Author: Abby H.

10/6/2024 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 with online studies they are looking to fill. Here are the latest studies:

Vehicles
Pays $50-$250
Pre-work / Follow-up in-person group (if chosen from pre-work)
Adults aged 18 and older
Date of the study: October 7-29, 2024
The pre-work will last 300 minutes
The group will last 2 hours (if chosen from pre-work)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Truckers
Pays $300
Online Focus Group
Adults who are in the trucking industry
Date of the study: October 17-22, 2024
The group will last 60 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.

 

Time For Glasses? Deals and Glasses Freebies

Abby H.

It’s that time of year. Glasses time for the kids. Kids are rough on everything, including glasses. The big kid usually goes through 1-2 pairs a year, just in day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily I’ve found some ways to save money on glasses and I thought I’d share.

1- Take advantage of existing vision insurance. Look on the back of your kid’s health insurance card to find out which company handles the vision coverage, or give your child’s health insurance carrier a call. My kids receive one eye exam and 1 free pair of glasses per year. I’m not sure if it’s available in all states.

2-If you need help getting glasses or vision exams for your kids, check out Vision to Learn. They operate in 13 states and partner with the Boys and Girls Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids. If you aren’t in a state where they operate, check out InfantSEE.  They offer Kids 6 months-1 year a free eye exam.

3- If you are in San Diego, the Shiley Eye clinic (part of UCSD) has the EyeMobile. They have frequent outreach events to help kids obtain needed eye exams and glasses. Check out their Facebook Page to keep up to date on their upcoming events.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America.

4- Onto the deals. Once you have your prescription in hand, check out online stores like Abbe glasses. They have great deals on frames and lenses. I scored two pairs of glasses for under $50 for the big kid with their BOGO sale. ILoveGlasses also has good deals as well. Both of these companies are great for budget-conscious families. If you are looking for something a little higher-end (or for grown-ups), I also like Warby Parker.

They have a great glasses try-on program, and they also sell Contacts. In fact, they have a free contact offer.

Having used Warby Parker before, their glasses are great, and their service is amazing! We bought glasses online, and later when they needed to be adjusted (helpful tip: Don’t roughhouse with kids when you are wearing glasses), we took them to our local Warby Parker store and they “tuned up” the glasses FOR FREE!

And if you are wondering what to do with all of the old eyeglasses in your house that are no longer your current prescription…. The Lions Club helps recycle eyeglasses and get them into the hands of the needy. You can find out more about how and where to recycle your unwanted eyeglasses here.  I also recommend checking with your local optometrist’s office. They frequently partner with local Lion’s Clubs to collect old glasses. You could help a person in need get the glasses they can’t afford!

What are your tips for saving on glasses and contacts?

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

Save More Shopping Online with the Capital One Shopping!

Abby H.

I just learned about this the other day when I logged onto my Capital High Yield Savings account.

The Capital One Shopping Extension has coupon codes! Apply coupon codes for savings.

They have a Chrome, Edge & Firefox Extension, which you can install here.

OR if you are more of a mobile device shopper, check out this link.

Don’t overpay on Amazon — Capital One Shopping can save you money. Get notified instantly when other sellers have a better price. Download Capital One Shopping for free and save money.

Automatically apply coupon codes for free – it’s kinda genius.

Capital One Shopping searches for a better price while you shop at Target, Best Buy, and more. You’ll see a friendly little pop-up if a better offer is found, including tax and shipping details.

Earn Capital One Shopping Credits while you shop, then redeem those Shopping Credits for gift cards.

It’s easy and quick! I had the app downloaded on my phone in less than 10 minutes and I was ready to shop.

New Recipe: Chicken Bruschetta Stew with Orzo

Abby H.

This soup was easy to make, flavorful, and a big hit.

I used Bruschetta from Aldi’s, however, if you don’t have one nearby, Trader Joe’s Bruschetta is great too.

Unlike most of my other recipes, I will not be providing any sort of dietary alternatives. I’m not sure this recipe would come out the same if it was vegan/vegetarian.

Chicken Bruschetta Stew with Orzo 

  • 1 lb chicken cut of your choice, diced into bite-size
  • One bag, onions, and pepper strips defrosted and chopped into bite sides pieces 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
  • 1-quart chicken broth or stock
  • 1 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with oregano and basil 
  • One small jar (about 6-ish oz), red pepper, and artichoke bruschetta (I bought mine at Aldi’s.) 
  • 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta (it is rice shaped)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder 
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
  • Topping: 
  • 2 cups Italian cheese blend, divided 

Directions: 

  1. In a large stock pot, heat oil. Add in bite-size pieces of chicken and cook over medium heat frequently until chicken is no longer pink about 5 to 7 minutes. 
  2. Add in onions and peppers, cooking over medium heat. Stir occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are no longer white, and the peppers are fragrant. 
  3. Pour in a quart of broth and a can of tomatoes. Stir to combine, allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. 
  4. Add an entire jar of bruschetta (approx. 6-ish ounces) to stock pot. Stir to incorporate, and add in orzo and all seasonings. 
  5. Cover pot with lid, turn the stove down to low and allow soup to slowly simmer and orzo to cook for about 15+ minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed, and add salt and pepper as desired. 
  6. soup can be served at this time, or it can be left to simmer on low as needed. 

To serve: ladle soup into a bowl and top with approximately one to 2 ounces of cheese as desired. Serve with garlic bread or hot, crusty buttered bread. Well with a mixed green salad

And as always, the soup is better the next day. This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings and can be frozen.

Positive Parenting: Free Online Parenting support!

Abby H.

This information was emailed to me by my kid’s school district.

The Santee School District and Jewish Family Services are presenting the Positive Parenting Program via Zoom.

Dates: Wednesdays: 10/9, 10/16 & 10/26, 2024
Time: 6-7:30pm (Register in advance)
Register Here

Walgreens: Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent Sale!

Abby H.

 This deal is only good until Saturday night at 11:59; for me, this is a RUN DEAL.

This week at Walgreens, all 27.5-28 oz bottles of Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry detergent are on sale for Buy one for $7.49, get two free!!

They are usually $7.49/each, but let’s face it, I’d never pay that much for on bottle. With this sale price, each load of laundry costs .07-.09 per load!

They have 5 varieties:

No coupons are needed, and you can order online and do curbside pick up (with a minimum order of $10.00) so you won’t have to step foot in the store! If you have Walgreens cash, you can use it, and this deal combines with any “Earn $X when you spend $Y” offers you might have in your Walgreens account (check online or in their app).

10/4/2024 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been rough, but Freebies wait for no man.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

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.

Freebies:

Free Radicle Science Mental Clarity Supplements
Free Sky Valley Green Sriracha
Free Pulled Pork or Chicken Breast Sandwich Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Free Blink Mini Camera from Barkbox
Free Fire Rescue Truck Workshop at Home Depot
Calm and Cozy: Free Baby Sleep Music for Restful Nights
Free Big Mac at McDonald’s
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free $10 for Signing up for JCPenney Rewards
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free Bulgari Le Gemme Tygar Fragrance Sample
Score a Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Free Keys Soulcare It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint Sample
Free Sample of NYX BlurScreen SPF 30 Primer
Free $6 Bonus from Ibotta
Free Donut Holes at AMC Theatres
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
Free Screwdriver, Cable Ties, or Magnetic Parts Holder at Harbor Freight
Free Sample Pack of PooPeePads Dog Training Pads
Free Sample of Zesty Paws Dog Supplements
Free Order of Mozzarella Sticks at Dave & Buster’s
30 Minutes of Free Play & Lifetime Membership at Topgolf
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Free Private Selection Cinnamon Roll at Kroger & Affiliate Stores

Deals:

Victoria’s Secret Panties 10 For $40
Disney Store: 30% Off Costumes & Halloween Styles
Maybelline Baby Lips ONLY $1.11 (Reg $5.49)
10 Best Restaurant Family Meal Deals Under $20 + Coupons
Cuisinart Advantage 12-Piece Knife Set ONLY $29 (Reg $65)
Complete Home Sandwich Bags Buy One Get Two Free
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Cultured Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings ONLY $9.75 (Reg $33)
Kids Clothing Clearance at Walmart | Prices Start at ONLY $3.98
Barbie Clothes & Play Sets up to 70% off
Get $5 Walmart Cash with Pampers Easy Ups Purchase
Save 20% on Kids’ Clothing at Target

Fall 2024 Clothing Swaps (San Diego, CA area)

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).

There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.

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

FREE Clothing Swap & Decor & Extra!
Location: Pioneer Park 1501 Washington Place, San Diego
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM PDT
Bring clothes, small decor, and Unused makeups / perfumes, personal items to donate or swap. Open to all genders, ages, and sizes.
Bring your unwanted, clean, in good repair clothing and extras to take home new clothing. Take what you want and leave what you don’t want. Clothing, accessories and small personal items are accepted. * No books, or any heavy items please.

Green LOVE Clothing Swap
Location: Montezuma Hall
6075 Aztec Circle Dr · San Diego, CA
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:30 PM PDT
For more information, check out the website: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/swapshop

Porchlight Halloween costume swap
Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite F, San Diego, CA
Saturday, October 12th
9:30 am-11:30am
For more information or to sign up to participate, check out the website: https://events.humanitix.com/kids-costume-swap

Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, October 19, 2024
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)

9/30/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week’s meal plan is very loose. I try to meal prep and plan on Sunday’s, but we have a   Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box coming tomorrow, so I think I’ll be doing the bulk of the meal prep tomorrow. At least veggie-wise.

I’ll be roasting cauliflower, squash, and other veggies with some of these Urban Accents kits.  The Citrus pepper is my favorite.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I have a post here about our lunches. School lunches are free for kids in California, but my kids usually bring lunch from home.

Dinner: I’m working on a couple new recipes this week, so meals may get swapped around based on my free time. We’ve got therapy every week, so that cuts into our time at home (and my time to cook). Meal prepping has been a huge lifesaver on those busy days. Hopefully after this next hot spell, we’ll get some more typical fall weather and I can use my crockpot more often!

  • Sunday:  Spaghetti with veggie/meat sauce, garlic bread (I have leftovers from last night)
  • Monday: Chicken Nuggets, Watermelon slices, chips

  • Tuesday: Italian Chicken (recipe coming up this week), fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Fruit Smoothies, bagels with cream cheese

  • Thursday: Hashbrown breakfast bake (new recipe coming up this week)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

2024 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October 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 $78.22.

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

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