2025: New Ibotta Accounts can Score Free Thanksgiving Dinner!

Ibotta has an offer for new Ibotta members, where they can redeem cashback offers to make part of their Thanksgiving feast free after rebate.

If you are already an Ibotta user, have no fear- there is a freebie for you, it just requires a little work.

Existing members can earn a free turkey when they refer their friends to Ibotta to claim their 100% cash back turkey offer! Just make sure they sign up using your referral code, and your turkey offer will be available once they redeem their first offer!

If you are new to Ibotta, you will receive the following rebates loaded into the app:

New members will receive offers for:

  • Any brand Turkey Roast up to $13.65
  • McCormick Gravy Packet
  • Edwards Whole Pie
  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  • Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

You can download the Ibotta app here. When you use my referral code qmo4a, you will receive the amazing offers above! If you are looking for a good starter offer? Here is a free after-rebate offer I found in Ibotta!

I use Ibotta in conjunction with other apps like Fetch Rewards- I add all of my receipts to Fetch, each one gives me at least 25 points, and gets me closer to rewards like CVS Gift Cards, Darden Restaurant Gift Cards, or Vons/Albertsons Grocery Store Gift Cards.

Disclosure: this Post contains my referral code. I may earn a referral credit or bonus if you sign up through my link. I do not need the Turkey Roast, however if the offer becomes available to me because someone signs up, I will purchase it and donate it to someone in my community via my local Buy Nothing group.

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

 

Advance Opinions: Upcoming Project on Health Issues $35-$100

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys. Right now, they are recruiting for a study on health issues.

To be considered for this study, view the list and complete the pre-screener here.

This is an ONLINE Project, you can only participate using a computer with a working webcam and working mic, and will be required to wear working headphones or working earbuds during the session

Open to  ages 18+

Part 1 – Online Survey:  $35 (If selected and fully participate)

  • Online Survey: Length: 45 minutes
  • The Survey must be completed between Monday, November 10th, at 12pm ET – Thursday, November 13th by 12pm ET.
  • The survey can be completed at any time during this time frame (please complete as soon as possible)
  • Must be complete by Thursday, November 13th, by 12pm ET
  • Complete the entire survey at one time; do not log in and out to complete it at a later time.

Must have high-speed internet AND use a desktop/laptop computer to complete the survey.
 

Part 2 – Webcam Interview – 1 hour $100 (if selected and fully participate) 

  • Follow Up Webcam Interview: After completion of the Online Survey, Some will be selected to participate in a 60-minute Webcam Interview, held between November 17th – November 19th
  • If selected for Part 2, you will be notified by email with the details.
  • Not everyone will be needed for part 2.  Some will be released at the start of Part 2.

I’ve Been Busy

Hey friends- I haven’t been posting much because I’ve been doing a lot of stuff away from the computer.

The holidays are soon upon us, and I’ve been stocking up on items to donate. I’ve been using the CVS app to find the best deals and the best way to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to my monthly $10 Extra Care Pass rewards. I pay for the Extra Care Pass program annually. It has a lot of great perks, including getting my prescriptions mailed to me for free. Between that and the free $10 in-store each month, it definately pays for itself.

So far, I’ve picked up shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and body wash, all using my October 2025 $10 reward, as well as some $4 rewards I had on my CVS account from getting the kids’ prescriptions filled.

I’ve also been taking advantage of other sales and deals at Bath & Body Works. They have a great program where you can earn free full-sized products, access to free travel-sized products, and extra percent off deals. I recently had a free full-sized product, a free travel-sized product, and an additional 25% off coupon on my account. I was able to use all three and combine the 25% off coupon with the sale on $5.95 single-wick candles. I was able to buy presents for 5 people on my holiday gift list, including stocking stuffers for the kids.

I’ve also been taking advantage of grocery sales and rebate offers through  WeStock,  Social Nature, and Aisle to pick up free and less than $1.00 groceries to fill the local blessing box and donate to the local high schools’ food pantry.

Yes, these are clown beads. Littlest Kiddo loves clowns.

And because the holidays are coming up soon, I’ve kicked up my sewing and jewelry making. I’m going through my dwindling stash of fabric and craft supplies to make gifts for people on my gift list. I’m committed not to buy any new craft or sewing supplies unless I have a gift card and a coupon, or in the case of fabric, I can find it at a thrift store. There is a distinct lack of fabric stores in my area. I recently had a credit on my Temu account, and I was able to pick up some really cool beads.

I spent a few hours yesterday making bracelets and a few Paternosters for holiday gifts, and I pulled out the sewing machine and finished up some stuff lingering in my sewing inbox. One of the items was a medieval tunic that I made from an upcycled cotton tablecloth- I picked it up at a thrift store on 50% off day. And the trim was from a bag of misc. craft supplies at the same thrift shop on another day.

And of course, I do have a full-time job outside of the house, and I’ve got my kids 90% of the time.

I’m spending a lot of weekends hanging with kids, baking, meal prepping for the week ahead, and trying to teach the cat tricks- the last one isn’t terribly successful.

So while I may not be posting here multiple times a day any more, I am out there doing frugal stuff and trying to help as many people as I am able.

 

 

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!

2025 Halloween and Fall Fun Events in San Diego, CA

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! We’ve got our Halloween decor up, and I’ve been working on Halloween costumes.

My kids have always loved wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always on the lookout for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few events that are free and seasonal.

10/17/2025

  • HauntFest 2025, El Cajon’s ultimate Halloween block party and the largest free Halloween event in San Diego County! Happening Friday, October 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon, this family-friendly festival draws thousands each year with costume contests, amusement rides, a haunted maze, trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat with classic cars, live entertainment, and a family outdoor movie.

 10/23/2025

10/24/2025

10/25/2025

10/31/2025

SanDiego.org has a listing of events all over the county. Some may not be free.

Talk Back: If you know of any free Halloween or Fall events that are free and family-friendly, 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!

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

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. 

 

10/7/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

PRC 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: Travel Destinations and Activities
Who: Adults aged 25 – 54.
Location: Nationwide
Dates: Various dates and times in October and November 2025
Format: Online Bulletin Board
Duration: 60 minutes
Incentive: $125

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: Cosmetics
Who: Teens and adults aged 16 and older.
Location: Nationwide
Dates: October 6 – 29, 2025
Format: Online (must be on a desktop or laptop computer)
Duration: 5 days, 45 minutes per day + In-store self-completed shopping trip followed by a 15 – 20 minute online survey.
Incentive: $450 (5 days of online journaling board) + $200 (If chosen for In-store self-completed shopping trip)

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: Vision
Who:Adults aged 18 – 34.
Location: Nationwide
Dates: October 13 – 17, 2025
Format: Webcam Interview
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: Beverages
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Location: Nationwide
Dates: October 13 – 17, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $150

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: Global Banking and Currencies
Who: Adults aged 18 – 60.
Location: Nationwide
Dates: October 13 – 22, 2025
Format: Online Webcam
Duration: 1 hour
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.

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.