How to Host a Clothing Swap

Y’all know I love a good clothing swap. I post as many as I can find and vet each month (I make sure they aren’t scammy, are actually free, etc.), but sometimes you want to do your own. Maybe you are in a fashion niche, a specialty size, or you want to have a specific type of swap.

Here are a few tips that made my clothing swaps a hit:

  • Pick a date.
  • Pick a location.
  • Pick a theme (ladies’ clothes, kids clothes, accessories only).
  • Pick a location.
  • Secure tables, clothing racks, and hangers to display clothes.
  • Arrange a donation partner for leftover items.

When you advertise your swap (either in a Facebook group, on Meetup, via email, however you decide), include any item limitations, such as the number of items. For a smaller swap, a sensible item limit is 5-10 items.

To cultivate the best swap possible, ask attendees to leave the stained or ripped items at home. Clothing should be ready to wear. That means no clothing that is pilled, has broken zippers, or missing buttons.

No used undergarments- for hygiene reasons. You may want to ok new undergarments or socks; that’s up to you.

On the day of, arrive early to set up tables and any clothing racks. Extra hangers may be helpful; some people may not bring clothes on hangers.

Sort clothes as they arrive, by size and category, depending on how organized your swap is. This also gives you the chance to weed out anything that is not in good shape.  These items can be donated or returned to the person who brought it.

November 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 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 many free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.

  • HallPass Candy Peanut Cups
  • HallPass Candy Chocolatey Candy Pieces
  • HallPass Candy Peanut Creme Crispy Wafer
  • Henrietta Said Vegan Wing Flavored Nuts
  • Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
  • Truly Indian Handmade Street Wraps

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.

October 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

Quests require compasses and treasure chests, right?Why am I referring to them as “quests” and not “hustle“?

Hustling indicates moving quickly to earn money. This year, I’m doing a little bit every day, approximately 20 minutes on small surveys and small tasks. I may earn less daily, but overall, I can use small tasks to earn more through compounding.

October was busy! I spent a lot of time doing stuff around the house- purging closets, cleaning the garage, and helping my youngest with their Halloween Costume.

  • MyPoints:  $10 Amazon Gift Card
  • PaidViewPoint:  $13.88 Venmo
  • Fetch:  $10 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $38.94 in Aisle Rebates, $10.97 in WeStock Rebates, and $2.79  in Social Nature Rebates
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. $16.00
  • Verasight: $20 via Venmo
  • Ibotta: $24.30 Paypal
  • Online Research Study: $15.00
  • Class action lawsuits (I use SettleMate to help me find ones that I might qualify for): $4.30
  • ShopHerMedia (The affiliate company I work with occasionally- this amount is 11 months’ worth of commission): $50.86

I spend about 20-30 minutes a day completing surveys, scanning receipts, and other tasks. It doesn’t take long, and it helps take a small load off our summer budget.

As always, the links above may be affiliate links, and I might earn money or points if you join any of the above apps or activities. This helps support my blog and family.

If you are interested in my full list of money-saving/money earning activites, I encourage you to check out:

November 2026 Clothing Swaps

I love clothing swaps- if you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap with clothes in all our sizes.

And, as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

November 6, 2026 2-3pm
Let’s Go Girls Monthly Clothing Swap
Golden Hills Park (Near the restrooms)

November 7, 2026 1pm-4pm
Baddie Clothes Swap
Mujeres Brew House 1983 Julian Avenue San Diego, CA 92113

November 8, 2026 10am – 1pm
City of La Mesa Clothing and Toy Swap
La Mesa Library 8074 Allison Ave La Mesa, CA 91942
November 12, 2026 6pm – 7:30pm
Conscious Closets: Clothing Swap & Sewing Workshop
Magdalena Ecke YMCA 200 Saxony Rd Encinitas, CA 92024

November 12, 2026 3pm–5pm
Clothing Swap
Potrero County Library 24883 Potrero Valley Road Potrero, CA 91963

November 28, 2026 10am-2pm
Water and Kindness Clothing Swap and Community Fair
Pop Up Winona 4951 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

 

Free and Low Cost Dental Resources in San Diego!

Today is National Brush Your Teeth Day, and I thought I’d share some free and low-cost dental care resources in San Diego for those who may not have dental insurance or access to a dentist.

The UCSD School of Medicine has an extensive list of dental and other health care clinics in Southern California on their website, along with costs associated with care.

The UCSD School of Medicine also has a free dental clinic.

San Diego Mesa College has a dental school, and they offer free and low-cost services as part of their students’ training.

Children’s Dental Health Center has many programs and initiatives that help kids who may not have access to a dentist. They work closely with school nurses and staff to help identify kids in need of dental care.

OPSAM Health has low cost/sliding scale dental care at two locations in San Diego County.

If you have Medi-Cal, you automatically have Medi-Cal Dental benefits and access to dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, tooth removal, dentures, and emergency services

Visit smilecalifornia.org or call (800) 322-6384 to learn about Medi-Cal Dental benefits and to locate a dental provider.

And if you are looking for some recommendations for oral care products, my Amazon Storefront has a selection of my favorites (and these all got the OK from my dentist) here.

10/30/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

October is officially the longest month of the year. At least, it feels that way. I’m tired. And I’m glad it’s Friday!

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

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:

Spooktacular Halloween Food Deals & Food Freebies You Can’t Miss in 2026: Pizza, Fast Food, and More
Free 2026 National Parks Entrance Days
FREE Sample of Edna Day Moisture Cream & Overnight Cream
FREE PhotoJoy Photo Postcard
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE $15 to Spend at CVS
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE 2027 Wall Calendars
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
FREE Holiday Engine Kit Workshop Event at Lowe’s
FREE 8×10 Zombie Print at CVS
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Santal Couture Fragrance
FREE Sample of Earth’s Care Eczema Lotion
FREE Playing Cards from Black & Mild
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Rare Beauty Hydrating Eye Patches at Ulta
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
FREE Actispot II Cat Flea Treatment
FREE Pokemon Trick or Trade BOOster Pack at GameStop on 10/31
FREE Lysol Sample Pouch at Target
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Nov. 2 – 8
FREE Sample of Soluvia Shield Dissolvable Mouth Comfort Patch
FREE $15 to Spend at Walmart
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Beech-Nut Product
Get 5,000 FREE American Airlines Miles – First 65,000 People
FREE Injinji Socks
FREE $30 Purchase at UGG
FREE 2027 Unity Calendar
FREE Bag of Happy Candy at Target
FREE Cuddle Clones Custom Pet Pajamas
FREE Big Buford Burger at Checkers & Rally’s
FREE Box of Keebler Cookies at 12pm EST – Daily Through Oct. 31st

 

Deals:

CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron ONLY $38.49 (Reg $100)
Old Navy 50% Off Giftober Deals + Extra 10% Off
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2026
SKIMS Dupes That Will Flatter You, But Not Flatten Your Wallet
Sling TV Deals: Save Money With Affordable Live TV Packages
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change
Snag Your Krispy Kreme Deals Here + Ways to Save & Get Free Krispy Kreme Donuts
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Tide Detergent, Vicks VapoRub, Bounty & More
The Best Walmart Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2026 – Dates Released
Step2 My First Christmas Tree 12-Piece $44.99 Shipped (Reg $60)
Digital Calendar 10.1 Inch ONLY $59.99 (Reg $100)
How to Use Kohl’s Cash: Everything You Need to Know earn, use, and maximize
Coach Outlet Wristlet as low as $35 (Reg $88)
Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum ONLY $60 at Ulta (Reg $120) + FREE Beauty Break 6 Piece Gift Set
Regency Heights Queen Size Comforter Set 9-Piece ONLY $42.84 (Reg $130)
50 Dog Toys UNDER $5 on Amazon – Prices Start at Only $2.89 Shipped

2026 Halloween Candy Buy Back!

Now that you’ve started all of the Halloween 2026 fun with carnivals, trunk-or-treats, and community events, do you have a pile of unwanted candy?

The best part of trick-or-treating is candy.

The worst part can be candy that your kids (and you) don’t like, goes against your family’s dietary restrictions, or that you’re allergic to.

If you are looking for something to do with unwanted candy, here are a few ways your kids can turn Tootsie Rolls into something your kids will like (cash).

Candy Buybacks are a way businesses, usually dentist offices, can get unwanted candy out of families’ hands. Businesses usually donate the candy to the USO or nonprofits like Soldiers’ Angels, which collect candy and ship it overseas.

Here are a few located in San Diego County for Halloween 2026:

 

10/23/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

October is officially the longest month of the year. At least, it feels that way. I’m tired. And I’m glad it’s Friday!

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

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 Swag, Treats & More at PetSmart on October 25th
Seeing Clearly Without the Cost: A Guide to Free Contact Lenses
FREE Haircut for Veterans & Active Military at Great Clips
FREE ARM & HAMMER Platinum Cat Litter
FREE TevraPet Cat Flea & Tick Drops
200 FREE Photo Prints + FREE Shipping with Shutterfly
2 FREE Sets of Retro Mini Prints at Walgreens
500 FREE E-Tickets, FREE Candy & More at Chuck E Cheese
FREE Movie Tickets to Christmas at the Kringles
FREE Sample of Aveeno Positively Radiant Vitamin C Serum
FREE Donut at Krispy Kreme Through October 25th
FREE Wasa Crispbread Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Sample of Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
USPS Operation Santa – Possible FREE Gift or Send a Gift to a Child in Need
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE $15 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
FREE Fluval Aquatics Products
FREE Denny’s Triple Play Combo Meal
FREE $15 to Spend at Old Navy
FREE $5 Best Buy Rewards Certificate – 1st 200,000
FREE Roxley Radlands Game Night Party Pack
FREE Tiffwich Ice Cream Sandwich at Tiff’s Treats on October 24 & 25
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
FREE 2027 Hallmark Datebook
FREE LEGO Ghost Street Build Event
5 Legit Ways to Get Free Toys in 2026

Deals:

Home Expressions Bath Towels From $3.49 at JCPenney (Reg $12)
Women Denim Tote Bag Casual Trendy Crossbody ONLY $14.49 (Reg $29)
Disney Dash Stitch Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker ONLY $13.99 (Reg $40)
Halloween Light-Up Sherpa Ghost w/ Pumpkin ONLY $14.99 (Reg $35)
Up to 85% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $2.62
Turandoss Cross Necklace for Women ONLY $4.99 (Reg $10)
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up to 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
MEGA BLOKS Race Car Building Block Toy 26-Pieces ONLY $7.49 After Walmart Cash (Reg $15)
How Much is Amazon Prime for Seniors in 2026?
Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop ONLY $98 (Reg $150)
medicube Exosome Shot Zero Facial Serum ONLY $11.90 (Reg $39)
Save Big on Your Next Move with USPS Mover Coupons
Fall Gel Nail Polish Set ONLY $7 on Amazon (Reg $13)
UGG Women’s Classic Slippers ONLY $99.96 (Reg $130) + FREE Shipping
We Found the Best Air Fryer Deals: Up to 42% Off
Best Halloween Candy Deals Online and Instore: 2026
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Kit ONLY $24.50 (Reg $35)
32-Inch Small Computer Desk ONLY $19.99 on Amazon

These Are The Best 150 Student Discounts: Tech, Clothing, Streaming Services and More!

Free Kids Craft Classes at Michaels!

Did you know that Michaels has some fun (and free) craft classes for kids and adults?

There is a wide variety of make-and-take classes for kids and adults  now through the end of the year:

Did you also know that Michaels has a rewards club? Sign up for Michaels Rewards today and earn $5 in Rewards when you spend $25 or more!

10/18/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals

I woke up this morning and thought it was Monday. It’s going to be a long day.

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

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 Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE JDC Coffee Sample
FREE Kitchen Without Borders Cookbook
FREE 2027 Fellowship Calendar
FREE La Colombe Coffee Workshop Cold Brew Creations House Party Kit
FREE Amazon Holiday Kids Gift Book with Activities & Stickers
Free Hair Samples: Discover Your Next Favorite Product for Free
FREE Microadventure Mystery Box
Get Free Beauty Samples in the Mail From La Roche-Posay, Dove, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Others
FREE Original Glazed or Classic Ring Donut at Krispy Kreme on Oct. 30 & 31
FREE Sample of Stetson Untamed Fragrance
FREE Firefighting Plane Kit Workshop Event at Lowe’s
FREE Gigglescape Flower Stickers at Target
FREE Digital Thermometer
FREE Sample Mail Call for October
FREE Trick-or-Treat Event at Petco
FREE Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Container Set at Walmart

Deals:

CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – BOGO FREE Gifts, 15¢ 4×6 Prints & More
Women’s Halloween Sweater ONLY $12.39 (Reg $25)
61-Piece Magnetic Nut Driver Set for Impact Drills ONLY $$19.65 (Reg $40)
Gourmia All-in-One 14-Quart Air Fryer ONLY $55 (Reg $99)
Disney Store: Up to 30% Off Costumes & Halloween Styles
Bedsure Soft Fleece Throw Bed Blanket ONLY $9.98 (Reg $18)
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas Each Friday
Elle Roamer Vegan Leather Weekender Tote Bag ONLY $49.99 (Reg $88)
Old Navy Long-Sleeve T-Shirts For the Family as low as $5
Get Free Manufacturer Coupons by Mail From Your Favorite Companies
Amazon Haul Flash Deals: $2 & Under
Academy Sports Coupons: New $15 Off $15 Order! Save on Nike, Adidas, Under Armour & More
BJ’s Wholesale Coupon Policy + Digital Coupons
Beautiful Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker ONLY $19.99 (Reg $35)
Eastsport Backpacks as low as $8.35 at Walmart (Reg $25)
Chelsea Loft Pinsonic Floral Embossed 2-Piece Quilt Set ONLY $19.43 (Reg $65)