Author: Abby H.

Tomorrow is the final day of Prime Week!

Abby H.

Tomorrow is the final day of Amazon Prime Week, and there are still a few good deals to be had. I didn’t post earlier in the week- I’ve been up to summer time shenanigans.

There are not as many crazy deals as there used to be when it was just one day, but I scoured Amazon and found some pretty decent deals on all sorts of stuff, including some items I picked up. I’ve been saving my Fetch Rewards points for an Amazon Gift Card, and I cashed out $25.00 just in time!

I’d love to hear about what you’ve found that you had to have.

July 11-National French Fry Day Deals and Freebies!

Abby H.

I’m all about freebies, and I love French fries, so this freebie post is perfect.

7/11 is National French Fry Day. French fries aren’t French. Some say they were invented in Saratoga Springs, New York. Some say it was Thomas Jefferson who brought them back after his time in France. Regardless of where they are from, tomorrow you can grab some crispy, salty goodness.

I recommend downloading the apps for any of the restaurants that you may be visiting for free/cheap fries. More information and deal details are usually available via the apps.

Fast food:

Burger King: Royal Perks members can score free fries this Friday. More details on the app.

McDonald’s: The app has all sorts of good deals, including an offer good for a free medium order of fries with any purchase of $1 or more every Friday through the rest of the year.

Wendy’s: Check the app for a free order of fries of any size with any purchase on Friday.

Sonic Drive-in: Free tots or fries with any purchase via the app. The Sonic app has all sorts of great deals every day, including half-off sodas and limeades. The app limits you to one discount per purchase.

Del Taco: In the app, get a free regular fry with any purchase on July 11. Orders must be placed with the rewards app or online (to redeem the offer in the app, go to the “Rewards/Your Offers” section and save the deal, then opt to either Checkout or Order in Person). I love Del Taco crinkle cut fries with sour cream and Medium hot sauce mixed together.

Jack in the Box: download the app and get free fries on July 11 with any order placed in the app.

There are all sorts of deals and freebies for other restaurants for National French Fry Day; these are just a few available in my area.

Summertime Means- Dense Bean Salad Time (Recipe Included)!

Abby H.1 Comment

If you aren’t on social media a lot, you probably haven’t heard of the dense bean salad craze. Pioneer to buy Violet Witchel, former culinary student and master of the dense bean salad, she rose a popularity about a year ago with a video talking about her weekly meal prep and how it included a dense bean salad.

A dense bean salad is a salad that features beans as well as other hearty vegetables in a light oil and vinegar dressing. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five or six days, and like most things, it gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.

I have been making them for a few months, and I am in love. It is a great way to increase your fiber intake, enjoy a protein-based meal that does not have meat in it, and it’s a good way to eat seasonal veggies.

Here is the basic format.

Pick two kinds of beans: black beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, or even edamame. Whether you use canned rinsed and drained beans, or make them in your Instant Pot, or in the case of edamame, steam a frozen bag, your base all begins with beans.

You need at minimum 2–4 veggies. Popular choices include red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, celery, carrots, shaved cabbage/coleslaw mix, avocado slices, or shaved Brussels sprouts. Other flavorful options include finely chopped herbs, like parsley, cilantro, or dill.

If you like pickled veggies, beets, banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, olives, even oil-packed veggies like sun-dried tomatoes are a great choice.

Next, you need a salad dressing. Oil and vinegar or an acid like fruit juice and oil is a great choice. Check out my simple vinaigrette infographic for some ideas.

If you like cheese, I recommend feta, but other good choices include cubes of hard cheeses, or mini mozzarella pearls. Soft cheese like queso Fresca is also good.

Some people like to add a cooked grain. Examples include Farro, quinoa, bulgar, or couscous (regular or Israeli). I would not add rice, or any sort of pasta. In my mind, pasta salads are a different dish and usually don’t involve beans.

Here is my recent Dense Bean Salad:

  • 1 14-ish ounce can Garbanzo Beans
  • 1 14-ish ounce can cannellini beans
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 purple onion, diced and soaked in ice water (remove from ice water before adding to salad)
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • dash of crushed red peppers
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Earn Cashback Shopping at Walmart with OnePay!

Abby H.

Have you heard of OnePay?

I learned about OnePay recently at Walmart, of all places!

If you’ve shopped in a Walmart store recently, you know that they don’t accept Apple Pay or Google Wallet.  However, they do take OnePay. OnePay wallet is a digital wallet that offers 3% cash back rewards at Walmart (up to $150 spent with your debit card per month, with eligible deposits. Cashback earned as points).  That cashback can be transferred to your linked cards.

OnePay is great if you don’t have really great credit. They offer a credit builder that allows you to build your credit, and there are no fees. Through the OnePay app,  set aside a dollar a month for a year. Check your progress in the app, build your credit history, and you get your money back at the end of the year!

OnePay is a financial technology company; it’s not a bank. Bank services are provided by Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, both members FDIC. And right now, if you’ve never opened a OnePay account, you can click the link here and open an account, and you’ll earn $50 within the first 45 days. All you have to do is click the link here, open an account, and unlock cash plus in the first 45 days. This offer is good until 7/31/2025. And the fine print can be found here.

When I signed up for OnePay I got $50 cash back too. And it is currently transferring its way into my bank account. And I also get text messages from them when there are extra bonus point deals at Walmart. And I’m not shopping at Walmart often, but if I can earn points or cashback if I need to shop there, it’s definitely a bonus.

This post contains affiliate links,  For more information about the use of affiliate links and partnerships, visit my disclosure page. 

 

7/3/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

Abby H.

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill.

Topic: Small Business Decision Makers
Who: adults aged 18 and older who are small business owners and/or decision makers to participate in a small business decision makers study.
Dates: June 30 – July 9, 2025
Format: Online Interview
Duration: 1 hour
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 Conditions
Who: adults aged 18-70 to discuss health conditions.
Dates: July 7-15, 2025
Format: In-person AND Online: In-person in Los Angeles, CA. The location will be disclosed during the screening process with the recruiter. We are also looking for nationwide participants.
Duration: 1 hour
Incentive: $100 or $150, depending on the session assigned and qualifications

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: Childbirth & Mother’s Health
Who: adults aged 18 and older to discuss childbirth and mother’s health.
Dates: July 11-18, 2025
Format: Online Interview
Duration: 60 minutes
Incentive: $125

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: Feminine Products
Who: females aged 18 and older to discuss feminine products.
Dates: July – August 2025
Format: Online Bulletin Board + Virtual Interview (if chosen)
Duration: 3-7 days (30-45 minutes per day) online bulletin board + 90-minute Virtual Interview (if chosen)
Incentive: $200-$250 for online bulletin board + $150 for virtual interview (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.

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.

Summer Means Renaissance Events- Costuming on the Cheap!

Abby H.

Summer means lots of excuses to dress up in funny clothes: Renaissance faires and festivals, Viking events, Medieval faires, Scottish Highland games, SCA events, and fantasy events! Costumes can be expensive, and with the loss of Joann Fabrics, there aren’t a lot of places to buy fabrics and patterns. Sometimes, thrifting costumes (sometimes called garb in these circles) or buying online can be more time or cost-effective than making it yourself.

Looking for basic, medieval-looking clothing pieces can help you start a wardrobe. When looking for garb options, look for natural fibers like linen, wool, cotton, silk, ramie, or rayon. These types of fabric are found in nature and are breathable. They are also easier to care for. Here are some of the items to keep your eyes open for at thrift stores.

One look that can be thrifted

Women:

  • Plain colored peasant blouses
  • Long, flowing skirts
  • Tunic-style tops
  • linen or cotton pants with drawstring waists
  • Plain/ solid colored long dresses
  • Scarves
  • Belts
  • Vests
  • Cloaks/capes
  • Pouches/drawstring purses
  • Knee socks
  • Boots
  • Mary janes
  • Clogs
  • Sandals
  • Floppy felt hats
  • Jewelry

Men:

  • Tunic-style tops
  • linen or cotton pants with drawstring waists
  • “Pirate” collared shirts
  • Boots (tall boots, chukka boots, combat boots)
  • Vests
  • Belts
  • Cloaks/capes
  • Pouches/drawstring purses

In addition to clothing and accessories, thrift stores are great places to look for fabric, notions, and trim. Cotton, linen, wool, silk, ramie, and rayon are great choices. 100 percent cotton top sheets are also a good choice for under tunics or for lining other garments. White linen tableclothes and curtains make great undertunics and aprons.

Local San Diego, CA, thrift stores that have a good clothing selection:

  • Veterans Thrift 1130 E Main St El Cajon, CA  92021
  • Veterans Thrift 1049 Elkelton Blvd Spring Valley, CA  91977
  • Veterans Thrift 881 Broadway Chula Vista, CA  91911
  • AMVETS Thrift Store 999 Cardiff St San Diego, CA  92114
  • AMVETS 3441 Sutherland St #2031, San Diego, CA 92110
  • Twice Treasured Thrift Store 8363 Center Dr Unit 2 La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Thrift Corral Thrift Store 8693A La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Father Joe’s Villages Thrift 405 Broadway Chula Vista, CA  91910
  • Father Joe’s Villages Thrift 1457 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
  • Valley Thrift 2085 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027 (cash only)
  • Assistance League of North County Thrift Store 2068 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
  • Bridge Thrift 9617 Campo Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977
  • Bridge Thrift 4220 Balboa Ave San Diego, CA 92117
  • Goodwill Outlet 1466 F St San Diego, CA 92101
  • Goodwill Outlet 1996 Don Lee Pl Escondido, CA 92029

If you have trouble finding shoes, don’t worry. No one is going to think less of you for wearing modern-looking shoes. There are a lot of people who have to wear specific shoes for orthopedic reasons.

Look 2 for women- A long sleeved white blouse under a long jumper style dress to mimic a medieval Surcoat outfit.
Look 2 for men- A Near Eastern men’s ensemble.

If the thrill of the thrift store hunt isn’t for you, but you still want to save money when looking for your first garb, there are a lot of places online to look.

I know Temu gets a bad wrap, but there are a lot of companies that sell on Temu that drop ship items from all over the US, which means quick shipping and no import taxes.

Amazon is the same- there are a lot of great pieces that are available that work great for garb.

The Amazon Store PROCOS has great linen tunics and accessories for men and women.

Looking for knee socks? This is a great value.

And these linen pants are really soft and comfy. I own a few pairs.

 

Enjoy Luxurious Bedding with Crown Goose!

Abby H.
Look, I made my bed! My grandmother would be proud.

Thanks to Crown Goose for this amazing Duvet and pillow cover set to facilitate my review.

It’s been a year since I’ve been living solo with the kids. It’s taken me about a year to move stuff around and make my room *my room*. Adding Near Eastern art to my room (a gift from a family friend), bringing my grandfather’s desk into my room, cleaning and purging so much stuff from the bedroom and closet.

The final step to making my bedroom a place to relax and rest was to make my bed a comfortable nest where I can sleep each night.

The Crown Goose Jardinne Collection duvet and pillow cover set in Majestic Charcoal was exactly what I needed.

This cotton fabric is so satiny!

The fabric is buttery soft and cool to the touch. The embroidery is so neat and perfect.

It was super easy to put the duvet cover and pillow covers on my existing down comforter and king-size pillows.

This set elevates my bedroom and makes it look so.. adult. The subtle hints of dark grey at the edges of the pillows and duvet make my room feel like an oasis. A place I can rest and relax after a long day. Even the cat likes it. She’s burrowed under the duvet every afternoon since I put it on!

Some of the features of this 100% cotton set include:

  • Soft, lightweight sheets that’ll last through decades
  • High-quality sewing and back stitching
  • Button closures
  • Extremely breathable during the warmer months, while retaining your body heat during the colder months
  • Durable and does not pill or produce much lint
  • Total 16 loops on the duvet to keep your duvet in place

As a mom who spends a lot of her time and mental energy making her kids’ lives the best she can, it’s nice to have something just for me.  If you are a parent or caregiver, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Now I look forward to heading to bed at night, having soft, satiny bedding that makes me feel like I’m sleeping in a soft cloud. Keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram page, I’ll have some more pics of my awesome bedding set up in the coming days.

If you are looking for some simple luxury, check out Crown Goose.

This review was done in exchange for goods. For more information about reviews and links that we may use, check out my disclosure page here.

July 2025: 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 usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  •  Gluten-Free Pasta by GOODLES
  • Organic Kombucha by Humm Kombucha
  • Mental Performance Shots by Magic Mind
  • Gluten-Free Cookies by Schär
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • Crumbled Tajín Feta Cheese by Athenos
  • Electrolyte Refreshers by Leisure Hydration

Tryazon- Zolli Back to Cool Party!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a tasty sampling opportunity to apply for!

Go back to school and get ready for Halloween with an allergen friendly treat from Zolli Candy – the sugar-free candy for all!

Zolli Candy was born from the imagination of Teenpreneur Alina Morse, Zollipops®, Zolli® Ball Popz, Zaffi® Taffy, Zolli Drops, Zolli Gummeez & Zaffi KETO Taffy are delicious treats supercharged with smile friendly ingredients that are actually good for your teeth! Delicious, “Fun & Worry-Free”, Zero sugar, vegan, KETO, allergy-free*, gluten-free, natural fruit flavors, no artificial colors, Kosher. Because Zolli is candy EVERYONE CAN ENJOY! they are a favorite among families, teachers and dentists. Zolli Candy is perfect for snacks, lunches, parties and as healthy rewards or prizes.

As a bonus, the pack will include Vivoo wellness strips! Vivoo is a 90-second at-home urine test that analyzes 8 key wellness markers, including hydration, pH, magnesium, calcium, and more. Paired with the free app, Vivoo turns your results into personalized nutrition and lifestyle advice crafted by expert dietitians and nutritionists. Track your wellness trends over time, stay in tune with your body, and take action, all in one easy-to-use experience.

Tryazon will select 100 hosts for this party opportunity. Those chosen will receive a party pack with a variety of Zolli Candy and Vivoo Wellness Strips to showcase and sample with friends and family! To Learn more or apply for this opportunity here. 

Taylor Research- San Diego, CA Area Lower Limb Amputation Study- $300

Abby H.

Taylor Research is a research company based in the San Diego, CA area. I have taken part in their studies for 15+ years.

Frequently, they will send out emails requesting referrals if they have hard-to-fill studies. This is one of those cases.

  •  Study Topic: Lower Limb Amputation
  • Study Type: 1-on-1 Usability Study
  •  Study Location: Carlsbad, CA
  • Target Audience: Adults who have experienced lower limb amputation
  • Available Date(s): July 23rd – 31st, 2025
  •  Session Duration: 3 hours (1 hour training, 1 hour rest, followed by 1 hour testing)
  • Reward Amount: $300

If you would like to sign up, fill out the form here. In the referral box, enter my name Abby Hewes. If you are selected and participate, I may earn a referral bonus!

Please feel free to share this- $300 for an hour of your time is pretty sweet!