family

Black Friday Deals at Thrift Stores!

Abby H.

Thrift stores are getting in on the Black Friday Sales, too. And why not? With more people on a tighter budget, thrift stores are a great way to save money while shopping, support a charity, and keep clothing and home goods out of landfills.

Goodwill:

Black Friday (11/28)
Shop Goodwill SoCal stores and receive a free scarf with a minimum $30 purchase.*
All Weekend Long (11/28-12/1)
The first 25 people in line each day at Goodwill SoCal’s Retail Stores and Boutiques will receive a coupon for 20% off a future purchase of $30 or more.**
Enter for a chance to win a $2,000 gift voucher for our Goodwill SoCal ebay Shop!*** Learn more and enter to win at a Goodwill SoCal store near you.

Goodwill also has a VIP program where you can score a 20% off coupon- Sign up here. 

Amvets: All items are $3.00, excluding clearance items. This deal is valid all day on November 28, 2025, at all AmVets locations. Locations can be found here.

Amvets is one of my favorite thrift stores; they always have great clothes and craft supplies.

Salvation Army is also having a Black Friday sale, but theirs is limited in time, unlike Amvets. Enjoy 50% 0ff the entire store on Friday, November 28, 2025, 8am-12pm.

If you can’t make it then, but are on the hunt for clothes- GOOD NEWS! All clothing will be 50% off Friday-Saturday, November 28-29, 2025.  Find your location Salvation Army Thrift store here. 

 

There may be other thrift stores having sales, but my internet searches were not that fruitful. I was aware of both of these because I had seen signs in stores recently.

 

 

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar $29.99 (Starting Tomorrow)

Abby H.

I don’t usually post a lot of Black Friday Deals, but this one is close to my heart.

We’re a Lego Family, and a Star Wars Family, so when I saw this deal in my email the other day, I knew I had to share it.

Starting tomorrow 11/26/25, at Walgreens (and Walgreens.com), you can score this Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar for just $29.99. That’s 40% off the original price!! This deal is going to go super fast, so I recommend setting a timer or a reminder on your phone. I’ve already got a reminder set in my phone’s calendar with the link as the location.

This is going to be a great Advent Calendar for my oldest!

$10 off Family Meals at Luna Grill (In-App)

Abby H.

This is a deal I can get behind.

I love Luna Grill; it replaced Daphne’s in our area as the fast casual Mediterranean restaurant.

App Exclusive: $10 off Family Meals

Redeem by 12/31 in the Luna Grill app for $10 off Family Meals portioned for 4 or 6.

I love these family meals. They are great for take-out night or for meal prep. Sometimes I want grilled chicken for lunch during the week, but I don’t want to fire up the grill. I pick up the Family Meal for 4 and portion it out in my lunchwear for the entire week. The meals for 4 (and 6) and super generous and can definately stretch a few more servings.  I usually get 6 lunches from a Family Meal for 4.

The family meals include your choice of kabobs served with seasonal veggies, rice, salad, pita, and a choice of hummus or sauce.

Discount applies to the base price of Family Meal for 4 or 6. Valid in the Luna Grill app through 12/31/2025. *Limit (1) offer per guest per visit. No cash value. Must be presented at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. No substitutions.

 

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!

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. 

It’s Time! Southwest’s $59 Fare Sale!

Abby H.

Southwest is having a sale on fares through 11/13/25! Perfect for planning holiday travel or beyond- Travel valid December 3, 2025 through April 29, 2026.

The most important part of the fine print: 21-day advance purchase required. Purchase from November 10, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) through November 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT (“Booking Period”). Continental U.S. travel only. Travel valid December 3, 2025 through April 29, 2026.

To get started, click here.

Wanna just escape your home for a weekend or longer? Is Vegas calling? Whatever and wherever, it’s a great time to pack a small carry-on/personal bag and head out of town!

And if you are a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards member, this deal gets better- You can use your points!

Fine Print:

$59 Sale Terms and Conditions:

21-day advance purchase required. Purchase from November 10, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) through November 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT (“Booking Period”). Continental U.S. travel only. Travel valid December 3, 2025 through April 29, 2026. Knoxville travel begins March 5, 2026. Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) travel begins April 7, 2026. Travel blacked out December 23, December 30, and December 31, 2025. Travel is valid on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fares valid on nonstop service where indicated; if not indicated, fares are valid on single connecting service. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Seats, days, and markets are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of the week and won’t be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Basic fares unless otherwise specified. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines® combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare’s rules apply. Advertised fares may be available on other days of the week, but that’s not guaranteed. Basic fares are nonrefundable and non-changeable except as allowed by our 24-hour cancellation policy. Customers may be eligible for a flight credit if their flight is canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the flight’s original scheduled departure time. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require a fare upgrade depending on fare purchased and Rapid Rewards® tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service. Additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.

 

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!

 

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

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 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.