Back to School Shopping at Kohl’s!

I love shopping at Kohl’s. They have great deals on clothes and home goods.

Between their coupons and sales, their prices are comparable to JCP, and I find that most Kohl’s locations have a better shoe selection than JCP.

My tips for saving at Kohl’s:

  1. If you are a Kohl’s Rewards Member, log on to your account and check your wallet for any coupons before shopping.
  2. Kohl’s has a decent clearance section in-store and online. Usually, their clearance is included in coupons and sales.
  3. One thing I really like about Kohl’s is their buy online, ship to store feature. I also like their buy online, pick up in store.
  4. Most Kohl’s have Sephora locations in the middle of their stores. You can use your Sephora coupons and birthday freebie offers in those locations.
  5. Kohl’s has an incredible toy selection, and their coupons and Kohl’s Cash can be used on toys (restrictions apply, of course), and the Kohl’s Cash I earn with back-to-school shopping can help me offset the cost of holiday gifts/toys.

Save Time and Money with Instacart and $10 off!

I’m not joking- I’ve been saving time and money like a boss with Instacart.

I’ve been using Instacart for about 6 months. Here is my secret: I shop at stores that feature the label “In-Store Prices”, and I select curbside pickup. For me, that’s usually Aldi, but my example pic is Walmart.

I don’t have Instacart+, just plain ol’ regular Instacart.  It’s free, no monthly fee.

How does Instacart save me money?

  1. I only buy what is on my list. I am not cruising the aisles. Nothing else “falls” into my cart.
  2.  No kids with me means I don’t have to say NO to every want and desire. No deviation from the shopping list, no upset kids.
  3. Time=Money. It saves me at least an hour of shopping, bagging, and loading into my car.

And with orders of $50+ the fee is only $1.99, for orders less than $50, the fee is $3.99. Because I’m cheap, I wait until I need $50+ in groceries to order, which is usually every 7-10 days. Spending $1.99 to save at least $20 by sticking to my list, and saving at minimum an hour is a deal in my mind.

Do you use SNAP/EBT?  If you use EBT SNAP to buy groceries at participating stores on Instacart and skip the delivery or pickup fee. New customers enjoy $0 delivery fee* on their first 3 grocery orders. And exclusive for EBT customers, get 50% off Instacart+ for one year**.

*Service fees apply. **Terms apply. More information and details can be found here.

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.

Upcoming 2025 Upcoming Clothing Swaps

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).

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

AUGUST 2025

 Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap

Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA

Only the following will be accepted:

  • Clean adult clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Makeup/perfume/beauty goods, accessories
  • Small personal items/decor

All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.

Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.

Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.

More information can be found on their Instagram page here.

Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park

999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910

on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

More information can be found here.

Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.

On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.

 

SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND

In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942
  • Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942

Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.

I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.

Back To School Shopping starts at JCPenney!

JCP is THE place we start back-to-school shopping.

From basics like underwear and socks to the perfect First Day of School Outfit, JCPenney’s has been the go-to in my family for generations.

Right now, back-to-school sales are in full swing, and JCP has some great deals.

Whether you shop in-store or online, don’t forget to check out their coupons page here.

And don’t forget their rewards program!

 

7/30/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

Topic: Vehicle Purchases
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: August 4-8, 2025
Format: Webcam Group + Mandatory pre-work assignment
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $200
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Female Health
Who: Adult females aged 30 and older.
Dates: August 5-7, 2025
Format: Online Webcam Interview
Duration: 45-165 minutes
Incentive: $150-$250
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Liquid Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids
Who: Adults aged 35-49 years old.
Dates: August 10-11, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group
Duration: 1.5 hours + pre-task
Incentive: $200 ($150 focus group + $50 pre-task)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Beverage Options
Who: Adults aged 27-42 years old.
Dates: August 21-22, 2025
Format: Online Interview
Duration: 30 minutes
Incentive: $75
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Hair Care
Who: Adult females aged 18-65 who color their hair at home, Brown or Blonde shade.
Dates: August 21 – September 14, 2025 (Part 1); September 17 & 18, 2025 (Part 2 if chosen)
Format: At-home Product Trial & Online Board (Part 1; Online Focus Group (Part 2 if chosen)
Duration: 3 weeks – Product Testing and Online Board (part 1); 90 minutes online focus group (Part 2 if chosen)
Incentive: $250 (Part 1); $150 (Part 2 if chosen)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Our surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.
Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.

8/5/2025 National Night Out – San Diego County!

WHEN: Tuesday, August 5 at 4pm-8pm

WHERE: multiple locations across San Diego County. For the complete list, click here
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is excited to invite you and your family to join us on Tuesday, August 5, for National Night Out—an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and the neighborhoods they proudly serve.
National Night Out is traditionally held on the second Tuesday in August. This year’s events will be packed with fun and activities for all ages! Enjoy food, exciting raffles and giveaways, and a wide range of community resources designed to keep you and your loved ones informed. Many of our events will also feature music, performances, and kid-friendly entertainment.
You’ll also get the opportunity to meet members of the specialized Sheriff’s units up close! From the K9 teams and Bomb/Arson Unit to Search and Rescue (SAR) and more, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and talent that help keep San Diego County safe every day.
Whether you want to ask questions, pick up some swag for the kids, or simply say hello, National Night Out is your chance to connect with the deputies who serve and protect your community.

7/25/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

This week has been a whirlwind of adventures. Today, we are doing some thrift store adventures for porcelain dolls and back-to-school shopping.

Here are a few ways that we will be having fun and being frugal:

  • The Summer Library Reading Program post can be found here.
  • Fun Free Summer Activities for Tweens and Teens here.
  • The Summer Movie Deals can be found here.
  • Don’t forget about Cheap Stuff to do with Tweens and Teens here.
  • Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025- More info here.

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.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE $30 Purchase at DICK’S After Cash Back
100,000+ FREE Labubu Toy Giveaway
FREE Everyone You Love, with Everything You Have Book
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Space Odyssey Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Educational Comic Books, Activity Books, Posters & More
FREE 2pk Fancy Feast Gems
FREE Yankee Candle on August 16th
2 FREE Movie Tickets to She Rides Shotgun
FREE Kinship LittleKin Puppy or Kitten Sample Pack – $200 Value
FREE Earth Animal No Hide Dog Chew
FREE Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths Sample
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Ice Cream or Frozen Novelty Treats Every Friday in July
$50 Worth of FREE Books
FREE Shelfy – Fall into Freshness Party Pack
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE LEGO 3-in-1 Parrot Set at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
FREE $25 Off $25 on Your Next Meal
FREE Kids’ Soccer Ball at Lowe’s on August 2nd
FREE Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Dog Shampoo
FREE Pet Station Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Lysol Minilabs Science Kits
FREE Cookie This Week at Chick-fil-A

Deals:

Gap Factory 60% Off Clearance + Extra 20% Off Coupon Stack & Free Shipping
Walgreens Photo Coupons & Promo Codes: 50% Off Everything Photo, 50% Off Metal Panels & More
Sandals For The Family Buy 1 Get 2 Free at JCPenney
Touchland Hand Sanitizers Dupes ONLY $3 at Walmart
Mary Ruth Products up to 50% Off on Amazon!
Back To School Sale at Macy’s Up to 60% Off
Shop Lowe’s Scratch and Dent Appliances & Save Up to 50%
Reversible 8-Pc Comforter Sets ONLY $29.93 at Macy’s (Reg $100)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Cat and Jack School Uniforms From $6 at Target
Disney Store: 30% Off Back to School Essentials – Prices start at $4.98
Women’s Pajamas From $9.99 at Macy’s
Laundry Coupons: Shop the Laundry Detergent Aisle with These Coupons and Deals
Save Money with Valvoline Coupons: Up to $25 Off
Tag Freehold 5-Piece Softside Luggage Set ONLY $67.99 (Reg $240)
Top 20 Fast Food Deals, Coupons and Promotions Happening NOW
Kids Polo Shirts $5 & Up at The Children’s Place
Get Red Seal Coupons and Save on Smokeless Tobacco
Join and Get 2 Months of FREE Drinks with This Panera Unlimited Sip Club Promo

Salvation Army $2.99 Sale Today and Tomorrow!

It’s that time again! Today and tomorrow, July 25-26, 2025, is the Salvation Army Semi-Annual $2.99* All Clothing Sale at locations in AZ, CA, CO, HI, NV.

All Red Tag* Clothing Sale $4.99 at the Boutique Sections & Stores.

Perfect for back-to-school shopping!

Find a participating store near you, click here.

 

Tryazon- Telestrations is Back for a Fun Game Night!

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!

Bring the family and friends together for this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity from The Op Games. After 16 years of laughter and family fun, The Op Games is refreshing Telestrations with new prompt cards, refined gameplay, and a fresh new look!

They have 300 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected will receive a party pack for free with this updated version of Telestrations, along with two bonus games to share with friends and family.

Learn more and apply here.

7/23/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

 

Topic: Health & Medical Decisions
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: Now through August 18, 2025
Format: Online; Pre-work & Online Surveys
Duration: 45 minutes (all portions of the study)
Incentive: $100 (pre-work & online surveys)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Tardive Dyskinesia Patients
Who: Participants aged 18-75 who have been diagnosed with Tardive Dyskinesia. Proof of diagnosis will be required.
Dates: July 22 to 24, 2025, at various times
Format: Webcam Interview
Duration: 45 minutes
Incentive: $125
***PLEASE NOTE: You MUST have a working webcam on your desktop or laptop to participate in this study. You CANNOT participate using a tablet, iPad, or the camera feature on your smartphone.***
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Non-Professional Caregivers of Tardive Dyskinesia Patients
Who: Participants aged 18-75 who care for a loved one diagnosed with Tardive Dyskinesia. Proof of diagnosis will be required.
Dates: July 22 to 24, 2025, at various times
Format: Webcam Interview
Duration: 45 minutes
Incentive: $125
***PLEASE NOTE: You MUST have a working webcam on your desktop or laptop to participate in this study. You CANNOT participate using a tablet, iPad, or the camera feature on your smartphone.***
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Social Media Options
Who: Adults aged 18-54 years old.
Dates: July 28 to 31, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group
Duration: 1 hour
Incentive: $100
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: IT Decision Makers
Who: Adults aged 25 and older.
Dates: July – December 2025
Format: Online Interviews and Surveys
Duration: 6 months
Incentive: 60-minute interview $225
Incentive: 10-minute survey $75
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Dating & Sex Life
Who: Adult males aged 21-35 years who live in the following locations listed below.
Dates: August 2025
Format: In-person interview in your home
Locations:

  • Los Angeles – Long Beach – Anaheim, CA
  • Miami – Fort Lauderdale – West Palm Beach, FL
  • New York, NY
  • Newark – Jersey City, NJ
  • Pennsylvania
  • Houston – The Woodlands – Sugar Land, TX

Duration: 2.5 hours + a 10 minute pre-call
Incentive: $400
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Vehicle Purchases
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: August 4 to 8, 2025
Format: Online Webcam Group + mandatory pre-work assignment
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $200
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Health
Who: Adults aged 35-49 years old.
Dates: August 10 to 11, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group
Duration: 1.5 hours + pre-task
Incentive: $200 ($150 focus group + $50 pre-task)
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Our surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.
Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.