Month: March 2025

Searching for Deals for Teens’ First Phone Plan…

Abby H.

I’ve been reading and researching the best deals for my newly 14-year-old. He needs a phone. I don’t have a landline, and he needs to be able to reach me, his dad, and other family members.

He doesn’t need a lot when it comes to a phone. More than a flip phone but less than the most up-to-date iPhone. More than anything, I’m concerned about the cell phone plan.

I recently discovered  Lyca Mobile. They offer a reliable 5G/4G high-speed network with over 99% population coverage (I checked the map; it covers anywhere he’ll be), and Lyca offers FREE Unlimited Calls & Texts to 100 Countries (for when his dad is traveling and he wants to text with him).

With Lyca Mobile, you bring your own phone, which I love. We can use one of our older phones or get one from Gazelle or another seller of pre-owned phones without the hassle of a long-term contract.

For only $12.25/month, he will have unlimited everything!

Thanks a great deal!

Recipe: Marry Me Cannellini Beans

Abby H.

Maybe you’ve seen videos or recipes online for marry me chicken. It’s a creamy Tuscan style dish that can be served with noodles or by itself.

Here is my version, but instead of using chicken, I substituted Cannellini beans. Why? Because I had cannellini beans, and I didn’t have any chicken.

If you want to use chicken, substitute about a pound of either boneless skinless trimmed thighs or boneless skinless trimmed chicken breasts for the beans.

Ingredients 

  •  2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite cooking oil (I used the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes)
  • One small, yellow onion, diced
  • 2 15.5 ounce cans of Cannellini beans, drained, and rinsed
  • Three cloves of crushed garlic/3 tablespoons of Jarlic
  • 2/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes 
  • 2 cups of chicken broth 
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • One cup evaporated milk, or half-and-half (choice) 
  • 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (use the freshly grated variety, not the powdered variety)

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and mix oil in with butter.
  2. Sauté onions over medium heat until translucent, about five minutes.
  3. Add in garlic and stir frequently until garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add in rinsed and drained beans, sun-dried, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning. Cook on medium, stirring frequently until mixture comes to a boil.
  5. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher gently mash up about half of the beans. This will add thickness to the sauce or without adding any additional ingredients. 
  6. Once a thickened mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, add in milk/half-and-half, spinach,  and about a half a cup of the grated cheese. 
  7. Stir and turn stove down to low. Simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes until mixture has thickened. 
  8. Serve with noodles of your choice, or serve mixture in a bowl with toasted/crusty Italian bread. Top each bowl with some of the remaining cheese.
  9. I prefer to serve this in a bowl and eat it with a toasted/crusty bread. 

Substitutions:

  • To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth/stock. 
  • To make this recipe vegan, substitute as above, and additionally substitute milk/half-and-half with your favorite dairy free variety, as well as your favorite dairy free variety of “Parmesan” type cheese. 

3/15/25 PRC Research Study Round Up!

Abby H.

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 about the online studies they are looking to fill.

 

Topic: Tools & Supplies (Professionals)-March 2025
WHO: Decision-Makers/Owners in Construction, Automotive, HVAC, Paint, Plumbing, Roofing, Carpentry, Landscaping, etc.
*** Proof of occupation will be required***
Format: Online Individual Interview
Date of the study: March 18 & 19, 2025
Duration: The interview will last 1 hour + pre-task
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: Health & Wellness Products
Who: Adults, 35 and older
When: March 24 & 25, 2025
Where: Online focus group
Length: 90 min
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: Household Services Providers
Who: Adults, 18 +
When: March 24-25, 2025
Where: Online individual interview
Length: 1 hour + pre-task
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: Facial Skin Care
Who: Female 18-60
When: March 27 – April 8, 2024 (Part 1); April 16 & 17, 2025 (Part 2)
Length/Pay: 9 days Product Testing/ $250 (Part 1) & 90 min online focus group/ $150 (Part 2 if chosen)
Where: At home product trial (Part 1)+ Online webcam (Part 2: 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.

Topic: Homeowners
Who: Homeowners age 24-74 (*Proof of address will be required)
When: Various dates and times in March
Length/ Pay: 45 min Interview/ $175
Where: Webcam via Zoom
*You MUST have a working webcam on your desktop or laptop to participate in this study. You CANNOT participate using a tablet, I-pad or the camera feature on your smartphone.

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 Employees
Who: Adults 18+ years of age whom are decision makers for their agency / brokerage
Date: March – June
Duration/type: 45-minute webcam interview
Incentive: $250 digital incentive
Location: From the comfort of your 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.

 

Fetch Rewards: Earn up to 10,000 Points!

Abby H.

This is a BIG DEAL. If you use Fetch Rewards, you could earn up to a 10,000-point bonus! Check your email for this offer!

Refer 5 friends by 3/19/25 for 10,000 extra points—on top of the 2,000 points for each friend who snaps a receipt.

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you 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 scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

 

FINE PRINT: In order for you to qualify for the 10K referral bonus, you must refer at least 5 friends and have them complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CDT on 3/19/2025. Max of 50K bonus points. Bonus points will be awarded on or before 3/21/2025.

Advanced Opinions is Recruiting for an Upcoming Project on Breast Cancer

Abby H.

Advanced Opinions (A market research firm located in New York) is recruiting for an upcoming Online Project about breast cancer.

To be considered, complete the intake survey here.

  • Compensation: $125.00 (if chosen) for full participation.
  • Open to Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
  • Date: March 17 & 18, 2025
  • Total Length of project participation: 1 hour
  • This is an Online Project. You must use a Computer with working webcam and working mic to participate in a quiet, well-lit indoor room without any interruptions.

Merlin Entertainment: FREE Tickets for First Responders of the Los Angeles Fires!

Abby H.

This is such an amazing offer, I had to share!

Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND® California Resort and Madame Tussauds Hollywood Offer FREE Tickets for First Responders of the Los Angeles Fires

LEGOLAND® California Resort and Madame Tussauds Hollywood are showing appreciation for the first responders of the Los Angeles fires who have given their time and bravely served their community by offering free tickets. As part of Merlin Entertainments’ commitment to creating memorable, immersive experiences, both attractions are also offering additional discounts for first responders to bring up to four guests at half off, allowing them to enjoy unforgettable fun together with their families.

Now through May 23, LEGOLAND California Resort is offering a complimentary Hopper Ticket and up to four additional Hopper tickets at 50% off for first responders, including California-based firefighters, police officers, sheriff deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and National Guard Members. First responders can choose between a LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper Ticket or a Resort Hopper Ticket, which includes access to LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, and LEGOLAND® Water Park (open select dates).

Tickets must be claimed in person at LEGOLAND California’s Guest Services window with a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid employee ID card.

At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, first responders can enjoy free admission through April 10. They can bring up to four guests, who are all eligible to receive 50% off admission. This exclusive offer at Madame Tussauds is available through ID.me.

For more details, visit LEGOLAND.com/california/deals/first-responders-offer/ and https://www.madametussauds.com/hollywood/ticket-deals/discount-offers/

We love Legoland! If you are looking for a way to continue the savings after you through the gates, check out our post about Legoland on a budget.

If you’ve got someone in your group that has a physical and mental limitation, pick up an Access Pass.

3/14/25 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

There is a whole smattering of freebies and deals this week! And I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:

FREE Sample of KNEMO Microtip Spot Patch for Blemishes
FREE Sample of Pataday Once Daily Relief Eye Allergy Itch Relief
FREE Sample of Nutree Brazilian Bondox or Afro Hair Mask
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Get Free Condom Samples Online and In-Person From Your Favorite Brands
FREE Sorion Cream or Soraresal Cream Sample
FREE Sample of Jiva Botanicals Shilajit Gummies
FREE Creed Eladaria Fragrance Sample
FREE Donna Karan Cashmere & Vanilla Essence Fragrance Sample
T-Mobile Tuesdays – 8×8 Photo Book at Shutterfly, Digital Costco Shop Card, $3 Panera Unlimited Sip Club & More
FREE Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample of Comfort Zone Skin Regimen LX Tripeptide Gel Cream
FREE Kids Meal with the Panda Express Read with Me Program
Free Food at Burger King for Perks Week: Today Free French Toast Sticks
FREE Donut at Krispy Kreme When You Wear Green on March 15th – 17th
FREE Mini Bucket, Puppy Plushie & Shoe Charms at Lowe’s – Reserve Yours Now
FREE Gutzy Organic Prebiotic Fruit Pouch

Deals:

Home Expressions Reversible Comforters ONLY $20.99 (Reg $50)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
National Pi Day Deals You Can Score on March 14th – Today
One Day Sale – Up to 60% Off Sitewide at Macy’s

Kids Bowl Free- It’s Back for Summer 2025!

Abby H.

file0001910298986.jpgLooking for something fun, air-conditioned, and cheap to do this summer with the kids?

Kids Bowl Free has been around for years, and it’s a great way to get kids active, even when it’s hot outside. I’m so excited it’s back again.

Kids 2-12 can bowl 2 games for free each day the program is running at participating bowling centers all across the US and Canada. All you pay for is shoe rental- or bring your own if you have them!kidsbowlfree_logo-new-2019.jpg

This program is available all over the US and Canada. The complete list can be found here. Sign up is quick and easy. To get started, register here. If you live in San Diego, the only bowling alley participating is Aztec Lanes.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of this deal! It’s one of our favorite summer activities.

3/8/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

There is a whole smattering of freebies and deals this week! And I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:

FREE Products with Fur Buddies – New Mission
Free Amazon Prime for Students for 6 Months
FREE Full-Size BONKERS Purrpops Cat Treats
FREE Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer After Walmart Cash
T-Mobile Tuesdays – FREE Large Slurpee at 7-Eleven, FREE Chicken Sandwich at Wendy’s, 30% off Crocs & More
FREE Movie Ticket to Brothers After War
FREE National Park Pass for 4th Graders
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
FREE Leprechaun Lemonade at Raising Cane’s
FREE Pair of Avia Running Sneakers at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher After Walmart Cash
FREE Bulgari Cologne Au The Vert Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample of TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats
Free Creed Millesime Imperial Fragrance Sample
FREE Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up Treats or Oinkies Tender Dog Treats
FREE e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Stick It to Zits Pimple Patches
Prime Members Score GrubHub+ FREE ($120 Value a Year)
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
FREE 2025 Defend the Flock Chicken Calendar
FREE $10 for Signing up for JCPenney Rewards
FREE Sample of Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream
FREE Velveeta Queso Blanco Dip Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Cone Day at Dairy Queen on March 20th
FREE NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet

 

DEALS:

Women’s Clothing Clearance at JCPenney – Some as Low as $2.99!
Kohl’s Cash Ultimate Giveaway – Starts TODAY March 7th
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Free Sandwich at Arby’s with Any Purchase
Buy 3, Get 3 FREE Bath & Body Works Body, Skin, & Hair Care
Easter Basket Filler Items from $0.60 – Cheaper Than Dollar Tree

Fetch Rewards: 4000 Points for Every Referral through 3/12/2025!

Abby H.

Woo Hoo! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points out the wazoo! Earn an extra 4,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 3/12/2025!

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you 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 scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

For you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CDT on 3/12/2025. After 11:59 PM CDT on 3/12/2025, the referral bonus will expire.