This information was sent home with my littlest kid, and it is an amazing resource for California Families.
Brightlife Kids is fully paid for by the State of California. Working to ensure all California families can find the behavioral health support they need when they need it. You qualify if you have a California zip code and a child ages 0–12.
Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for the following issues:
Tough transitions like divorce, moving, new classroom/school, new sibling.
One of my favorite aspects of living in San Diego County is the abundance of public open spaces available. That’s why I had to share this information straight from The NAT (That’s the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park).
Canyoneers are looking forward to launching their 52nd hiking season on September 7. The new season features 60 unique hiking opportunities between now and June 2026, allowing people to enjoy, explore, and discover San Diego’s natural landscapes. Hikes are led by the Canyoneers, volunteer naturalists trained by Museum scientists, to teach participants about our region’s rich flora and fauna, diverse landscapes, and natural history.
This year, 14 new hikes have been added to the schedule. Bridge to Nowhere in Eagle Peak Preserve, Kwaamii Point in Cleveland National Forest, and Ash Wash in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are just a few examples of the new trails they’ll be exploring. Hikes are free, but advance registration is appreciated. Participants can register here.
Thanks to Orgain for sending me a full-size container of their Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder in the Vanilla Bean flavor to facilitate this review!
I’m always on the lookout for new protein shakes, especially with our new early morning schedule to get the big kid to the bus stop in time. He’s been having a protein shake for breakfast for some time now, and I love mixing it up with new shake flavors.
Orgain uses plant-based protein: organic peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, to provide a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. While we are not vegetarians, I do appreciate that there are brands that use various sources of protein.
For this breakfast, I used a recipe I saw on social media as a base, but made a couple of additions to make it more delicious and filling.
strawberries not shown in pic.
Pineapple Strawberry Dole Whip Copycat
Ingredients:
1/3 cup Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/4 cup frozen strawberries (I used strawberries from my CSA box)
1 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Splash of milk (a little bit less than an ounce)- You may need to add a bit more, depending on how thicc your shake is and your blender’s capabilities
2 handfuls of ice cubes
Directions:
In a blender or blender cup, add all ingredients.
Blend until the mixture is thick and uniform in consistency (a little more liquid may be needed).
Serve in a bowl or a cup. I put ours in blender bottles with boba straws so we could enjoy them on the go.
To make this vegan, swap yogurt and milk with your favorite vegan options.
This was so filling and packed with protein! You can’t taste the greens at all! The best part is that it has over 20 grams of protein- that’s 1/3 of your needed protein intake for the day! Plus 2 servings of fruit- a perfect way to start your day!
If you want to try Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder or any of their other offerings, you can visit their websitehere and use the coupon code ABBYH15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order!
If you are closer to downtown San Diego, this food pantry is a great option for you.
Stop by Father Joe’s Food Pantry every Friday for drive-thru or walk-in pickup at 3350 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102 (rear warehouse of St. Vincent de Paul Village).
This Food Pantry is open from 12pm-2pm every Friday.
Helpful Tip: Bring a basket with wheels, a bike with a basket, or a vehicle to help carry your items. 1 visit per household per day. Service is located at the back of the building—look for the warehouse!
For more free food resources in San Diego, check out my food resource page here.
This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.
A backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 9, 2025, at Rio Seco School in Santee, starting at 9AM. It is a drive-thru event. People start lining up as early as 7:30AM, and the line moves FAST!
I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School supply giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!
JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month. They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity.
While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.
In-store events are only where local mandates allow. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.
August:
8/9/25 11AM-12PM Decorate a back-to-school pencil pouch. The craft includes a pencil pouch with a zipper pull, markers, and a sticker sheet.
September:
9/13/25 11AM-12PM Make a wooden tic-tac-toe board. The Craft includes a wooden board and pieces with markers.
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.
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.
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.
When you join the Rubio’s Rewards Program (download the app found wherever you get apps), you can score a FREE KIDS MEAL every Thursday in July.
Sounds like a pretty decent deal to me, especially if you and your munchkin like Rubio’s!
For Rewards Members Only. Offer valid for one (1) free kids’ meal with purchase of any entrée. Entrées include two taco plates, burritos, salads, bowls, Shrimp Trio, and The Coastal Trio®. Excludes tasting plates and kids’ meals. Not available for third-party delivery orders. Not valid with any other offer or discount. One offer permitted per transaction. Upcharges for extras and premium items may apply. No substitutions. No cash value. Valid at participating restaurants only. Only valid on the following days: 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, and 7/31/2025