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Save and Earn Money for College with Upromise!

Abby H.

I’ve had a Upromise account for 15+ years. It’s a great way to earn and save money for college. I used my earnings/savings to pay for my college textbooks and parking pass when I finished my AA’s a few years ago.

The Upromise savings tools and automatic transfers let you set goals and transfer your earned rewards into college savings plans.

Receive a $5.29 bonus when you sign up for a free Upromise account.

Receive a $30 Welcome Bonus when linked to a 529 account. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs.

Upromise® Mastercard® – Cardmembers earn 1.529% cash back rewards on purchases when their Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan, or 1.25% cash back rewards on purchases if their Upromise Program account is not linked. Apply today at upromisemastercard.com

There are a lot of ways to earn money with Upromise: Shop online through their portal or add their Chrome Shopping extension to earn extra money. Upromise also has a Dining program, where you can earn cash back for dining at specific restaurants and paying with linked cards.

 

 

 

Family Recipe: Chicken Fajitas Soup!

Abby H.

This Recipe is easy and tasty.

Ingredients:

  • 1 t. avocado oil
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 ribs of celery, diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced.
  • 1 lb. cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces (leftover rotisserie chicken is great for this)
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces)
  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (about 14.5 ounces)
  • 1 packet fajitas seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 c. uncooked rice

Toppings: Crispy Jalepenos, cheddar cheese, avocado

Directions:

  1. In a large stockpot, saute onions in oil until translucent.
  2. Add garlic, stirring often. Cook until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add in peppers, celery, carrots, and can of tomatoes. Cook over medium until celery is tender (about 10 minutes).
  4. Add remaining ingredients and cook over low, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes, or until rice is cooked.

This recipes serves 8-10. It freezes well.

Substitutions/tips:

  • This can be made with beef instead using cooked chopped beef and beef stock in place of chicken.
  • Or make it vegetarian omitting meat and substituting veggie stock.
  • If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, substitute 5 tomatoes (peeled and chopped) in place of the can of tomatoes.

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.

 

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 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

July 2021: New Month, New Coupons!

Abby H.

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

Check out the following sites:

One of my favorite websites is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks! New offers are added on the Smartphone Savings Apps all the time!

June is here! It’s National Picnic Month, and it’s also time for Canada Day (July 1), American Independence Day (July 4th).  There will be deals on summer Sports Equipment & Craft Supplies (things for families to do together), picnic/outdoor foods. Examples include beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)

For a complete list of types of foods and items that will be on sale, check out this post on the cycle of sales.

Here are a few of my favorite new coupons:

Save $1.50 when you buy ONE (1) Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats
Save $2.50 on any TWO (2) JUSTIN’S® Spreads products 12 oz or larger (any variety – excludes peanut butter)
Save $2.00 off ONE (1) Banana Boat® Sun Care Product (excludes 1 oz., 1.8 oz., 2 oz., lip balm & trial sizes)
Save $1.00 on ONE (1) 10oz to 34oz Bottle of Germ-X® Hand Sanitizer (excludes trial & travel sizes)
Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) package of Green Giant Veggie Spirals™
Save $1.00 on any ONE (1) package of Green Giant® New Frozen Product, Any Variety

Family Recipe: DIY Salad Bar

Abby H.

The post is dedicated to Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes… RIP.

One of our family favorite restaurants pre-pandemic was Souplantation. So many great veggie and salad options all in one place. This summer I’m trying to find easy, simple lunch options for the family, so this week I’m making a salad bar.

It might sound like a lot of work, but I spend about an hour a week prepping veggies as soon as the CSA box arrives, so it’s just a slightly different prep this week.

First I got out our Rubbermaid reusable containers and lids, and I chopped the various ingredients. At lunchtime, I’ll set all of the containers out, and put the salad greens in a large bowl that is nestled in a baking dish full of ice to keep the greens crisp.

If you are having a salad bar for your July Fourth celebration, consider using a cold ingredient caddy like this one.

It keeps the components cold and at their preferred temperature for an extended period of time.

Here are just a few of the ingredients that we’ll be featuring in our DIY salad bar:

  • Salad greens (spinach, romaine lettuce, butter bibb lettuce, mixed greens, kale)
  • Radishes
  • Brocolli
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Red onions
  • Green apples
  • Strawberries
  • Beets (raw or pickled)
  • Bell pepper or other sweet peppers
  • Pickled veggies
  • Capers
  • Nuts
  • Dried fruit
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Cheese cubes (or crumbled feta or goat cheese)
  • Diced ham or diced turkey breast lunchmeat
  • Croutons
  • Salad Dressing- I like this vinagrette, and this one, and this ranch.

What do you like on your salads?

6/25/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.
bright boxes

Good morning!

This week has been busy, but we are settling into our summer schedule. There are a lot of cute PDF summer schedules that you can print online, and I’ve seen a lot of people post them on Social Media. I’ll be making a slightly more realistic one this weekend for our family. If it turns out ok, I may post it.

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 Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Spin Scooter Rides & Helmets for Healthcare Providers
Free Sample of MiN New York CODA Fragrance
Free $5 Twitch Gift Card
Free Wildflower Seeds from AirWick
Free Dose & Co. Collagen Supplements
Free Bromley’s Smooth Operator 7-Blade Razor
Free Bag of Country Archer Beef Jerky Sticks
Free Sample of Downy Unstoppables at Sam’s
Free Chomps Original Beef Stick
Free Subscription to Esquire Magazine
Free Subscription to Parents Magazine
Free Killer Creamery Ice Cream Sandwiches
Free Coffee Grounds for Your Garden at Starbucks
Free Skin Microbe Test Kits
Free Spin Master Extreme Sports Megathon Party Kit
Free Sample of Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club Fragrance
Free Eczema HQ Magazine
Free Kids Organizational Storage Item
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Sample of Coach for Men Cologne
Free Skin Discoloration Products + 100 eGift Card
Free Karma Rub Elemental Pain Relief Lotion Sample
Free Sample of Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club Fragrance
Free Sample of IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Cream
Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
Free Biggby Coffee
500 Free Tickets at Chuck E Cheese
Free Bottle of Frunutta Melatonin
Free Samples of Herbal Zap Health Drink Mixes

Deals:

Steve Madden Men’s Crossbody Bag ONLY $23.04 (Reg $36)
Sonoma Goods For Life Patriotic Tees ONLY $3.99 (Reg $10)
Thermo-Electric Water Dispenser ONLY $57.02 (Reg $100)
Hanging Cosmetic Bag ONLY $5.99 Each Shipped (Reg $20)
Disney Princess Vanity Toy ONLY $29.88 (Reg $50)
Kate Spade Darcy Small Slim Crossbody ONLY $89 (Reg $249)
Insignia 10-Qt Digital Air Fryer Oven ONLY $59.99 (Reg $150)
Remington Men’s Body Hair Trimmer ONLY $26.30 (Reg $50)
Fast & Furious 8-Movie Collection Box Set ONLY $28.99 (Reg. $60)
Fisher-Price Train Ball Pit ONLY $19 (Reg $40)

Q-insights Online Car Surveys Pay $25-$40

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 about vehicles.

Q-Insights is currently looking for owners of 2016 and newer of the below vehicles to participate in upcoming online surveys that pay $25-$40. If you have one of these vehicles, please fill out the pre-screener here.

  • Acura MDX
  • Acura RDX
  • Audi A3
  • Audi A5
  • Audi A8
  • Audi Q5
  • BMW 4-Series
  • BMW 6-Series
  • BMW 8-Series
  • BMW Z4
  • Cadillac CT6
  • Cadillac CTS
  • Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV
  • Cadillac SRX
  • Cadillac XT5
  • Cadillac XTS
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Chevrolet Corvette
  • Chevrolet Equinox
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Dodge Charger
  • Ford Bronco
  • Ford Bronco Sport
  • Ford Escape
  • Ford Mustang
  • Honda CR-V
  • Infiniti QX60 / QX70 / JX / FX
  • Infiniti QX80
  • Jaguar E-PACE
  • Jaguar F-PACE
  • Jaguar F-TYPE
  • Jaguar XE
  • Jaguar XF
  • Jaguar XJ
  • Jeep Cherokee
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Jeep Wrangler 4xe
  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
  • Jeep Wrangler Sahara
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Land Rover Discovery
  • Land Rover Discovery Sport
  • Land Rover Range Rover (Full Size)
  • Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  • Land Rover Range Rover Velar
  • Lexus GS
  • Lexus GX
  • Lexus LS
  • Lexus RC
  • Lexus RX
  • Lincoln Aviator
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz G550/G63
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz SL
  • Mercedes-Benz SLC
  • MINI Clubman
  • MINI Cooper
  • MINI Countryman
  • MINI JCW
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Subaru Forester
  • Tesla – all models
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Volvo XC60
  • Volvo XC90