children

Freebies for Expecting Parents!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I think there is something in the water, because I know nine people who are having children in 2026.

That’s a lot of babies!

Kids cost a lot. And they go through a lot of food, clothes, hygiene products, you name it.

Here is a list of some pretty great freebies for babies (and their parents, too).

I wish this had been around when my kids were littler.

Sign up and claim your Baby Box Fee Unlimited Edition from Your Baby Club.

$80 worth of freebies is a pretty great start.

If you know someone who is planning on breastfeeding, this next offer is great!

Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.

2. Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.

3. Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.1 Comment

Today is the last Monday of school for my little kid.

I know a lot of you have kids who are out of school already, and you may be wondering how you can keep them busy without going broke.

I’ve got some things planned- different from other years, now that my posse is older. Here are some of the ways we’re having fun and staying cool.

Kids Bowl Free (only my younger kid qualifies, but it’s still a great program).

Summer Reading Programs. Between the City and County libraries, and Bookit, it’s going to be awesome!

Discount Summer Movies– It’s all second-run movies, but some of these are my kids’ favorites. Plus movie theatre popcorn and AC!

Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park. If you or your kids have an EBT card, check out Museums for All. 

Both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego Library systems have fun events planned for kids and adults.  Some of the events my gang is looking forward to:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside is the lack of shade trees.

There are a bunch of municipal pools in San Diego that have open swim times, and a couple that have splash pads!

If you are looking for free summer food for kids and families, check out my post here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

2026 Summer Lunch Programs for Kids (And Other Free Food Resources in San Diego)

Abby H.2 Comments

file0001360139839

I’m back with as many free summer lunch resources as I could find for 2026! I’ve been finding these resources and posting them for 7+ years. I hope these resources stretch your summer budget.

Y’all know I love to keep everyone’s kids fed.

The San Diego Unified School District has partnered with the San Diego Parks and Recreation to have food available at neighborhood schools and Recreation centers throughout the city of San Diego. The complete list of locations can be found here. Times vary by location.

Feeding San Diego has a list of locations in San Diego County offering free food for kids 0-18 here.

Feeding San Diego has many other programs to help families and individuals all over San Diego County. You can learn more about all of their programs here.

Lunch at the library: The City of San Diego library has two locations participating; more information and hours/times can be found here.

County of San Diego library locations include Ramona, Casa de Oro, and Spring Valley. Check to see if your county library branch is participating here.

Lunch at the Park is hosted by several libraries throughout the City of San Diego!

To find schools near you participating in free summer lunches for kids, the California Department of Education website has a map for the entire state of CA, separated by County with free lunch locations for children.

And if you are low-income or meet certain requirements, check out California’s Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks will not affect immigration status. If you have received SUN Bucks previously, make sure your mailing address is current with your school and with the county, so your SUN Bucks are sent to the right place! Most families will begin receiving their SUN Bucks cards in mid-June through August. SUN Bucks Helpline (household inquiries): (877) 328-9677

If you need assistance feeding yourself and/or your family beyond these free meals, and you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

Free- Wild Wonder Animal Encounter at San Diego Area Libraries

Abby H.

When my kids were little, they loved these events. Honestly, they probably still would be excited about seeing wild animals up close.

Wild Wonders will be visiting 23 San Diego County libraries this summer with their furry friends.

To learn more about Wild Wonders, visit their website.

And don’t forget- Summer Reading Programs from both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego libraries will start in the beginning of June. I’ll post more information as it becomes available.

Tryazon- Jasey’s Toy Chest Party

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 fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

Bring home toys built for magical moments and a lifetime of memories with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Jasey’s Toy Chest! Jasey’s Toys Chest believes in joyful learning through toys that create open-ended play. The brand was created in loving memory of their son Jasey, who filled their home with creativity and adventure. Now they create sustainable toys that are built to last and spark learning, creativity, and connection. Explore the endless possibilities with Jasey’s Toy Chest!

They have 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of toys from Jasey’s Toy Chest to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/jaseys-toy-chest-party/

1/11/26 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgMeal Prep and Meal Planning is back for 2026!

I prepped Taco bowls for my work week lunches, I’ll taco home made guac and tortilla chips with me as well.

I’ll post the taco bowl recipe this week. They are super good (I had one yesterday for lunch).

I also cut up a lot of fruit for the week- I’ve found if it’s grab and go, the kids and I are more likely to eat it,

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 wrote a post about some of my favorite apps here).

I hit up Aldi on Saturday and restocked a lot of pantry staples- canned tomatoes in various forms, several types of beans, and rice. I also picked up corn tortillas, cheese, and bread. We go through a lot of bread because my oldest has a sandwich every day for lunch. I was out the door for $74.13, just under my budget of $75.00.

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 with goat cheese and spicy honey.

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 taco bowls.

Dinner: This week, dinners are pretty simple. I’m easing back into meal planning in 2026, and not planning any complicated dinners that involve a lot of steps.

If there is something that one of the kids ends up not liking, they can have a sandwich or a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

  • Sunday:  Homemade Soup (thanks mom!), and homemade bread. The big kid had a smoothie.
  • Monday: Mac n’ Cheese, Meatloaf, and Fruit

  • Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner (Waffles, Eggs, & Fruit)

  • Wednesday: Skillet meal- Maybe Chicken Tetrazini

  • Thursday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and whatever leftover fruit is hanging around.

San Diego, CA Area- JFS Food Distributions!

Abby H.

Jewish Family Services is here to help those who have lost their benefits because of the government shutdown.

Emergency Nutrition Assistance

If you or someone you care about has been impacted by the government shutdown or the halting of SNAP benefits, please know that you’re not alone. Every Wednesday, JFS will provide supplemental groceries—including non-perishables, pantry staples, and fresh produce—until the shutdown ends.

 Pre-registration is not required.

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.

Jewish Family Service
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS CAMPUS
Turk Family Center
8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

 

If you are looking for other times and locations for free food distributions in San Diego County, check my page here. 

Holiday Feast for 10 from Aldi for $40 (Plus $10 off)

Abby H.

Thanksgiving is coming up, and even if you don’t celebrate it,  this is a pretty good deal to fill your pantry or the pantry of someone you know.

Aldi, my favorite grocery store as of late, has a pretty amazing deal, and with Instacart store pickup, it’s even sweeter.

For $40, you can buy the following to create a tasty feast, or honestly, several great meals. I see ingredients that would make a few meals and hearty dishes, besides the usual holiday feast.

  • Whole Turkey
  • Chicken Broth
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Evaporated Milk
  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • Miniature Marshmallows
  • Cut Green Beans (x2)
  • 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin
  • Shells & Cheese (x2)
  • Brown Gravy Mix (x3)
  • Poultry Spices & Herbs
  • French Fried Onions
  • Pie Crust
  • Chicken or Cornbread Stuffing (x2)
  • Whipped Dairy Topping
  • Yellow Onions (3 lbs.)
  • Baby Peeled Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cranberries
  • Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs.)
  • Russet Potatoes (10 lbs.)

All of this is about $40 at your local Aldi. If you use Instacart store pickup through the Instacart app, you’ll save yourself about an hour of shopping (maybe a little more), and the groceries will be packed and loaded into your car for only $3.99

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.

And yes, if you have any remaining SNAP/EBT benefits available to you, there is no pickup fee.

2025 Holiday Resources

Abby H.

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

Abby H.

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!