frugal

8/14/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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

Abby H.

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

Abby H.

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!

Abby H.

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.

Tryazon- SmartGames IQ Puzzles Party!

Abby H.

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 fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

 

Test your logic IQ with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from SmartGames! 

SmartGames is back with their IQ Deluxe  Logic puzzle games designed for older audiences (14+). Each game comes with a full spectrum of puzzles from easy-starts to expert-level brain workouts to test your logic, planning, and spatial reasoning! Introducing IQ Star, IQ Square, IQ Pentagon, and IQ Circle. Each has 120 challenges for fresh and exciting problem-solving fun!

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of IQ Deluxe Logic Games to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here. 

Walmart: School Supplies starting at .25!

Abby H.

I know we just finished school and there is a vast ocean of time before we need to buy supplies; however, Walmart has already dropped the prices on classroom supplies.

Seriously, from Crayola markers, to pencils, Filler paper, spiral-bound notebooks, highlighters, and crayons. I’ve already placed my order!

And if you aren’t sure what is going to be on your kids’ back-to-school list, here are a few things that classrooms always need:

  • Glue sticks
  • Erasers– the ones that go on the end of pencils are always a hit with my kids. The large pink ones usually end up getting stabbed with pencils and not used as erasers. I have no idea why.
  • Pencils- Ticonderoga are the best pencils. They cost a little more, but they last longer and don’t break as easily (in my experience).
  • Tissues
  • Disinfecting wipes- The first month back at school is peak illness time. We are all getting to know each other and new germs are popping up left and right.
  • Whiteboard markers – In most classrooms these days, kids have their own whiteboards (in place of scratch paper), so whiteboard markers are a must.

This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.

July 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

Abby H.

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.

July was so busy overall, but I made time for my side quests. I think it might have been my best month to date!

  • MyPoints:  $30 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $26.75 Venmo
  • G2:  $20 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Fetch:  $30 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $30.50 in Aisle Rebates
  • BrandClub:  $10.50 Venmo
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. I spent a lot of time over the summer making/uploading educational materials to my TPT account. $18.25
  • Verasight: $10 via Venmo
  • Receipt Hog: $10.00 Paypal
  • Class action lawsuits (I use SettleMate to help me find ones that I might qualify for): $22.26
  • Evidation: $10 via Venmo
  • Gist: $20 Amazon Gift Card
  • In-Person Research Study: $200
  • Recycling Bottles and Cans: $30

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:

Fall 2026 Clothing Swaps!

Abby H.

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 that will have clothes in all of 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.

Here are the Fall 2026  Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

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.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

August 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 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.

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for August and September!

Abby H.

I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) activities for kids. JCPenney has two events coming up that fit the bill! Check out these fun, free crafts from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on August 8, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create an axolotl pouch. The Craft includes a pencil pouch, markers, and a small notebook. Great for back to school!

If you are busy that day, there is an event in September!

On September 12, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a cabin picture frame.  This craft includes wood sticks, foam pieces, glue dots, a marker, and a magnet.