Ch Ch Ch Changes…

Abby H.

Hey friends! If you are a long-time reader, you know that I’ve been talking about upcoming changes for about a month.

Spouse and I are getting a divorce. We are separating, and we’ve told the kids. This means a few things for the blog:

I need to look for more work that pays on a more consistent basis. I love blogging, sharing deals, sharing ways to make and save money, but it doesn’t make a lot of money. Side hustles are fun and a great way to make fun money, but it doesn’t provide enough money to pay the bills.

I’ll be posting as much as I can, and I may be posting more affiliate content to try and make a little more money while I look for employment outside the house. Clicking links in my blog posts is a small way you can help me. Especially the Freebie Friday links. I get paid a few cents for every link you click through on Freebie Friday posts. It’s not a lot, but it can add up. Plus it means cool freebies for you!

I may be posting more information on helping separating or single/divorced parents to help others in my position.

I may be posting more information on helping special needs parents/parents of children on the spectrum.

I am working on some other ways to bring in passive income that I may talk about on the blog as well. I’ve started a Redbubble store– I love journals, and I’m working on a line of my own.

I’ve also started at Etsy store to sell the printables I will be working on. For years I’ve been posting about everyone else’s printables, but using the ones I’ve made myself using various programs and software.

I will probably be posting longer, detailed posts about specific ways to save money.  I may also be sharing more deals and hauls on Social Media. Please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, if you haven’t already.

I really appreciate my readers and social media followers. Without you, I’m just some weirdo posting photos and shouting into the void of the internet.

7/9/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

Good morning!

You know how there is one week per month where ALL THE THINGS HAPPEN? This week has been my July week of hellllll. Appointments every day, with most days having multiple appointments or errands in addition to all of the stuff that I do daily. I’m working on a lot of stuff behind the scenes and I’ll have some updates and posts next week with some awesome stuff to share with you.

As summer is upon us, here are a few freebies to keep your kiddos occupied and fed this summer:

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. While the State of California is open, I’m not recommending that we all pile into the car and hit the mall. Please remember that most states have not yet reached herd immunity rates. Be safe, be careful.

Freebies:

Free Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine
Free Pop Art Ave Holographic Sticker
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Free Australian Gold Plant Based Sunscreen Sample
3 Free Braille Books for Children Every Year
Free The Sun Still Shines on a Dog’s A** or Mere Malarkey Book
Free Pretty Little Lies & Alibis Sticker
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Fries at McDonald’s on July 13
Free LifeToGo Sampler Pack
Free Sample of Bionyx Platinum Essential Day Cream
Free Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant
Free Juice or Freeze at Pressed Juicery
Free 6-Month Subscription to People Magazine – Back Again
4 Free Cinnabon BonBites + Free Birthday Treat
Sampler Samples – Nutella, All Detergent, NYX Primer & More

Deals:

T-Fal 18-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $52.49 (Reg $180)
Women’s High Rise Denim Shorts ONLY $14.99 (Reg $35)
Victoria’s Secret Mists & Lotions ONLY $5.99 (Reg $18)
Home Expressions Microfiber Sheet Set ONLY $9.09 (Reg $26)
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones ONLY $120 (Reg. $200)
American Tourister Tribute Spinner ONLY $59.99 (Reg $200)
4-Piece Glassware Set ONLY $5.99 (Reg $25)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes 4 Pack in Stock – $2.34 Each
Melissa & Doug Cowboy Costume ONLY $9.92 on Amazon
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Love Lipstick ONLY $12 (Reg $24)
Benefit Cosmetics 3-Piece Eyebrow Pencil Set ONLY $24 (Reg $38)
Disney Frozen 2 No-Floor Dome Tent ONLY $14.37 (Reg. $25)
Multipet Gumby Dog Toy ONLY $4.39 on Amazon
Acrylic Paint Pens 24-Pack ONLY $10.11 (Reg. $27)
Kate Spade Harlow Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $279)
Bliss Hammocks Beach Tent ONLY $25 (Reg. $45)
Earn Free Money in Your Paypal Account
Tools of the Trade 11-Pc Cutlery & Cutting Board Set ONLY $19.99

SheSpeaks: Flying Embers Shopping Program

Abby H.

This Deal was in my inbox this morning, and I know so many of you love hard seltzers!

SheSpeaks has a great new program with Flying Embers Hard Seltzer!

This hard seltzer will make a perfect addition to your summer celebrations and is great to share with friends and family who are 21 and over.

All flavors are 95 calories, 0 sugar, 0 carbs, and USDA certified organic. They contain live, shelf-stable probiotics, as well as antioxidant vitamin C., Read on if you’d like to try this better-for-you, refreshing alternative to traditional alcohol!

When you enroll in this program, you will shop for a 6-pack (approx. $13) or a 12-pack (approx. $21) at Sprouts, Total Wine & More, or BevMo! from this store list. SheSpeaks will reimburse you $20 for the 6-pack or $30 for the 12-pack.

Be sure to check this store list before enrolling. If there isn’t a store by you, please do not enroll.

 

Earning Money with Surveys 2021 Summer Edition!

Abby H.
Kitty is on the prowl for surveys!

Looking for a job is a process that takes time. In the meantime, you still have to earn money. I thought that I’d post some survey companies that I use to make money while I’m on the hunt for a part-time job.  There are a lot of Get Rich Quick scams out there (here are a few to avoid), and I wanted to share with you some ways you can earn money at home in a legit way.

I do a lot of surveys online through various companies. Some of my favorites can be found here on my Side Hustles page.

Recently, a few more survey companies have been brought to my attention, so I thought I’d share them too.

Join Inbox Dollars free and get paid to take surveys, shop online, try name brand products, and play games online. And you start off with a $5 bonus when you sign up!

 

 

Receive cashback from Kashkick when you read emails, complete surveys, take quizzes, referring your friend, and subscribing to special promotions.

 

 

With Opinions4Good, you earn points by providing feedback on a variety of different research topics.
Once you reach $10, you’ll be automatically paid out the following month directly to your verified PayPal account.

Earn your first $2 filling out your member profile, which we’ll use to send you surveys that match your interests.

Take Surveys and get Rewarded from PaidResearchSurvey.com.

Sign Up – Create an account and complete your profile step by step

Complete Surveys – Choose from a large amount of surveys to participate in.

Earn Rewards – New surveys added daily, so check back often to earn more rewards.

Pinecone Research members receive points for each completed survey! Points can be redeemed for cash or prizes. I love Pinecone research!

They will send you an email notification when you have a survey available. Complete the survey and earn points to be redeemed for either cash or prizes. Occasionally, they will send you a product to test, too.

Sign up and take surveys to earn points that can be redeemed for e-giftcards from Survey Junkie. Earn points by taking surveys, which can pay anywhere from $2 to $75 per completed survey.

One differentiator with Survey Junkie is that if you do not qualify for a survey, you still earn some points for it.

Survey Roundtable is a community where you can share your honest opinion about the products and services you use every day and get rewarded for taking surveys. Sharing your opinions can earn you real rewards you can use anywhere! Their rewards program grows every day, all depending on what our members most want to earn.

To make the most of your opinions, you’ll first take a Personality Survey. It’s how we target our surveys to your needs and interests

Here’s the virtual debit cards ($10 and up) currently have up for grabs: Amazon.com, Banana Republic, Barnes and Noble, GAP Brands, Regal Theaters, and more.

I’ve been a member of swagbucks for years, and it’s an easy way to earn free gift cards and cash.

Members join for free and will have access to all of our earning verticals, including, but not limited to, watching videos, shopping for cash back, taking surveys, and redeeming special offers.

Swagbucks is the web’s leading rewards platform, dedicated to providing FREE gift cards to its 12+ million members.

Choose from top retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, PayPal, and tons more.

New PinchMe Samples Drop 7/13/2021!

Abby H.

Sample Tuesday is Coming 7/13/2021- Mark your calendars, set an alarm on your phone!

Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is what arrived at the end of June for the June 2021 boxes. The One Bar was really good.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

Q-insights TV Concepts study -Pays $140

Abby H.
QI-logoNOslogan.png

Q-insights is another company that I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. These days they are doing most of their studies online via chat or online surveys.

Right now Q-Insights is  currently recruiting for an online study on TV concepts

The study will run on July 8th and you will be compensated $140 as a thank you for your time.

If you are interested in participating please fill out the survey here. If you pre-qualify we will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.

Q-insights Feminine Product Test for Females 18-45 pays $75

Abby H.
QI-logoNOslogan.png

Q-insights is another company that I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. These days they are doing most of their studies online via chat or online surveys.

Right now Q-Insights is currently recruiting for a Paid Study Opportunity on the topic of menstruation products.

Q-Insights is looking for females ages 18-45 to participate in a paid product test for feminine
pantiliner products.

You would be trying a feminine product and then complete an online questionnaire. Compensation will be $75 in the form of a digital visa, physical visa, Amazon gift card, or choice from 93 other store gift cards.

If you are interested in participating,  please fill out the pre-screener here. It will ask you for an ID number, please put in your 10-digit phone number without dashes. Example: 8185551212

Copycat Recipe: Souplantation Cheesy Garlic Foccacia Bread

Abby H.
It’s so good, it practically evaporates.

When my big kid found out that Souplantation (or Sweet Tomatoes, depending on where you live up) had closed permanently due to the pandemic, he cried.

When you have food texture aversions, you rely a lot on your favorite standby foods and restaurants. I was on a mission to try and recreate one of his Souplantation favorites, which was the Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread.

I started with my pizza dough base (the recipe can be found here). And here’s where it gets crazy (and by crazy I mean this is not super healthy, so don’t eat it daily). The remaining ingredients are:

  • 1/2 cup melted butter (that’s 1 stick)
  • 2T. granulated garlic
  • 1t. of each of the following: dried rosemary, dried tarragon, dried oregano, dried basil
  • 2cups+ Italian cheese

Directions:

  1. Make dough as directed here. I only let it rise once for this recipe.
  2. While dough rises, combine melted butter, garlic, and herbs. Set aside.
  3. Once the dough is down rising, turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Separate dough into two pieces and roll out to fit onto your pizza pan (I use a cookie sheet that is covered in tin foil and sprayed with spray release).
  5. Spread half of the herbed butter onto the dough, top with cheese. Repeat for the other half of the dough.
  6. If there is any butter left, drizzle it over the bread.
  7. Bake at 450 degrees for 11-14 minutes.
  8. Remove from the baking sheet and slice into long skinny pieces to mimic the Souplantation feel.
The garlicky, herby, buttery goodness….
Cheese and more buttery goodness. Into the oven it does!

7/5/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgYesterday we saw family and friends we haven’t seen in over a year. There were lots of hugs and the kids played (and shot archery). There was a lot of good food, and homemade cider. Today is a holiday here in the US. It’s the observance of Independence Day, so there are a lot of places that are closed (including banks and post offices).

The kids have been digging the free school lunches- It’s a great way to encourage them to try new foods. That’s great because the price of groceries has gone up exponentially over the past few months. We’ve been eating less meat to save money, and I’m leaning more on stores that have good deals like Grocery Outlet, and using my cashback apps like Fetch Rewards. I’ve been cashing out Fetch rewards for Target Gift Cards. I’ve been combining the Target Gift Cards with grocery sales and deals in the Target app, and picking up via curbside pick up. It’s a great option if you’ve got kids and you’ve got a busy summer.

And I’ve been getting a lot of really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

We usually get a CSA box on Mondays, but I am skipping this week. We still have a lot of veggies and fruit from last week, and I’ll be using the fruit up this week in a fruit salad, and the veggies will be in our Chef Salad, and the pasta bake (which I’ll be posting a recipe of later this week).

Veggies and fruit are delivered each Monday by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. I spend about an hour on Monday afternoon cleaning and prepping veggies for the rest of the week.

I’m doing some meal prep today: A batch of cookies, roasting veggies, and cooking bacon in the oven.

For those of you that 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 pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and I’ll be posting them for sale in my Etsy Store later this week.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: We pick up free school lunches during the summer for the kids, I also have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Family BBQ/potluck dinner.
  • Monday: Chef Salad (We’ve got a lot of salad fixings to eat up)
  • Tuesday:  Breakfast for Dinner (Waffles, bacon, eggs, and fruit salad)
  • Wednesday:  Nugget night: Nuggets, crackers, cheese, fruit
  • Thursday:  Baked Pasta- I’ll be posting the recipe later this week.
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers, fruit, salad

Please stay safe you guys!

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

Tryazon: Positive Coloring T-Shirts by Doodle Tees

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food. You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Let your kids’ creativity shine with this new Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, sponsored by DoodleTees!  Doodle Tees is an Interactive Apparel company for kids. They have t-shirts and onsies which come in five different positive designs to encourage self-expression and creativity. Get creative, colorful, and spread joy!

Tryazon has 50 hosting spots open for this opportunity!  Those chosen will receive a party pack with 10 Doodle Tees shirts to showcase, color, and share with friends and family!  Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/doodle-tees-spread-the-joy-party/