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Dream Dinners: Now Booking In-Store Events!

Abby H.
This is some pretty cool news! Dream Dinners is launching its new Meal Prep Workshop program in August!
This is an exciting new twist on their in-store party and it’s a great opportunity for you to introduce your friends to Dream Dinners and earn fun rewards!
Here’s how it works:
As the host, you attend the workshop for free! This includes three pre-prepped medium-size meals, our grill marinade trio, and a private, in-store event with your friends. You also have the opportunity to earn up to $75 in host rewards! You can bring wine, Dream Dinners will make appetizers and you can enjoy your evening!

Your friends pay $50 to attend and learn about Dream Dinners. They’ll each receive three pre-prepped medium-size meals (Each meal feeds 2-3 people) and assemble a seasonal grill marinade trio, plus they’ll enjoy delicious samples of our food. We also have some exciting perks for them if they place an order at the workshop!

That’s $50 for three meals and 3 marinades!
One of the best parts of the new Meal Prep Workshops is that you and your friends get to share an experience with our exclusive seasonal workshop! Our theme for August Workshops is Summer Grilling and we’ll be making a grill marinade trio that Chef Laura created just for these events.

This is a great chance for you to get out of the house and have a fun night out with friends!
Space is limited, so if you are interested, contact your local Dream Dinners for more information and to book your Meal Prep Workshop.

Here in East County, it’s the La Mesa location.  Call or Text (619) 460-6800 or email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com

If you are located in East County and want to join a Meal Prep Workshop, I’ll be planning one in the coming weeks. Drop me a comment or PM via Facebook or Instagram and I’ll get you an invite once I get the event set up.

2021 Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Abby H.2 Comments

Thankfully, libraries have planned summer reading programs for summer 2021! I’ve been working on this post for a while, asking around, making calls, and googling like mad. I’ll update this post as more programs are announced. Right now I am waiting to hear back from the San Diego County Library for information on their summer program.

I know my kids love summer reading programs. In addition to reading, they win some great prizes.

San Diego City Libraries are having a similar summer reading program as they have in years past. Information including sign-up and prizes available can be found here.

Pizza Hut’s Book It program is available for summer, where your kids can earn free delicious pizza hut pizza just for reading. Information about the program can be found here.

Don’t forget to check out the Free little libraries in your neighborhood. They are a great way to share your unwanted books with neighbors, and discover new books for free!

If you want your family to experience a multi-cultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.

My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.

Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish.

Dolly Parton has established the Imagination library, it is available in select regions (sadly not available in San Diego California), and those who live in areas that are participating can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program starting July 1st. More info here.

If you know of any other programs, please leave a comment! I’m trying to keep my kids out of crowded areas and spaces this summer, as neither of them can be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the present time. In California, masks will no longer be mandatory in public spaces starting June 15, 2021.

 

It’s Field Agent Frenzy Time!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love Field Agent, it’s a great hustle to earn extra money while you are out and about doing errands.

Right now, it’s time for the Field Agent Frenzy! Oh yeah, that means for every paid job you complete between May 28 and May 31 is a chance to win an extra $100!

 

What is Field Agent Frenzy? It’s a fun little thing Field Agent does to encourage you to get in the Field Agent App and make some cash.

It works like this– for every paying job you successfully complete between May 28-31, you’re entered into a drawing for a bonus of $100. That’s right– a bonus for work you’re probably already doing.

 

My Referral Code is abxbnqx. If you haven’t signed up yet, please do! I did 5 audits this week in less than 30 minutes and made $45!

If you are new to Field Agent, check out my post all about it here.

5 Reasons To Try Reusable Menstruation Products 

Abby H.

There are many types of reusable menstruation products on the market these days. Cups, discs, cloth pads, “period panties”.  Here are five reasons to give them a try!

1-While they may have a higher out-of-pocket, over time they cost less than disposable/one-use menstruation supplies. My Diva cup cost $35, but I’ve used it consistently for a year. On average, those who menstruate spend $159 or more per year on menstruation supplies, which equates to $6360 over the reproductive lifetime.

2- Reusable menstruation products are better for the environment. Some disposable menstruation products can’t be recycled, and often aren’t environmentally friendly. The plastics take a long time to biodegrade. Reusable pads can be rinsed out after use and then tossed into the washer and dryer.

3- Some reusable menstruation products can be used/left in for a longer amount of time than disposable. For example, I can wear my diva cup for up to 12 hours (discs have about the same time), but tampons need to be changed every 4 to 6 hours.

4-  Many companies of reusable menstruation products help those in need, or donate a portion of their profits to those who would not otherwise be able to afford menstruation products, People in underserved communities, schools, and homeless shelters.

5- It’s always good to try something new. People have been menstruating since the dawn of time, and until the past five or six years ago, there weren’t too many different ways to “deal” with the flow. Now those who have periods have choices. Try a new product, try a new brand, you might be surprised, you might find something new that you fall in love with. If you told me 10 years ago I would use a cup, I would laugh in your face. But, it has really helped with my cramps.

If you are interested in checking out some of the reusable menstrual products that I talked about, here is link to my Amazon list with tons of products.

Mid-Month Coupon Round Up March 2021!

Abby H.

I was cruising my favorite coupon sites this morning and I found some great stuff.

The two sites I use the most for printable coupons are:

Here are a few coupons that have me kinda stoked:

Save $0.75 On ONE (1) Juicy Juice® product (excludes 4-pack juice boxes)
Save $0.75 When you buy THREE (3) Avocados From Mexico
Save $1.50 FOUR (4) Lean Cuisine Frozen Items (redeemable at Walmart)
Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) LISTERINE® Mouthwash product (from 500 ml to 1L) or any (1) LISTERINE® READY! TABS® product (8 ct. or larger)
Save $2.00 on ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Whole Blends® Sulfate Free Remedy or Miracle Treatment product
Save $2.00 on ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Fructis® Treat Shampoo or Conditioner (11.8oz only), 3-in-1 Hair Mask or Invisible Dry Shampoo product
Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) package of Green Giant® New Frozen Product, Any Variety
Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) package of Green Giant Veggie Spirals™

Another thing that is super exciting as of late is the Sprouts App. You can sign up here for their email list and they will send you a link to their app. They have all sorts of great in-app deals and coupons (last week it was a $5 off coupon).

And if you are looking for more ways to save, check out my Smart Phone App Page. It’s got all kinds of great apps to help you save and earn cash back on all of your grocery and home essential shopping!

Cute, Discount Clothes from Shein!

Abby H.

I’m sure you’ve seen ads all over the internet for discount clothing sellers like Shein and Romwe. Recently I went to a socially distanced clothing swap and I found a bunch of New with Tags clothing from Shein. They were in my size, so I snagged them. I thought I’d review them so you could see the quality/price on an item from Shein. Ordering clothes from overseas can be hard, especially if the sizing seems off (I’ll order whatever fits, regardless of what the size tag says, but it’s a little disheartening to know you are wearing a 5x from one company and a size large from another).

This shirt is the one I found at the clothing swap, Plus Floral Embroidered Mesh Tie Cuff Blouse. As of the time this post is being written, this shirt is $13.00. There are usually coupons or deals available on Shein, so you may be able to find the price lower.

First off, the shirt is pretty well made. The embroidered mesh very sturdy and well made. It is not cheap at all.

The dark yellow part of the shirt is soft, drapey polyester. I love the graduated hem on the shirt, it’s perfect to cover your bum.

This is what the shirt really looks like. Honestly, not much different that the photo from the website above.

If mustard yellow isn’t your color, it also comes in Burgundy too. All of the seams are well sewn and finished (with a serger), and there were no loose threads or anything funky going on. And as someone who sewed professionally for 10+ years, I am a very observant when it comes to loose strings, cheap fabric, missing stitches, things like that.

And I’m going to give you the obligatory close up of the inside seam and the lace/neck binding:

So, overall I’d give Shein a thumbs up. They have a bunch of great dresses on sale right now, so I’m planning on picking up a couple maxidresses soon!

They frequently have coupon codes available. I found 13 of them using my Honey Extension.

Paid Market Research Opportunity: Motorcycle Owners!

Abby H.

Focus Forward is conducting a PAID research study March 30th to April 1st for Motorcycle owners.  Each session will last 75 minutes and will be conducted online. They are offering $75 to those participating. There are several sessions, scheduled at various times on each date. Focus Forward is looking for men and women who own motorcycles. 

If you are interested in earning $75 for participating, please click on the SURVEY LINK to take the screener survey to qualify.

Paid Marketing Research Opportunity – $100 (Topic: Grocery Shopping)

Abby H.

I received this offer in my email this morning- I’m sure that some of you will be interested!

Focus Forward is conducting a PAID market research study on Grocery Shopping starting on March 16th.  They are looking for men and women aged 24 to 59 who live in the United States. If you know anyone who would be interested in earning an extra $100 for a 90-minute Online Focus Group please pass along this email with the survey LINK

I’ve done a few smaller surveys/projects with Focus Forward, it is a legit company.

Host a Backyard Bubble Fun Party (Tryazon Party Opportunity)

Abby H.

Backyard family fun just got a whole lot bigger with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, featuring WOWmazing bubble kits from South Beach Bubbles. These giant bubble wands create long, GIANT bubbles thanks to a 2-handle design, which has been used to set every big bubble world record in the last 30 years. Passers-by will be sure to say “WOW… Amazing”!


 Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those chosen will receive a party pack with a variety of South Beach Bubbles products to showcase and sample with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

Holiday Light Displays: Socially Distanced Family Fun!

Abby H.

One of our favorite family activities this time of year is to drive around the county and check out Christmas lights. I pack some snacks and hot chocolate (or just white milk for the Bitty Bird- She doesn’t like cocoa- I know…), and we head out for an adventure. I usually grab a couple extra fluffy blankets too. They tend to fall asleep on the way home!

I’ve included our family favorites, as well as some that came recommended by my Facebook fans. I did not include any that charge a fee to see. There are quite a few professional displays that charge a fee to drive-thru all over the county.

There are a few that I did not include as I have heard they are dark (Knob Hill in Vista), or the owners of the homes have moved or chosen not to do a display this year.

East County:

  • Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. Dec. 8-26, Mon-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun 6-10 pm.
  • 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr. Nicknamed “Tinsel Town”. Dec. 1-25, 5:30-9 pm. Most of the houses on this street are very well decorated with lights and moving displays! They have a Facebook page too!
  •  Starlight Circle, East and West Glendon Circles. Through December 26th, 7-10 pm. This is extremely popular!  Starlight Circle even has a Facebook page!

North County:

  • 12631 Stoutwood St., Poway Off Twin Peaks Rd. & Deerwood St. Nicknamed “The Griswolds.”
  • 23542 Bassett Way, Ramona  Sun-Th, 5:30pm -10pm; Fri & Sat, 5:30pm – 11pm

Be safe, stay in your cars, or mask up and stay socially distant from others.

If you know of any light displays in San Diego County that are active this year and free- Please leave a comment! (that you have gone to- please no linking to other websites)