fun

Looking for a Gift for the Readers in Your Life?

Abby H.

I’ve got a couple of adult readers on my gift-giving list each year.

And it can be hard to find a book to give as a gift, but I recently discovered Book of the Month.

You can give a 3, 6, or 9-month membership, depending on what works for your budget.

Or, if you are the reader in your life, check it out for yourself! They have a pretty decent deal going right now: Join Book of the Month and choose your first book for $9.99 or make your pick later.

FINE PRINT: By clicking the checkbox above, you agree to Book of the Month’s Terms of use and Privacy policy. You also acknowledge that you are signing up for a recurring monthly subscription. Unless you skip the month or cancel your membership using our site or app prior to the 21st of each month, you will be renewed for $16.99 plus tax next month and one credit will be added to your account redeemable for your next book. As part of your $5 enrollment offer, you acknowledge that you cannot cancel until after you are renewed at least once. As part of this transaction, you may see a $21.99 temporary hold on your payment method, which will be released in a couple of days.

San Diego, CA area Secret Shops at SkyZone Earn $50+!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love to secret shop!

I learned about Amusement Advantage from some friends who have had a blast doing secret shopping and having adventures with their families. Amusement Advantage has all sorts of fun shops: movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, and more! They have opportunities to do secret assignments in almost every state of the US and most of the Provinces in Canada.

Right now, they have assignments available at the SkyZone in San Diego! Amusement Advantage has a mystery shop available at Sky Zone – San Diego (Fran) in San Diego, CA 92126 for November!

SPECIAL WEEKDAY OPTION allowed FOR NOVEMBER ONLY: SHOP ANY DAY 11.21 – 11.30. Earlier dates are given preference.

Pay/Reimbursement: $20 + Reimbursement up to $100 + $50 Extra Pay + $5 Early Return Bonus.

$50 EXTRA PAY above the rate listed, offered on this assignment! $100 reimbursement-spend YOUR WAY-more jump time, guests, arcades, or food/drinks! Just 90 minutes required onsite – free fun and food plus profit!

They now pay via PayPal in 21-28 days.

CLICK HERE to view the details and apply!

Staycation Getaway in Borrego Springs with Deals at La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa

Abby H.

The kids and I love La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa. It’s an incredible resort out in Borrego Springs, CA. Borrego Springs is about an hour east of San Diego near the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Offer Details

  • Stay Two Nights, Third Night Free
  • $50 Daily Resort Credit (redeemable at The Fox Bistro, The Fox Den Bar, Casa Café & Market, and The Spa at La Casa Del Zorro)
  • Waived Resort Fee (includes parking)

Book with promo code CYBER25 and experience exceptional value wrapped in relaxation, adventure, and desert serenity.

The $50 Daily Resort Credit applies exclusively to The Fox Bistro, The Fox Den Bar, Casa Café & Market, and The Spa at La Casa Del Zorro. Credit may not be used toward room rate, resort service fees, parking, or taxes.

Offer Valid: November 1, 2025 – December 5, 2025. Stay Dates: November 1, 2025 – March 5, 2026

Borrego Springs is a Dark Sky Community, and that means amazing stargazing year-round. La Casa del Zorro has plenty of places on site to sit and stare up at the stars.

There are all sorts of things to do in Borrego Springs after your soak in the hot tub or swim in the pool!

And if your kids are anything like mine, after a long day of fun and adventures, only a pizza will do. And Borrego Springs has Calico’s– and they deliver to the Resort!

Calico’s pizza is really good- Lots of cheese, chewy crust, and it was delivered quickly!

Earn Money with Verasight!

Abby H.

I’ve been a member of Verasight for a few years now. I’m not sure how I got turned onto it; it was probably an email I received.

Verasight is a little different than other survey sites.

  • You cash out only in $10 increments.
  • Rewards are available via PayPal, Venmo, or Gift Cards. I always take Venmo.
  • You only receive an email when there is a survey for you to take.
  • 90% of the time, you are pre-qualified to take the survey. You will not spend time filling out a survey only to be denied or told you don’t qualify.
  • There is no referral program.

It doesn’t take much to redeem a reward. Most surveys are 500-1000 points and take less than 10 minutes to complete. For every 10 surveys you complete, you receive a 1000-point ($1.00) bonus.

I recently cashed out a $10 reward, and now I’m 1/3 of the way to my next reward with a 3300-point balance.

Verasight is definately a quick way to earn a little extra cash.

 

 

I’ve Been Busy

Abby H.

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.

 

 

2025 Halloween and Fall Fun Events in San Diego, CA

Abby H.

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! We’ve got our Halloween decor up, and I’ve been working on Halloween costumes.

My kids have always loved wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always on the lookout for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few events that are free and seasonal.

10/17/2025

  • HauntFest 2025, El Cajon’s ultimate Halloween block party and the largest free Halloween event in San Diego County! Happening Friday, October 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon, this family-friendly festival draws thousands each year with costume contests, amusement rides, a haunted maze, trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat with classic cars, live entertainment, and a family outdoor movie.

 10/23/2025

10/24/2025

10/25/2025

10/31/2025

SanDiego.org has a listing of events all over the county. Some may not be free.

Talk Back: If you know of any free Halloween or Fall events that are free and family-friendly, please leave a comment!

 

Tryazon- New Game Packs with Stitch, Marvel, and Disney!

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 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!

Learn more and apply here. 

 

San Diego County Fall Fire Station Open Houses!

Abby H.

As someone who grew up in San Diego County, I know that it’s always fire season.

Teaching our kids fire safety is key. It’s more than stop, drop, and roll. I was so excited when I saw a PeachJar flyer about upcoming local fire station open houses. These are a great way for kids (and families) to learn more about fire safety and check out the local fire station.

Most of these dates coincide with National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-12, 2025).

Lakeside Fire Protection District (Station 2):
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 12216 Lakeside Ave. Lakeside, CA 92040

City of Santee Fire Station 4:
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071

City of Carlsbad Public Safety Open House:
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: City of Carlsbad Safety Training Center- 5750 Orion St, Carlsbad, CA 92010
This event will feature live demonstrations and tours with the police, fire, and public works departments.

City of Coronado Fire and Police Departments
When: and Where: Sunday, October 5, at their Public Safety Open House. The free event kicks off National Fire Prevention Week and takes place between 11 am and 2 pm around the main Fire Station (6th Street) and the Police Department (7th Street) on D Avenue.

Poway Fire Open House
Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The location is the Poway Fire training tower- 12335 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064
Activities will include CPR training, a fire safety trailer, and information on defensible space.

City of Chula Vista Fire Station 5:
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9 AM – 2 PM
Where: 341 Orange Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Deer Springs Fire Protection District (Station 3):
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026

 

Talk Back: If you know of any other Fire Station or public safety open houses in San Diego County, please leave a comment!

Free Educational Resources for Teachers and Home Schoolers!

Abby H.

I’ve been doing some research to find some fun resources for my day job, and I wanted to share because sharing is caring!

Here are just a few of the educational resources available from Canva.

First up is my personal favorite: Canva.  It’s a website where you can make all sorts of media- both print and digital! They have a lot of free worksheet templates for all grades.

I recently learned about Free Book Marketplace, which sells low-cost books to educators. Their Free Resource section is expansive. Their Free Resource section can be found here.

This resource won’t go live until next month, but I’m mentioning it now: Book It. For both home schools and traditional schools, this program is a great way to celebrate reading with tasty rewards for grades TK/pre-K up to 6th grade!

If Pizza isn’t on the menu, Panda Express has a program called Read with Me that is for TK/pre-K through 5th grade (ages 5-11).

Education.com has a plethora of lessons, worksheets, and educational supports in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language.

And don’t forget Teachers Pay Teachers. This site has a lot of free resources. Everyone who sells on this site must provide at least 1 free resource. I have a lot of free resources in my store. TPT frequently has sales and discount codes. I do my best to post these coupon codes and sales as they become available.

And not strictly educational, but… LEGO® Life Magazine offers free subscriptions.  Perfect for kids aged 5-9, this printed magazine is packed full of cool activities, fun comics, creative builds, posters, and so much more. We get it at my house, and I try to bring it to school to share with the kids after mine are done pouring over it.

Did you know that Michaels offers a Teacher Discount? Once you verify yourself as a teacher, you’ll receive 15% off everything (even sale merchandise!).

San Diego Residents: Hiking with The Cayoneers and The NAT!

Abby H.


One of my favorite aspects of living in San Diego County is the abundance of public open spaces available. That’s why I had to share this information straight from The NAT (That’s the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park).

Canyoneers are looking forward to launching their 52nd hiking season on September 7. The new season features 60 unique hiking opportunities between now and June 2026, allowing people to enjoy, explore, and discover San Diego’s natural landscapes. Hikes are led by the Canyoneers, volunteer naturalists trained by Museum scientists, to teach participants about our region’s rich flora and fauna, diverse landscapes, and natural history.

This year, 14 new hikes have been added to the schedule. Bridge to Nowhere in Eagle Peak Preserve, Kwaamii Point in Cleveland National Forest, and Ash Wash in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are just a few examples of the new trails they’ll be exploring. Hikes are free, but advance registration is appreciated. Participants can register here.

The long-awaited second edition of Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors is also being released in early September. This hiking guide was originally published in 2016 and sold 12,000 copies.

For more information about the Canyoneers, a complete schedule of hikes, and to register, visit the Canyoneer website here. 

Thanks to Paula at the NAT for this amazing information- I hope to meet some of you on San Diego’s trails!