Looking to engage in some sustainable fun this weekend? Check out Porchlight Community Services’ end-of-year clothing swap this Sunday, November 30th, from 1pm-4pm.
They also have an upcoming toy swap on 12/6/2025, just in time for the holidays!
I love Porchlight. In addition to hosting swaps, they help keep food from ending up in landfills, and getting food into the hands (and bellies) of San Diegans in need. You can learn more about Porchlight’s mission here.
I learned the other day that some Medicare and Medicaid plans have a benefit where you can receive an allowance to purchase OTC medicines and devices to help you stay healthy. From what I’ve found, Medi-Cal (THat’s what Medicaid in CA is called) is not included in this, sadly.
To see if your plan has an allowance called an OTC health solution or OTCHS, check with your Medicare or Medicaid plan. For those with Medicare, it is often covered under Part D.
CVS is one pharmacy where you can use your allowance. They accept the following plans:
• OTC Health Solutions
S3
OTC Network
Nations Benefits
And many more
Walgreens also offers a service similar to CVS. In fact, Walgreens has a complete section on its website where you can shop for items covered by this program.
Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers, eye drops, gas relievers, first aid supplies, vitamins, and oral care, just to name a few.
If your plan offers this feature, have you taken advantage of it before? What types of items do you purchase?
I found out about Stay Well US recently while researching for another post. This offer is 100% free and is only for those with Medicaid (Remember, in California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal).
If you live in California or Utah and you have Medicaid, this offer is for you!
Stay Well US has three types of wellness kits available for free:
COVID-19 Tests: At-home test kits delivered to your door monthly.
Wellness Kits: OTC meds, vitamins, and first aid, all covered by Medicaid.
Quit Smoking Support: Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges—plus support to help you quit.
The process to obtain any of these is easy:
Submit a Quick Form: Tell Stay Well a little about your health needs.
They Verify Coverage: They work directly with Medicaid, so there’s no cost to you.
Receive Your Kit: Your approved COVID tests and wellness items are delivered discreetly and securely.
These offers have no out-of-pocket cost to you. As I find more deals and offers like this, I will post them.
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.
One of my kids’ favorite treats is a Nothing Bundt Cake Bundlet.
If you are a member of the Nothing Bundt Cake E-Club, check your email for a Buy one, get one free offer!
Now through 11/16, you can score a free bundlet when you buy one at regular price in-store or via their app for in-store pick-up. Make sure to check your email for the coupon code/barcode to use in-store!
I’ve got freebies and deals this week! There is a pretty good selection to choose from.
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.
We had a power outage that lasted most of the day, so while this was written at the wee hours of the morning, I wasn’t able to post it until now.
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.
Hey friends- I haven’t been posting much because I’ve been doing a lot of stuff away from the computer.
The holidays are soon upon us, and I’ve been stocking up on items to donate. I’ve been using the CVS app to find the best deals and the best way to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to my monthly $10 Extra Care Pass rewards. I pay for the Extra Care Pass program annually. It has a lot of great perks, including getting my prescriptions mailed to me for free. Between that and the free $10 in-store each month, it definately pays for itself.
So far, I’ve picked up shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and body wash, all using my October 2025 $10 reward, as well as some $4 rewards I had on my CVS account from getting the kids’ prescriptions filled.
I’ve also been taking advantage of other sales and deals at Bath & Body Works. They have a great program where you can earn free full-sized products, access to free travel-sized products, and extra percent off deals. I recently had a free full-sized product, a free travel-sized product, and an additional 25% off coupon on my account. I was able to use all three and combine the 25% off coupon with the sale on $5.95 single-wick candles. I was able to buy presents for 5 people on my holiday gift list, including stocking stuffers for the kids.
I’ve also been taking advantage of grocery sales and rebate offers through WeStock, Social Nature, and Aisle to pick up free and less than $1.00 groceries to fill the local blessing box and donate to the local high schools’ food pantry.
Yes, these are clown beads. Littlest Kiddo loves clowns.
And because the holidays are coming up soon, I’ve kicked up my sewing and jewelry making. I’m going through my dwindling stash of fabric and craft supplies to make gifts for people on my gift list. I’m committed not to buy any new craft or sewing supplies unless I have a gift card and a coupon, or in the case of fabric, I can find it at a thrift store. There is a distinct lack of fabric stores in my area. I recently had a credit on my Temu account, and I was able to pick up some really cool beads.
I spent a few hours yesterday making bracelets and a few Paternosters for holiday gifts, and I pulled out the sewing machine and finished up some stuff lingering in my sewing inbox. One of the items was a medieval tunic that I made from an upcycled cotton tablecloth- I picked it up at a thrift store on 50% off day. And the trim was from a bag of misc. craft supplies at the same thrift shop on another day.
And of course, I do have a full-time job outside of the house, and I’ve got my kids 90% of the time.
I’m spending a lot of weekends hanging with kids, baking, meal prepping for the week ahead, and trying to teach the cat tricks- the last one isn’t terribly successful.
So while I may not be posting here multiple times a day any more, I am out there doing frugal stuff and trying to help as many people as I am able.
The big kid and I went to an SCA event this morning, and we’re back home. I’m settling into doing some writing and getting some blog posts scheduled.
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!
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!