October 2026 Clothing Swaps!

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I love clothing swaps- if you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap with clothes in all our sizes.

And, as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

October has many great swaps, including Halloween costume swaps!

Porchlight Halloween costume swap

  • Date: Saturday, Oct 3, 2026
  • Time: 1–3 PM
  • Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite F (behind Denny’s & Mic Drop Comedy)
  • Details: Please bring clean, gently used kids’ costumes, dress-up clothes, accessories, and costume pieces in good, wearable condition.

Daydreamers Landing  Halloween clothing and costume swap

  • Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Time: 2pm-6pm
  • Location: Daydreamers Landing, 8575 Los Coches rd #1, El Cajon, CA
    Details: Bring your gently used Halloween costumes and outfits (shirts, dresses, pajamas, etc.) and give them new life!

Goth Clothing Swap at San Diego Goth Picnic

  • Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Pioneer Park (1521 Washington Place, San Diego)
  • Details: Free, all-ages community swap. Bring clean, gently used items and a blanket to display them.

Slow Down Swap Party at SD Climate Week

  • Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Garden of the Sky at the University of San Diego
  • Details: Hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego during Climate Week, featuring a free clothing swap (limit 1 grocery bag of donations), a fix-it clinic, and an upcycled fashion show

Women’s Clothing Swap in La Mesa

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: The Chapel at Grossmont (5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA 91942)
  • Details: Free swap for women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Items should be freshly laundered. [1]

New-to-You Clothing Swap in Spring Valley

 

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

10/1/2026 It’s Sample Thursday with PinchMe!

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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 a box that I recently received.

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!

October is Kids Go Free Month 2026 Edition!

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October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!

This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many arts, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County.

For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area for free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).

Some of the participating organizations include:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Fleet Science Center (Galleries only)
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Japanese Friendship Garden
Living Coast Discovery Center
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art (it’s always free for everyone, FYI)
Women’s Museum of California

A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult!  Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!

*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program.

PRC Research Study: California Family Discussions About Life Pays $125

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PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most can be completed from the comfort of your home using your computer or laptop.

They are recruiting adults 18 and older for a virtual discussion group with parents and guardians of children and teens in California. The researchers are currently developing a public health campaign about youth and young adult cannabis use. As part of this campaign, they are conducting research that will inform the development of campaign messaging. This study is sponsored by the California Department of Public Health. This study will require you to participate in a 90-minute online focus group.

Topic: Family Discussions About Life Choices
Who: California Parents
When: November 2 – 5, 2026
Where: Online (must be on a desktop or laptop computer)
Length: 10 minute pre-work + 90 minutes online focus group
Incentive: $125 (must complete all requirements)

 

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Their surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.

Freebies and Deals- 9/29/2026 is National Coffee Day!

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Next Monday, 9/29/2026, is National Coffee Day. In the past, this meant free coffee flowing like water.

This year, there are a few fewer offers, but the available offers are pretty good.

I’ve separated the list into two categories: the first is offers that are available in the San Diego/Southern CA area (where I am), and the second is the rest of the country.

I am unable to confirm these beyond finding them online, so if you go into a store and it’s not an available deal, please let me know.

FYI- Many of these deals require a purchase.

If you are unsure if a local coffee shop or coffee chain in your area is participating, check the app or ask in your local store.

Deals available in San Diego/Southern CA:

  • Klatch Coffee: This National Coffee Day, score a free Competition Cappuccino at Klatch Coffee when you apply an in-app promo code. Limit one per guest. Offer valid in-app only. Locations in San Diego County are at Sprouts Grocery Stores.
  • Paris Baguette: FREE medium hot or iced coffee for Rewards members with any purchase on 9/29/2026. You will need to download their app to access this freebie.
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free Hot Coffee with any purchase in the app ONLY. This isn’t only on 9/29/2026; this freebie is currently available in the Einstein Bros. app.
  •  Dunkin’: Rewards members can get a free medium hot or iced coffee (excluding cold brew and nitro cold brew) with an eligible purchase made through the Dunkin’ App.
  • Panera Bread: 9/29 & 10/1: Panera Celebrates National Coffee Day with deals on Unlimited Sip Club Memberships – new and lapsed subscribers who sign up by October 10 can choose from:  $5/month for 4 months of Unlimited Sip Club OR  $99 Annual Unlimited Sip Club Subscription for one year.
  • 7-11: 7Rewards loyalty members can snag a large coffee for just $1.49. To go with their coffee, customers can also grab 7-Select Mini Donuts (in Chocolate, Cinnamon Sugar, Crunch or Powdered Sugar) for just $1.
  • Circle K: Inner Circle Rewards members a free medium hot or iced coffee at any of the 7,000 Circle K locations. The deal is redeemable through the Circle K app.
  • Dunkin’:  A free coffee with any purchase on the app for Dunkin’ Rewards members.
  • Jamba:  $3 Small Cloud Whip Topped Blended Coffees are available all day. The offer is valid in-store only.

Tryazon: Taste Republic TryaBox

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I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a sampling opportunity to apply for!

Taste Republic brings premium, fresh pasta that everyone can enjoy in this Tryazon Featured TryaBox opportunity, from Taste Republic Foods! Pick two of their incredible fresh, premium pasta that cooks in 3 minutes! Taste Republic pasta is gluten free and made with the best, clean ingredients so everyone can have the same amazing pasta without sacrificing taste and texture. Pick from a wide variety of flavors including: Cauliflower Linguini, Four Cheese Tortelloni, Red Lentil Fusilli, Egg Noodles and many more!

Tryazon has 200 sampling spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a TryaBox with two coupons for FREE Taste Republic fresh pastas to be picked up at your locals store to sample and review at home – no party needed!

Learn more and apply here.

 

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I was so sick last week- I didn’t have the energy to post anything on the blog, or on social media. I’m finally feeling better, and now it’s time for some awesome freebies and deals.

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

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

Freebies:

FREE Hand-Drawn Postcards
FREE Guerlain L’heure Bleue Fragrance Sample
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
The Best Free Skincare Samples to Request Right Now
Free Dog Food Samples: Companies that Will Send You Free Dog Samples by Mail
2 FREE Nexxus Comb Thru Hairsprays at Walgreens
FREE Al Capone Koozies
FREE Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese
FREE Sample of Infiniment Coty Les Osiums Extraits de Parfum
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Mini Purées Chatterbox Kit
FREE Hayek for the 21st Century Book
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE $15 to Spend at CVS
FREE Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Roll Coupon
FREE BRG Skin Regeneration Ritual Sample Pack
FREE Sample of Momcozy Plus Wipes
FREE Vintage Postcard
FREE Taste Republic Refresh TryaBox
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
FREE Practical Magic Digital Movie Code
10 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at CVS
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Glue Dots Adhesives Samples
FREE Centellian24 Trial Kit
FREE Can of Talia Foods Beans
FREE Bring Fido Bumper Sticker & Door Hanger
FREE Beauty Sample Box Giveaway at Target
Get Free Beauty Product Samples With Topbox Circle
FREE Fabric Ghosts Craft Event at Michaels
FREE Custom Illustrated Greeting Card
FREE Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Boxes & Activity Poster
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE 6-Pack of BUBBL’R Antioxidant Water In-Store
FREE Sample of NewTrition Marine Collagen
FREE 2027 Steps to Living Healthy Calendar
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits

Deals: 

4-Pack Outdoor Chair Cushions ONLY $22.99 on Amazon (Reg $60)
Nike Reactx Women’s Slides ONLY $26 (Reg $65) + Free Shipping!
Target Circle Deal Days Are Back Starting October 6th!
Score Walmart+ Membership for ONLY $1.00 for 30 Days!
LOWEST Price Ever: Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Newest Model ONLY $15.99 (Reg $40)
Walmart Deals & More Are Coming October 5
Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is Coming: Get Ready for October 6-7!

2026 San Diego County Fall Fire Station Open Houses!

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As someone who grew up in San Diego County, I know that it’s always fire season.

Teaching our kids fire safety is key. It’s more than stop, drop, and roll. I was so excited when I saw a PeachJar flyer about upcoming local fire station open houses. These are a great way for kids (and families) to learn more about fire safety and check out the local fire station.

Most of these dates coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026. This year, the theme is preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in everyday items like phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

City of Santee Fire Station 4:
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071

City of Carlsbad Public Safety Open House:
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: City of Carlsbad Safety Training Center- 5750 Orion St, Carlsbad, CA 92010
This event will feature live demonstrations and tours with the police, fire, and public works departments.

City of Coronado Fire and Police Departments
When and Where: Sunday, October 6, at their Public Safety Open House. The free event kicks off National Fire Prevention Week and takes place between 11 am and 2 pm around the main Fire Station (6th Street) and the Police Department (7th Street) on D Avenue.

City of Chula Vista Fire Station 5:
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 AM – 2 PM
Where: 341 Orange Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Deer Springs Fire Protection District (Station 3):
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026

 

Talk Back: If you know of any other Fire Station or public safety open houses in San Diego County, please leave a comment!

Today is National Peanut Day!

Abby H.

September 13th is National Peanut Day!

If you don’t have a peanut allergy, this is a great day to celebrate this tasty legume. The peanut isn’t botanically a nut; it is related to beans and lentils.

We can credit George Washington Carver for bringing the peanut into our everyday lives. To learn more about Carver and his incredible career in botany, check out this article.

Here are a few recipes that my family loves that feature peanut butter:

If you love Peanut butter but need to avoid the natural fat/oil, I use PB2 in my protein shakes. If you also need to avoid added salt, Peanut Flour is a great option in place of PB2.

I love having Peanut butter on hand in my car snack box, so I use these Jif Cups or these By Nutz pouches.

 

 

 

FREE Fall Shredding Events in San Diego County

Abby H.

You know what I have a lot of? Paper documents that need to be shredded. I found tax returns from the early 2000’s the other day while looking for an envelope.

If you’re in the same boat, here are some free local paper shredding events coming up this fall:

Santee Fall 2026 Community Clean Up and Shred Event
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA 92071
More information about the event is available here.

 

City of Coronado Paper Shredding and E-Waste Collection
Date: October 17, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 1825 Strand Way
More information about the event is available here.

 

City of El Cajon Shred Event
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Avenue
City residents may drop off personal documents to be shredded on site by certified shredding trucks. Limit two banker’s boxes per resident.
Be prepared to show proof of residency with a driver’s license or a utility bill.
More information about the event is available here.

 

Residential Clean Up Event (Julian, CA) 
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Location: Julian Library (1850 CA-78, Julian, CA 92036).
All of the event details can be found here.