family

8/28/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

It was our first full week of back to school/work, and it was a hot one. So hot that many local schools called off PE and had lunch inside.

I’m looking forward to a weekend cool down- If it’s not over 100, I’ll be hopping into the pool.

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 1-Hour of Topgolf for Verizon Customers
Claim Cash in the $18.8 Million O’Reilly Auto Parts Class Action Settlement
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Get a Free Birthday Dessert at Olive Garden
FREE Pokemon Trading Kit at Best Buy on August 29th
FREE 2027 EWTN Family Calendar
FREE Saffron Road Meal with Survey
Get Free Beauty Samples in the Mail From La Roche-Posay, Dove, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Others
FREE $25 to Spend at Staples
FREE Confetti Bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
FREE Sample of Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks
FREE Full-Size PanOxyl Acne Mask or Spot Treatment
FREE 12 Count of Ball Mason Jars at Walmart
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
FREE Wendy’s 10-Piece Chicken Nuggets
FREE Marinela Hershey’s Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Fraga Farm Skincare Sample Bundle
FREE Maison Perrier French Kiss Sparkling Water
FREE 20 oz. Coca-Cola + Sweepstakes
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – FREE Kids Book Every Month
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026

Deals:

JCPenney Labor Day Sale: Up to 50% Off + Up to 30% Off Select Bedding, Bath, Rugs, Curtains
Hoover Dual Spin Pet Plus Carpet Cleaner Machine ONLY $90.88 (Reg $142)
Dollar General Clearance Event – Starts Tomorrow August 28th
Acrylic Photo Blocks ONLY $1.99 at Walgreens (Reg $10)
Nike Reactx Women’s Slides ONLY $26 (Reg $65) + Free Shipping!
Toshiba 75-Inch 4K Smart Fire TV ONLY $369 at Best Buy (Reg $730)
Beakey Makeup Sponge Set 5-Pack ONLY $3.84 (Reg $13)
Petco Sale – 50% Off Fish Tanks, $10 Petco Cash on Blue Buffalo & Free Tasting Event
Hot Deals at Amazon Haul Starting as Low as $1.00
Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $5.99 (Reg $13)
Vaseline Lip Therapy Jelly 2-Pack ONLY $2.98 on Amazon + Free Shipping
Fashion Nova Discount Code and Coupons: Save up to 80% Off on Dresses, Jeans, Tops, and Accessories
Best Cheap Sewing Machines for Advanced and Basic Sewing Projects in 2026
Sculpd Discount Codes – 10% Off Your First Order, 15% Off for You & a Friend, & More
Up to 65% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $4.67
Cute Heart Ghosts Friendship Duos ONLY $5 at Target
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change

August is National Eye Exam Month: Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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?

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

 

8/23/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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)

8/14/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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)

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.

Tryazon Review: Kevin’s Natural Meals!

Abby H.

Recently, I was selected to try two of Kevin’s Natural Foods family-size meals.

I love Butter chicken, and I was stoked that it is one of the four varieties.

The Four Varieties include:

  • Butter Chicken
  • Lemongrass Chicken
  • Pesto Chicken Pasta
  • Teriyaki-Style Chicken

I found the entrees at Sprouts, but I know Target also sells them.

This meal was so easy to put together. One skillet, 10 minutes, and lunch was served. I added naan and a fruit salad as sides to round the meal out. It made four pretty substantial-sized lunches.

The frozen kit contains: tender chicken breast strips in a creamy tomato curry paired with green peas and brown rice.

What I love is that it’s made with chicken raised without antibiotics, it’s  Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, contains 18g of protein per serving, and has 0g of added sugars. And my kids liked it.

To find the store carrying Kevin’s Natural Foods near you, visit their website. And if you are a frugal friend and want to try Kevin’s Natural Foods frozen meals and save money, check out this 50% off rebate via Aisle. This is a limited-time rebate.

Walmart: School Supplies starting at .25!

Abby H.

I know we just finished school and there is a vast ocean of time before we need to buy supplies; however, Walmart has already dropped the prices on classroom supplies.

Seriously, from Crayola markers, to pencils, Filler paper, spiral-bound notebooks, highlighters, and crayons. I’ve already placed my order!

And if you aren’t sure what is going to be on your kids’ back-to-school list, here are a few things that classrooms always need:

  • Glue sticks
  • Erasers– the ones that go on the end of pencils are always a hit with my kids. The large pink ones usually end up getting stabbed with pencils and not used as erasers. I have no idea why.
  • Pencils- Ticonderoga are the best pencils. They cost a little more, but they last longer and don’t break as easily (in my experience).
  • Tissues
  • Disinfecting wipes- The first month back at school is peak illness time. We are all getting to know each other and new germs are popping up left and right.
  • Whiteboard markers – In most classrooms these days, kids have their own whiteboards (in place of scratch paper), so whiteboard markers are a must.

This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.

August 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, PayPal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

This month, there aren’t a ton of free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.

  •  Seasonal Valencia Oranges by Sunkist
  • Zero Sugar Collagen Tea by Pretty Tasty
  • Non-GMO Macadamia Nuts by Mauna Loa
  • Avo Oil Tortilla Chips by Xochitl
  • Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
  • Solely Organic Fruit Jerky by Solely

There are a lot more offers for BOGO or a percentage off, including brands like Daiyo, Ripple, Calafia Farms, SunButter, Back to Nature, and Javvy Coffee, to name a few.

If you are looking for other rebate sites, similar to Social Nature, check out Aisle,  WeStock, or Peekage.

2026 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your August Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your August California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $49.36. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit is directly related to the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires polluters to pay for their climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for over seven years, saving thousands of dollars on our power bill and earning thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal.

French Onion Beans- Easy High Fiber Meal!

Abby H.

I’ve seen this recipe all over social media. I watched a few videos and rummaged through my pantry. Here is my version. It’s simple and so tasty!

French onion beans

Ingredients

  • Two onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder or 2 tablespoons garlic from a jar
  • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2  teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 15-ounce cans, cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Italian cheese blend

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, add butter and oil.
  2. Once the butter and oil are melted and combined, add onions and sauté on low for about 10 minutes until onions become translucent.
  3. Add garlic/garlic powder, tomatoes, paprika, thyme, and stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally for 25 to 35 minutes. Onions will become thick and jammy, and will continue to become translucent and lightly brown around the edges.
  5. Over medium heat, add beans, half-and-half, and cheese.
  6. Uncover and allow to cook for 5 to 10 minutes until it is melting and bubbly.
  7. Serve with crusty Italian bread, sourdough, or crackers of your choice.

These beans stay good in the fridge 3-4 days, however, they will not last that long. They are soo rich and smooth. And very filling,

You can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free butter substitute, coconut milk, and dairy-free cheese.