adventures

San Diego, CA area Secret Shops at SkyZone Earn $50+!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love to secret shop!

I learned about Amusement Advantage from some friends who have had a blast doing secret shopping and having adventures with their families. Amusement Advantage has all sorts of fun shops: movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, and more! They have opportunities to do secret assignments in almost every state of the US and most of the Provinces in Canada.

Right now, they have assignments available at the SkyZone in San Diego! Amusement Advantage has a mystery shop available at Sky Zone – San Diego (Fran) in San Diego, CA 92126 for November!

SPECIAL WEEKDAY OPTION allowed FOR NOVEMBER ONLY: SHOP ANY DAY 11.21 – 11.30. Earlier dates are given preference.

Pay/Reimbursement: $20 + Reimbursement up to $100 + $50 Extra Pay + $5 Early Return Bonus.

$50 EXTRA PAY above the rate listed, offered on this assignment! $100 reimbursement-spend YOUR WAY-more jump time, guests, arcades, or food/drinks! Just 90 minutes required onsite – free fun and food plus profit!

They now pay via PayPal in 21-28 days.

CLICK HERE to view the details and apply!

Staycation Getaway in Borrego Springs with Deals at La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa

Abby H.

The kids and I love La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa. It’s an incredible resort out in Borrego Springs, CA. Borrego Springs is about an hour east of San Diego near the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Offer Details

  • Stay Two Nights, Third Night Free
  • $50 Daily Resort Credit (redeemable at The Fox Bistro, The Fox Den Bar, Casa Café & Market, and The Spa at La Casa Del Zorro)
  • Waived Resort Fee (includes parking)

Book with promo code CYBER25 and experience exceptional value wrapped in relaxation, adventure, and desert serenity.

The $50 Daily Resort Credit applies exclusively to The Fox Bistro, The Fox Den Bar, Casa Café & Market, and The Spa at La Casa Del Zorro. Credit may not be used toward room rate, resort service fees, parking, or taxes.

Offer Valid: November 1, 2025 – December 5, 2025. Stay Dates: November 1, 2025 – March 5, 2026

Borrego Springs is a Dark Sky Community, and that means amazing stargazing year-round. La Casa del Zorro has plenty of places on site to sit and stare up at the stars.

There are all sorts of things to do in Borrego Springs after your soak in the hot tub or swim in the pool!

And if your kids are anything like mine, after a long day of fun and adventures, only a pizza will do. And Borrego Springs has Calico’s– and they deliver to the Resort!

Calico’s pizza is really good- Lots of cheese, chewy crust, and it was delivered quickly!

Secret Shop and have fun with Amusement Advantage!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love to secret shop!

I learned about Amusement Advantage from some friends who have had a blast doing secret shopping and having adventures with their families. Amusement Advantage has all sorts of fun shops: movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, and more! They have opportunities to do secret assignments in almost every state of the US and most of the Provinces in Canada.

From their website: “We only evaluate attractions, amusement locations, and entertainment facilities.  Our shops give you the opportunity to have fun with friendly and family and include reimbursement for you and some of your guests’ expenses, and in most cases, a little extra cash profit or extra free tickets for your time and efforts.  Click here to see a list of locations we are currently shopping.  Curious what other shoppers say about our company?  Click here to see reviews from other shoppers just like you!”

If you want to check out Amusement Advantage and see if there are opportunities near you, click here. If you decide to sign up, use my email akeen02037@gmail.com as a referral. We’ll each get a little something extra.

Saving on Summer fun with Tweens and Teens with Groupon!

Abby H.1 Comment

We’ve got less than 30 school days left, and the kids are already asking what we’re doing this summer.

In the past I’ve written posts about free stuff to do in San Diego over the summer, and I’ll have one up later this week, but Tweens and Tweens sometimes are “too big/too cool” for the splashpads at parks, or don’t want to go to the library for craft events.

I headed over to Groupon this morning to see what I could find that might appeal to my posse.

If you are looking for different activities, new restaurants to try, or maybe even a massage, check out Groupon. They have all sorts of cool deals available!

Secret Shop and have fun with Amusement Advantage!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love to secret shop!

I learned about Amusement Advantage from Brooke and Christine. They have all sorts of fun shops: movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, and more!

From their website: “We only evaluate attractions, amusement locations, and entertainment facilities.  Our shops give you the opportunity to have fun with friendly and family and include reimbursement for you some of your guests expenses and in most cases a little extra cash profit or extra free tickets for your time and efforts.  Click here to see a list of locations we are currently shopping.  Curious what others shoppers say about our company?  Click here to see reviews from other shoppers just like you!”

If you want to Check out Amusement Advantage and see if there are opportunities near you, click here. If you decide to sign up, use my email akeen02037@gmail.com as a referral. We’ll each get a little something extra.

6/18/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.
bright boxes

Good morning!

This week has been heavy. A dear friend lost her son, and as a mom, it breaks my heart. I’ve been giving extra hugs and cuddles to my posse, and I encourage you to give your littles some extra love.

The freebies and deals this week are a little light. But, quality over quantity, right?

As summer is upon us, here are a few freebies to keep your kiddos occupied and fed this summer:

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced, get vaccinated when it’s your turn!

Freebies:

Free X-Shot Blasters
Free Subscription to Entrepreneur Magazine
Free Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Free Clipper Tea
Free Lagunitas National IPA Day House Party Kit
Free Mountain Valley Spring Water Aluminum Bottle at Sprouts
Free Unbound Petite from Conair Cordless ¾ Inch Ceramic Flat Iro
Free Murder Incorporated Pen & Sticker
Free Green Active CBD Gummies Sample
Free Rowdy Prebiotic Bar
Free Goodnites Underwear Sample
Free Sample of Free Sample of Lancome Absolue Soft Cream
Free Naturalis Life Delta-8 CBD Oil Drops
Free Sample of Downy Unstoppables at Walmart
Free AUVI-Q Back-to-School Kit
Free Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks
Free Ocean’s Halo Organic Soy-Free Dressing
Free Jumbo Jack Burger at Jack in the Box
Free Sample of Vitafol Gummies Prenatal Vitamins
Free Nabisco The United Snackers of America House Party Kit
Free Subscription to Brain & Life Magazine
Free Subscription to Watch! Magazine
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday

Deals:

The Big Purple Book of Beginner Books ONLY $9.90 (Reg. $17)
Fisher-Price Classic Xylophone ONLY $6 (Reg. $14)
Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks 72-Pc ONLY $25.49 (Reg. $47)
Save 45% on Facebook Portal on Amazon
70% Off Photo Gifts + Free Same Day Pickup = HOT DEALS
Tommy Bahama 3-Pc Maritime Men’s Cologne ONLY $17.50 (Reg $50)
Bliss Hammocks Beach Tent ONLY $25 (Reg. $45)
Nabisco Cookies Variety Pack 56-Ct ONLY $10.24 Shipped
WOW Shampoo and Conditioner Set ONLY $18 (Reg $35)
Up to 90% Off Summer Rugs ONLY $49.99 + Extra 10% Off
Remington Trimmer ONLY $16.19 at JCPenney (Reg $25)
MUK LUKS Groove Artist Platform Sandal ONLY $24.99 (Reg. $60)
Boys Dress Shirts ONLY $4.99 (Reg. $40)

Kids, Schedules, and Summertime!

Abby H.2 Comments

file000981824153.jpgWe keep to a schedule at our house, even in the summer. I know summer is a time for lazy days, playing it by ear, and fun adventures, but when you have a kiddo on the autism spectrum you need a little structure in your life at all times.

Here is a copy of part of our daily summer schedule, I’ve cut off the afternoons as it contains our therapy schedule, as well as lessons/classes. Screen Shot 2018-06-20 at 9.00.47 PM.png

Ok, so first of all, I know you are thinking, “Who the hell gets up at 7:30 during the summer?!?!”, well, us. My kids are usually up by 7:30am in the summer, and that’s sleeping in (ugh, 6:30am, you come too early during the school year).

I’ve included the analog clock  because the big guy is learning to tell time and it helps him visualize on the clocks in the house.

Despite the structure, there is room for creativity and flux. We have freedom in choosing breakfast, what to wear, and there is a 2-hour window of play time, where the kids can do whatever they want: free play, crafts, read a story, watch cartoons.

When my buddy was younger, we frequently went without a schedule, and honestly, I was nuts. Just wandering all day without a plan, I frequently had a headache at the end of the day, and would be dreading the next.  Now we have a loose overview of what to expect each day, and we fill in our time with free or low cost events. Check out your local library branch- they frequently have fun classes or events.

Screen Shot 2018-06-20 at 9.45.05 PM.png
The menu for El Cajon, CA free lunch locations. Pizza and salad twice a week!

And for some reason, kids are bottomless pits in the summer, we try to check out some of the free lunches for kids a few times a week. It helps keep our grocery budget in check, but most importantly, it exposes the kids to trying new foods, and new experiences.  I try and find out the menus ahead of time and expose the kids to 1-2 new foods per week in an environment where there are peers who already like to eat the “new food”.  When kids see peers eating something that’s new to them, often times they try it, even if they may give mom or dad some resistance. I’m not saying that peer pressure is always a bad thing.

In addition to free lunches, I try to keep our family snack bag well stocked. I tend to visit Grocery Outlet and 99 Cents Only for most of our snack needs. $25/week is my budget for lunches and snacks for the summer.

I try not to set our schedules in stone- We get invites to hang out with friends, go to events, or maybe some relatives will come out for a surprise visit (who knows). We want the kids to have fun over the summer, and I do my best to make sure they get a balance of fun times, learning, and relaxation.

I’d love to hear about what you do in the summer: Do you wing it, or have a schedule?

 

Our Summer Bucket List (Have you made yours yet?)

Abby H.4 Comments

pexels-photo-1002812.jpeg

Summer is lurking… Can you feel it? I got a sunburn over the weekend, so I can definitely feel it.

The kids and I have already started our bucket list- stuff we gotta do while we’re running wild this summer.

So far Henry has requested:

  • Checking out the soon to be open re-done Kids slash ground and pool at the Santee YMCA.
  • And the splash area at the Tierrasanta Pool.
  • Hunt for shells at Silver Strand State Beach.
  • Swim everyday (he has said this at least once a day for a week).
  • Free Museums at Balboa Park on Tuesdays
  • Using our Zoo and Living Coast Discovery Center passes.
  • Play with friends at the park and have “Free Picnics” (aka free lunch for kids-As soon the websites are updated, I will post them).
  • Lots of crafts- And I’ve got tons for him to do, including shrinky dinks and faux stained glass projects.
  • Go to the La Brea Tar Pits.
  • Go to Legoland solely to go to the waterpark.
  • Family Movie night with the “puffy bed”- Set up the air mattress in the living room and snuggle and watch movies.
  • Special events at our local library- They always have fun stuff for kids during the summer.
  • Ride the coaster and have lunch.
  • Ride the trolley with friends to Seaport Village. Ride the carousel and have ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.
  • Go to the “Kids Movies”- Regal Cinemas has discount second run kids movies all summer a few times a week. They are just $1.00!

I’d love to hear about your summer bucket list and plans!

Find (Frugal) Family Fun in Your Community

Abby H.1 Comment

xmas eve 013.JPGSummer vacation is on the horizon, and that means that there will be choruses of, “I’m bored!”

Having a kid who has ADHD and ASD, I frequently hear that lament after school (like, before we even pull out of the school parking lot in the afternoon) complete with body slump and flailing of arms.  To combat this, I’ve assembled a list of events that can keep kiddos entertained with little to no cost.

Everyone knows about their local, neighborhood parks for free fun outside, but don’t forget your local libraries and community centers for sources of free fun!

Our local library has events after school (starting at 3pm) for kids grades K-3, including:

  • Read with Grandma Marcia ~ Every Tuesday
  • Kids Exploration Day ~ 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • LEGO Club ~ 3rd Wednesday of the month
  • Creative Play ~ Each Saturday from 10:30-11:30 am. Children learn through play! Meet new friends and have fun while developing early learning skills. Geared for ages 5 and under (but they are not strict with it- as long as the kids behave).

With all of these activities, a responsible adult must be present and participate.

Check out your local library’s website.

San Diego County Libraries

San Diego City Libraries

Screen Shot 2018-04-14 at 6.38.53 PM.pngIf you have a Starwood Mall nearby you (Here in San Diego, Parkway Plaza is a Starwood property), check out their kids club called MallStars. From the Parkway Plaza website, “MallStars Kids Club offers exclusive kid friendly events in a safe, community environment, throughout the year. MallStars Kids Club is a FREE kids club open to kids 10 years of age and younger.

The program features exclusive, kid-friendly events for its members throughout the entire year. MallStars members also receive free giveaways; a quarterly newsletter with upcoming events and special offers; as well as priority registration and exclusive invites to mall events.”

Last Month we got to make pizzas, and learn how to roll out dough with friends at Fuertes NY Pizza!

My kiddos love the beach- I know not everyone has the beach near them, but if you do- take advantage!  Google your favorite beach and Tide Chart and find out when low tide it. Low tide is the perfect time to hunt for shells. If you are in San Diego, or will be visiting this summer, check out Coronado for the SS Monte Carlo. It’s a sunken ship that is visible and explorable at low tide.

If you have a YMCA membership, check out their free programs for members. Our local Y has Open Gym three times a week, plus a mommy and me craft time for little kids, and lots of other fun programs that are included in our monthly dues. If you are interested in checking out the YMCA but are lacking funds, I encourage you to visit your local Y and ask about scholarships or financial aid.

I also find lots of local events and free fun stuff by checking the “Events You May Like” section on Facebook Events.

Talkback: I’d love to hear what kinds of free (or cheap) fun stuff your family does!

Toddler and Child Wearing with Freeloader!

Abby H.

freeloaderYa’ll know I love to baby wear…. Well, Itty Bittums isn’t so bitty anymore and we have had to pass along some of our smaller carriers to new homes. I am sooo looking forward to checking out the new Freeloader!

freeloader3The Freeloader is the First Child Carrier Built Specifically for Toddlers! It is a new, better child carrier. Compact, lightweight and portable, the Freeloader child carrier uses advanced materials and design to create a better experience for parents who love spending time with their kids. Whether you are traveling by air, going to the zoo, or hiking with your little ones, the Freeloader is ready to help carry the load. When not in use, the Freeloader’s integrated aluminum seat folds up neatly to the size of a daypack. The Freeloader is a perfect fit for parents that want a lighter, more versatile carrier. The Freeloader features an easy-to-use, 5-point safety harness. The safety harness is specially designed to fasten securely and safely out-of-reach of your child.
11063893_436296996539685_3379109432765157363_nThe Freeloader provides wide, ergonomic shoulder and waist straps to evenly distribute your child’s weight to your hips and core. The contoured shoulder straps are adjustable and provide extra padding for comfort and support. Padding in the back panel and seat offers extended comfort for your child.
The Freeloader is small enough to carry-on and stows away neatly, making it perfect for air travel, road trips and more! See more at http://www.myfreeloader.com/ and find Freeloader on facebook.

Thanks to Freeloader and the great folks at USFG, you can save on your Freeloader! Freeloader FUN with the Family – 10% off your Freeloader Child Carrier when you enter the code “freeloaderfun” Take your children on the adventures of their dreams!

I’ll be receiving my Freeloader in a few weeks, testing it out, and I’ll report back with my thoughts, as well as some pictures and even a video or two!

 
@usfg