San Diego, CA Area- JFS Food Distributions!

Jewish Family Services is here to help those who have lost their benefits because of the government shutdown.

Emergency Nutrition Assistance

If you or someone you care about has been impacted by the government shutdown or the halting of SNAP benefits, please know that you’re not alone. Every Wednesday, JFS will provide supplemental groceries—including non-perishables, pantry staples, and fresh produce—until the shutdown ends.

 Pre-registration is not required.

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.

Jewish Family Service
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS CAMPUS
Turk Family Center
8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

 

If you are looking for other times and locations for free food distributions in San Diego County, check my page here. 

Nothing Bundt Cake BOGO Free Bundlet Offer!

One of my kids’ favorite treats is a Nothing Bundt Cake Bundlet.

If you are a member of the Nothing Bundt Cake E-Club, check your email for a Buy one, get one free offer!

Now through 11/16, you can score a free bundlet when you buy one at regular price in-store or via their app for in-store pick-up. Make sure to check your email for the coupon code/barcode to use in-store!

And if you haven’t signed up for their e-club yet, now is a great time. In addition to BOGO deals, you also score a bundlet of your choice for your birthday!

11/8/25 Weekly Freebies and Deals

I’ve got freebies and deals this week! There is a pretty good selection to choose from.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

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

 

Freebies:

Deals:

The Children’s Place: Up to 70% Off Entire Site + 20% Off Coupon
Ultimate List for Where to Get Grocery Coupons
3-Piece Comforter Sets as Low as $23.93 (Reg $80)
Matching Family Pajamas From $10 at Target
Grab These Best Shoe Deals on Sale For Women, Men & Kids, Up to 60% Off
Kohl’s Clearance Sale is at 70% Off – Deals as low as Only $1.00
Christmas Inflatables as low as $9.86 Shipped at Walmart

Veteran’s Day 2025 Freebies

Veteran’s Day is next week, and this year there are some pretty cool.

Some of these offers require proof of service either via a Military ID Card (active duty or retired) or a DD214.

Since I’m in So Cal, I choose to post offers that are available in my area, however, there are tons more offers available if you live elsewhere in the US. I suggest googling, “Veteran’s Day 2025 and your location”.

As always, contact the local restaurant/store before heading out to confirm that your local locations are participating.

IHOP: This November 11th, from 7am‑7pm veterans and active‑duty military get a FREE Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo! Dine‑in only. (*Dine-in only. 1 per guest. Restrictions apply. Military ID or proof of service required. See restaurant for details. For a limited time at participating restaurants.)

Applebee’s: This Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Applebee’s is proud to honor those who serve and have served our country. All active-duty military, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members who dine in the restaurant will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu as a heartfelt thank-you for their service. More information can be found here.

Buca di Beppo: Buca di Beppo is offering a free lunch entrée to all veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID. The offer will be available on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, and guests can select any pasta from the lunch specials menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings: This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present armed service members by offering 10 FREE Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID. Available dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.

Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov.11 at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion. How It Works: On Tuesday, November 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who present their valid military ID at any U.S. Chipotle restaurant and enjoy an entrée in-restaurant will receive a second entrée for free.* The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.

IN-N-OUT Burger: This Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, In-N-Out Burger will show its appreciation for all veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard by offering a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. All current and former members of the U.S. military will also receive a special-edition Veterans Day decal. U.S. veterans and active duty military are respectfully asked to present proof of military service to receive the complimentary made-to-order meal of choice offered at all In-N-Out Burger locations open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Little Caesars: In keeping with its longstanding tradition of giving back to those who serve, Little Caesars® is once again offering a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members this Veterans Day.  On Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.

Olive Garden: On Nov. 11, we will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines with us a free entrée from our special menu. We ask that veterans and active military simply show proof of military service. All entrées include freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup or our famous house salad. You may choose one of the following: Never Ending Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, or chicken parmigiana.

Outback Steakhouse: We’re honoring military mates with a free Aussie 3-course meal. Enjoy a starter, a choice of select entrée, and dessert when you dine in the restaurant on Nov. 10 and 11 to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day. Show your military ID to your server to redeem.

Great Clips: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active service members can visit any Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Non-military customers who get a haircut at Great Clips on Veterans Day will also receive a free haircut card that they can use to pay-it-forward to an active servicemember or veteran in their life as a token of thanks and appreciation. The cards can be redeemed through December 5, 2025.

Sports Clips: Sport Clips’ Help A Hero fundraiser runs until November 15. Participating stores will offer free haircuts for veterans and active duty servicemembers on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif.: Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel may receive discounted admission to Knott’s Berry Farm for themselves and up to five guests during Military Tribute Days, Nov. 3-20, 2025, and Dec. 1-18, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 at Knotts.com or at the Knott’s Berry Farm ticket booths.

Discounted admission is also available at a participating Military Ticket Office. Spouses and children are not eligible to purchase these tickets without the military member present.

Holiday Feast for 10 from Aldi for $40 (Plus $10 off)

Thanksgiving is coming up, and even if you don’t celebrate it,  this is a pretty good deal to fill your pantry or the pantry of someone you know.

Aldi, my favorite grocery store as of late, has a pretty amazing deal, and with Instacart store pickup, it’s even sweeter.

For $40, you can buy the following to create a tasty feast, or honestly, several great meals. I see ingredients that would make a few meals and hearty dishes, besides the usual holiday feast.

  • Whole Turkey
  • Chicken Broth
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Evaporated Milk
  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • Miniature Marshmallows
  • Cut Green Beans (x2)
  • 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin
  • Shells & Cheese (x2)
  • Brown Gravy Mix (x3)
  • Poultry Spices & Herbs
  • French Fried Onions
  • Pie Crust
  • Chicken or Cornbread Stuffing (x2)
  • Whipped Dairy Topping
  • Yellow Onions (3 lbs.)
  • Baby Peeled Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cranberries
  • Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs.)
  • Russet Potatoes (10 lbs.)

All of this is about $40 at your local Aldi. If you use Instacart store pickup through the Instacart app, you’ll save yourself about an hour of shopping (maybe a little more), and the groceries will be packed and loaded into your car for only $3.99

If you are new to Instacart, I’ve got a deal for you! Get $10 off your first Instacart order! Use my code AHEWES1A5 at checkout!  Terms apply.

And yes, if you have any remaining SNAP/EBT benefits available to you, there is no pickup fee.

Weekend Freebie/Deal Round up!

We had a power outage that lasted most of the day, so while this was written at the wee hours of the morning, I wasn’t able to post it until now.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

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

Freebies:

FREE Clean Skin Club Face Towels, FREE Wondershop Ornament, FREE Dealworthy Cable Clips & More for Target Circle 360 Members

FREE Excavator Workshop at Home Depot

FREE Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch Sample

FREE Meals at Taco John’s to Those Impacted by the Government Shutdown

FREE $35 Purchase at Target After Cash Back

FREE 30-Day Supply of MIRANEST Jelly Sticks for Dogs – a $120 Value

We Rounded Up Our Favorite Free Samples for Women

FREE Sample of 5-in-1 Kid’s Immune Support Gummies

FREE Full-Size BONKERS Surprise Dog Treats and Dog Toy

FREE $30 Purchase at Sephora After Cash Back

FREE With You in Every Season: 2026 Unity Calendar

1 of 4 FREE CeraVe Samples

FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday

FREE Holiday Magic Events at Target

FREE Tru Earth Fresh Clean Starter Pack

Free Full-Size Products from Home Tester Club

Claim Cash in the $4 Million TreeHouse Foods Frozen Waffles Class Action Settlement\

Deals:

Subway BOGO Deal: Buy 1, Get 1 Footlong Sub – New Subway Coupons, Footlong Desserts & Free Sandwich

Select Sephora Collection Makeup 80% Off at Kohl’s | Prices as Low as $2.80

 

2025 Holiday Resources

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 in with your social worker to see if they have any information on holiday help programs. Events like Toys for Joy are being held on a referral basis only. You have to receive an invitation from the event to attend. These are being given out by social workers and those with connections to the group.
  • 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.

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

Groupon: Costco Membership Deal!

Costco is one of my favorite places to stock up on essentials. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to mask up and head over!

Groupon has a great deal on Costco Memberships. There are two options, both are pretty solid deals.

Costco Gold Star Membership + $100 off $200 on Costco.com from $65
or
Costco Executive Membership + $100 off $200 on Costco.com from $130

Costco.com has a lot of great deals and offers that aren’t available in the local warehouses. And don’t forget to check the banner at the top of the page once you get to the Groupon site for any extra coupon codes to save money!

Here are my top five Costco Bargains:

  1. Rotisserie Chicken
  2. Butter
  3. Premier Protein Shakes
  4. Kodiak Cake Flapjack Mix
  5. Krusteaz Pancake Mix
  6. Bananas
  7. (Bonus) Their Gas Stations frequently are .20-.30/gallon cheaper than the “discount” stations.

10/11/25 Weekend Freebie and Deal Round-up!

The big kid and I went to an SCA event this morning, and we’re back home. I’m settling into doing some writing and getting some blog posts scheduled.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

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

Freebies:

FREE Sample of EltaMD UV Clear and UV Daily Deep Tinted SPF
FREE Sample of Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Curl Restoration Concentrate
FREE Sample of Somni Sleep Aid Supplements
FREE Trick or Treat! Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Fire Safety Scene Craft Kit at JCPenney
FREE $25 Purchase at Vera Bradley After Cash Back
FREE Fandango at Home Movie Rental for Xfinity Rewards Members
FREE Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
FREE Lowe’s x First Alert Fire Dalmatian Plush at Lowe’s on October 11th & 12th
FREE 16 oz. Can of PRIME Energy
FREE Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Set at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Spray Tan at Sun Tan City
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Educational Comic Books, Activity Books, Posters & More
FREE Hill’s Pet Nutrition Dry & Wet Dog Food
FREE 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
FREE HalloweeN Returns MP3 Album Download
FREE Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Healing Lip Balm After Walmart Cash – Up to 3
FREE Kilian Angels’ Share Fragrance Sample
FREE Drive Time 12V POWER FRESH Scent Diffuser
FREE 12-Pack of Paulaner Sunset Orange Cola
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Autobrush Toothbrush & Toothpaste Set for Kids
FREE Bookmark & Pretzel at Auntie Anne’s
FREE Sample of L’Oreal Absolut Repair Molecular Mask
FREE Chip-or-Treat Reward at Chipotle Every Week Through Oct. 30th
FREE Sample of HIGHNMIGHTY Honeysuckle Face Tallow

 

Deals:

Bissell Lightweight Stick Vacuum ONLY $19.99 (Reg $35)
Up to 70% Off Kids, Baby Toys Sale at Macy’s
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Angel Soft, Downy Light and Tide Simply Detergent
Spooky Good Halloween Costumes On Sale For Kids and Adults: 2025
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Maker ONLY $98 at Walmart (Reg $179)
Swiffer Sweep & Mop Deluxe ONLY $14 on Amazon (Reg $23)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Up to 50% Off Bras, Underwear, Pajamas & More
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ONLY $38.22 (Reg $100)
Rugs USA has up to 87% Off Clearance – Get $70 Rugs for ONLY $9 + Free Shipping
Skullcandy Wireless Bluetooth Headphones ONLY $5.88 (Reg $35)
Target Circle Week – 50% Off Halloween Decor, 40% Off Hot Wheels & More Today Only Deals
Armor All Car Cleaning Kit for Car Detailing 8-Piece Set? ONLY $17.97 (Reg $31)
Latest Panda Express Coupon Code: Get Two Large Sides & Three Large Entrees for $30
Michael Kors Card Cases as low as $23 Shipped (Reg $78) – HOT Deal!

10/06/25 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis weekend was a lot. I helped a couple friends with household stuff, sewed up a couple projects, cleaned my house and tackled the mountain of laundry, and did a little meal prep for lunches.

I’m trying to get back down to my pre-covid weight- I know it’s been 5 years, but I’ve had some health and family stuff come up since then, and I had major surgery last year. Now it’s time to do it.  I’m doing a lot of meal prep for lunches and snacks, and trying to keep dinners easy and light since I probably won’t be eating what the kiddos eat.

To keep my grocery budget down, I shop at Aldi (using Instacart, I wrote about how to do it here), our local Grocery Outlet, and use cashback rebates that offer a lot of 100% back (I write a post about some of my favorite apps here).

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee and a slice of toast or a mini Cliff bar.

Lunch: M-F I pack myself 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 my lunch is Chicken Divan casserole with lots of broccoli.

Dinner: This week, dinners are lots of salads, fresh fruits, lean meats, and noodles. Mostly for the kids. They love them some starches.

I love me a good old-fashioned casserole, and so does the little one. The big one not so much, but he’ll drink a smoothie any day of the week, so I’m not terribly concerned about him not getting something nutritious in his belly.

  • Sunday:  Pizza for the kids (home-made of course), and I had fruit salad and a couple of hard-boiled eggs.
  • Monday: Cheddar brat pigs in a blanket, and fruit
  • Tuesday: Soup and Salad (and possibly garlic flatbread too)

  • Wednesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken with broccoli and rice

  • Thursday: Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, and veggies (it was so good last week, and I have another jar of sauce in the cupboard)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and whatever leftover fruit is hanging around.