6/22/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.Leave a comment

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI took the weekend off from blogging to hang out with the kids and work on another project.

This week is less busy than last week, so I plan on hitting up the gym for yoga as often as I can.

I did a small grocery trip yesterday morning, mostly to get popsicles and a few things that were needed for a specific meal yesterday (Father’s Day breakfast for my ex and the kids). I’m going to try to go another week without a restock shop. We will have plenty of snacks, and I’ve got ingredients to make cookies and everything on the menu for this week.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is another use-it-up week. We’ve got a lot of stuff in the freezer, including ground beef, nuggets, and frozen fruit.

  • Sunday:  Butter Chicken, Rice, and naan
  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, & veg

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates

  • Thursday: Nuggets, fruit, and chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Amazon and Little Caesar’s Make Prime Day taste good!

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Are you an Amazon Prime Member?  If so, check out this deal!

Score a $5.00 Large Little Caesars Pizza daily with a code here every day through 6/26/2026.

Through 6/26/26 or while supplies last. Limited to Amazon Prime members located in 50 US/DC. Amazon Code required. Enter Code at checkout at a participating Little Caesars® store on an app or online order (excluding third-party sites) to get a Classic Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza for $5.00 (add’l taxes and fees may apply). For complete Terms, go to https://information.littlecaesars.com/en-us/promo-2026-primeday

Stress Free Kid’s Parties at Michaels!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Y’all know I love a craft party. And my kids are no different. They love to create stuff and express their creativity in different ways.

I found out this morning that you can host your kid’s birthday party at Michaels. All of the fun and creativity without any of the mess.

Starting at $149, you get:

  • 2 Hours
  • 8 Guests (including Guest of Honor)
  • All project supplies
  • A dedicated space that’s perfect for crafting and hosting
  • Team Member to lead craft activities

And right now they have three different party themes:

Beads and Bag Charms– Come make cute bracelets and bag charms for the perfect accessories.

 

Paint Party- Join our colorful paint party. Use stickers, gems, and other popular templates to create unique art.

 

Tie Dye Party- Come create your own custom tie dye. All the fun, none of the mess. Then make a stack of bracelets to fit the color scheme of your shirt.

 

To me, this is the perfect party for kids that may be too big for indoor play places, or who are not interested in bowling or arcades. The cost starts at about $18 per guest and includes something for them to take home.

Two hours is a great amount of time for a party, and gives you time to create, have snacks, and cake, and then you’re done!

I’m considering this for my youngest kid’s birthday party next year.

And if you are looking for some fun, free crafting and creating events for you or your kids this summer, check out Michaels Kids Club and Makebreak events here.

 

6/18/2026 PRC Research Study Round Up!

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PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

 

Topic: Family Lifestyles
Format: 90 minutes over a 7 week period
Who Qualifies: Adults aged 18+
Dates: June 22 – August 21, 2026
Payment: Amazon e-gift card (no other payment option will be available). Payment will be sent 45 days after the completion of the study.

*Incentive: $225 (Survey 1 = $25, Survey 2 = $100, Survey 3 = $100)

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Webinars
Who: Adults, 18 yrs old
When: July 14th & 15th
Where: Webcam Interview
Length: 60-minutes
Incentive: $200 digital incentive

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Technology Products
Who: Adults, aged 18 and older
When: June 29th – July 1st, 2026
Where: Online, from the comfort of your home or office
Length: Pre-call + pre-work + 60-minute session
Incentive: $175 (must complete all activities)

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Home sound devices
Who: Nationwide adults, ages 18+, who use home sound devices
When: June 18th-26th
Where: Online
Length: 1-hour (15-minute online activity followed by a 45-minute individual webcam interview)
Incentive: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Grocery Store Shoppers
Who: Adults, 18 years and older
When: July 8th, 2026
Where: Online, from the comfort of your home or office
Length: 60 minutes
Incentive: $125

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Their surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.

 

Tryazon- New Strategy Game Night Opportunity from Roxley!

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I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

 

Get ready to elevate your next game night with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity featuring Skyrise from Roxley Games – a stunning strategy game where players compete to build a breathtaking city in the clouds. Through clever bidding, tactical placement, and a little bluffing, you’ll shape the skyline while pursuing secret objectives and earning the favor of the city’s patrons.

If your group enjoys strategic decision-making, friendly competition, and gorgeous tabletop experiences, this is one opportunity you won’t want to miss!

They have 75 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected will receive a free Roxley Games party pack to sample and play with friends and family.

Learn more and apply here.

 

Q-insights $300 Truck Owner Focus Group in Irvine, CA

Abby H.Leave a comment

QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County and less often in San Diego County. Currently, they are conducting an in-person study in Irvine, CA.

Specifically, they are looking for current owners of 2021 and newer Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma trucks to participate in a 2.5-hour in-person focus group in Irvine, CA, being held on Tuesday, June 30th, Wednesday, July 1st, or Thursday, July 2nd, with your choice of date/time.

Participants will be paid $300 for participating in this 2.5-hour focus group and completing a short pre-assignment – there are absolutely no sales involved, and you will not be added to any sales/marketing/dealer lists as a result of your participation.

This is strictly for research purposes only to help manufacturers better develop future truck offerings.

If you have one of the vehicles listed above and are interested in participating, please fill out the form here. One of the recruiters will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Procter & Gamble: Bring Home the Best Rebate Up to $15 Back!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Everyone loves to save money, right? Check out P&G brandSAVER Perks! Save on brands you love, earn rewards, and make an impact. Here are a few of the offers/deals available:

  • NEW Bring Home the Best Rebate: Up to $15 Back when you buy your favorite Procter & Gamble Brands, including Tide, Gain, Dreft, Bounce, Olay Skin & Body, Herbal Essences, Mr. Clean, Zevo, and more!
  • Join P&G brandSAVER to unlock up to $15 back when you shop Tide and 20+ more brands.
  • Take quizzes, answer surveys, or scan your receipts featuring P&G Products.
  • Collect points for each engagement and redeem them for prizes like digital rewards and sweepstakes entries.

Freebies for Expecting Parents!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I think there is something in the water, because I know nine people who are having children in 2026.

That’s a lot of babies!

Kids cost a lot. And they go through a lot of food, clothes, hygiene products, you name it.

Here is a list of some pretty great freebies for babies (and their parents, too).

I wish this had been around when my kids were littler.

Sign up and claim your Baby Box Fee Unlimited Edition from Your Baby Club.

$80 worth of freebies is a pretty great start.

If you know someone who is planning on breastfeeding, this next offer is great!

Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.

2. Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.

3. Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

Meal Planning in the Summer…

Abby H.Leave a comment

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI forgot to hit Publish on this post on Sunday night and just discovered it in my drafts. Oops.

This is my first full week of both kids being on summer break.

This week is the week of appointments for the whole family. Between the front bathroom shower being resurfaced, doctor’s appointments for me, small kid, and big kid, and the dishwasher repair guy coming- it’s a full week of running all over.

The big kid and I plan to hit the YMCA as much as possible between all of our appointments. The Small Kid will probably come with us and ride a stationary bike the whole time.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is a “use it up” week. I have a bunch of stuff leftover in the fridge from last week that didn’t get used, so this week we are leaning on what’s on hand.

  • Sunday:  Italian Night: Flatbread, Chicken Parm casserole (veggies included)
  • Monday: Breakfast for Dinner
  • Tuesday: Crockpot Meal (something with chicken)

  • Wednesday: Charcuterie Night

  • Thursday: Smoothies and Entrees

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

6/14/2026 PRC Research Study Round Up!

Abby H.Leave a comment

PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Professional Occupations-July 2026
Who: Professionals in B2B Sales, Account/Client Relationship Mgmt, Insurance, Real Estate/Mortgage, Financial Services/Advising, Talent Acquisition, etc- MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF OCCUPATION/COMPANY
When: July 9-13, 2026
Where: Virtually, from your home or office
Length: 60-mins
Incentive: $300

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Peanut Allergies in Children
Who: Parents or caregivers of children diagnosed with peanut allergies (*Proof of diagnosis will be required)
When: Various dates and times in July
Where: Online via Webcam
Length: 60 minutes
Incentive: $175

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Fast Casual Restaurants
Who: Adults, 18-64 yrs old
When: June 30th
Where: Webcam interview
Length: 2-hours
Incentive: $175 digital incentive

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Food and Grocery Shopping
Who: Participants age 25-54
When: Various dates and times in June
Where: Online via Webcam
Length: 75 minutes
Incentive: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Insurance
Who: Adults, 18-64 yrs old
When: June 24 – July 7, 2026
Where: Online virtual Interview
Length: 1-hour
Incentive: $125

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Their surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.