8/28/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

It was our first full week of back to school/work, and it was a hot one. So hot that many local schools called off PE and had lunch inside.

I’m looking forward to a weekend cool down- If it’s not over 100, I’ll be hopping into the pool.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE 1-Hour of Topgolf for Verizon Customers
Claim Cash in the $18.8 Million O’Reilly Auto Parts Class Action Settlement
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Get a Free Birthday Dessert at Olive Garden
FREE Pokemon Trading Kit at Best Buy on August 29th
FREE 2027 EWTN Family Calendar
FREE Saffron Road Meal with Survey
Get Free Beauty Samples in the Mail From La Roche-Posay, Dove, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Others
FREE $25 to Spend at Staples
FREE Confetti Bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
FREE Sample of Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks
FREE Full-Size PanOxyl Acne Mask or Spot Treatment
FREE 12 Count of Ball Mason Jars at Walmart
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
FREE Wendy’s 10-Piece Chicken Nuggets
FREE Marinela Hershey’s Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Fraga Farm Skincare Sample Bundle
FREE Maison Perrier French Kiss Sparkling Water
FREE 20 oz. Coca-Cola + Sweepstakes
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – FREE Kids Book Every Month
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026

Deals:

JCPenney Labor Day Sale: Up to 50% Off + Up to 30% Off Select Bedding, Bath, Rugs, Curtains
Hoover Dual Spin Pet Plus Carpet Cleaner Machine ONLY $90.88 (Reg $142)
Dollar General Clearance Event – Starts Tomorrow August 28th
Acrylic Photo Blocks ONLY $1.99 at Walgreens (Reg $10)
Nike Reactx Women’s Slides ONLY $26 (Reg $65) + Free Shipping!
Toshiba 75-Inch 4K Smart Fire TV ONLY $369 at Best Buy (Reg $730)
Beakey Makeup Sponge Set 5-Pack ONLY $3.84 (Reg $13)
Petco Sale – 50% Off Fish Tanks, $10 Petco Cash on Blue Buffalo & Free Tasting Event
Hot Deals at Amazon Haul Starting as Low as $1.00
Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $5.99 (Reg $13)
Vaseline Lip Therapy Jelly 2-Pack ONLY $2.98 on Amazon + Free Shipping
Fashion Nova Discount Code and Coupons: Save up to 80% Off on Dresses, Jeans, Tops, and Accessories
Best Cheap Sewing Machines for Advanced and Basic Sewing Projects in 2026
Sculpd Discount Codes – 10% Off Your First Order, 15% Off for You & a Friend, & More
Up to 65% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $4.67
Cute Heart Ghosts Friendship Duos ONLY $5 at Target
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change

6/24/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Now that school is back in session, I’m going to be posting my weekly meal plans again. Breakfast and lunch at our house are usually the same each day- that’s how the kids tend to like it.

I do my grocery shopping usually early on Saturday morning, after I inventory the fridge, freezer, and pantry (the forms I used are in this post- they are FREE). This week I didn’t buy a lot. I want to work through what’s in the freezer. I did, however, visit Trader Joe’s and buy 10 bags of their frozen pizza dough- it’s always a good idea to have safe foods on hand, and pizza is one here.

Breakfast: The Big Kid has joined the Protein Coffee train with me. He has his with the equivalent of 2-3 shots of espresso in it, served hot. I take my Protein Coffee iced. 1 protein shake and 20 ounces of cold brew. The littler dude is on an Einstein Bros. Bagel kick. I buy them once every few weeks, pre-sliced, then I stash them in the freezer and pull them out and toast them as needed.

Lunch:  Monday through Friday, I pack my own 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 I have frozen entrees- there was a sale a few weeks ago, and I bought enough for the first 2 weeks of school. The big kid has basically the same lunch every day: Sandwich, drink, Quest Protein Chips, and a couple cookies or whatever I made this week. The little dude has cheesy popcorn, mandarin oranges (2), a cheese stick, a yogurt drink, a cookie, and a fruit snack. Whatever keeps them fed!

Dinner: The heat is so bad this week, so I’m trying to make as many cool choices or stuff that doesn’t require a lot of heat or stovetop time (and nothing in the oven!!).

  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Gyro, Rice, Balela Salad, Naan
  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates (this has become a Wednesday special)

  • Thursday: Quesadillas, beans and rice

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza
  • Sunday:  French Onion Beans with sourdough toast and fruit

8/23/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Sorry for the delay in publishing this post- this weekend was a lot of catching up and grocery shopping!

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Sample of Xtreme Rapid Relief Balm
FREE Kohl’s Cash (Up to $100) – No Purchase Necessary
FREE Beauty Products, PR Boxes, Swag & More with Lorealistar
FREE Chocolate Dipped Fruit Cone at Edible
1 Million FREE Dunkin’ Specialty Coffee & Frozen Drinks on August 25th
7 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples – FREE NeeDoh Groovy Glob
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now

Deals:

School Supplies Up to 60% Off at Target
Bath & Body Works 50% Off Select Halloween Items
The Kohl’s Credit Card: Benefits, Rewards, and How to Apply
Fall Decor From $10 at Target
Hot NEW Walmart Grocery Coupons – Save $10 off your order
PowerXL 8qt Air Max Air Fryer ONLY $39.99 (Reg $95)
Score Big Savings with the Latest Dunham’s Coupons & Deals!
Up to 60% Off Women’s Sandals, Flats & More at Macy’s
Sun Squad 10-Quart Hard Sided Cooler ONLY $5 at Target (Reg $10)

8/14/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Across the county, kids have started returning to school!

My big guy started back Wednesday, and he’s loving it so far.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Pork Big Deal for Teachers at Sonny’s BBQ on August 20th For my southern friends. 
2 FREE Bath & Body Works Hand Soaps at Ulta
2 FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Capsule Toner
FREE Technaflora Plant Propagation Starter Pack
FREE Solar Light + FREE Shipping
FREE Full-Size Vetality Brush-Free Daily Dental Chews for Dogs
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
FREE Freshmen 6-Pack of Cookies at Insomnia Cookies – 1st 30,000
FREE BIC Soleil 5 Glide Razor 2-Pack from Target
FREE Skilled Trades Training with Home Depot Path to Pro
FREE Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Workshop Event for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Spa Weekend
Calm and Cozy: Free Baby Sleep Music for Restful Nights
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Targeted Wrinkle Care
FREE Sample of Prowess All-In-One Cat Food
FREE Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oil Warmer Device After Walmart Cash
FREE Autumn Seasonal Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Subscription to LEGO Magazine
FREE Movie Ticket to The Magic Faraway Tree
FREE Welcome Kit with a Target Baby Registry
FREE School Bus Organizer Workshop at Home Depot
Get Started on Your Wellness Goals with Free Supplement Samples
FREE Rare Breed Dog Treats Sample Pack
FREE $25 to Spend on Adidas
Free Zaxby’s Big Zax Snak Meal for New & Existing Rewards Members
FREE History Card Game for Teachers
We Found The Best Birthday Freebies For Kids
FREE Garnier Makeup Bag at Target
FREE Sample of Vagisil White Jasmine Feminine Wash
FREE Car Wash for First Responders at GO Car Wash
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE Sea Rim Activity Book for Kids
FREE Full-Size Nature’s Meal Natural Kids’ Supplements
Chipotle Summer of Extras – FREE Chipotle, Points & More

DealsMacy’s 10 Days of Glam: 50% Off Beauty Deals | Mario Badescu, Make Up For Ever & More
Michaels Coupons: Our Favorite Coupons for 40% Off & More Deals
Tree Hut Watermelon Overnight Lip Mask ONLY $3.80 (Reg $8)
Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper ONLY $5 on Amazon
Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge 4-Pack ONLY $3.42 (Reg $9)
PetSmart Promo Codes & Coupons: 20% Off Your Order, 35% Off Your First Order with Autoship & More
Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for August & September
Paris Hilton Epic Nonstick Pots & Pans 12-Piece Set ONLY $59.99 (Reg $100)
Thyme & Table 20-Piece Knife Set ONLY $22.47 (Reg $96)
Save Big on Skechers Shoes with Back-to-School Sale! 25% Off Kids Styles
7-in-1 Inflatable Water Slide Bounce House w/ Blower ONLY $199.99 (Reg $380)
Walmart Released New Flash Deals – Up to 65% Off All Departments
Renpho Eye Massager ONLY $39.99 Shipped (Reg $66)
Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones ONLY $99.95 (Reg $200)

Recipe: Country Pork Sausage Gravy

This is a very easy breakfast to make. It goes great on toast, biscuits, and crescent rolls.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Bulk breakfast sausage (I like Jimmy Dean)
  • 1.5 cups milk (I used whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose flour
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, brown and crumble sausage over medium heat.
  2. Once the meat has cooked through, sprinkle flour in the skillet. Stir the flour, coating the meat and absorbing the fat in the pan.
  3. Allow flour to cook and brown slightly, stirring frequently.
  4. Turn down the stove to low, and slowly pour milk over the mixture, while whisking. Stir constantly as the mixture cooks and the flour thickens.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a little milk (about 1/4 cup), and continue to cook until thick.

Subtitutions:

  • If you are dairy-free, use your favorite milk.
  • If you are gluten-free, use a 1:1 Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
  • If you do not eat pork, turkey breakfast bulk sausage is a great replacement.

8/6/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week was so busy- appointments, fun adventures, and a mountain of laundry.

We’re on the downward slide to the first day of school!

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

1 Million FREE Dunkin’ Refreshers on August 10th
Free Birthday Stuff in 2026: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
FREE $25 to Spend at Old Navy
FREE Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oil Warmer Device After Walmart Cash
FREE ARM & HAMMER Power Sheets Chatterbuy Kit
Kids Bowl FREE All Summer
Don’t Miss this Sam’s Club Membership Deal – a Half-Price Membership!
FREE Dragon Herbs Sample Pack + FREE Shipping
FREE Sample of Fancy Feast Gems
FREE ICEE on August 18th
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE Full-Size Oh No Flo Menstrual Cramp Soothing Oil
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Whopper at Burger King
FREE SmartGames IQ Puzzles Party Pack
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits

Deals

Flash Sale: Up to 70% Off Women’s Shoes, Handbag and More at Macy’s
Sam’s Club Membership Benefits: Tips and Tricks to Save More at Sam’s Club
Top 43 Restaurants with Senior Discounts: Updated 2026
Lululemon Factory Outlet Stores – Your Favorite Brand at a Fraction of the Cost!
10 School Supplies to Get at Walmart.com to Avoid the Crowds
Back to School Sale on Amazon as low as $0.50
Petco Sale – Buy 3, Get 1 FREE All Dog Treats & Chews
Maximize Your Home Improvement Savings with the MyLowe’s Rewards Program
Farberware Disney 3-Piece Nonstick Mickey Head Cake Pan Set ONLY $19.34 (Reg $43)
wet n wild Enhance and Define Megawear Mascara ONLY $2.00 (Reg $4.00)
JoyJolt Disney Winnie the Pooh 4-Piece Drinking Glasses ONLY $23.99 (Reg $50)
Juicy Couture 4-Pc Viva La Travel Size Eau De Parfum Gift Set ONLY $25 (Reg $50)
Semi-Annual Intimates at Kohl’s – $29.99 & Under + Coupon!
Kids Shoes 30% Off at Target
Looking For An Alternative to Crocs? Check Out These Knock Off, Fake Crocs at the Lowest Prices
How to Coupon at Target (SO many EASY Ways to Save Even More At Target!)
Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for August
The Children’s Place – Up to 77% Off All Shorts
What’s the Best Time to Go to Costco for Hassle-Free Shopping?
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Kids & Baby Sale at Old Navy: Deals & Steals From $6
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day 3-Pack ONLY $8.98 Shipped on Amazon (That’s $2.99 Each!)
Toys Clearance at Walmart as low as $4.97 (Reg $10)

Tryazon Review: Kevin’s Natural Meals!

Recently, I was selected to try two of Kevin’s Natural Foods family-size meals.

I love Butter chicken, and I was stoked that it is one of the four varieties.

The Four Varieties include:

  • Butter Chicken
  • Lemongrass Chicken
  • Pesto Chicken Pasta
  • Teriyaki-Style Chicken

I found the entrees at Sprouts, but I know Target also sells them.

This meal was so easy to put together. One skillet, 10 minutes, and lunch was served. I added naan and a fruit salad as sides to round the meal out. It made four pretty substantial-sized lunches.

The frozen kit contains: tender chicken breast strips in a creamy tomato curry paired with green peas and brown rice.

What I love is that it’s made with chicken raised without antibiotics, it’s  Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, contains 18g of protein per serving, and has 0g of added sugars. And my kids liked it.

To find the store carrying Kevin’s Natural Foods near you, visit their website. And if you are a frugal friend and want to try Kevin’s Natural Foods frozen meals and save money, check out this 50% off rebate via Aisle. This is a limited-time rebate.

August 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, PayPal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

This month, there aren’t a ton of free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.

  •  Seasonal Valencia Oranges by Sunkist
  • Zero Sugar Collagen Tea by Pretty Tasty
  • Non-GMO Macadamia Nuts by Mauna Loa
  • Avo Oil Tortilla Chips by Xochitl
  • Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
  • Solely Organic Fruit Jerky by Solely

There are a lot more offers for BOGO or a percentage off, including brands like Daiyo, Ripple, Calafia Farms, SunButter, Back to Nature, and Javvy Coffee, to name a few.

If you are looking for other rebate sites, similar to Social Nature, check out Aisle,  WeStock, or Peekage.

7/31/26 Friday Freebies and Deals!

In our continuing frugal escapades this summer, today The smaller kid and their friend and I are headed off to SeaWorld. I scored a free educator pass, and Groupon had discount tickets.

I used my MyPoints points from surveys to get a Groupon Gift Card to lower my out-of-pocket.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Backpacks and School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Ade Electrolyte Drink Mix Sample Pack
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
FREE LEGO Pokemon Event at Target
Get Free Catalogs by Mail: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Mini Cooler Cup at Lowe’s on August 22nd
FREE GREENIES Original Dog Dental Treats
Starbucks – Free Drink or Food Item During Your Birthday
FREE Corona Sunbrew Juicy Twist Reality TV Watch Party Kit
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE Destination Dessert Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE IAMS Proactive Health Core Pouch after Walmart Cash
FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Narcisse Fragrance
FREE $25 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Samples from The Apothecary Tea
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Cooling Towel, Stickers & More
We Rounded Up The Best Free Samples for Men: Check Them Out
FREE Toy Story Woody Action Figure at Walmart
FREE Tillamook Melty Hour Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Sample of YISE Beauty Xtreme Glow Peptide Serum
FREE Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
FREE Mtn Dew Baja Blast Every Time an MLB Player Hits a 420+ ft Home Run

Deals:

Bikes for the Whole Family From $48 at Walmart
Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men ONLY $3.43 (Reg $8)
The Children’s Place Graphic Tees ONLY $5 (Reg $13) + FREE Shipping!
Purina Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Pet Food from Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies and More
Top 10 Grocery Store Coupons This Week
Back to School Jeans Sale at Carter’s: Buy One Get two Free
Skip Name Brand Products and Save Big with Off-Brand Foods Instead
Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit ONLY $16.94 (Reg $30)
Pioneer 40-In LED Full HD (1080p) Smart RoKu TV ONLY $99.99 (Reg $170)
Cooks 6-Qt Stainless Steel Slow Cooker ONLY $26.99 (Reg $60)
Boho Fringe Thatched Tiki Patio Umbrella ONLY $79.99 (Reg $200)
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Get Senior Discounts at These 13 Grocery Stores in 2026
Carote 5-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cooking Pot Set ONLY $21.99 (Reg $80)
LOCO 2-Burner Classic Flat Top Grill/Griddle ONLY $99 Shipped (Reg $298)

Free Backpacks & School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!