PRC Research: Paid 60-Minute Finance Study $200

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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 can be completed from the comfort of your home using your computer or laptop.

Currently, they are looking for adults aged 18+ to participate in an upcoming study about Shared Financial Experiences.

Topic: Consumer Payment Preferences
Who: Adults, 18+
When: November 11-25, 2026
Where: Webcam Interview
Length: 60 minutes
Incentive: $200 digital incentive

For this study, you must reside in the following areas:

  • CA: Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Coachella Valley, San Diego

  • KS: Greater Kansas City

  • MA: Greater Boston

  • MN: Minneapolis–St. Paul (Twin Cities)

  • NY: New York City (Manhattan & Bronx)

  • TN: Greater Nashville

  • WV: Greater Morgantown

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.

November is Gratitude Month (Free Printable Gratitude Journal)

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What better way to kick off the fall and winter holiday season than with a month all about showing how grateful you are for everything around you?

You can download and print my FREE gratitude journal here; it’s a simple way to reflect on your life daily for a month. Complete with a daily challenge, coloring pages, a word search, and a gratitude jar page.

It’s made for anyone, ages about 10 and up.

If you are looking for some simple, free ways to show gratitude, here are my favorites:

Talk back: How are you going to show gratitude this month?

PRC Global Market Research 1st Time Expecting Moms—Up to $150

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 can be completed from the comfort of your home using your computer or laptop.

Currently, they are looking for females, 18 and older, to participate in an upcoming study regarding 1st Time Expecting Moms.

Topic: 1st Time Expecting Moms
Who: Females 18 and older
When: November 16-20, 2026
Where: Online via Discuss.io
Length: 3-4 online activities/short videos + 30 min webcam interview (if chosen)
Incentive: $100 (Online activities) + $50 (30 min webcam – if chosen)

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.

FREE Winter Carnival for Families!

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Another fun holiday event for families and individuals of all ages and abilities.

The Winter Fun activities include:

  • Snow Play Area
  • Petting Zoo
  • Cookie Decorating
  • Holiday Craft Stations
  • Photo Op with Santa and More!

Register by Nov. 20 for Children’s Gifts
Gifts will be provided only to registered children ages 12 and under. Participating families must register by Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, to be eligible for a gift.

Light brunch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a family and friends’ event. Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children; no direct supervision is provided.

11/9/2026 Weekly Meal Plan!

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It’s fall, but we are back to weather in the mid to high 80’s this coming week. I did a lot of meal prep over the weekend: Roasting veggies, cutting up fruit and veggies for lunches, making a big salad, and meal prepping my weekday lunches (Baked Ziti for 3 days and Salisbury Steak for 2 days). I also made a big batch of Apple Crisp for the week as well.

I ordered groceries from Aldi via Instacart and picked them up Friday after work (You can learn more about how it really does save you time and money here).

Breakfast: The Big Kid has joined the Protein Coffee train with me. He has his with the equivalent of 2-3 shots of espresso in it, served hot. I take my Protein Coffee iced. 1 protein shake and 20 ounces of cold brew. The littler dude is on an Einstein Bros. Bagel kick. I buy them once every few weeks, pre-sliced, then I stash them in the freezer and pull them out and toast them as needed.

Lunch:  Monday through Friday, I pack my own and the kids’ lunches. I bring 5 lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the fridge. I pack the kids’ lunches each night before bed, except for the cold stuff and ice pack- those I put in when I get up in the morning. This week I meal prepped lunches over the weekend to last me all week. In addition to main dishes, I also have cut-up cantaloupe and iced tea. The big kid has basically the same lunch every day: Sandwich, drink, Quest Protein Chips, and a couple of cookies or whatever I made this week. The little dude has cheesy popcorn, mandarin oranges (2), a cheese stick, a yogurt drink, a cookie, and a fruit snack. Whatever keeps them fed!

Dinner: It’s a mixed bag of crockpot meals and quick-cook, easy dinners this week.

  • Monday: Breakfast for Dinner (Breakfast Sandwiches, fruit salad, and hot cocoa)
  • Tuesday: Crockpot meal-chicken chili (recipe forthcoming)

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates (this has become a Wednesday special)

  • Thursday: Chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, fruit salad

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza
  • Sunday:  Quesadillas, beans and rice

Tryazon: My Soundtrack Game Night Opportunity!

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I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 9 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 an opportunity to apply for!

Come together to create the soundtrack of your life with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity featuring My Soundtrack Game! My Soundtrack is the party game where your life has a playlist! What was the theme of your awkward middle school years, or what song do you hear when you’re in an interview? Pick the songs you think fit best!  Easy to learn and easy to play party game!

They have 50 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected will receive a free My Soundtrack Game party pack to sample and play with friends and family.

Learn more and apply here.

This Week is National Young Reader Week!

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This Week is National Young Reader Week, a week to celebrate and encourage kids’ and teens’ literacy.

As the granddaughter of a school librarian, I loved going to the library as a kid, and I still love reading and going to the library today. And the local library is more than just books. This post talks all about the fun free stuff at your local library. 

Reading doesn’t have to be expensive either. In addition to Little Free Libraries all over the world, here are a few ways you can get free books sent to your mailbox:

  • If you want your family to experience a multicultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old. My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.
  • Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish. The books were super useful for me in learning to read in Spanish (Beyond what Duolingo teaches).
  • Dolly Parton has established the Imagination Library, which is available in select regions, and those who live in participating areas can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

If you have a Kindle (or a Fire Tablet), there are always tons of free kindle books on Amazon, both for kids and adults.

 

Santee School District Care Closet Donation Drive

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If you live in East County, now through November 20, 2020, the district care closet is hosting a care closet donation drive to help students and their families.

The closets offer clothing, toiletries, and household items to families in need throughout the school district.

Now is the perfect time to go through your kids’ closets and donate any clothes in good or like-new condition (without rips, tears, or stains). Clothing donations for all ages and sizes are accepted; however,  there is an emphasis on clothing donations for students TK-8.

The following types of clothing are always needed:

  • Shirts
  • Long sleeve
  • Short sleeve
  • Tank tops
  • Pants
  • Jeans
  • Leggings
  • Sweatpants
  • Skirts
  • Shorts
  • Athletic
  • Jean
  • Dresses
  • Shoes
  • NEW underwear
  • NEW socks
  • Dress shirts
  • Dress Pants
  • Sweatshirts
  • Coats

They are also collecting New, Unopened Toiletries:

  • Children’s toothbrushes
  • Adult toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste (mint or flavored)
  • Body Wash
  • Bars of Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • New Hair ties/other hair accessories
  • New Hair Brushes
  • New Combs
  • Hand Soap
  • Perfume/Body Mist
  • Deodorant
  • Hair Detangler Spray
  • Facewash
  • Sunscreen (face and body)
  • Lotion
  • Contact Solution/Cases
  • Feminine Products (pads with wings, tampons, liners)

Household Goods

  • Laundry Detergent
  • Dishwasher soap
  • Dish Soap (dawn, palmolive, etc.)
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Cotton Balls
  • Q-tips
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Trashbags

To donate,  visit any of the Donation Drop-off Locations:

  • Front office at Chet F. Harritt and PRIDE Academy
  • Santee School District ERC Building: 9619 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071

I’ve got a bag of toiletries I started to donate next week!

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for November 2026!

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I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) activities for kids. JCPenney has an upcoming event that fits the bill! Check out this fun, free craft from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon and create your own 3D turkey craft.

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!)

2026 Holiday Resources

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As more information about Holiday assistance programs becomes available, I will be updating this post.

Before I get into specifics, here are a few general ways that you can find some holiday help with resources that you may already take part in:

  • If you receive WIC or SNAP benefits, check with your social worker to see if they have information on holiday-help programs.
  • If you attend church/synagogue/mosque, check with your religious leader or the secretary/office staff. They may have referrals to programs offering holiday help.
  • Check with your kids’ school. Talk to the school counselor, resource teacher, or school secretary.
  • If you frequent local food charities or co-ops, they may have some resources on holiday events or toy giveaways.

Resources in San Diego County:

  • The Salvation Army does an Angel Tree program to gather gifts for children in need. For more information about this program, contact your local Salvation Army location.
  • 211 San Diego has a listing of all sorts of holiday assistance, from food to toys, and events- all free. Some programs/events require proof of need, but not all.
  • Hope for San Diego helps with many non-profits throughout the holiday season. For more information on events they sponsor, visit their website.
  • Women’s Resource Center for those residing in Northern San Diego County.
  • Foundation for Developmental Disabilities: Clients of the Regional Center whose families are facing financial difficulties can apply for help.
  • If you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. Applications are done online and are available in multiple languages.
  •  Toys for Joy hosts an event in December with The Rock Church. There are not many details available on their website currently.
  • Toys for Hope is hosting an event on 12/20 at King Chavez School. More info can be found here.
  • Olive Crest: Helps Southern California families in need/crisis. They have a holiday program. More information can be found here.

Toy swaps are a great way to share old toys and get new ones.

Talk Back: If you know of any additional resources for holiday help in San Diego County, please leave a comment!