frugal

Tryazon- New Game Packs with Stitch, Marvel, and Disney!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 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 a tasty sampling opportunity to apply for!

Pick the pack you are into! Introducing games about everything you are into with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Top Trumps! Stitch Goddit is a brand new, high-energy card game. 55 unique puzzle cards and zero time to waste! Top Trumps Match is a crazy cube game challenge trying to line up the characters while pushing out your opponents. Top Trumps Quiz will put your knowledge to the test with 500 questions to challenge every fan! Top Trumps classic is a family favorite across the world. Each card features stories and facts to take fans deeper into their passion! Which pack will you choose?!?

There are 500 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive one of three party packs (your choice!) for free with a variety of games to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here. 

 

Save 18% on your SDG&E Bill with the FERA discount!

Abby H.

This was in my inbox over the weekend, and this information is going to be super helpful for some of you.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program can help you save money on your electric bill every month, about 18%. And with the new income limits, and adding in household sizes of 1-2, more people can qualify.

It’s quick and easy:

  • Check the new income eligibility guidelines below
  • Locate your 12-digit account number (It can be found on your SDG&E bill)
  • No additional documentation is needed
  • Applications are quick and confidential

To get started on the FERA application, all you need is your SDG&E account number (found on your bill), visit the SDG&E site here, and get started.

You may be eligible for additional assistance programs. To learn more, visit sdge.com/assistance.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 6+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

10/06/25 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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.

Affected by the 2025 Government Shut Down?

Abby H.

I know there are so many families in San Diego that are affected by the government shutdown. I wanted to post a small roundup to try and help those who may need help with groceries, clothes, or help with paying bills.

Food:

  •  Here is my page about San Diego, CA area food banks, food pantries, and produce distributions. You can also call 211, or visit the 211 website. They have tons of great resources, including information on housing, utility assistance, and transportation.
  • SNAP will continue through the end of October without interruption (SOURCE).
  • Per Reuters, WIC may run short on funding (SOURCE).
  • For those of us with pets, the San Diego Humane Society has a community pet pantry that runs at several of its locations. More information, including hours, can be found here.

Utilities:

  • Need help paying your power bills? SDG&E has several options, based on your situation. Visit their website here for more information on programs such as a medical baseline or low-income.
  • If you need help accessing the internet, Internet for All has resources to help here.
  • Contact your local water municipality for payment options. There are too many to list in San Diego County.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon from the 12th district of California has a lot of information on her website here. This website is updated frequently as more information becomes available.

Housing:

If you are having financial struggles that affect your ability to pay your rent or mortgage, there are resources available.

  • Homeowners: Contact your mortgage carrier and let them know you are affected by the government shutdown. They may offer forbearances or other programs to help keep you in your home.
  • Renters: CPA Advisor has information and some tips (some of which are interesting) about how to handle the shutdown when rent comes due and you are without a paycheck due to the shutdown.
  • If you are in section 8 housing or receive vouchers for housing, the NAHRO has details and information here.
  • And the National Housing Law Project has information as well.

Insurance: If you are having a hard time paying your insurance (auto, renters, homeowners, etc), check with your insurance carriers.

Vehicle Loans: If you are worried about paying your auto loan during the government shutdown, contact your loan servicer. During previous shutdowns, companies such as Toyota Financial Services offered assistance to those who used their services.

USAA members can learn more about zero-interest loans here.

Clothing, household goods:

  • Closet of 54th helps those in need with clothes. They are open a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.
  • Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.
  • Also not strictly clothing-related, but one of my favorite give-back orgs is the Buy Nothing Project. There are chapters all over the US, and we have a few here in San Diego. You would be surprised at how much your neighbors are willing to share.
  • Don’t forget Freecycle.

October is Kids Go Free Month 2025 Edition!

Abby H.

October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!

This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many arts, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County.

For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area for free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).

Some of the participating organizations include:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Fleet Science Center (Galleries only)
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Japanese Friendship Garden
Living Coast Discovery Center
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art (it’s always free for everyone, FYI)
Women’s Museum of California

A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult!  Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!

*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program. Purchase of a Go San Diego Pass or card does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program at most museums; call museum(s) before visiting to enquire. 

9/29/2025 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgY’all- Getting old is rough. Living through unprecedented times constantly is tiring. This week’s meal plan is another easy one.

Breakfast: We tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee and a bagel.

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.

Dinner: This week, for dinner, I chose meals that require almost no prep, since I didn’t do a long meal prep session over the weekend. I opted for a 3-hour nap on Saturday afternoon.

I may opt for a casserole on Tuesday; we’ll see how I’m feeling and how hot it is that day.

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 and Best Salad Ever
  • Monday: Elote chicken enchiladas and green salad

  • Tuesday: Smoothies or fruit salad and grilled cheese

  • Wednesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken with broccoli and rice

  • Thursday: Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, and veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and fruit salad

2025 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October 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 $81.38. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for 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 6+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

9/28/2025 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

The past two weeks have been busy. Between feeling under the weather and being busy with end-of-the-month activities, I am glad the end of the quarter is upon us.

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.

Don’t forget that tomorrow is National Coffee Day – Freebies and Deals can be found here.

Freebies:

FREE Full-Size Facial Cleanser
FREE Full-Size Intelligent Proactive Volumizing Shampoo or Keratin Fibers.
FREE Svinka Hand-Drawn Art Postcard
FREE $10 Fanatics Gift Card for Xfinity Rewards Members
FREE Desert Drip Hydration Sample
FREE Scholastic Streaming App Launches with Clifford, Goosebumps & More
The Best Free Skincare Samples to Request Right Now
FREE 40 oz. Costa Cold Brew at Select Stores
FREE Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lip Oil
FREE $40 Worth of K-Cups from Staples
FREE hello Kids Oral Care Kit
FREE Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit for Teachers
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
2 FREE Movie Tickets to The Lost Bus
FREE Vita Coco Labubu Mystery Kit on October 1st
FREE $35 Purchase at Walmart After Cash Back

 

Deals:

Scott Toilet Paper 12-Pk ONLY $3.25 (Reg. $5)
Toastmaster Small Appliances ONLY $12.49 at Kohl’s (Reg $25)
Cate & Chloe Bianca 18k White Gold Hoop Earrings ONLY $23.99 (Reg $115)
Halloween Decorations as low as $3.50 at Target
Bath and Body Works Body Care Products ONLY $4.95 (Reg $17)
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively

Sprouts Rewards is coming soon to California- 10/07/2025!

Abby H.

Have you heard??

Sprouts Rewards is coming to California* on October 7th, and you’ll automatically become a member if you have the Sprouts App!

Check out what Sprouts Rewards has to offer:

  • Points: Earn 10 points for every dollar you spend* at Sprouts. (*Purchases at Sprouts in Chula Vista are excluded from Sprouts Rewards.)
  • Access: Be the first to get the scoop on new brands and products​​.
  • Offers: Redeem member-only digital coupons, plus offers made just for you​.
  • Classes: Nourish your mind with expert-led wellness classes​.
  • Recipes: Discover good-for-you, member-only recipes
  • Influence: Weigh in on next-gen products from emerging brands to hit the shelves.

 

 

Freebies and Deals- 9/29/2025 is National Coffee Day!

Abby H.1 Comment

Next Monday, 9/29/2025, is National Coffee Day. In the past, this meant free coffee flowing like water.

This year, there are a few fewer offers, but the available offers are pretty good.

I’ve separated the list into two categories: the first is offers that are available in the San Diego/Southern CA area (where I am), and the second is the rest of the country.

I am unable to confirm these beyond finding them online, so if you go into a store and it’s not an available deal, please let me know.

FYI- Many of these deals require a purchase.

If you are unsure if a local coffee shop or coffee chain in your area is participating, check the app or ask in your local store.

Deals available in San Diego/Southern CA:

  • 7Eleven –  FREE hot coffee with purchase for 7Rewards loyalty members in the 7Now app
  • 85°C Bakery Cafe – FREE coffee in the app
  • Circle K – FREE hot or iced coffee in the app
  • Bruegger’s or Einstein Bros Bagels – FREE coffee with any purchase in the app
  • Burger King – FREE medium iced coffee for Royal Perks members with a $1+ online or in-app purchase
  • IKEA – FREE coffee or tea with IKEA Family
  • Wendy’s – Watch for a Hot, Cold Brew, or Frosty Cream Cold Brew for only 99 cents offer
  • Paris Baguette – FREE medium hot or iced coffee for Rewards members with any purchase from 27-29th

Deals available throughout the US:

  • Kwik Trip – FREE 12 oz Coffee with the app
  • Lamar’s – FREE small coffee
  • GetGo – FREE coffee when you scan your Giant Eagle Advantage Card
  • QuickChek – FREE hot or iced coffee with a purchase for rewards members
  • QuikTrip – FREE small coffee with the app
  • RaceTrac – FREE medium coffee via the app with the promo code: COFFEEDAY25
  • Wawa – FREE coffee for Rewards Members. Offer may vary by location, so check with yours
  • Shipley – FREE Cold Brew Donut or Original Glazed for loyalty members with the purchase of any coffee