Month: August 2021

PiadViewPoint- Now you can cash out sooner!

Abby H.

I received this info in my inbox this morning and I had to share it. Most of you know that I love PaidViewPoint and that it’s one of the best survey companies around (at least in my opinion). They just got better.

PaidViewPoint members have been asking for lower cash-out limits, and PaidViewPoint has listened!

Your initial cash-out threshold will remain the same for security purposes. You must use PayPal, and you must have earned a minimum of $15.00. Once you have completed your first cash out, your second cash out threshold will only be $10.00! After that, you’ll be able to cash out every time you earn $5.00!

I’ve been a member for 4-ish years, and I do a couple surveys each week. Each Survey you are sent you are pre-qualified for. That means that you won’t spend 20 minutes doing a survey only to be told, “Sorry, we don’t need you!” and you don’t get paid. PaidViewPoint surveys vary in bounty/amount earned, starting at .10 and working up to $5 (I got a $5 survey last week- they are rare, but definitely worth it!).

You will receive an email when they have surveys for you, but I check my PaidViewPoint account a few times a week to see if there are any available, just in case I miss emails from them.

If you are looking for a survey company that doesn’t mess around, I recommend PaidViewPoint!

 

Disclosure: I may earn a commission or reward if you click on the links above. Please see my Disclosure page here for more info.

Cents of Style 40% off the ENTIRE SITE

Abby H.

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

Who says Back To School shopping has to be only for kids? Cents of Style is having an amazing fall sale this week for Fashion Friday!

They are offering 40% OFF SITEWIDE for ANYTHING (sale items included) on your ENTIRE order! With “Back to school” coming this is the PERFECT time to get all those things you’ve been eye-balling…or do you even need a reason!

The code is SAVEBIG and it takes 40% off the ENTIRE purchase!

Don’t forget FREE Shipping on ALL orders over $35!
The code is active ONLY until 8/15/21 at midnight.

8/13/2021 Friday Freebies and Deal!

Abby H.

It’s the last Friday before school starts! I’ve spent most of the week cleaning closets, washing new clothes, and getting a bag (or two) of outgrown kids’ clothes ready to pass along to smaller friends.

I’m entering into a few brand partnerships, so you’ll see some cool content and recipes coming up over the next few weeks.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Rebellyous Foods Nuggets
Free Sample of L’Oreal Hair Toning Gloss
Free Starburst Pops or Dum Dums Mega Mix Suckers
Free Jumbo Jack Burger at Jack in the Box
Free Impossible Foods T-Shirt, Socks & More
Free Malibu Mylk Unsweetened Vanilla Flax Mylk
Free Sample of Hermes Paris Fragrance
15 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Golden Ratio Coffee Sample
Free AOR Superfocus
Free Astroglide Sample Pack
Free So Delicious Mozzarella Style & Cheddar Style Shreds
Free Retinol Alternative Skincare Product + $75 eGift Card
Free IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara
Free Frozen Yogurt at Menchie’s – Today
Subaru Owners – Request a Free Personalized Badge of Ownership
Free Boosh Plant-Based Bowls
Free Pack of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit
Free TENA Caregiver Sampling Kit
Free Conair Hair Dryer
Free AOR PEAK Activate
Free AOR Curcumin Ultra
Free AOR Ortho Sleep
$20 in Free School Supplies & Food
Free Noxicare Pain Relief Cream Sample Pack
Free Car Care Check at GoodYear
Free NotCo Plant-Based Milk Alternative
Free Breakfast Sandwich at Wendy’s August 13th & 14th

 

Deals:

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Jeans at Aeropostale + FREE Shipping
Short-Sleeve Tee-&-Joggers Sets ONLY $11.69 with Extra 10% Off
70% Off All Sandals + Extra 10% Off
70% Off Sheet Sets + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Mr Clean Magic Eraser 9-Count ONLY $4.89 (Reg. $9.58)
Travelers Club 3-Pc Hardside Luggage Set ONLY $139.99 (Reg $400)
Trendy Tunics & Tunic Dresses ONLY $7.99 + Free Shipping Offer
T-Fal Culinaire Fry Pans Set of 2 ONLY $15.99 (Reg $60)

55% Off Cookware and Accessories + Extra 10% Off at Checkout

Lightweight Bomber Jacket ONLY $22.99 (Reg. $50)

Flat Iron Professional Hair Straightener ONLY $16.20 (Reg $60)

Harry Potter Magical Beasts Game ONLY $16.53 (Reg. $34)

FREE Shipping on All Orders at elf Cosmetics

PLAYMOBIL Crystal Palace ONLY $65.30 (Reg. $140)

Puma Kids Slide Sandals ONLY $14.97 (Reg $25)

Kalee Ride On Musical School Bus ONLY $15.93 (Reg $30)

Price Drop: Elmer’s Rainbow Slime Starter Kit ONLY $3.94

Women’s Juniors Graphic Tees ONLY $7.99 at JCPenney (Reg $20)

San Diego All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair 9/25/2021

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources.

FREE community event with activities, games, crafts, raffles, shopping, and resource booths for families of all abilities.

When: September 25, 2021 10:00AM-1:00PM

Where: Park de la Cruz Recreation Center 3901 Landis Street San Diego, CA 92105

Activity Booths • Giveaways • Games • Family Resources • Networking • Shopping & more

Children of all abilities can enjoy activity stations including Super Mario Wheelchair Course, Life-Size Candyland Game, Ernie’s Rubber Duckies Literacy Bathtub, Ghostbusters Ghost Trap Craft, and more!

Resource and service providers for children of all abilities will conveniently be onsite to speak with parents and offer helpful information.

All activities and resources are FREE and open to the public! To learn more or register, click here. 

Tryazon: Jewelry Making Night with Liquid Sculpey

Abby H.

I am super excited about this Tryazon Event. I have already applied! We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Gather your friends together for an earring jewelry-making night with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Sculpey. Liquid Sculpey is an innovative crafting clay that can be used in oven-safe silicone molds, window clings and so much more! It’s simple to use and perfect for beginners and fun for the experienced crafter. When baked, the liquid polymer clay turns strong, flexible, and lightweight making it perfect for jewelry!

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a variety of Liquid Sculpey to create earrings with friends and family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/liquid-sculpey-party

San Diego, CA Area Consumer Research Project Earn $150!

Abby H.

This is a brand new study- I got this email earlier this evening, and I have to share it.  I’ve never done a study with this company before, but it looks super fun!

Open to: San Diego Residents – Local to Oceanside (20 miles)

Focus Group Connection is looking for Men and Women to participate in an In-Person Focus Group. This study will take place at local restaurants in Oceanside CA.

 

This will be a unique study where the discussion will take place at 2 different restaurants. The interviewer will meet you at the restaurant. It will be a fun discussion, but you will be asked to taste alcoholic beverage for the purpose of research.

Due to this, they are asking that you travel to the 1st restaurant using a ride-share or dropped off by a friend or family member. From restaurant 1 to restaurant 2 they will have you ride as a team via bus and you are required to Uber home following restaurant 2. In addition to the incentive, meals, drinks, and any paid ride service (bus, uber) will be paid for also. They will ask you to invite two friends also. All of you must be willing to consume alcoholic beverages. Each of you will be paid $150.00 for your time and insights.

If you’re interested in participating, please click the link below to fill in the pre-screen here. 

Please note – Not everyone will qualify to participate and not everyone will receive a call-back.

 

Cross Country Cafe: Maple Pecan K-Cup® Coffee

Abby H.

They are back! Limited Edition Maple Pecan K-Cup® Coffee are in stock at Cross Contry Cafe!

Maple pecan offers a familiar blend of sweet maple syrup and rich, buttery pecan flavors. This fan-favorite is a limited edition, seasonal roast. It won’t be here long, stock up now!

And for those of you who don’t use Kuerigs or 1 use k-cups, check this out: Do you find yourself wondering things like, “can I reuse a K-Cup® capsule?” You are not alone. Cross Country Cafe questions like that every day. In this article, they answer your top seven Keurig® coffee questions.

 

AO Opinions: Upcoming Research Project on Prostate Cancer

Abby H.

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of  Prostate Cancer.

  • Prostate Cancer Patients and/or Caregivers Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.
  •  Compensation: $75 (if chosen)
  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener here. If you pre-qualify, you will receive a text or email from a Recruiter to call their office.

Family Recipe: Making Your Own Cordials and Liqueurs

Abby H.

I love making cordial and liqueurs. I’ve been making them for over 20 years, and they can take a little time and effort, but I promise you the end result is definitely worth it.

A few weeks ago I posted on Instagram about a cherry cordial that I had just started.

I know a lot of people think of cherry cordial they think of those Queen Anne’s chocolates with the goo in the middle and the maraschino cherry. And I promise you this is not that.

Ingredients/Supplies:

750ml (aka a fifth) bottle of mid-grade vodka or brandy. I like vodka because it usually doesn’t have any flavor of its own or has a very mild flavor. You want mid-grade because you want something that tastes ok on its own, but isn’t too cheap or too expensive.

3lbs. Fresh, Ripe Fruit– I prefer cherries, strawberries, pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces. With cherries, poke holes in the cherries with a knife, or if you have a cherry pitter, pit your cherries(not necessary, but it’s cool). You can use most fruit, stone fruits are great! The only two that I’ve made that turned out gross were banana and kiwi.

Sweetener- About 1 cup, but it can vary based on your desired level of sweetness. See below.

A clean jar with a screw-on lid. I washed my mason jar (this size) in the dishwasher.

Directions:

Before you start: It is crucial that you wash and dry the jar and both pieces of the lid (band and flat lid). Everything needs to be clean and free of bacteria- otherwise, this can turn funky.

  1. Pack the fruit into the jar, and pour alcohol over the fruit. The fruit needs to all be covered by the liquor. Why? Otherwise, the fruit will rot. Ewww.
  2. Screw the lid on tightly and place the jar in a cool dry place- I use the cupboard over the fridge. Give it a shake about once a month. After about 6 months, give it a taste. It may need to sit for up to a year to fully develop the full fruit flavor.  Sometimes the alcohol will leech the color from the fruit. This usually happens with strawberries.
  3. Once the fruit flavor is imparted to your liking, strain the solids off, press the excess liquid from the fruit and discard the solids.
  4. Wash and dry the jar and lid. Add the liquid back to the jar and sweeten as desired. I use simple syrup, but you can use honey or straight white sugar. I like simple syrup because it easily incorporates with the liquid. Whereas if you use honey or plain straight white sugar, you can end up with the sweetener sinking to the bottom and not fully incorporating. I start with a 1/4 cup, mix, taste, and adjust as needed.
  5. Allow this mixture to mellow and age at least 6 weeks. At this point, your fruit liqueur/cordial is ready to drink!

How do I drink Cherry Cordial? Usually with coke, but it’s good with all sorts of mixers. It also makes a great gift!

My next liqueur recipe will be for my award-winning Irish Cream. This stuff puts Bailey’s to shame! I’ll post it later this week.

8/9/2021 Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpg9 days until school starts. I need to get on the stick and head over to JCP and get the kids some socks and scour the mark down sections. They both need shorts, and unfortunately, most stores already have cold weather clothes out. We won’t be ready for those for a few months.

Over the weekend I picked up half a share from Porchlight- My friend Brooke split a share with me, and it’s honestly the best month spent. We got all kinds of great food, definitely more than a weeks worth.

And I’ve been getting a lot of really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

I also went out to the Hillcrest Farmers Market yesterday and met Farmer Donald from Yasukochi Family Farns. I picked up some amazing strawberries, watermelon, corn, green beans, and brocolli. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my meal prep pics yesterday. If you are looking for an amzing deal on produce, check out their CSA box!

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, 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 $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. I spend about an hour on Monday afternoon cleaning and prepping veggies for the rest of the week.

I meal prepped a bunch of fruit, veggies, and rice yesterday. I also cleaned out the fridge and re-arranged the freezer. We are all set for the week. I chose easy to cook meals that don’t require the oven. We are expected to have temps in the 90’s for most of this week.

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. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pikc them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

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. The kids are digging leftovers from dinner, or quesadillas.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Chicken Chili over rice, beans, veggies
  • Monday: Fritatta, watermelon, sourdough toast
  • Tuesday:  Pesto Ravioli, garlic bread, roasted veg
  • Wednesday:  Nugget night: Nuggets, crackers, cheese, fruit
  • Thursday: Waffles, eggs, fruit
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers, fruit

Please stay safe you guys!

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?