2023 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

It’s that time again! On your April California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $60.70.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from the California Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires power plants, fuel providers, and large industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution allowances. The credit is designed to help utility customers during the transition to a low-carbon future.

Given the increase in natural gas prices, the CPUC accelerated the distribution of gas and electric climate credits for 2023 to provide some winter bill relief to customers.

This year, SDG&E® customers received their gas climate credit in February and their electric climate credits in March and October. The credits show up on your utility bill these three months as the “California Climate Credit.”

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

Q-Insights: New Studies Available!

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. Right now they are recruiting for several studies!

  1. Meal Delivery- Q-Insights is recruiting 90 min. focus groups to be conducted via Zoom. We are looking for people who have and have not used meal kits.

    The focus groups are taking place Between Oct 18th and 19th and will pay $125.00 for your time. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here. 

  2. Grocery Delivery- Q-Insights is recruiting for a two-phase study:

    Phase 1- is a 4-week-long online community running from Wed Oct 18th through Wed Nov 15th and it pays $500 for your time.
    Phase 2- is a 90 min. focus groups, taking place Friday, Nov 17th to Tuesday, Nov 21st, and will pay $150 for your time. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here.

  3. Food Products- Q-Insights is currently recruiting for a study on Food Products. Please see the details below:

    Method: Online Diary
    Dates: October 7th – October 12th
    Length: approx. 2 hours (30 mins a day for 4 days of activities)
    Incentive: $250 ($225 for 4 day bulletin board + $25 product reimbursement)

    If you’re interested in participating please fill out the link here.

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent Deal!

I love Walgreens and their Arm and Hammer laundry detergent deals. This week, 9/24-9/30/2023, selected Arm & Hammer laundry products are just $1.99.

This deal includes laundry liquid detergent, the Clean Scentsations Odor Blasters, or the 5 in 1 laundry Power Paks, in selected sizes.

There is usually a limit per customer in-store. I tend to order online for in-store pick-up. I do not clear the shelf.

I personally love this brand of laundry soap. It gets out all the stains and odors associated with kids and tweens. Those of you with 12-year-old boys understand what I mean!

My friends over at La Mesa Dream Dinners have teamed up with the BLISS Foundation to help seniors in need by holding a laundry detergent drive. You can learn more about it here, and this deal is a great way to help others without breaking the bank.

I’ve already placed my order online, and I’ll be dropping off my donation later this week!

9/24/2023 Weekly Freebies

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

I hope y’all are ready for some cooler temps and fall fun. I’m looking forward to wearing some of my favorite Halloween shirts and leggings!

Freebies:

Free Coffee Week at Circle K
Free Dannon Light & Fit Zero Sugar Smoothie or Cup at Publix
Free Perfect Bar at Select Retailers
Free Ardor Energy Organic Energy Sparkling Water
Free NABISCO Snacks & Candy Celebrate Halloween with CVS House Party Pack
Free Subscription to Vogue Magazine
Free Airwick Essential Mist Diffuser
Free Luki Lab – Pinxies Party Pack
Free Quantum Energy Square After Rebate
4 Free COVID Tests Starting Sept. 25th
Free Sample of L’Oreal Metal Detox Shampoo & Mask
Possible Free BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil
Free Yellowstone Coffee Arabica Coffee
Free Fabalish Mayo After Rebate
2 Free L’Oreal Samples
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
Free Sample of Tanologist Face + Body Drops
Free Cold Brew Frozen Coffee at Rita’s
Free Rituals Invigorating Treat Gift Set
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Mother-in-Law’s Everyday Kimchi
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Beekeeper’s Naturals Sample Pack
Free $10 ThredUP Credit = Free Womens & Children Items
Free Daiya Plant-Based Pizza
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free ASPCA Pet Safety Magnet, Window & Door Decal
Free Green Valley Lactose-Free Cream Cheese
Free Blue Bunny Champion of Fun Chatterbox Kit
Free Rituals Renewing Routine Gift Set
Free Carolina Heat-and-Eat Rice Pouches at Walmart After Cashback
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Free Early Screening to Gen V for Prime Members
Free 1 Month of Paramount+
Free 2023 National Parks Entrance Days
Free Drink at Dunkin’
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Where is Bear Book
Best Free TV Apps to Download Now (Free TV Streaming Services)
The 16 Best Free Sample Boxes to Request

Low Cost Laptops and Desktops from C2K (San Diego County) October 2023

Does your school-age kiddo need a laptop or desktop for schoolwork?

Do you live in San Diego County?

If you answered yes to both of these, check out this awesome program from North County Regional Education Center in San Marcos.

Sign up here by October 5, 2023, to take advantage of this event, which takes place on October 7, 2023, from 9:00-11:30 AM.

There is and laptop or desktop to choose from, and the prices start at $100, which is a really great deal.

If you have any questions, please call 858-200-9788 or email programs@c2sdk.org.

PRC: Paid Research session about Streaming Services!

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always running studies and looking for more respondents. They email me once a week with online studies they are looking to fill. Here is the latest study:

 

 Streaming Services-September-2023

  • Incentive: $150
  • Who: Consumers 18-34 who’ve canceled Max or Hulu in the past 6 months
  • When: September 26, 2023
  • Length/Pay: 1.5-hrs group & 30-minute mandatory homework
  • Where: Online in the comfort of your own home
  • If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

9/15/2023 Weekly Freebies!

This week was long. I’m having some health issues that are making me really tired, so early bedtimes and rest have been my go-to after school each day.

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

This week we are sticking only to the freebies, of which there are tons!

Freebies:

Free Box of Prime Bites Protein Brownies After Rebate
Free Sample of Santana Snacks
Free One and Done Game Night Party Pack
Free Fish or Chicken at Long John Silver’s on September 19th
Free Sample of AERIN Rose De Grasse Rouge Fragrance
Free Mananalu Purified Water After Rebate at Whole Foods
Free Pack of Once Again Cracker Sandwiches
Free Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Sample
Free Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Purées Chatterbox Kit
Free Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
Free $10 Fanatics Gift Card for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Ninja Transfers Premium DTF Transfers Sample Pack
Free PetSafe Pet Products
Free Kroger Sample Box
Free Sorion Cream or Soraresal Cream Sample
Free Airpod Case
Free BobaBam Instant Boba Drink Kits
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Gratsy Halloween Box
Free Coffee Every Day in September at Scooter’s Coffee
Free Konscious Foods Plant-Based Sushi Rolls
Free Bag of Stellar Snacks After Rebate
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Lotion Kids Sunscreen
Free Mulay’s Italian Meatballs
Free Sample of Millie Moon Diapers
Free Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine – Apply to Try
Free Sample of CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Free Rishi Tea & Botanicals Organic Rishi Tea
Free Prepare with Pedro: Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
Free bareMinerals Beauty Product for Your Birthday
Free Sunsweet Growers Trail Mix Bites
Free Motorola Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Battery Powered Whitening Toothbrush
Free Nature Valley Savory Nut Crunch Bar
Free Jar of TBJ Gourmet Deep South Tomato Jam After Rebate
Free Queso Week at Moe’s Southwest Grill
Free Purple Ladybug Sparkling Crafts Party Pack
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

I posted about this soup earlier in the week on Instagram. It’s easy to make and is super filling. The best part is that you can make it as simple or elevated as you want, and as your budget allows

If you like to make everything from scratch, make your own meatballs and tomato soup. On a financial or time budget- use premade. I double-checked and all ingredients are available at Dollar Tree, so even the tightest budget can try it!

Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

  • 8-12 meatballs (I used these Smithfield Power Bites)
  • 1 can/jar Tomato Basil Soup (I used Rao)
  • 1 14.5oz can salt-free diced tomatoes
  • 6 Oz (half of a 12 oz. bag) frozen onion and pepper blend (I used my slap chopper to make the onions and peppers much smaller pieces)
  • 1T butter or oil
  • 1T minced garlic 
  • 2T chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1T of the oil 
  • 1c. pasta shape of your choice (I used medium shells)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. In a deep pot, warm oil and saute the frozen onion and pepper until the onions are translucent and fragrant about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add in garlic, and sundried tomatoes and it’s oil and stir frequently, until garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add in the soup, bay leaf, meatballs (mine were frozen), and canned tomatoes.
  4. Allow soup to cook covered on medium/low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour uncooked pasta into soup, turn to low, and cover again. cook on low for about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.
  6. Top each serving with parmesan cheese as desired.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings. It can be easily doubled or tripled.

Tips:

  • It freezes well also.
  • It can be made vegan or vegetarian. Use vegan/vegetarian meatballs and soup.
  • GLUTEN FREE: Substitute GF Meatballs and Pasta

It’s Souptember- Soup Recipe Round up!

It’s September! Cooler weather is ahead- and while it’s still hot here, I’m ready for soup. To celebrate Souptember, here are just a few of my favorite soup recipes:

Family Recipe: Albondigas (Meatball Soup)
 Veggie Cheese Tortellini Soup
Crockpot Chili Recipe 
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Colonial Chowder
Veggie Soup 
Chicken Fajitas Soup 
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Potato Cheese Soup
Hearty Veggie Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Veggie Tuscan Soup
Homemade Chicken Soup
Zuppa Tuscana Soup CopyCat Recipe
Chicken Corn Chowder
Roasted Onion and Caramelized Onion Bisque
Butternut Squash Bisque
Beef Stew
Harvest Veggie Ravioli Soup

 

9/4/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis long holiday weekend has been chill. We swam, deep cleaned bedrooms, and did our weekly reset. We reset today, and the extra day off was really needed. Back to school hit us hard.

I made big batches of vegetarian chili and chicken noodle soup yesterday for this week and beyond. I put a quart of each in the freezer for later.

The freezer and fridge are organized and the meals are planned for the upcoming week and beyond.

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is delivered on Mondays. It arrived about 2:30 today, and I was ready to dive in and get prepping!

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

For those of you who 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 (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 a Cliff Bar, fruit, and bagels for the littlest kiddo. The big kid has 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. The big kid brings his lunch every day (The same thing every day), and the little one buys her lunch about half the time.

Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. With the rising costs of meat, we get most of our protein from using meat as an addition to our meals, not the main component. I realize this may not work for all families, but it helps us immensely.

  • Sunday: Chicken noodle soup, green salad, cheese toast
  • Monday: Chef Salad or protein shakes (big kid isn’t a big salad fan), and fruit
  • Tuesday:  blistered tomatoes w/ pasta, garlic bread (recipe forthcoming)

  • Wednesday: Vegetarian Chili, cornbread, fruit salad

  • Thursday: Protein shakes and fruit trays

  • Friday: Takeout night
  • Saturday:  Leftover night