Got Wide Feet?

Hey there. I see you have wide feet, too. It makes shopping for shoes really hard.

Having wide feet and Plantar fascitis is like a double whammy, so I’ve been really careful about the sneakers I wear.

I don’t have much call for “fancy shoes” or heels in my day-to-day life.

I’ve been collecting websites and shoe brands that make and sell good-quality, wide shoes.

Many of these websites have coupon codes and sales. Stores like JCP have loyalty clubs you can join for free.

Here are a few of my favorite places to get wide shoes and some of my favorite brands. I hope this helps!

Brooks Running. They have great wide and double-wide running shoes that aren’t ugly.

Zappos. Not just sneakers, but all sorts of wide and double-wide shoes. I picked up some sandals from Zappos last summer.

Orthofeet. From their website: “Orthofeet products deliver the relief and protection to stay active, with innovative features from customizable support and a pressure-free fit, to easy-opening closures, advanced therapeutic materials, and the low-impact walking comfort of the Ortho-Cushion™ System.” I have a pair of their sneakers. They are very roomy in the toe box. IYKYK.

Shoebacca. A friend sent me this website, and they have quite a collection of wide and extra-wide shoes. Best Part: Free ground shipping, free return shipping, 110% price matching

Skechers. They have a store in my city, but I’ve never bought shoes for myself there because they only sell shoes in wide sizes (and not in my gigantic foot size), if you have smaller, wide feet, they have some pretty good deals in-store and online.

JCPenneys. It’s my go-to store for most of my non-thrifted clothes and shoes. They have a great selection online (and sometimes in their larger physical locations) of wide and extra-wide shoes. Not just sneakers, but sandals and heels too.

And Finally, Crocs. Yeah, I know. They are kinda ugly, but it’s more than what you are thinking of. The Crocs brand sells a lot of different types of shoes, and they are very comfy. Not all sizes and styles come wide.

Advanced Opinions: Upcoming Project on Health Conditions June 2026 (Up to $225)

Advanced Opinions (AO) is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys.

Right now, they are recruiting for a new study on Health Conditions.

Dates: June 11 -June 17, 2026

Compensation: $75+ (if chosen) for full-participation

Open to  ages 18-59 years of age

This is an ONLINE Project, you can only participate using a computer with a working webcam and a working mic, and you will be required to wear working headphones or working earbuds during the session. 

Part 1 – if selected – $75 Compensation if selected and for full participation
Online Survey: Length: 45 minutes
Must have high-speed internet AND use a desktop/laptop computer to complete the survey. Must have a Webcam to participate in Part 2, the follow up Webcam Group.
Cannot use a smartphone or tablet.
Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (Internet Explorer is not compatible).

Part 2 – if selected – $150 Compensation if selected and for full participation
Follow-Up Webcam Group: After completion of the online survey, some will be selected to participate in a 90-minute Webcam Group. If selected, you will be notified by email.

 

To be considered for this study, view the list and complete the pre-screener here.

Freebie: Healthy Snack Box!

Y’all know I love a good freebie. I found this deal this morning and had to share.

Get a Free Healthy Snack Box! They’ll send you a box filled with delicious, healthy snacks, and all you need to do is let them know what you think. Shipping is free. No credit card required EVER!

What’s the catch? There isn’t one. Brands just want to hear what you think of their products.

I signed up for one this morning and I’ll post pictures on my Instagram and Facebook Page as soon as it arrives. If you sign up for it too, let me know. I’m curious to see if everyone gets the same snacks.

Q-insights Personal Care Products Focus Group Pays $150 – Females 18-29

QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where 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 in San Diego County. Currently, they are conducting an online study regarding  Personal Care Products.

This will be Online Focus Group Via Webcam for 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Who: Females Ages 18-29 with different Skin types.
Dates:
June 17th and 18th
Compensation: $150

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here. A recruiter will contact you if you pre-qualify and ask additional screening questions.

It’s Back! 4000 Points from Fetch Rewards!

It’s back! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points out the wazoo! Earn an extra 4,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 5/30/2026

I cash out my Fetch Rewards points for gift cards that help me stretch my budget- grocery stores, Amazon, even Bath and Body Works!  I cashed out about $120 in rewards in 2025. I’ve been doing a lot more shopping at Aldi, so I don’t usually score the extra points for buying name brands, but every little bit helps.

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

Fine Print:

In order for you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CT on 5/31/2026. After 11:59 PM CT on 5/31/2026 the referral bonus will expire. Incomplete, inaccurate or fraudulent entries will not be accepted and may lead to point deduction or other remedial action under applicable Fetch T&Cs.

World Market Explorer Members- Free Mystery Gift this Weekend!


To celebrate the new Asian Market inside World Market, Explorer Members can receive a mystery gift today and tomorrow with any purchase- Make sure you check your email or your Explorer account on the World Market website.

I’m headed over there this afternoon. I’ve been craving digestive biscuits, and it’s the only place in town I can get them.

5/30/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

As most of us with kids get ready for the final stretch of the school year, I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with my kids this summer- and of course blogging!

This week, there are some pretty great freebies and deals. If you are going out, make sure to bookmark this post so you don’t forget anything!

I  updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE $30 Purchase at Lowe’s After Cash Back
FREE Sample of Pedigree Pouches Dog Food & Drizzlers Savory Sauce
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE Pure Leaf Iced Tea
FREE Caudalie Beauty Elixir Sample Pack
FREE Netflix Family Magazine, Stickers & More
FREE Butterfly Bookmark Crafting Event at Lakeshore Learning
FREE Sample of Café Cielo Negro Coffee
FREE Water-Resistant Pouch Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Huel Daily Greens Drink 12-Pack, FREE T-Shirt + FREE Shipping
FREE Big Q Drink at QuikTrip
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE Smile Creature Starter Pack – Keychain, Stickers & More
FREE TENA for Men Sample Pack
FREE INITIO Parfums Privés Carnal Blends Collection Fragrance Samples
FREE Pack of Sliced Cheese at Stop & Shop
FREE Set of Fishing Hooks
FREE Entree at Chick-Fil-A Cow Appreciation Day
FREE Sample of Pink Zebra Fragranced Wax Melts
FREE Burt’s Bees Garden Party Lip Balm 4-Pack at Walmart
46 Companies That Send Free Products to Review in 2026
FREE Betty Buzz Sparkling Soda
FREE Sample of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
FREE Phyla Acne Products
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
1 Million FREE Cans of Friskies Cat Food Giveaway
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday at 3pm ET
FREE Goalie Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Krispy Kreme Donuts for A’s on Report Cards
Have a Crumbl Cookie Birthday with a Free Gourmet Cookie! Here’s How.
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
Take a Sip! Discover How You Can Get Free Drinks

Deals:

Anthropologie Dupes That Will Meet Your Style & Your Budget
Eucerin Sunscreen Lotion ONLY $6 on Amazon (Reg $16) + Free Shipping
Cottonelle 336-Count Flushable Wipes ONLY $7.90 (Reg $16)
Top Red Lobster Daily Specials Seafood Lovers Don’t Want to Miss
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas – Every Friday!
Top Subway Hacks for a Tastier and Cheaper Meal
Onlyone Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $8.99 on Amazon (Reg. $17.98)
The Best Handbag, Purse & Clutch Deals on Sale: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, MKF Collection & Coach Up to 80% Off
Perlecare 4 Inch Queen Mattress Topper ONLY $39.98 (Reg $100)
Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls ONLY $4.73 Shipped (Reg $8)
Keurig K-Mini Mate Coffee Maker ONLY $59.99 at Target (Reg $80)
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
All The Best Subway Coupons and Promo Codes: New for May 2026
Father’s Day Gifts as low as $3 at Target – Free Store Pickup!
10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Tent ONLY $69 at Walmart + Free Shipping!
Aerie: Up to 80% Off Clearance – Sweaters, T-Shirts, Skirts & More | Prices From $9.99
Crocs Clearance at Walmart – Prices From $14.99
Art & Cook 8-Pc Round Nesting Bowl Set as low as $9.93 (Reg $30)
Inflatable Pools as low as $9.92 at Walmart
Yaheetech 3-Piece Patio Bistro Set ONLY $99 (Reg $169)

Score Free Samples from PinchMe!

Love samples? Check out 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 offers 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 September. Fiona really digs the Delectables Squeeze up Cat Treats- It’s like a gravy Capri Sun for cats!

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!

Coffee Cake- The Best Breakfast Ever.

Coffee cake is one of my favorite breakfast quick breads. I didn’t have time to whip up a batch, but if you are looking for a tried and true recipe, check out my post here. https://hewesfamilyfun.com/2021/02/10/simple-frugal-recipe-coffee-cake/

If you’ve got a boxed coffee cake mix (Bob’s Red Mill makes a great one) and want it to taste a little more scratch-made, check out my tips here for improving boxed cake mixes.  

And if you are looking for some coffee to go with your cake, here are some easy coffee shop-style recipes you can make at home without any fancy equipment.  

And if you want your coffee on the go, or any drinks for that matter, check out the Panera Unlimited Sips Club. New subscribers who sign up for a monthly Unlimited Sip Club subscription through May 31, 2026 and enter promo code SIP3 at checkout will receive three months of an Unlimited Sip Club monthly subscription for $3/month plus tax. Remember to use Promo code: SIP3 at checkout!

Making Cake on a Budget with Two Ingredients!

I love making cake and cupcakes, but sometimes I’m running low on eggs, butter, and milk. Sometimes I want cake, but I’m in a hurry. Enter the two-ingredient cake!

Any cake mix and any carbonated beverage- Soda (diet or regular) or carbonated water/club soda.

Above is an infographic I made with some options. My favorite combinations include Ginger Ale and Spice Cake, and Cream Soda and Yellow Cake.

Have you ever tried this before? It’s simple, easy, and if you are on a low sugar diet, this works well with lower sugar cake mixes and diet soda