August is National Eye Exam Month: Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

August is National Eye Exam Month. And for some of us, that leads to glasses. If you are of a frugal mind like me, here are a few ways to save some money on eye exams and glasses/contacts.

1- Take advantage of existing vision insurance. If you have kids, look on the back of your kid’s health insurance card to find out which company handles the vision coverage. If nothing is listed specifically, give your child’s health insurance carrier a call. My kids receive one eye exam and 1 free pair of glasses per year. I’m not sure if it’s available in all states.

2-If you need help getting glasses or vision exams for your kids, check out Vision to Learn. They operate in 13 states and partner with the Boys and Girls Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids. If you aren’t in a state where they operate, check out InfantSEE.  They offer Kids 6 months-1 year a free eye exam.

3- If you are in San Diego, the Shiley Eye Clinic (part of UCSD) has the EyeMobile. They have frequent outreach events to help kids obtain needed eye exams and glasses. Check out their Facebook Page to keep up to date on their upcoming events.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America.

4- Onto the deals. Once you have your prescription in hand, check out online stores like Abbe Glasses. They have great deals on frames and lenses. I scored two pairs of glasses for under $50 for the big kid with their BOGO sale. ILoveGlasses also has good deals as well. Both of these companies are great for budget-conscious families.

If you are looking for contacts, here are a few sample/freebie offers:

And if you are wondering what to do with all of the old eyeglasses in your house that are no longer your current prescription…. The Lions Club helps recycle eyeglasses and get them into the hands of the needy. You can find out more about how and where to recycle your unwanted eyeglasses here.  I also recommend checking with your local optometrist’s office. They frequently partner with local Lion’s Clubs to collect old glasses. You could help a person in need get the glasses they can’t afford!

What are your tips for saving on glasses and contacts?

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Advanced Opinions Upcoming Project Online on Sanitizing Products Pays $125

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Opinions is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys. Right now, they are recruiting for a new study about sanitizing products.

To be considered, complete the form here. 

Compensation: $125 (if chosen) for full-participation
All groups are during the working day week of August 31, 2026
Open to ages 25- 54
All 2-hour ONLINE Groups are during the working day
Must log in, if selected, from a computer ONLY with a working webcam and working mic

6/24/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

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Now that school is back in session, I’m going to be posting my weekly meal plans again. Breakfast and lunch at our house are usually the same each day- that’s how the kids tend to like it.

I do my grocery shopping usually early on Saturday morning, after I inventory the fridge, freezer, and pantry (the forms I used are in this post- they are FREE). This week I didn’t buy a lot. I want to work through what’s in the freezer. I did, however, visit Trader Joe’s and buy 10 bags of their frozen pizza dough- it’s always a good idea to have safe foods on hand, and pizza is one here.

Breakfast: The Big Kid has joined the Protein Coffee train with me. He has his with the equivalent of 2-3 shots of espresso in it, served hot. I take my Protein Coffee iced. 1 protein shake and 20 ounces of cold brew. The littler dude is on an Einstein Bros. Bagel kick. I buy them once every few weeks, pre-sliced, then I stash them in the freezer and pull them out and toast them as needed.

Lunch:  Monday through Friday, I pack my own and the kids’ lunches. I bring 5 lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the fridge. I pack the kids’ lunches each night before bed, except for the cold stuff and ice pack- those I put in when I get up in the morning. This week I have frozen entrees- there was a sale a few weeks ago, and I bought enough for the first 2 weeks of school. The big kid has basically the same lunch every day: Sandwich, drink, Quest Protein Chips, and a couple cookies or whatever I made this week. The little dude has cheesy popcorn, mandarin oranges (2), a cheese stick, a yogurt drink, a cookie, and a fruit snack. Whatever keeps them fed!

Dinner: The heat is so bad this week, so I’m trying to make as many cool choices or stuff that doesn’t require a lot of heat or stovetop time (and nothing in the oven!!).

  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Gyro, Rice, Balela Salad, Naan

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates (this has become a Wednesday special)

  • Thursday: Quesadillas, beans and rice

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza
  • Sunday:  French Onion Beans with sourdough toast and fruit

8/23/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

Sorry for the delay in publishing this post- this weekend was a lot of catching up and grocery shopping!

My Birthday Freebie list can be found 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!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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 Sample of Xtreme Rapid Relief Balm
FREE Kohl’s Cash (Up to $100) – No Purchase Necessary
FREE Beauty Products, PR Boxes, Swag & More with Lorealistar
FREE Chocolate Dipped Fruit Cone at Edible
1 Million FREE Dunkin’ Specialty Coffee & Frozen Drinks on August 25th
7 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples – FREE NeeDoh Groovy Glob
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now

Deals:

School Supplies Up to 60% Off at Target
Bath & Body Works 50% Off Select Halloween Items
The Kohl’s Credit Card: Benefits, Rewards, and How to Apply
Fall Decor From $10 at Target
Hot NEW Walmart Grocery Coupons – Save $10 off your order
PowerXL 8qt Air Max Air Fryer ONLY $39.99 (Reg $95)
Score Big Savings with the Latest Dunham’s Coupons & Deals!
Up to 60% Off Women’s Sandals, Flats & More at Macy’s
Sun Squad 10-Quart Hard Sided Cooler ONLY $5 at Target (Reg $10)

PRC Research Study DIY Tools- Pays $125

Abby H.Leave a comment

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 of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

Topic: DIY Tools-August 2026
Who: Adults, 18-34 yrs old
When: August 28, 2026
Where: Virtual mini-focus group from the comfort of your home
Length: 75-mins
Incentive: $125

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.

8/29/26 Free Teacher Supply Event (San Diego, CA)!

Abby H.Leave a comment

If you are a San Diego, CA area teacher, check out this awesome free event!

Date: August 29, 2026

Time: TBD

Address: 1069 Graves Ave. Suite 100, El Cajon, CA 92021
Stock up for the new school year — for free! ECS Federal Credit Union is hosting a Teacher Supply Drive exclusively for ECS member educators. Gather supplies for your classroom, enjoy some bites, WIN AMAZING RAFFLE PRIZES, and explore resources from vendors and partners!
All supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Selection may vary.

Q-insights: Electronics Blogging Study Pays $200

Abby H.Leave a comment

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 on various electronics, including smart TVs, voice assistants, and more.

The study will be 2 weeks long, and you will receive $200 as a thank you for your time and opinions.

The study will begin Monday, August 24th.

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.

 

8/14/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

Across the county, kids have started returning to school!

My big guy started back Wednesday, and he’s loving it so far.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found 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!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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 Pork Big Deal for Teachers at Sonny’s BBQ on August 20th For my southern friends. 
2 FREE Bath & Body Works Hand Soaps at Ulta
2 FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Capsule Toner
FREE Technaflora Plant Propagation Starter Pack
FREE Solar Light + FREE Shipping
FREE Full-Size Vetality Brush-Free Daily Dental Chews for Dogs
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
FREE Freshmen 6-Pack of Cookies at Insomnia Cookies – 1st 30,000
FREE BIC Soleil 5 Glide Razor 2-Pack from Target
FREE Skilled Trades Training with Home Depot Path to Pro
FREE Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Workshop Event for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Spa Weekend
Calm and Cozy: Free Baby Sleep Music for Restful Nights
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Targeted Wrinkle Care
FREE Sample of Prowess All-In-One Cat Food
FREE Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oil Warmer Device After Walmart Cash
FREE Autumn Seasonal Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Subscription to LEGO Magazine
FREE Movie Ticket to The Magic Faraway Tree
FREE Welcome Kit with a Target Baby Registry
FREE School Bus Organizer Workshop at Home Depot
Get Started on Your Wellness Goals with Free Supplement Samples
FREE Rare Breed Dog Treats Sample Pack
FREE $25 to Spend on Adidas
Free Zaxby’s Big Zax Snak Meal for New & Existing Rewards Members
FREE History Card Game for Teachers
We Found The Best Birthday Freebies For Kids
FREE Garnier Makeup Bag at Target
FREE Sample of Vagisil White Jasmine Feminine Wash
FREE Car Wash for First Responders at GO Car Wash
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE Sea Rim Activity Book for Kids
FREE Full-Size Nature’s Meal Natural Kids’ Supplements
Chipotle Summer of Extras – FREE Chipotle, Points & More

DealsMacy’s 10 Days of Glam: 50% Off Beauty Deals | Mario Badescu, Make Up For Ever & More
Michaels Coupons: Our Favorite Coupons for 40% Off & More Deals
Tree Hut Watermelon Overnight Lip Mask ONLY $3.80 (Reg $8)
Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper ONLY $5 on Amazon
Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge 4-Pack ONLY $3.42 (Reg $9)
PetSmart Promo Codes & Coupons: 20% Off Your Order, 35% Off Your First Order with Autoship & More
Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for August & September
Paris Hilton Epic Nonstick Pots & Pans 12-Piece Set ONLY $59.99 (Reg $100)
Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set ONLY $22.47 (Reg $96)
Save Big on Skechers Shoes with Back-to-School Sale! 25% Off Kids Styles
7-in-1 Inflatable Water Slide Bounce House w/ Blower ONLY $199.99 (Reg $380)
Walmart Released New Flash Deals – Up to 65% Off All Departments
Renpho Eye Massager ONLY $39.99 Shipped (Reg $66)
Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones ONLY $99.95 (Reg $200)

AO Opinions: Online Project for Parents with Kids 8-12 Earn Up To $500!

Abby H.Leave a comment

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys. Right now, they are recruiting for a new study for Parents & Children regarding Eye care. Earn up to $500 if selected and fully participate.

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

This project will take place August 24 – Sept 4, 2026

  • Must be the parent/guardian of a child age 8–12 who currently wears prescription glasses for distance vision — for example, needs glasses to clearly see the board at school, TV, movies, or other things at a distance.
  • If selected, you will first be required to submit a photo of your child wearing their current prescription glasses.

Here are more details about the project:

Task 1 – 30-Minute Online Webcam Interview – $50

  • Parent and child 8-12 who currently wears prescription glasses for distance – for example, needs glasses to clearly see the board at school, TV, movies, or other things at a distance.
  • You will receive $50 if selected and you fully complete Task 1.
  • After Task 1, you may or may not be selected to continue with the remaining tasks.
  • If you are not selected to continue, you will still receive the $50 for completing Task 1.
  • IMPORTANT: If you are selected to continue with Tasks 2–5, you must fully complete ALL remaining required tasks to receive the additional compensation. If you agree to continue but do not complete all required tasks, you will forfeit the compensation, including the $50 for Task 1.

Tasks 2–5 – Additional $450 if selected and ALL tasks are fully completed

  • Task 2: Schedule an appointment with an assigned eye doctor for your child to have a routine vision eye exam.
  • Task 3: Take your child to and attend the eye exam. Please allow approximately 2–3 hours total for travel, wait time, the vision exam, and the required research activity.
  • Task 4: Submit a clear photo/screenshot of the detailed paid receipt/invoice showing the eye doctor/practice and the charges for your child’s routine vision exam. You will also need to submit a copy/photo of the prescription received from the eye exam.
  • The cost of the standard/routine eye exam will be reimbursed separately after the required receipt/invoice is submitted and verified. Additional or optional services, testing, products, glasses, or other charges are not covered.
  • Task 5: Complete a 60-minute online webcam follow-up interview with the parent approximately one week after the eye exam.

Total Research Compensation: Up to $500
$50 for Task 1 + an additional $450 if selected to continue and all remaining required tasks are fully completed.

Recipe: Country Pork Sausage Gravy

Abby H.

This is a very easy breakfast to make. It goes great on toast, biscuits, and crescent rolls.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Bulk breakfast sausage (I like Jimmy Dean)
  • 1.5 cups milk (I used whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose flour
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, brown and crumble sausage over medium heat.
  2. Once the meat has cooked through, sprinkle flour in the skillet. Stir the flour, coating the meat and absorbing the fat in the pan.
  3. Allow flour to cook and brown slightly, stirring frequently.
  4. Turn down the stove to low, and slowly pour milk over the mixture, while whisking. Stir constantly as the mixture cooks and the flour thickens.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a little milk (about 1/4 cup), and continue to cook until thick.

Subtitutions:

  • If you are dairy-free, use your favorite milk.
  • If you are gluten-free, use a 1:1 Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
  • If you do not eat pork, turkey breakfast bulk sausage is a great replacement.