local event

An Update…

Abby H.

As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting much lately. There has been a lot going on, and I’ve been taking time to process it all and help my kids and family. There is a lot of uncertainty in the US, and worldwide. I know my family isn’t the only one who is upset, confused, and scared for all of the unknowns in our future.

I don’t want to leave y’all in the lurch, so I’ve spent the last few days brainstorming and planning, and I’ve got some plans to write and post more information about how each of you can keep afloat during uncertain times.

  • Budgeting, locating and accessing resources, and taking steps to make sure your families have what they need to succeed and thrive in 2025.
  • There will be some New Year’s Resolution posts- I’ve done them before, and I’ll be writing some new ones, as well as linking to previous posts that contain timeless information.  Those will be coming up later next month.
  • I am going to try and post monthly about upcoming clothing swaps- Kids are growing quickly, and clothes are so expensive.
  • More posts about cashback offers and rebate apps to help you stretch your grocery budgets.
  • Money-making opportunities with research studies and surveys. If you haven’t tried these yet, it’s a great way to earn a little extra money.
  • I’m developing recipes that use inexpensive, healthy ingredients that taste good, make good leftovers, and that kids will eat (this one is important).

Fall 2024 Clothing Swaps (San Diego, CA area)

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.

And as always, And if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

FREE Clothing Swap & Decor & Extra!
Location: Pioneer Park 1501 Washington Place, San Diego
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM PDT
Bring clothes, small decor, and Unused makeups / perfumes, personal items to donate or swap. Open to all genders, ages, and sizes.
Bring your unwanted, clean, in good repair clothing and extras to take home new clothing. Take what you want and leave what you don’t want. Clothing, accessories and small personal items are accepted. * No books, or any heavy items please.

Green LOVE Clothing Swap
Location: Montezuma Hall
6075 Aztec Circle Dr · San Diego, CA
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:30 PM PDT
For more information, check out the website: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/swapshop

Porchlight Halloween costume swap
Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite F, San Diego, CA
Saturday, October 12th
9:30 am-11:30am
For more information or to sign up to participate, check out the website: https://events.humanitix.com/kids-costume-swap

Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, October 19, 2024
10 am-2 pm
How it works:
Bring your gently used* WOMEN’S CLOTHING, accessories, shoes, etc. and trade them for items you want to take home. No selling, no buying, just swapping. You simply drop off your items on the front table and you can start shopping for items you want to take home – free! Come and drop off all the items you want to swap and leave with items that will bring value to you.
Items can include:
-Gently used* or semi-new clothing pieces
-Gently used* or semi-new shoes
-Jewelry pieces
-Accessories: scarfs, hats, purses, belts
*Items should be freshly laundered and either on hangers or laid flat in a box (not in bags, please)

9/29/2024 SANTEE MUSIC ACADEMY Santee Kids Make Music Day (Free!)

Abby H.

September 29th Santee Music Academy is hosting a free Kids Make Music Day!

Santee Music Academy has all sorts of fun times planned!

And you can enter to win a free month of music lessons!

If your kids are interested in attending, RSVP here.

San Diego Regional Center’s 2nd Annual Family-Vendor Resource Fair!

Abby H.

If your child is a client of San Diego Regional Center this event is a great opportunity for you to learn about how SDRC can assist your child and family.

On 9/28/2024 at the Town and Country Hotel, SDRC is presenting its second annual Family-Vendor Resource Fait.

For more information, or to sign up, Family-Vendor Resource Fair.

5/22/2024 Full Spectrum Soccer Clinic at Santee Sportsplex!

Abby H.

If you have a friend or family member with social, emotional, of physical special needs ages 5-20, this event looks like a great night out!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Santee Sportsplex there is a Full Spectrum Soccer Clinic.

The event is free, however, the Sportsplex does have a $3 per 18+ entrance fee.

For more information, check out the graphic on this post. I found this information via email from my kids’ school. Googling the contact name and phone number didn’t give me any additional information or a website, so I’m unsure which organization sponsors this event.

4/13/2024 All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources. This year, the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair includes a movie under the stars!

Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 5-9 pm at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field – 6753 University Ave., San Diego, CA  92115

Activity booths include:

  • Light Saber Creation Station
  • Underwater Nemo Sensory Tent
  • Olaf Snowball Toss,
  • Wizarding World Station

Parents can connect with helpful resource services and providers, gaining valuable insights and family support.

And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of the family favorite film Finding Nemo will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!

For tickets and to learn more, visit their website. 

Dream Dinners La Mesa: Heart Health Workshop & Dinner

Abby H.

Dream Dinners La Mesa has an awesome upcoming Heart Healthy Workshop! Presented in partnership with Wellness Workshop by Sonia’s Healthy Corner and featuring dinner provided by Dream Dinners.

February 27th, 6:00 pm
at La Mesa Dream Dinners

Led by expert nutritionist and Health Coach, Sonia Cervantes from Sonia’s Healthy Corner, this workshop will help you to foster a joyful relationship with food. Learn to love foods that love you back and make your culinary journey a source of pleasure and well-being.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Practical advice on crafting a heart-healthy diet tailored to your lifestyle
  • Guidance on incorporating superfoods into your meals for maximum health benefits
  • Tips for managing portion sizes and making mindful food choices
  • Strategies for enhancing your overall well-being through nutrition

Enjoy a delectable dinner provided by Dream Dinners as you mingle with fellow attendees and soak in all the valuable information shared during the workshop.

Space is limited, so RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you there and embark on this journey towards a healthier, happier you!

For more information call/text 619-460-6800 or email  lamesaca@dreamdinners.com

La Mesa Dream Dinners: Wellness Workshop!

Abby H.

Our friends at La Mesa Dream Dinners are helping us start 2024 off right! I am excited to share this with you. I love the community at Dream Dinners. Marsi and her team are innovating new ways to eat healthy and save you time!

La Mesa Dream Dinners has teamed up with local nutritionist and Health & Wellness Coach, Sonia Cervantes, CHC to bring you a new Health and Wellness series for 2024. Together, they have curated a series of courses designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your well-being. This series encompasses cooking classes and easy meal prep sessions that you can easily replicate at home. Beyond the kitchen, they aim to provide lifelong lessons on positive thinking, intentional planning, and self-care, emphasizing that your family’s health begins with you.

What to Expect in Each Session:

  1. Healthy Tips: Receive valuable insights and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  2. Interactive Activities: Engage in activities that promote positive thinking and intentional planning.
  3. Cooking Activity: Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience featuring healthy meals. Learn, cook, and savor the delicious results during the class.

Join them on this journey to empower yourself through self-care, community, and nutritious food. They believe that by making small, positive changes in your lifestyle, you can pave the way for a healthier and happier life. Take charge of your well-being, and let’s embark on this transformative experience together!

Sign Up today!!

Your journey to a healthier and more fulfilling life starts here.

For more information, contact La Mesa Dream Dinners call/text 619-460-6800 or email lamessaca@dreamdinners.com

Low Cost Laptops and Desktops from C2K (San Diego County) October 2023

Abby H.

Does your school-age kiddo need a laptop or desktop for schoolwork?

Do you live in San Diego County?

If you answered yes to both of these, check out this awesome program from North County Regional Education Center in San Marcos.

Sign up here by October 5, 2023, to take advantage of this event, which takes place on October 7, 2023, from 9:00-11:30 AM.

There is and laptop or desktop to choose from, and the prices start at $100, which is a really great deal.

If you have any questions, please call 858-200-9788 or email programs@c2sdk.org.

San Diego, CA Area Families: Low Cost Computers from C2K 8/5/2023

Abby H.

This just popped into my email and I had to share! C2K is doing their refurbished desktops and laptop program for San Diego, CA area residents again, just in time for back to school!

Saturday, August 5th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Montgomery High School @ 3250 Palm Avenue, San Diego CA 92154 (Drive Thru Event)

  • Computers are available to low-income families with no other criteria.
  • Pay at the Event. We accept Cash, Debit & Credit cards.
  • Friends & family are welcome to register!
  • Walk-Ups are welcome!

You can register by doing any of the following:

I’ve never purchased one of these computers before, but I know several people who have participated in this program in years past. These are great starter computers for kids!