Tryazon: My Soundtrack Game Night Opportunity!

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I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 9 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 an opportunity to apply for!

Come together to create the soundtrack of your life with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity featuring My Soundtrack Game! My Soundtrack is the party game where your life has a playlist! What was the theme of your awkward middle school years, or what song do you hear when you’re in an interview? Pick the songs you think fit best!  Easy to learn and easy to play party game!

They have 50 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected will receive a free My Soundtrack Game party pack to sample and play with friends and family.

Learn more and apply here.

This Week is National Young Reader Week!

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This Week is National Young Reader Week, a week to celebrate and encourage kids’ and teens’ literacy.

As the granddaughter of a school librarian, I loved going to the library as a kid, and I still love reading and going to the library today. And the local library is more than just books. This post talks all about the fun free stuff at your local library. 

Reading doesn’t have to be expensive either. In addition to Little Free Libraries all over the world, here are a few ways you can get free books sent to your mailbox:

  • If you want your family to experience a multicultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old. My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.
  • Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish. The books were super useful for me in learning to read in Spanish (Beyond what Duolingo teaches).
  • Dolly Parton has established the Imagination Library, which is available in select regions, and those who live in participating areas can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

If you have a Kindle (or a Fire Tablet), there are always tons of free kindle books on Amazon, both for kids and adults.

 

Santee School District Care Closet Donation Drive

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If you live in East County, now through November 20, 2020, the district care closet is hosting a care closet donation drive to help students and their families.

The closets offer clothing, toiletries, and household items to families in need throughout the school district.

Now is the perfect time to go through your kids’ closets and donate any clothes in good or like-new condition (without rips, tears, or stains). Clothing donations for all ages and sizes are accepted; however,  there is an emphasis on clothing donations for students TK-8.

The following types of clothing are always needed:

  • Shirts
  • Long sleeve
  • Short sleeve
  • Tank tops
  • Pants
  • Jeans
  • Leggings
  • Sweatpants
  • Skirts
  • Shorts
  • Athletic
  • Jean
  • Dresses
  • Shoes
  • NEW underwear
  • NEW socks
  • Dress shirts
  • Dress Pants
  • Sweatshirts
  • Coats

They are also collecting New, Unopened Toiletries:

  • Children’s toothbrushes
  • Adult toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste (mint or flavored)
  • Body Wash
  • Bars of Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • New Hair ties/other hair accessories
  • New Hair Brushes
  • New Combs
  • Hand Soap
  • Perfume/Body Mist
  • Deodorant
  • Hair Detangler Spray
  • Facewash
  • Sunscreen (face and body)
  • Lotion
  • Contact Solution/Cases
  • Feminine Products (pads with wings, tampons, liners)

Household Goods

  • Laundry Detergent
  • Dishwasher soap
  • Dish Soap (dawn, palmolive, etc.)
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Cotton Balls
  • Q-tips
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Trashbags

To donate,  visit any of the Donation Drop-off Locations:

  • Front office at Chet F. Harritt and PRIDE Academy
  • Santee School District ERC Building: 9619 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071

I’ve got a bag of toiletries I started to donate next week!

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for November 2026!

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I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) activities for kids. JCPenney has an upcoming event that fits the bill! Check out this fun, free craft from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon and create your own 3D turkey craft.

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!)

2026 Holiday Resources

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As more information about Holiday assistance programs becomes available, I will be updating this post.

Before I get into specifics, here are a few general ways that you can find some holiday help with resources that you may already take part in:

  • If you receive WIC or SNAP benefits, check with your social worker to see if they have information on holiday-help programs.
  • If you attend church/synagogue/mosque, check with your religious leader or the secretary/office staff. They may have referrals to programs offering holiday help.
  • Check with your kids’ school. Talk to the school counselor, resource teacher, or school secretary.
  • If you frequent local food charities or co-ops, they may have some resources on holiday events or toy giveaways.

Resources in San Diego County:

  • The Salvation Army does an Angel Tree program to gather gifts for children in need. For more information about this program, contact your local Salvation Army location.
  • 211 San Diego has a listing of all sorts of holiday assistance, from food to toys, and events- all free. Some programs/events require proof of need, but not all.
  • Hope for San Diego helps with many non-profits throughout the holiday season. For more information on events they sponsor, visit their website.
  • Women’s Resource Center for those residing in Northern San Diego County.
  • Foundation for Developmental Disabilities: Clients of the Regional Center whose families are facing financial difficulties can apply for help.
  • If you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. Applications are done online and are available in multiple languages.
  •  Toys for Joy hosts an event in December with The Rock Church. There are not many details available on their website currently.
  • Toys for Hope is hosting an event on 12/20 at King Chavez School. More info can be found here.
  • Olive Crest: Helps Southern California families in need/crisis. They have a holiday program. More information can be found here.

Toy swaps are a great way to share old toys and get new ones.

Talk Back: If you know of any additional resources for holiday help in San Diego County, please leave a comment!

Attention Inland Empire area Residents! $200 Shopping Study

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Focus Group Connections is a research company located in Southern California. They conduct studies and surveys all over the US.

Focus Group Connections is looking for participants in their upcoming IN-PERSON research study focused on shopping, where you can earn a fantastic $200 for just 90 minutes of your time! This is for those in the Inland Empire (Southern CA).

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with fellow participants, share your thoughts, and contribute to valuable insights in a collaborative environment, local to you.

Incentive: $200 for your valuable contributions.

If interested, please fill in the pre-screen survey here.

Please note that not everyone will qualify to participate, and not everyone will receive a callback.

11/6/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

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It’s November, and I’m looking forward to some fun and shenanigans this month! We’ve got the week of Thanksgiving off, and I’m hoping to visit the zoo with my big kid.

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 Photo with Santa, Giveaways & More at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
FREE Butterball Buddy Giveaway on November 2nd, 9th & 16th
FREE Dunkin’ Refreshers Drink Mix Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Movie Ticket to Ramayana: Rise of a Legend
FREE Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food Chatterbox Kit
FREE Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
FREE $25 to Spend at Nike
FREE 2027 The Gospel Changes Everything Calendar
The Best Free Sample Boxes to Request
FREE LEGO Holiday Build Event at Barnes & Noble
FREE My Soundtrack Game Night Party Pack
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE Hogwarts Express Snow Globe at JCPenney on Black Friday
FREE Holiday Bear Keychain & Hogwarts Button at Target
These Are the Best Stores Who Give Out Free Samples in Mail: Sephora, Ulta, Kohl’s and More
FREE Cookie Butter Cloud Latte at Dunkin’ on November 10th
FREE Hoskel Wellness Products
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE $30 to Spend at Ulta
FREE Holiday Seasonal Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Thanksgiving Dinner from Ibotta
FREE Sample of TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats
FREE Rare Beauty Rare Beginnings Eau de Parfum Sample
FREE Pet Rescue Window Decal
FREE Wildflower Seed Packet
Free Chick-fil-A: The Chick-fil-A Hacks You Need to Know – Yes, It Includes FREE Chicken!
FREE 20 oz. Mtn Dew Baja Blast
14,000 FREE Holiday Gifts from Chewy Claus + FREE Pet Adoptions
FREE Seni Products Sample Pack
FREE 2026 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament
FREE or Low-Cost Thanksgiving Turkeys Near You
FREE Movie Ticket to Everest: The Other Side

 

Deals:

Target Deal of the Day Highlights & Upcoming Previews!
Kohl’s Luggage Sales & Deals: Save on Suitcases from Samsonite, American Tourist, and More
Kohl’s Black Friday – Large Yankee Candle Jars ONLY $17.49 (Reg $35)
Craftsman Shop Vacuum 16-Gallon w/ Accessories ONLY $59.98 (Reg $119)
Mainstays Propane Outdoor Patio Heater ONLY $98.50 Shipped at Walmart (Reg $197)
Kohl’s Black Friday – Women’s Boots From $7.99 w/ 20% Off Coupon
Target Early Black Friday – 40% Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (Lowest Prices of the Season!)
Target Early Black Friday Sale – Toys 50% Off + Extra 25% Coupon Stacks!
The Best Target Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2026 + Today’s Daily Deal
Babylist Universal Baby Registry: The Only Baby Registry You Need
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas Each Friday
40% Off Matching Pajamas For The Family at Target
Kohl’s Black Friday – Up to 50% Off on Nike, Adidas, Under Armour & More
CUTE Toddler Clearance Starting at $4.49 at Walmart
The Best Stroller Deals Under $108 at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Others
Best Kohl’s Black Friday 2026 is LIVE – See the Best Deals & $15 Kohl’s Cash TODAY ONLY
Disney Princess Dolls as Low as $6.59 on Amazon (Reg $12)
Best Buy Black Friday Sale is LIVE – Huge Discounts on Electronics and 3 Days of Doorbusters
Pre-Lit 7.5ft Flocked Acacia Christmas Tree ONLY $69.99 (Reg $200) + Free Shipping!

Save on Side Dishes This Thanksgiving at Dollar Tree!

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Y’all know I love Dollar Tree. If you are looking for a store to pick up inexpensive ingredients for your holiday meals, head over to Dollar Tree.

Not all of us live near an Aldi (click here to learn more about their Thanksgiving dinner deal), but there is at least one Dollar Tree in almost every town in the US.

And if you’ve never shopped for food at Dollar Tree, here is my Top Ten List.

Q-insights Automotive Research Studies Pays $150-$400

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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.

They are currently seeking owners of 2021 and newer vehicles listed below to participate in some upcoming webcam and/or online research studies that are running during the month of November.
Compensation varies from $150-$400 depending on the survey length/commitment and your qualifying vehicle.
There are absolutely no sales involved, and this is strictly for market research purposes to help develop future vehicles.

are looking for US-Residents that are current owners of the following vehicle brands 2021 or newer that were purchased or leased New:
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Cadillac
GMC
Jaguar
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mercedes-Benz
Polestar
Porsche
Range Rover
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Tesla
Volvo

If you are interested in learning more about the study and determining whether you may be eligible, please complete the screening questionnaire.

How to Host a Clothing Swap

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Y’all know I love a good clothing swap. I post as many as I can find and vet each month (I make sure they aren’t scammy, are actually free, etc.), but sometimes you want to do your own. Maybe you are in a fashion niche, a specialty size, or you want to have a specific type of swap.

Here are a few tips that made my clothing swaps a hit:

  • Pick a date.
  • Pick a location.
  • Pick a theme (ladies’ clothes, kids clothes, accessories only).
  • Pick a location.
  • Secure tables, clothing racks, and hangers to display clothes.
  • Arrange a donation partner for leftover items.

When you advertise your swap (either in a Facebook group, on Meetup, via email, however you decide), include any item limitations, such as the number of items. For a smaller swap, a sensible item limit is 5-10 items.

To cultivate the best swap possible, ask attendees to leave the stained or ripped items at home. Clothing should be ready to wear. That means no clothing that is pilled, has broken zippers, or missing buttons.

No used undergarments- for hygiene reasons. You may want to ok new undergarments or socks; that’s up to you.

On the day of, arrive early to set up tables and any clothing racks. Extra hangers may be helpful; some people may not bring clothes on hangers.

Sort clothes as they arrive, by size and category, depending on how organized your swap is. This also gives you the chance to weed out anything that is not in good shape.  These items can be donated or returned to the person who brought it.