Updated 4/5/2026
Howdy friends! I’m Abby Keen Hewes, and I’ve been blogging, teaching, sharing deals, tips, and tricks about living on a budget in Southern California for over 20 years.
My goal has always been to help you. Well, not specifically you, because I may not know you, but people like you. My friends and family were bombarded with the frugal lifestyle as it was portrayed in the media in the early 2000’s. Then they saw my family. Clipping coupons, meal planning, using shopping and rebate apps, requesting free samples, and bringing our lunches to work. We looked nothing like those crazy people on TV, but there was interest in how we did it. How to live well within our means.
For the most part, I try to keep this blog non-monetized. What’s that mean? Well, that means that I don’t bombard you with OMG Buy this!! posts. I share resources, both local and nationwide. I post about food resources, free events, and ways for you to stretch your budget.
I will, however, utilize affiliate links when it’s appropriate (like when I link to Amazon products). What does that mean for you? If you interact with the link, think of it as helping fund the kids’ college tuition or buying me a cup of coffee at 7-11.
I’ll still share products and services that I like- so the reviews aren’t going anywhere!
Me in the Media!
- I have been a Legoland Blogger since 2016!
- I was named one of the Five Best Mom Blogs in San Diego by Care.com!
- I was named one of the Twelve San Diego Mom Blogs You Should Be Reading by Red Tricycle!
- Part of my interview with San Diego Union-Tribune (links to my old website)
- My tips on what to do with old junk mail (interview with Penny Hoarder)
- I was named #11 in the 70 Best California Mom Blogs and Websites in 2025
- I was named #79 in the Top 90 California Mom Influencers in 2026
Hewes Family Fun 
Dear Abby:
How are you doing! I read your work for a while now, and I am very inspired by your blogs!
I am excited to introduce you to Branch Out Market! We are a new start-up e-commerce platform partnering with great causes producing beautiful products.
Today’s conscious consumer is looking not only for a great product, but a story and impact attached. At Branch Out Market, every product has a story, every purchase makes an impact.
We are looking for partners to help promote both our products as well as their impact. Please see this list of blogs you can re-share, or use for inspiration on your own website. If you would like to do a special feature on Branch Out Market we can help dig deeper into one of our partners, their mission, and their incredible product tying it all together.
Stories on product:
10 Bags for Fall
Wedding Picks by Branch Out Market
Stories on Impact:
Nothing Can Change Your Value, JustOne
What is a Social Enterprise?
Roadside Baby, Living Soul Foundation
They are all on our website!
We would be open to do cross promotion on all social channels, competitions, and help in promoting each other as much as possible. Please take a look at our site, these blogs, and more to see how we can help each other make a bigger impact!
#branchoutmarket #shopresponsibly #love #madewithlove #giftsthatgiveback
Sincerely,
Ariel
Social Media Coordinator
Branch Out Market
A Global Marketplace that Gives Back
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Please email me at hewesfamilyfun@gmail.com
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