Month: April 2025

4/27/25 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This weekend has been packed full of thrifting adventures. We’re keeping the fun going today with some freebies and deals!

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

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

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

 

Freebies:

FREE Full-Size Ritual Synbiotic+ Supplements
FREE Catit Double Fusion Chatterbuy Kit
FREE ARM & HAMMER Power Sheets Chatterbox Kit
Vine Amazon Product Tester: Receive Free Products In Exchange For Your Honest Opinion
12 Month Subscription to Travel + Leisure Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
FREE Sample of Cesar Mini-Pouches or Warm Bowls Dog Food
FREE Energy Drink Sample
FREE Products with Fur Buddies – New Mission
FREE Sample of Giorgio Armani My Way Fragrance
FREE Admission to the Chuck E Cheese Superhero Playground
FREE Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Fragrance Sample
FREE Movie Ticket to The Surfer
FREE Tovolo Citrus Summer Party Pack
FREE Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Face Scrub After Walmart Cash
FREE Frozen Strawberry Flavored Beverage at Burger King – Every Saturday in May
2025 National Pretzel Day Freebies and Deals
FREE Sample of Dickinson’s Facial Cleanser
FREE Pork Big Deal for Nurses at Sonny’s BBQ
FREE Laneige Polypeptide Lip Serum at Sephora After Cash Back
Calm and Cozy: Free Baby Sleep Music for Restful Nights
FREE Sample of Dermoplast Kids First Aid Spray
FREE Greg Sticker Sheet
FREE Ocean Spray Zero Sugar Chatterbuy Kit
Free Charburger at The Habit Burger Grill for Your Birthday
FREE Promensil Double Strength Menopause Supplements
FREE Sample of MusclePharm Pro Series PROTEIN+

 

 

Deals:

Monopoly: Star Wars The Child, TMNT and Avatar ONLY $5 (Reg $9.95)
Wayfair: Way Day Sale is LIVE – Up to 80% Off Everything + Free Shipping
Wayfair Area Rugs Over 80% Off + Free Shipping
Crossbody Fanny Pack with Initial Letter ONLY $6.99 (Reg $14) on Amazon
nutribullet Pro Single Serve Blender on Clearance ONLY $31 (Reg $78) at Walmart
Charter Club Women’s Cotton Pajamas ONLY $19.35 (Reg $40) at Macy’s
Packit Unicorn Lunchbox ONLY $11 (Reg $23) on Amazon
Up to 82% Off Men’s Suits, Blazers and More at Macy’s Friends & Family Sale
The Big One Disney Plush Throws ONLY $11.99 at Kohl’s

 

4/26/25 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: Health & Wellness Products
Who: Adults aged 35 and older.
Format: Online Focus Group
Date of the study: May 14 & 15, 2025
Duration: The group will last 90 minutes
Pays: $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: Personal Finances
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Format: Online Interview + Homework Assignment
Date of the study: May 15th-22nd, 2025
Duration: The interview will last 30 minutes
Pays: $125 for Homework + $125 or $175 for interview (depending on qualified segment)
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: Vehicle Owners in Northern California-May 2025
Who: Consumers aged 25-75 in California counties: San Francisco, Napa, Contra Costa, San Benito, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma, and Santa Clara.
Format: Online live-text-based chat from a laptop or desktop computer / Follow-up Interview (if selected)
Date of the study: May 6-7, 14-16, 2025
Duration: The session will last 60 minutes + 15-minute early group check-in (some will be asked to schedule for a follow-up interview)
Incentive: Live-text-based chat-$100 (extra $75 if selected for follow-up interview)
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: Children’s Viewing Programs
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Format: Online Focus Group
Date of the study: May 1-9, 2025
Duration: The interview will last 90 minutes
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: Life Choices
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Format: Online Focus Group (webcam required)
Date of the study: May 12-14, 2025
Duration: The interview will last 60 minutes
Pays: $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: Social Media Content-May 2025
Who: Consumers and content creators aged 18-49.
Format: Online Focus Group
Date of the study: May 13-16, 2025
Duration: The group will last 90 minutes + a 30-minute mandatory pre-task
Incentive: $150-300 + $25-50 for pre-task (depends on which group you qualify for)
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 the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
  • Only one participant per household.
  • Our 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.
  • Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.

Meal Prep the easy way with What a Crcok!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love me some meal prep. And I know most of you are super busy, which is why I wanted to share What a Crock.

I learned about What a Crock a couple years ago when I was looking for a way to send some meals to a family member that lives across country after surgery.

I scrolled through meal kit websites, but I needed something easier. When you are recovering after surgery, you don’t want to chop veggies, brown meat, or stir a pot.

Enter What a Crock.

No Subscription needed. You can choose exactly what meals you want to receive with no commitment necessary.

Got a big family, or is it just two of you? You can buy as many servings of each meal as you need!

Don’t have a slow cooker? Many of the meals can be cooked in an Instant Pot, air fryer, on your stovetop, or simply boiled in a bag.

What I like most is the variety: Stews, soups, casseroles, even desserts and baked goods!

And I’ve got two coupons codes to help you save extra money on your What a Crock orders!

PRC Research: Drivers in CA, NY & NJ-Earn $100

Abby H.

PRC Global Market Research is managing a study on Vehicle Owners in CA & NY/NJ. They are seeking to engage in discussions with adults aged 25-75 in California, New Jersey, or New York. You must provide proof of vehicle ownership. If you qualify for the study, you must participate in a 60-minute live text-based chat via desktop or laptop.

The study dates are May 6-7, 14-16, 2025. There will be a 15-minute early group check-in. Some will be chosen for a follow-up interview.

Compensation would be  $100 for live-text-based chat. An extra $75 if you are selected for the follow-up interview.

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

4/19/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week might be a little light on freebies, as it is Easter weekend. A lot of businesses will be closed tomoorw, 4/20/2025.

However, I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

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

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:
FREE 4×6 Photo Magnet at Walgreens
FREE American Spirit Butt Pouches – Order Every Month
FREE Magnetic Parts Bowl or Bottle Opener
FREE DSS Games Family Fun Party Pack
Stuff Your Kindle Day! Score Thousands of Free eBooks on Amazon
FREE Full-Size Maybelline Color Tattoo Longwear Multi-Use Eye Shadow Stix
Get Free Nike Gear: How to Become a Nike Product Tester
FREE Sample of Biotek Hybrid Long Lasting Eyebrow Pigment
FREE Kinship LittleKin Puppy or Kitten Sample Pack – $200 Value
FREE Year of Google AI Gemini Advanced for College Students
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
Get Free Beauty Product Samples With Topbox Circle
Get Free Condom Samples Online and In-Person From Your Favorite Brands
Free 2025 National Parks Entrance Days
FREE Charlotte Tilbury Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample of CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel
FREE Coca-Cola Orange Cream or Coca-Cola Orange Cream Zero
FREE Spinning Trinket Box Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE 2025 Seaworld Teacher Fun Card
FREE Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer After Walmart Cash
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
FREE Sample of Neutrogena ULTRA SHEER Face Liquid Sunscreen
FREE Carolina Herrera Good Girl The Feminine Fragrance Sample
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Birdy Buffet Workshop at Home Depot
Get FREE Coffee at Wawa on April 16th
FREE Spring Flower at Lowe’s
The Best Free Skincare Samples to Request Right Now
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Sample of L’Oreal Absolut Repair Molecular Mask
FREE $35 Purchase at Walmart After Cash Back
10 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at CVS

Deals:

Dirt Devil 7-in-1 Handheld Steamer ONLY $29.98 (Reg $45)
JCPenney Boxed Necklaces and Earrings ONLY $9 (Reg $75) – 88% Off!
Hello Blink Sticker Maker ONLY $12 at Target
Ozark Trail Foldable Chair with Cupholder Only $6.98 at Walmart
$12 Shorts for Adults and $10 Shorts for Kids at Old Navy
Roku Express HD Streaming Device ONLY $19 (Reg $29)
Luggage From Samsonite, Travelpro & More up to 65% Off at Macy’s
Kate Spade Ginnie Crossbody ONLY $79 (Reg $199)

Advanced Opinions is Recruiting for an Upcoming Project on Beverages for Teens (16-19)

Abby H.

Advanced Opinions (A market research firm located in New York) is recruiting for an upcoming Online Project about Beverages for Teens aged 16-19.

To be considered for this study, complete the screener here.

Open to Teens, Ages 16-19 (TEEN TO FILL OUT SCREENER FORM)

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2025

This is a 2-Part Project – Please read the details:

Session 1: 3:45PM – 7PM Eastern Time – 3 hours 15 minutes or Session 2: 5:45PM – 9PM Eastern Time – 3 hours 15 minutes

If chosen to participate, you must be available for 3 hours 15 minutes.

All will be invited to Part 1 -Compensation, if chosen $70.00

Only some will be selected for Part 2 – if chosen, $50.00

This is an ONLINE project

• Must have high-speed internet AND use a desktop/laptop computer with a webcam
• Cannot use a smartphone or tablet to participate
• Must use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (Internet Explorer is not compatible)

Compensation is sent for redemption 2-3 weeks after project completion via the online Wallet.

Looking to add Fiber to your Cookies??

Abby H.

One of my goals for the year is to get more fiber into myself and the kids. The average American adult consumes about 15-16 grams of fiber per day, significantly less than the recommended daily intake of 25-38 grams (source).

Besides fruits, veggies, lentils and beans, oats also have fiber.

Making Oat flour can be done at home by pulsing rolled oats in a blender until they are a fine, smooth powder. If you don’t have the time or inclination, Quaker sells oat flour.

Here is the recipe I came up with based on my favorite cookie recipe.

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1.25 cups brown sugar
  • 1.25 cups white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2.5 cups AP flour
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter.
  3. Add sugars one at a time and mix until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated fully.
  5. Mix in baking powder and flours. Once all are blended into the dough, add chocolate chips.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls on cookie sheets that have been greased or are lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking pad.  I prefer silicone baking pads.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Let cookies rest 1-2 minutes before transferring to the cooling rack.

This recipe makes approx. 6 dozen cookies. If you are allergic to peanuts, you can substitute sunbutter or your favorite nut butter. Do Not use Nutella- It contains a lot of sugar and other ingredients that will throw off the chemistry of the recipe and you won’t get yummy cookies.

Regal Cinemas: Monday Mystery Movie only $9!

Abby H.

Have you heard of Regal Cinemas Monday Mystery Movie? I hadn’t until this slid into my inbox this morning! This coming Monday, 4/21/2025, you can see a NEW PG movie before its official release date for only $5, or FREE with Regal Unlimited. Plus, get a $9 combo with your ticket purchase!

You can learn more or buy tickets online here.

Our local Regal shows the Monday Mystery Movie at 7pm, so it might be too late for little kids, but it might be a fun family outing for bigger kids.

4/11/25 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.

Who: Business decision-makers (Owners, Presidents, VPs, Operations Managers, Directors of IT, and Director of Telecommunications, etc.)
Topic: Technology Purchase Decision Makers
Format: Online Session via Webcam
Date of the study: April 15-25, 2025
Duration: The discussion will last 1 hour
Incentive: $300-$500 (depending on qualification)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Who: Adults aged 25-45 with Bipolar 1 or Bipolar Mood Disorder. ***Must provide proof of medical condition.***
Topic: Mental Health Medication Part 2-April 2025
Format: Online Individual Interview
Date of the study: April 18 and 21-22, 2025
Duration: The discussion will last 30 minutes (plus 15-minute early group check-in)
Incentive: $75
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Who:Business Decision-Makers such as HR Managers/Specialists, Directors, VPs, Owners, etc.
Topic: Health & Well-being of Workforce Employees
Format: Online Discussion via Webcam
Date of the study: March 24 – April 30, 2025
Duration: The discussion will last 1 hour
Incentive: $250
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Who: Males aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. ***Proof of diagnosis will be required.***
Topic: Men’s Health Conditions
Format for Part 1: In-home Interview
Format for Part 2: Online Session via Webcam
Date of the Study: April 21 – May 5, 2025
Duration for Part 1: The in-home interview will last 4 hours
Duration for Part 2: The online session will last 30 minutes
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Topic: Children’s Viewing Programs
Format: Online Focus Group
Date of the study: May 1-9, 2025
Duration: The interview will last 90 minutes
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.

 

A few notes about PRC:

  • It is recommended to use the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
  • Only one participant per household.
  • Our 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.
  • Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.

April 2025 Upcoming Clothing Swaps

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

April means Earth Day is coming up! And that means clothing swaps!

Clothing Swap at La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair!
Join I Love A Clean San Diego for a free clothing and accessories swap during the City of La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 19th, at the La Mesa Community Garden! Swap your gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories and find your next favorite outfit while helping keep textiles out of the landfill.

La Mesa Community Garden – 5080 Memorial Dr.
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
No registration is needed – walk-ins are welcome!

Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 am-2 pm
How it works:
Bring your gently used* WOMEN’S CLOTHING, accessories, shoes, etc. and trade them for items you want to take home. No selling, no buying, just swapping. You simply drop off your items on the front table and you can start shopping for items you want to take home – free! Come and drop off all the items you want to swap and leave with items that will bring value to you.
Items can include:
-Gently used* or semi-new clothing pieces
-Gently used* or semi-new shoes
-Jewelry pieces
-Accessories: scarfs, hats, purses, belts
*Items should be freshly laundered and either on hangers or laid flat in a box (not in bags, please)

Reminders:
– SWAP FOR YOU. NO LUGGAGE PLEASE. NOT FOR RESALE.
– Bring a bag to take home all your finds.
– Wear tights and a fitted blouse to easily try on clothes.