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.
Details can be found here.
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
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:
The process to obtain any of these is easy:
These offers have no out-of-pocket cost to you. As I find more deals and offers like this, I will post them.
The deals this week are not dealin’, so it’s an OOPS All Freebies edition.
I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!
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.
This first Freebie is OMG amazing, and if you live near a JCPenney and have a kid, you need to go do it! FREE LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Toucan or Monster Truck Craft Kit at JCPenney (December 13th)
Freebies:
FREE Letter Box Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s- Going on today!
FREE LEGO Tom the Turkey Build Event at Toys R Us in Macy’s– Going on today!
FREE Catalyst Protein Bar
7 FREE K-Beauty Sheet Masks
FREE Chipotle with Chipotle U Rivalry Week
FREE Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Hot Sandwich at Love’s Travel Stops
FREE Holiday Magic Events at Target
FREE LEGO Plum Blossom Flower Set After Cash Back
FREE Sample of Garlique Garlic Supplement
FREE $10 Off + FREE Shipping at e.l.f.
Free Dog Food Samples: 7 Companies that Will Send You Free Dog Samples by Mail
FREE L’Occitane Karite Confort Ultra Rich Body Cream
FREE Emergen-C Vitamin C Powder After Walmart Cash – Up to 3
Free Chick-fil-A: The Chick-fil-A Hacks You Need to Know – Yes, It Includes FREE Chicken!
Lots of Freebies for Moms: The Freebie List I Wish I Had When I Became a Mom
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday thru December
Black Friday Food Deals & Freebies On Coffee, Fast Food, Gift Cards and More: 2025
FREE Amy’s Kitchen Products with Instacart – Up to $12
FREE 2026 Snort Calendar
FREE TheraBreath Toothpaste
Burger King Perks Week – FREE Chicken Sandwich, Cini Minis, Whopper Jr, Cheeseburger & More
FREE Barilla Pesto Savor The Creaminess Party Kit
We Found The Best Birthday Freebies For Kids
FREE Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch Sample
FREE LUNCHABLES Kit
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Autobrush Sonic Pro Toothbrush for Kids or Adults
Get Free Beauty Product Samples With Topbox Circle
FREE Simply Pop Prebiotic Soda Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Cali XL Burger at Carl’s Jr.
FREE 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
FREE Ethel-On-The-Go Luggage Tag + FREE Shipping
FREE Clorox Gift of Clean Gift Pack & a 2 Hour In-Home Cleaning Service
FREE Candy Crush Upside Down Lollipop
Free Photo with Santa, Giveaways & More at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
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.
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!
And if you haven’t signed up for their e-club yet, now is a great time. In addition to BOGO deals, you also score a bundlet of your choice for your birthday!
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that I love Craftsy. Access hundreds of classes on tons of topics: Cooking, baking, sewing, crochet, knitting, painting, jewelry making- you name it, Craftsy has classes on it.
If you are looking for a different type of gift for the creative soul in your life, Craftsy has a special offer- A Premium membership at 99% off the regular price. Become a member today and get 24/7 access to all our premium classes, videos, enthusiastic experts, and step-by-step demonstrations.
As someone who does several different art and craft forms, a Craftsy membership is an incredible gift idea- even at full price.
And of course, my posts aren’t complete without a freebie offer! If you want to check out Craftsy and see what all of the excitement is about, they offer a lot of free classes. Here are just a few that I love:
Office Depot/Office Max has really beefed up their rewards program!
Are you a Teacher/Educator? EXCLUSIVE TEACHER OFFER
25% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying purchase.
Limit $100 back in rewards per member per week (details here).
Are you in the military? EXCLUSIVE MILITARY OFFER
25% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying purchase.
Limit $100 back in rewards per member per week (details here).
RECYCLING REWARDS Get $2 back in recycling Rewards the next day when you recycle your Ink & Toner Cartridge and make a $10 purchase in the same month.
Earn 2% back in Rewards on supplies, technology, furniture, and more.
And this is a new perk to me: Earn $2 Back in Rewards for reviews
Up to 3 reviews per month. Online only. Learn More
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.
Freebies:
Deals:
The Children’s Place: Up to 70% Off Entire Site + 20% Off Coupon
Ultimate List for Where to Get Grocery Coupons
3-Piece Comforter Sets as Low as $23.93 (Reg $80)
Matching Family Pajamas From $10 at Target
Grab These Best Shoe Deals on Sale For Women, Men & Kids, Up to 60% Off
Kohl’s Clearance Sale is at 70% Off – Deals as low as Only $1.00
Christmas Inflatables as low as $9.86 Shipped at Walmart
Veteran’s Day is next week, and this year there are some pretty cool.
Some of these offers require proof of service either via a Military ID Card (active duty or retired) or a DD214.
Since I’m in So Cal, I choose to post offers that are available in my area, however, there are tons more offers available if you live elsewhere in the US. I suggest googling, “Veteran’s Day 2025 and your location”.
As always, contact the local restaurant/store before heading out to confirm that your local locations are participating.
IHOP: This November 11th, from 7am‑7pm veterans and active‑duty military get a FREE Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo! Dine‑in only. (*Dine-in only. 1 per guest. Restrictions apply. Military ID or proof of service required. See restaurant for details. For a limited time at participating restaurants.)
Applebee’s: This Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Applebee’s is proud to honor those who serve and have served our country. All active-duty military, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members who dine in the restaurant will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu as a heartfelt thank-you for their service. More information can be found here.
Buca di Beppo: Buca di Beppo is offering a free lunch entrée to all veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID. The offer will be available on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, and guests can select any pasta from the lunch specials menu.
Buffalo Wild Wings: This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present armed service members by offering 10 FREE Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID. Available dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov.11 at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion. How It Works: On Tuesday, November 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who present their valid military ID at any U.S. Chipotle restaurant and enjoy an entrée in-restaurant will receive a second entrée for free.* The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
IN-N-OUT Burger: This Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, In-N-Out Burger will show its appreciation for all veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard by offering a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. All current and former members of the U.S. military will also receive a special-edition Veterans Day decal. U.S. veterans and active duty military are respectfully asked to present proof of military service to receive the complimentary made-to-order meal of choice offered at all In-N-Out Burger locations open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Little Caesars: In keeping with its longstanding tradition of giving back to those who serve, Little Caesars® is once again offering a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members this Veterans Day. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Olive Garden: On Nov. 11, we will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines with us a free entrée from our special menu. We ask that veterans and active military simply show proof of military service. All entrées include freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup or our famous house salad. You may choose one of the following: Never Ending Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, or chicken parmigiana.
Outback Steakhouse: We’re honoring military mates with a free Aussie 3-course meal. Enjoy a starter, a choice of select entrée, and dessert when you dine in the restaurant on Nov. 10 and 11 to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day. Show your military ID to your server to redeem.
Great Clips: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active service members can visit any Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Non-military customers who get a haircut at Great Clips on Veterans Day will also receive a free haircut card that they can use to pay-it-forward to an active servicemember or veteran in their life as a token of thanks and appreciation. The cards can be redeemed through December 5, 2025.
Sports Clips: Sport Clips’ Help A Hero fundraiser runs until November 15. Participating stores will offer free haircuts for veterans and active duty servicemembers on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif.: Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel may receive discounted admission to Knott’s Berry Farm for themselves and up to five guests during Military Tribute Days, Nov. 3-20, 2025, and Dec. 1-18, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 at Knotts.com or at the Knott’s Berry Farm ticket booths.
Discounted admission is also available at a participating Military Ticket Office. Spouses and children are not eligible to purchase these tickets without the military member present.
Hewes Family Fun 