennies Facebook Group to see all the deals first!

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

The Deal : $2.74 6 Pack Zevia Kidz at Target Through 7/22

Target Zevia Kidz 6 pk Price: $4.99

Target Circle Coupon – 20% off Through 7/25 (Value $1)
Grab the coupon in the Target App

Checkout 51 App – $1.25 Through 7/22

Total Cost After Coupon & Rebate: $2.74 for a 6 pack 

How to Do It? 

  • On the Target app, select the Target Circle Offers. You can type in Zevia and the offer will come up. Press the red Plus sign to add it to your cart.
  • Go to Target & buy a 6 pk (any variety) of Zevia Kidz. You can shop old school, use Target order pickup, drive up or Shipt same day delivery. It does not work with shipping. 
  • If you use drive up or order pickup, you don’t have to do anything else. But if you actually go into the store to shop, you will need to let them scan your barcode to get your coupon. You will find that under “wallet” in the Target app.
  • Once you get home, open the Checkout 51 app (sign up here if you don’t have a free account).  Add the Zevia Kidz offer to your account & then press redeem. You will scan the barcode of the drinks and the receipt. Once that is approved, the $1.25 will be deposited into your account. Once you reach $20, you can cash out in a variety of manners.

Like Regular Zevia Soda?

There are also some regular Zevia rebates on Checkout 51 right now. 

Make our family favorite THM FP Memphis Style Crockpot BBQ using one of the Zevia Cola’s!

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oatmeal Muffins – THM E

by Leave a Comment

These cinnamon vanilla sugar free oatmeal muffins are a great breakfast or a subtly sweet treat to curb your sweet tooth. 

Easy THM E Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oatmeal Muffins for Breakfast

This banana oatmeal muffin is reminiscent of a spiced banana bread but portable when made into muffin cups. Great for an easy breakfast on the go.  

And since they have no sugar added, you can feel good about giving these to your kids or eating them on a sugar free diet like Trim Healthy Mama, Weight Watchers or a diabetic lifestyle. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oatmeal Muffins

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oat Muffins - Trim Healthy Mama E (1)

I had a couple of very brown bananas that had been staring out me for several days. Adding them to my banana freezer bag was an option (did you know you can freeze bananas to cook with later?). 

But I really wanted to make something that could be eaten with a Trim Healthy Mama E meal. So cinnamon vanilla sugar free oatmeal muffins is what got whipped up this Sunday morning. 

They were quick, easy and used ingredients that I had on hand. Win, Win. 

Half Eaten Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oat Muffins - Trim Healthy Mama E (1)

If you follow this blog, you know that special ingredients are something I typically try and avoid on my THM journey. There is nothing wrong with them. I just typically try to keep my meals low in cost and easy. (If you want an NSI oatmeal recipe, try this Georgia Peach No Sugar Added Baked Oatmeal).

So this recipe does have 2 special ingredients but they are both relatively inexpensive and this recipe uses small amounts of both. That means if you buy these items, they will last you a long time if you’re just making cinnamon vanilla sugar free oatmeal muffins. 

What You Need:

Baking Blend - Oats - Banana (1)

Making The Sugar Free Cinnamon Vanilla Banana Oat Muffins 

These simple muffins come together really quickly. 

One bowl and one muffin pan are all you need. 

Start by mashing your banana in a medium sized bowl. 

Then add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well. Enjoy your cinnamon vanilla

Ingredients for Sugar Free Muffins Batter (1)

Add batter to the muffin tins until each one is about 3/4 full. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes. The tops should be set and the muffins should be lightly browned. 

You may need to gently run a butter knife around the muffins to loosen them. I let them sit for about 3-5 minutes to make them easier to remove as well. 

Enjoy your cinnamon vanilla sugar free oatmeal muffins with a side of Greek yogurt for a quick and easy meal. 

Sugar Free Trim Healthy Mama Muffins with Banana Cinnamon and Vanilla (1)

Need more THM E Meals?

Print Recipe
 Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Free Oatmeal Muffins
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mash banana in a medium bowl.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix well.
  4. Fill each greased muffin cup 3/4 full with batter.
  5. Bake for 18 minutes. The muffins should be firm to the touch on top and lightly browned.
  6. Let cool for a couple of minutes & remove from muffin tin.

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target Through 7/18/20

by Leave a Comment

This week you can get super cheap AHA Sparkling Water at Target now through 7/18/20.

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target

After moving to Houston, TX with little money and no job in my mid-20’s, I learned to coupon so that I could eat! Now, I’m helping you save money with on plan, THM approved products. 

Have you tried AHA sparkling water? It is seriously my new favorite brand. 

I love the flavor combinations and that they even have one with caffeine (which this mama needs, alot)! 

And thanks to a digital coupon, you can get cheap AHA sparkling water at Target through 7/18/20! 

Never miss a THM Deal! Join the Protecting Your Pennies THM Facebook group today.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target Through 7/18/20

I got this deal & never even had to leave my car thanks to the Target Drive up option.

AHA Water Target Drive Up Price – $3.33

Target Circle Coupon – 40% Off
Find it on your Target App

Total Cost for 8 pk = $2.14 or $0.26 a can 

Smart Sweets are also 15% off with a Target Circle Coupon. Not on plan but a lot of us use as a personal choice & they are so good!

While you are doing your Target run, don’t forget to stock your THM pantry up “just in case” for a sick day. 

Reusable Boutique Face Masks for Kids

by Leave a Comment

Wondering what kind of face covering to pair with your kid’s smocked or dressy outfits? 

These reusable boutique face masks for kids come from your favorite small businesses and designer shops. No big box masks here! 

Boutique Face Masks for Kids (1)

A mask mandate was recently implemented for the county that we live in. So that means any time that we go into a public setting, everyone including the kids must wear a facial covering. 

To be honest, my kids haven’t gone many places in public since March. But with the possibility of school starting soon, I decided to look for kid sized face masks for that and just in case one day we go somewhere again!

(Affiliate links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Why Wear A Face Mask Or Covering? 

The CDC has recommended facial coverings in an effort to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Reusable Boutique Face Masks for Kids

I knew that several big box retailers had them for sale but I wanted to find some that met a few of my specific criteria. 

For the child face masks, I wanted the following: 

  • Free of TV show characters
  • Specifically sized for Kids and Toddlers (I have one of both) 
  • From a Small (or Smaller) shop, not a big box store (We are trying to support smaller businesses these days whenever we can)
  • Would look ok with dressy clothes like smocked dresses or little man button down shirts. 

Dressing my kids in boutique clothing is something I really love. And I didn’t want a big Paw Patrol mask ruining the style. 

So this list of cloth masks offers simple patterns that are appealing to both kids and mama. 

Toddler, Kid, Tween & Adult Facial Coverings

These reusable boutique face masks for kids will meet the requirement for a facial covering. But it will also be as stylish as face masks can be to pair with your kid’s dressy clothes. 

Smocked Auctions – White Knit Fabric Mask by Classic Whimsy 
Age Options: Kid (9 & Under), Adult (10+)

 

What We Love: The option to add a monogram or a cute icon like a bow or school bus is available for an additional charge.

Hanna Andersson – Variety 2 Pack 
Age Options: Kids Age 3+

Variable_Colors_Kids_Mask_2_Pack_Hanna_Andersson

What We Love: The Hanna fabric we love for kid’s clothes repurposed into face coverings.

Andy & Evan – Popular Pattern Mask 
Age Options: Child (2-7), Youth (8+), Adult 

Assorted_Family_Pack_8_Masks_–_Andy_Evan

What We Love – Cute age appropriate prints without characters (sharks, rainbows, sports, hearts)
They also have a family pack that saves about $10. There are not options to choose your mix – it is set up for a husband/wife adult combo and a boy/girl child both under 7.

Use Coupon Code STAYHOME30 to save 30% off! 

Billie Blooms – Adorable Kid Masks with Facial Features
Age Options: Toddler, Kid, Medium and Large Adult Options 

What We Love: These masks have fun facial features like mustache, lips and subtle animal faces that kids will like. 

Shrimp & Grits Kids – Plaid and Polka Dot Prints 
Age Options: Toddler, Child and Adult 

What We Love: The plaid prints are a nice classic option to pair with an outfit when going out. 

Janie & Jack – Muted Checks/Oxford and Florals
Age Options: Mini, Kid and Adult 

What We Love: The traditional Janie and Jack styles, converted to CDC recommendations for Face coverings. And they make a donation to the Baby2Baby non-profit group.

Busy Bees – Cotton Family Friendly Prints
Age Options: Toddler, Kid, Tween & Adult Sizes

What We Love: These are cute enough for kids but not too much for adults to wear! These would be great for Mommy and Me options. 

Oso & Me – Simple Jungle Print 
Age Options: Child and Adult

What We Love: Prints that kids will love while keeping the colors muted so that they aren’t obnoxious! And they make a donation to the Baby2Baby non-profit group.

Paige Lauren –  Breathable Better Than Nothing Masks
Age Options: Mini, Child and Adult

What We Love: Made in USA, ethically made & soft fabric!

CubCoats – Make Your Face Look Like a Cub Mask
Age Options: Child Size 4+ 

What We Love: Look like a bear cub in a subtle manner. 

Check out how I dress my kids in boutique clothing for pennies on the dollar. 

No Character Children's Face Mask - Avoid Big Box Shop Boutique

What To Eat When Sick On THM

by Leave a Comment

Find a list of what to eat when sick on THM to keep you on plan while you recover.

There are lots of Trim Healthy Mama store bought and homemade options to help you feel better quickly when under the weather.

THM Sick Kit - How to Stay on Plan when Under the Weather (1)

With everything going on lately, sickness has been top of mind for a lot of people. 

As COVID-19 continues to rise, making a plan for yourself if you have flu like symptoms seems like a prudent decision. And preparing for what to eat when sick on THM is probably easier than you might think. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Medical Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. If you are ill, seek the advice of your doctor. 

What To Eat When Sick On THM

When you are not feeling well, cooking up a meal in the kitchen is probably the last thing on your mind. But you have to eat and stay hydrated! 

Here is a big list of store bought on plan approved items and recipes to make homemade soups and more to get though through a couple of sick days. 

Store Bought THM Sick Kit Options 

If you have been suffering from a stomach virus, you may want to follow a BRAT diet. And lucky for you the BRAT diet has all the THM staples on it. 

So what does BRAT stand for? Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.

B – Bananas (E fuel)
R – Brown Rice (E fuel)
A – Unsweetened Applesauce (E Fuel)
T – Sprouted Toast (E Fuel)

THM Cookbook or THM Blogger Recipes

Of course, if you have some energy, plan ahead or are taking care of a sick family member, you can make some recipes from the THM cookbook or from your favorite Trim Healthy Mama bloggers for your “sick day.” 

Trim Healthy Mama and OTC Medications 

Over the counter meds and the THM plan cause questions for a lot of beginners. 

Because guess what? There is sugar in a lot of these meds. You know, they put sugar in everything! 

Here are a couple of options that can be used on plan: 

  • Manuka Honey – Natural remedy that may help a sore throat. Manuka is the recommended choice of honey for medicinal purposes by the sisters.
  • XLEAR Cough Drops – Sweetened with Xylitol and Stevia

Keep reading for my personal thoughts on OTC meds and staying on plan. 

Illness and Staying On Plan 

Whether you are sick with a stomach bug, an upper respiratory infection or maybe suffering through the early stages of pregnancy with a bad case of morning sickness, being sick and staying on plan is definitely doable but it can be tough. 

If you have read the 5 THM things I don’t do, you know that I am somewhat of a THM rebel at times. I do what works for me and thanks to following the plan *most* of the time, I lost the 60 lbs that I gained while pregnant with my second child. 

And for that weight loss I am so thankful for this plan. However, I believe that when you are sick, you can get a hall pass of sorts. 

So if you can stay on plan doing the things mentioned above, you go girl! 

But if you are struggling to keep things down and the thought of a piece of sprouted bread makes you want to vomit, by all means don’t eat it. If a big piece of white bread is literally the only thing that your 9 weeks pregnant body can tolerate, feed that baby. 

Don’t get dehydrated or further your misery just to stay on plan. 

If you can stay on plan while ill, great. If you need to drink a Gatorade or eat a saltine to get better, do it. Then get back on plan as soon as you are feeling up to it. 

Need a XO? Eat one. Again, don’t beat yourself up while you are sick. Give yourself grace, nourish your body the best you can and heal.

Remember to always check with your physician if you are concerned about symptoms, an illness or your diet. 

THM Sick Day on Plan food to stock up on (1)