BUDGET BOOSTER

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I have been so busy. Many of you know, I have now been working at Denny's about two months. I like it alright, but it's a little tough when you think - "I make $80 in 45 minutes panhandling rush hour by the Galleria" or "I made 150 in an hour out there at Dallas by Definition in a one-on-one." But there is a level of comfort know I have this money coming every week. 

But I can't say that I don't still do paid market research. Everybody could use the extra drop in the bucket every now and then. A few weeks back, I made $150 cash through Dallas by Definition for an hour in a one-on-one interview. Last week, I went to Plano for a $25 cash taste test. On October 27th, I will spend 75 minutes shopping AT WALMART for a $150 Walmart gift card. I can look at anything I want. I am to shop normally. Anybody who has ever shopped with me knows I can easily spend 75 minutes in the Walmart arena. This will be for Schlesinger Associates (the ones who gave me $100 visa a couple months back for a two hour focus group).

I haven't been to the plasma center lately because my iron has been consistently too low and I haven't remembered to take my iron pills. Been a little busy lol.

Anyway, if you haven't signed up with these companies, I would jump on board quick! In the mean time, I will keep posting and hopefully you'll leap on the money trail pretty quick.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, or to share your experiences with these cmpanies, please comment on these posts.

LAWS THAT VARY BY STATE

It is illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown, OH.

Have you ever actually listened to the telemarketers or bill collectors on the phone? They always start with “This call may be recorded for quality assurance.” In Texas, we are a one-party consent state. This means that we can record a call and use it in court EVEN IF the other party was not aware of the recording. For instance, I can record a call I have with my CPS caseworker and the judge will accept it in court. However, why do all callers use they line up front? States like california are two-party consent states. To err on the side of caution and to save time (who wants to check every caller to see where they live?), telemarketers are trained to say that line up front. This is not to say wire tapping is legal. A third party CANNOT in any state record a call that neither party knows is being recorded. If you want to check these facts, review Texas penal code 16.02.

PERSONAL NOTE: Sorry it has taken me so long to write. My schedule has kicked my tushy. I am off for the next two days and should get quite a bit of work done.

BUDGET BOOSTER

     I went out to Dallas by Definition in Irving today and participated in a one-on-one interview that lasted approximately 45 minutes, I received $150 in cash afterwards. For those commuting by public transit, this is quite the hike (1.2 miles from the nearest train) which I took uber. 

Web MD/Denny's birthday deal

WEBSITE REVIEW

I have found WebMD to be a great source of information. Today, I got an email about foods that help you fight pain, like blueberries, salmon, tart cherries, ginger, etc. If you are interested in this article, go here.

BIRTHDAY DEAL

Did you know that on your birthday, you can receive a free original grand slam at denny's? You get two bacon, sausage, two eggs, and two pancakes. This is great for those of us who want to travel away from the traditional ice cream treat after our meal.

Personal

PERSONAL NOTE

I am sorry I haven't written in a while. I started a new job. I have been working on so many different things but most importantly, my son....

 

Plasma

BUDGET BOOSTER

I went to Stephen's the other day and they gave me my $150 check on the spot and invited me back for a two hour focus group in two weeks for $75 on the same product. Awesome!!!

     Also, I am still donating plasma....

COMMUNITY DEALS

This one is offered at Tom Thumb off Independence and Parker. Check one near you!!!!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bryles/type O mosquito snack

BUDGET BOOSTER

Friday, I went to a taste test at Bryles. This is not the easiest location to get to by bus. Its in Richardson off Renner and Shiloh and it does not pay too well. I was there for over an hour and received a $35 Visa card that cannot be used to get cash. The snack was good and plentiful. They were great about me needing to reschedule because of my new job and let me move from 1:00 to 5:00. When I arrived at 4, they let me in with an earlier group. That was great too. Sign up with them here.

TRIVIA TREAT

Did you know that people with type O blood are 83% more likely to be bitten by a mosquito?

Schlesinger Associates

BUDGET BOOSTER

I got the privilege of making $100 Visa card at Schlesinger Associates last night. They called me yesterday morning and said they had a cancelation for last night's focus group and was I interested in attending a two hour focus group for those who have lived in dallas more than 15 years. I agreed and I met with ten other residents and a moderator. We were given the gift card at the end of the session. Sign up with them here. They have only called me once, but I just started participating with them. The focus froup was fun and time went by quickly. $100 for two hours! Not a bad day's work

Plasma

BUDGET BOOSTER + PINK FUZZY

Money is great but its even greater when you are saving lives in the process of making it. If you don't donate plasma but you are eligible to, I seriously recommend you consider it. At Octapharma Plasma on Broadway at Centerville, one can expect a 3-4 hour visit, no matter what they tell you on the phone. First time donars receive 75, 50, 50,50, and 75 for their first five donation. Then, the fluffier of us receive 25 for our first donation of the week and 50 for our second. You can only donate twice a week. Amounts vary by location. Restrictions do apply. Obviously they don't want contaminated blood so they refuse anyone with certain risk factors. They check your iron every time and it must be a 38 or better. If this is a problem for you, eat things high in iron, compliment them with vitamin C, and avoid calcium. Vitamin C helps absorb iron while calcium acts more like a wall. They also check protein. They monitor your weight to make sure you haven't gained or lost an alarming amount.

Biomat USA 

2580 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX 75228

Open today 

Wednesday	8AM–5PM
Thursday	8AM–7PM
Friday	8AM–3PM
Saturday	8AM–3PM
Sunday	10AM–5PM
Monday	8AM–5PM
Tuesday	8AM–5PM

(214) 321-6777
https://www.grifolsplasma.com/en/web/plasma/home

CSL Plasma

10121 Lake June Rd #503, Dallas, TX 75217

Open today 

Wednesday	7AM–7PM
Thursday	7AM–7PM
Friday	7AM–7PM
Saturday	7AM–3PM
Sunday	7AM–5PM
Monday	7AM–5PM
Tuesday	7AM–5PM

(972) 329-0186https://www.cslplasma.com

Octapharma Plasma

3342 Broadway Blvd #110, Garland, TX 75043

Open today 

Wednesday	7AM–7PM
Thursday	7AM–7PM
Friday	7AM–7PM
Saturday	7AM–7PM
Sunday	7AM–7PM
Monday	7AM–7PM
Tuesday	7AM–7PM

(214) 703-8369http://octapharmaplasma.com

July 2016

I struggled with whether or not to post last month's calendar. The places I mention in the calendar I have already talked about. PCC stands for downtown Pregnancy Care Center where I take a one hour class once a week and get diapers, clothes, ec. I did two studies at stephens and associates last month - 4 visits over 8 days for 150 and 4 visits over 6 weeks for $150. I did a 2 hr focus group at K&B for $95 and a 20 minute on one at Dallas by Definition for $75. I went to WIC for food for Ayden. I was called several times to go to PK but I never got the chance to make it out there.

3 tasty treats in a mug

3 tasty recipes in a mug

If you're looking for a sweet treat that's fast and simple to make, we have three mug recipes you're going to love! You can have delicious French Toast, Blueberry Muffin, and Coffee Cake in just minutes. All you need is a microwave, a mug, and a few simple ingredients to whip up a warm, decadent on-the-go breakfast or dessert.  

Shop at Dollar Tree – Here’s What You Need:

Blueberry Muffin:

• 4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 ½ Teaspoons Granulated Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Fat-Free Milk
• ½ Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• ¼ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 10 Blueberries
• Fork
• Microwave-Safe Mug

French Toast:

• 1 Slice of Buttered Bread
• ¼ Cup Milk
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tablespoons Syrup
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tablespoon of Chocolate Chips (Optional)
• Powdered Sugar (Optional)
• Microwave-Safe Mug
• Spoon

Coffee Cake:

For Cake:

• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Applesauce
• Vanilla Extract, Few Drops
• ¼ Cup All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ Teaspoon Baking Powder
• Pinch of Salt
• Microwave-Safe Mug
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon

For Streusel:

• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 2 Tablespoon Flour
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Easy Step-by-Step Directions:

Blueberry Muffin:

1. Combine all ingredients except blueberries in a mug. Mix with a fork until the batter is smooth.
2. Stir in blueberries (see image #1).
3. Cook in microwave for about one minute. If cake is not done, heat an additional 15 seconds.
4. Let the cake cool for a minute and enjoy (see image #2)!

French Toast:

1. Mix together the egg, milk, syrup, cinnamon, and salt in a mug until combined.
2. Cut your bread into ½" squares.
3. Add the bread to the mug and press the cubes down so they are submerged within the liquid (see image #3).
4. Add the chocolate chips to the mug (optional) and give a little stir to incorporate them in the mixture.
5. Microwave for a total of two minutes stopping every 30 seconds for a few seconds.
6. Let cool for a minute. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and enjoy (see image #4)!

Coffee Cake:

1. In a mug, soften butter in the microwave for about five seconds. Stir in the sugar, applesauce, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until just combined. Use the back of your spoon to smooth it out in the bottom of the mug (see image #5).
2. For the streusel, in a separate small bowl, combine butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to combine these ingredients. When it achieves a crumbly texture, pour it on top of the cake batter in the mug.
3. Cook in the microwave for 50-80 seconds, or until it appears just set on top. If it appears to be undone, add 10 seconds.
4. Let the cake cool for a minute and enjoy (see image #6)!

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Dallas by Definition/McDonald's/Community events

BUDGET BOOSTER

Dallas by Definition is also a good company to hook up with. I did a one-time 20 minute interview with them for a $75 check. I simply read a product’s label and answered scenario questions to see how well the box gave instructions. However, they have only called me one time so I do not know how long you have to wait to participate in a second study. Sign up with them here.

 DEALS DEALS DEALS

     McDonald's has some great things going on. I couldn't help myself. I had to take a picture of their calendar. If you haven't done it yet, you need to download their app. I have gotten more and more in the habit of looking at my favorite places and seeing if they have an e-mail club to sign up with or an app to download - my personal favorites all do. I went to Chile's the other day and got $10 off a purchase of $30 or more with a coupon I got in the e-mail!!!  To get the stuff on the calendar at McDonald's, you do need the app.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

     I came across a couple events today that might be of interest to my readers. 1) Do you hae tickets for riding the train without paying the fare? Are you living in a shelter or on the streets? If yes, there is going to be a day of community service that will clear up to 12 of these unpaid tickets.

2) I know this is kind of late notice but this Saturday....

3) Don't forget about Cinemark Cmmunity Day this Satuday from 9am-1pm!!!!!

4) Walmart at 1801 Marketplace Drive in Garland is teaming with Carter Blood Care!!!

Update

UPDATE

I have now been a blogger for exactly one week. This makes my 11th post and I have had 101 pageviews!!! Thank you so much for viewing this site and putting my doubts about it to rest!!!! If you have anything you want to ask or you want to comment about.... or things you want me to check on, please email me at aydenjames2015@yahoo.com with "BLOG" in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!!!!!

Downtown pregnancy center

RESOURCES

Every week I attend classes at the Downtown Pregnancy Care Center located at 525 N Ervay in downtown Dallas. I watch a helpful parenting video for about an hour and receive 4 mommy bucks. You can begin receiving services as soon you can conceive (as a matter of fact, they will test you if you’re not sure) and services end on your child’s first birthday. Dad’s are welcome, too! And can receive their own daddy bucks. These bucks can be used in the Wee Care Shop for clothes, bottles, diapers, wipes, toys…. Anything! Diapers are 1 mommy buck per dozen and there is a weekly limit of 3 dozen. Contact them for an appointment at 214-969-2433. If your child has not yet had their first birthday, you are not too late. They have items for older children as well, but your youngest must be below 12 months.