My house smells so good right now because of this soup!  Generally I’m not a huge crock pot fan but this is so easy and delicious I had to share.  All of the ingredients I purchased are from Trader Joe’s so some of the items are kind of specific.

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 30 oz. Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 2 Green Onions chopped
• 1 Small Can Tomato Sauce (or if you only have large can just use half of it)
• 1 Small Can Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1 Can Whole Kernel Corn
• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Can Organic Black Beans
• 1 Package Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Trader Joe’s Crushed Garlic

Combine all ingredients into your crock pot (except the black beans, add the beans when only 2 hours left)  Set the cook time on low for 6-7 hours, after 3-4 hours shred chicken.  Once finished add cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.  Add a lime for garnish.  Enjoy!

Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom are now accepting new members for a free 3-month trial.  I love having Amazon Prime/Mom, free 2-day shipping plus tons of discount on items we moms use regularly. There are exclusive deals and discounts with Amazon Prime/Mom, and 20% off diapers and wipes.  Go here to sign up for a free 3-month membership.  To avoid being charged after the 3-month free membership follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Your Account
2. Click Manage Prime Membership
3. Click Do Not Upgrade
4. Click Turn-Off Auto Upgrade   

Plum District has so many great deals right it was hard to decide which to write about today!  If you are planning on having a child’s birthday party then Plum District has you covered.  Today there are three different party packages to choose from!  The first and maybe my favorite is a gymnastics party for up to ten kids!  Included is play time, parachute games, gymnastics circuit on the equipment (beam, mats, bar and trampoline), and musical games.  The best part of this party is Flip Tyme 2 comes to your house or party location!  The party price is $300, the Plum discounted price is $139 and when you use promo code LOCAL25 you will receive an additional 25% off!

Is there an artist in your family?  The next party package is for you then!  This art party is for up to ten kids and you may choose watercolor painting, sculpting, or a painting on canvas.  Of course the children get to bring their creations home with them, I love the idea of having a real canvas painting done by a little one.  This party is priced at $120, the Plum discounted price is $60, use promo code LOCAL25 you will receive an additional 25% off!  The price for this party is only $45, that really is a steal!

Any cowboys or cowgirls here?  Saddle up for 2 ½ hours of fun with this horseback riding party! Bring your group of up to ten children to groom, saddle and bridle their own horse, then they’ll hop aboard and learn the basics of riding, guiding and stopping at a walk and trot (how fun!!).  Parties can be catered to any level or age of riders ages 5 and up.  The party price is a $350 value, the Plum discounted price is $245, use promo code LOCAL25 you will receive an additional 25% off! The party price drops to only $183!

The promo code LOCAL25 is valid for only the next 3 days on any local San Diego deal, go here to check out some of the other great deals going on right now at Plum District!

This week we had such beautiful weather here in SoCal and I am happy to say we were outside everyday doing something fun!  I wanted to share the fun stuff we did at one of our favorite places.  Monday we packed a lunch and went hiking with a few friends at San Diegutio park.  San Dieguito park is located off of Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach / Del Mar area.  There is a $3 fee to park your car however there is usually a lot of parking outside the park and you can walk in for no cost.  We usually park near the lower parking lot and park on El Camino Real in the dirt lot and walk in.

The first time we went hiking here my son was about 2 1/2, there are steps so I did have to help him on some of the bigger steps but now he does it all on his own.  Because of the steps no strollers are allowed, if you have a little one use a sling or baby carrier.  The best part about this park for kids is the suspended bridges.  My son loves to run across the bridges again and again and again.  San Dieguito park offers 4 different play areas, one for every age group.  We usually try and hit up all four to give the kids something different to play on while we are there.  Don’t forget to stop by and say hi to the ducks, as soon as you walk in you will see them .  If you would like bring some bread crumbs to feed the ducks.   We love going to this park and try and visit at least once a month.  I think it is one of those hidden parks not a lot of people know about so I wanted pass on the information, for more information and directions to the park click here.

Last night I made Orange Chicken for dinner and it was delicious.  My son has an issue with trying anything new, and I really do mean anything.  He will not even try sweets he hasn’t had before without some pleading.  I was a little worried last night that he may not like it, but I’ve found if he helps me prepare the meal he wants to try it.  There are less than 8 ingredients in this dish and I was happily surprised I had all of them without having to run to the store.  This meal was a big hit with my son, and my hubby!

• 2 Chicken Breasts cut into pieces
• 1 Large Orange (zest & juice)
• 1 Zucchini chopped (add while cooking)
• Mushrooms (add while cooking)
• 1 Carrot chopped (add while cooking)
• 3 tbsp Sesame Oil (1 tbsp is for cooking)
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 3 tbsp Agave

Combine all ingredients (aside from the vegetables) into a large freezer bag.  Orange zest, orange juice, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp agave, then add the chicken.  If the marinade does not cover all of the chicken add some water (1/4 cup) to ensure the marinade is surrounding the chicken.  Place the bag into the fridge for at least an hour, it can marinate all day.

When ready to cook add 1 tbsp sesame oil to a large skillet over medium heat, use tongs and add chicken to the skillet.  Make sure to add some of the marinade while cooking the chicken.  Add the vegetables and let cook uncovered for 5 minutes.  Use tongs to flip chicken and cover skilled for 4-5 minutes or until chicken and vegetables are cooked.  Once fully cooked serve with orange slices, green onions or scallions as garnish and enjoy!

Saturday, February 18

Little Italy Carnevale-  This is the 9th year for this fun event get there early because they expect a lot of people this year.  The fun starts at 5:00pm and runs until about 9:00pm on India Street between W. Fir and W. Cedar Streets with the main stage on W. Date Street.  For more fun dress up in traditional Venetian Carnevale costumes and receive a discount at tons of restaurants!  For more information on this fun and free event visit the event website here.

Trunk Treasures - Seasonal Children’s and Mom’s Consignment Sale in San Diego.  This sale gives savvy mommy shoppers the opportunity to keep their children’s closets and toy chests packed with all the latest trends while keeping wallets fat.  This sale is both Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.  For more information visit Trunk Treasures website here.

Free Kids Crafts @ Lakeshore Learning – Every Saturday Lakeshore Learning hosts a free craft for kids to make and take home.  This week in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday the craft is a super-silly stick puppet designed by your little one!  For more information visit Lakeshore Learning’s website here.

Kidville Carlsbad is amazing!  I stopped by a few weeks ago just to check it out and was happily surprised!  Today on Plum District you may purchase Three Kids’ Classes, Two Playspace Passes, Waived Registration Fee, $50 Credit Toward a Birthday Party, and 15% Off Boutique items ($188 value) for only $49!  I have been waiting for a deal to pop up for Kidville and the wait is finally over!  To purchase this deal or for more information click here.

New site alert!  Sneakpeeq is a new site with tons of freebies and huge discounts on fashionable accessories like scarves and tote bags.  Just for signing up you will receive the scarf below ($49.99 value) shipped to you for free!

The Poseidon on the beach in Del Mar is an amazing restaurant for a romantic dinner.  The food is incredible and the view is to die for!  Today you may purchase a deal for only $25 and receive $50 to spend at the Poseidon.

The fine print:  Limit one voucher per table per visit. Must make a Reservation. Valid for Dining Room and Patio only (not valid in bar). Not Valid with any other offers, promotions, on holidays, or take out.. Not valid toward 1/2 price wine list or happy hour pricing. Tax and Gratuity Not Included. No cash value or cash back. May be Purchased as a Gift. Expires June 20th, 2012.

My favorite time of year is upon us, the BevMo 5 cent sale!  Buy one bottle of wine and receive the second for only 5 cents!  It sounds like it is too good to be true! Also did you know you may pre-order online and have it ready for pick up within an hour?  What will they think of next!  I love this, because the last thing I want to do is spend any more time than I have to with my son around all those breakable bottles!

The fine print:  Must be a ClubBev! member (free to sign up here) and valid on select wines only.  Price of first bottle is BevMo’s regular, undiscounted price, second bottle must be the same as the bottle purchased at full price.  Limited time only.