Month: February 2022

Q-insights Automotive Research Study Pays $200-$250 in Santa Ana – March 7-12

Abby H.

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Q-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 San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place in Santa Ana, CA.

Q-Insights is currently recruiting for an online interview on the topic of vehicles, specifically  for owners of the following vehicles 2016 and newer:
Chevrolet Blazer
Dodge Journey
Ford Edge
Ford Mach-E
Honda Passport
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Kona EV
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Niro EV
Kia Sorento
Nissan Murano
Polestar 2
Subaru Outback
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model Y
Toyota Venza
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen ID.4
Volvo XC40 Recharge
(PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED TO BRING ORIGINAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION AS PROOF)

These will be in-person focus groups that last about 2.5 hours and will take place in Santa Ana (ORANGE COUNTY) on March 7th through 12th with your choice of date/time.

Participants will receive a total of $250 for participating in a 2.5-hour session and completing a short online task.

If you are interested, please fill out the pre-screener survey here.

In-Person Dream Dinners Workshop: 2/22/22 in La Mesa, CA!

Abby H.1 Comment

I know y’all have been waiting for this in-person event, I know I have!

You’re invited to my Meal Prep Workshop at Dream Dinners! Learn my secret to making easy, homemade meals, taste delicious appetizers and spend some time with friends. You’ll receive three delicious, medium-size meals to enjoy at home with your family for just $50.00.

Plus, you get to create our exclusive Scone Trio. Only available at the Meal Prep Workshops, these delicious scones are a fun baking activity the whole family can help with.

  • Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – 6:00 PM
  • Dream Dinners La Mesa: 5208 Jackson Drive Suite 116 La Mesa, CA
  • RSVP Here, Invite Code is yummy1

There are limited spaces available, and this offer is only available for guests of this event. Reserve your spot today by choosing three dinners from the menu here and completing your order!

If you are coming, please let me know!

Fetch Rewards: 5,000 Point Reward for shopping at Family Dollar!

Abby H.

There are four Family Dollar stores in San Diego, but none are super close to us, so I’ve never shopped there. And some of my favorite Deal Tik Tokers shop there, so I’ve been the deals, and man… they are good.

Here is another deal for Family Dollar.

Spend at least $20 on your favorite Unilever brands at Family Dollar and earn 5,000 points! Get big rewards on things you already buy from brands like Dove, Hellmann’s®, and Suave®.

Don’t forget to download the Family Dollar Tree app too. There are coupons and in-app deals that will help you save even more!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I earned $295 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

It is simple, takes minutes, and the points really rack up!

Upcoming Technology Project Earn $600

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 topic of technology.

This is a two-part study, and as such pays a lot more!

To be considered, complete the pre-screener here. 

Compensation: $600 (if chosen)

Open to: 18-44 Year Olds

Online Project:

  • PART 1: Tuesday, February 22 – Sunday, March 6, 2022 – Test two new tablets and accessories that will ship for this research. Two-week commitment journaling about the usage of each tablet (2-hour commitment each week – totaling 4 hours of commitment overall) – A week after the research will need to return the devices (free of charge). Return the devices in the same box everything came in with a pre-paid shipping label.
  • PART 2: Follow-up online Focus Groups MUST be available if chosen.

Times:

  • Wednesday, March 9, 2022:  4:00PM-5:30PM PT
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022: 1:00PM-2:30PM PT or 3:30PM-5:00PM PT

2/14/12022 Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

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The kids and I have the day off school/work, so we’re spending v-day together! I’m thinking about heart-shaped pizza for lunch!

I did a little bit of meal prep Saturday night and Sunday morning. I also updated the fridge, freezer, and pantry inventories. I didn’t watch “The Big Game”, I had other stuff to do.

We are skipping our CSA box this week- I still have a lot from last week, and that’s after sharing it with my mom and a family friend!

Most other weeks, 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. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

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.

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. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: We’ve got a few Dream Dinner left, and I’ll be making those along with some other stuff in the freezer (looking at you lasagna). We’ve got out-of-town guests this week, so I planned dinners that are appropriate for company, filling and budget-friendly.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Chicken with Peanut Sauce (It’s a Dream Dinner, but I’m using rice instead of the Penne that comes with it), Rice, Salad
  • Wednesday: Waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit
  • Thursday:  Kentucky Pork Chops, taters, roasted Veg (We didn’t end up having this last week- I forgot to take it out of the freezer!)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread, roasted veggies or salad

I’ll be hosting two Dream Dinners events, one virtual, and one in person at the La Mesa store later this month- It’s a great way for those of you who want to check it out for yourselves!

February is Fun for Seniors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Abby H.

If you have a senior in your life and you want to send them on a frugal adventure, check out this sweet deal!

The kids posing with Jefferson’s Sloth

During the month of February, all visitors age 65 and older receive free admission to the Safari Park. Enjoy the sights on an Africa Tram, see the platypuses and other Aussie species at Walkabout Australia, wander through Tiger Trail, take a stroll around Mombasa Lagoon, and relax with refreshments on the patio at Kijamii Overlook. There’s a world of sights to see—all at the Safari Park!

For more information about Seniors Free, check out the Seasonal Events section of our FAQ page.

Seniors 65+ must present valid photo ID at turnstiles for free entry. Parking is not included.

My kids love the Safari Park, and while we are waiting for our tax refund to renew our zoo/safari park membership, this deal is definitely a must-do for anyone over 65!

The kids love Meerkats.


Some frugal tips for visiting your local zoo/animal park (These are all true for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, your local parks may differ)

  • Bring your water bottles, and fill up at the drinking fountains/filling stations all over the park.
  • Pack your own snacks/lunch. There are tons of picnic/eating areas all over the parks.
  • Bring some cash for 1 treat/toy/souvenir. With cash, you have a firm budget.
  • If you are a zoo/safari park member, you may get a discount in the shops/restaurants (check online).

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season… 3 Recipe Ideas!

Abby H.

And that means cute little faces outside local stores, coming door to door, or like my kid, asking you politely on her mom’s blog to buy please buy Girl Scout Cookies from her personalized GS Cookie website here.

There is a really tasty new variety this year, adventurefuls, but like so many things in life right now, they are out of stock due to supply issues. You may be able to find them from a girl in your area.

Once you’ve got your hands on the cookies, there has to be more than eating them as is, right?

Yup, here are a few ideas that were brainstormed recently by some of us GS Cookie fanatics.

Thin Mint Brownies: Mix up your favorite brownie batter (either from a mix or scratch, your choice), and crumble 12-15 cookies (about 1/2 -3/4 of a sleeve). Mix into the batter, and bake per directions. Crunchy, minty bits in each bite.

Lemon Ups Cheesecake parfaits: I made these last week and they are BOMB.

For the no-bake cheesecake filling: Cream 1 8 oz. brick Cream Cheese, fold in 1 tub of Cool Whip, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

In a parfait dish (like this one), layer, Lemon Ups cookies (I cut each one into 4 pieces and scattered them across the bottom), then the cheesecake mixture, then a layer of sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries (any combination), and repeat until the dish is full. Top with any remaining berries.

Refrigerate 4-6 hours, allowing time to set up (I made mine the day before I needed to serve it to give it enough time to set up).

If you have a hankering to use your Samoas, You can substitute those in for the lemon cookies and use strawberries or raspberries only (blueberries just don’t mesh well with Samoas).

We’re making Samoas Cheescake cups next week. Using the same no-bake cheesecake filling recipe above, line the wells of a cupcake pan with aluminum cupcake liners (like these). At the bottom of each, place a Samoas cookie. Fill the remaining space in the cup with the cheesecake filling. Top with half a Samoas.

Drizzle the top with caramel syrup and store in the fridge 4-6 hours before serving.

2/11/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s Friday friends- This weekend is busy, as always, but let’s start off with some freebies and deals!

I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Acne Dark Spot Treatment Pads + $75 eGift Card
Free Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
35 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Magellan Sticker Sheet
Free Lasio Keratin Pro Kit
Free Hometown Hero Delta 8 Gummies
Free Copy of Amazing Me It’s Busy Being 3! Book
Free Hometown Hero Select Spectrum Delta 9 Gummies
Free Conair Hair Dryer, Hot Rollers or Epilator
Free 16 oz. Smoothie or Juice at Nekter Juice
Free Annapolis Pride Car Magnet
10 Free Custom 3D Flamcard Photo Card at Walgreens
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Atoria’s Family Bakery Flatbread Product Coupon
Free Hi-Chew Gummies Candy
Free Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up & Delectables Lickable Treats
Free Origins Ginzing Oil Free Energy Boosting Moisturizer Sample
Free 2022 Sand Scripts’ Magnetic Calendar
Free Dude Wipes at Walmart
Free Pizza, Chips, Cookies & More
Free Amala Beauty Skincare Product Sample
Free Bibigo GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce Samples
Free Truly Grass Fed Natural Creamy Butter
Free I Read Banned Books Sticker & Bookmark
2 Free Hartz UltraGuard PROMAX Flea & Tick Cat Collars
Free Valentine’s Photo Box Craft from Home Depot
Free Disney, Barbie, Peppa Pig or Spiderman Toy
Free Macy’s Fragrances

Deals:

Martha Stewart 3-Pc Mixing Bowl & Utensils Set ONLY $13.93
Martha Stewart Love 3-Pc Container Set ONLY $17.93 (Reg $50)
PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti ONLY $8.99 (Reg. $18)
70% Off Everything for Home at Wayfair + 10% Off Coupon
Sterling Silver Heart Pendant Necklace ONLY $22.98 (Reg $125)
25-Pound Pet Food Container ONLY $12.99 (Reg $29)
Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Bundle ONLY $45 (Reg $128)
MUK LUKS Women’s Boardwalk Stroll Sneaker $19.99 (Reg. $55)
The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs $2.39 (Reg. $5)
Meal Prep Containers 20-Pack ONLY $12.99 (Reg $30)
50% Off Champion + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Free VDay Robe Bundle from Super Chewer with Your First Box
Revlon Crystal C + Ceramic Curling Iron ONLY $12.59 (Reg. $25) 
Free Queso Blanco at Chipotle
Lace Up Sandals ONLY $14.99 (Reg $40)
Gemstone Bar Necklaces ONLY $5.99 (Reg $25)
Sushi Go Card Game ONLY $6.29 (Reg. $15)

 

February 2022: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Primal Kitchen Mayo
  • Primal Kitchen Dips
  • Primal Kitchen Plant Based Queso
  • Brainiac Kids Applesauce
  • Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks
  • Parmesan Crisps by Joyfull Bakery
  • Maxine’s Heavenly Soft Bakes Cookies
  • Seal the Seasons Frozen Fruit
  • Hand-Crafted West African Bowls by AYO Foods

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

Family Recipe: Bread Bowl Cheese Dip

Abby H.

This recipe is perfect for potlucks, parties, basically any time you want to eat cheesy dip from a bread boule.

It’s been in the family for years. At least 25.

 

It is not healthy. It is not low sodium. This is a sometimes food for sure.

Bread Bowl

Serves 10-12 as an appetizer

Ingredients:

  • 1 15 oz jar Cheese Whiz (It has to be cheez whiz)
  • 10 slices Hormel Dried Beef
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • 1 brick cream cheese
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1 bread boule (I like sourdough, but whatever you enjoy)

Directions:

  1. To prepare the bread bowl, cut a shallow square at the top of the bread. Pull it off in one piece, reserve. Pull out the soft interior of the bread until there is a decent-sized cavity. Tear the “guts” of the bread that you pulled out into bite-size pieces. Do the same with the under/soft side of the square piece that was cut off. This is now the “lid” to the bowl.
  2. On a foil-lined baking tray, scatter your little bread “guts”. these will be heated up and used to scoop the dip up.
  3. Rinse the dried beef very well. It is very salty. Once it has been rinsed and patted dry (I use a paper towel), cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer mine to be smaller than a penny.
  4. Rinse the green onions and slice. I usually use the bottom 1/4-1/2 of each, discarding the very white end part with the roots (ick).
  5. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheez whiz. Fold in the dried beef and green onions.
  6. Pour mixture into the bread bowl cavity, top with the bread lid. Wrap in tin foil, place on a baking tray, and bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes.
  7. After the initial baking time, unwrap, remove the lid of the bowl and bake for another 15 minutes.
  8. During the last 5 minutes of baking, place the tray of small torn bread pieces in the oven to crisp up.
  9. Serve bread bowl HOT with torn bread pieces, crackers, cocktail bread, crudities, whatever appeals to you.

For my family, the best part is tearing off pieces of the bowl to eat once most of the interior dip has been eaten.

Bread Bowl makes a great dish for THE BIG GAME, which is this coming Sunday.