fun

April 2025 Upcoming 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 kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

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.

April means Earth Day is coming up! And that means clothing swaps!

Clothing Swap at La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair!
Join I Love A Clean San Diego for a free clothing and accessories swap during the City of La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 19th, at the La Mesa Community Garden! Swap your gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories and find your next favorite outfit while helping keep textiles out of the landfill.

La Mesa Community Garden – 5080 Memorial Dr.
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
No registration is needed – walk-ins are welcome!

Women’s Clothing Swap
Location: The Chapel at Grossmont
5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 am-2 pm
How it works:
Bring your gently used* WOMEN’S CLOTHING, accessories, shoes, etc. and trade them for items you want to take home. No selling, no buying, just swapping. You simply drop off your items on the front table and you can start shopping for items you want to take home – free! Come and drop off all the items you want to swap and leave with items that will bring value to you.
Items can include:
-Gently used* or semi-new clothing pieces
-Gently used* or semi-new shoes
-Jewelry pieces
-Accessories: scarfs, hats, purses, belts
*Items should be freshly laundered and either on hangers or laid flat in a box (not in bags, please)

Reminders:
– SWAP FOR YOU. NO LUGGAGE PLEASE. NOT FOR RESALE.
– Bring a bag to take home all your finds.
– Wear tights and a fitted blouse to easily try on clothes.

4/13/2025 All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

This event is back and will be an amazing time! The  2nd Annual All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair on Sunday, April 13 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone – 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 92115.

  • Activity Stations
  • Movie Screening Area
  • Giveaways & Crafts
  •  Family Resources
  • Networking
  • Shopping,
  • Games & more!

And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of a family movie (title to be determined) will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!

For tickets and to learn more, visit their website. 

Easter Basket Supplies on a Budget with Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

Easter Sunday is coming up on April 20th! That gives us a few short weeks to make Easter baskets! As always, I’m looking at Dollar Tree to help me make some cute baskets full of fun for each kiddo for $25 each!

First, we’ll start with a fun basket or tote. Dollar Tree always has a wide array of baskets, totes, and fun containers.

Here are some of my go-tos for a fun Easter Basket. My kids are tweens/teens. I tend to skip toys and go straight for consumables or items I know they will use.

  • Bath Bombs (I like to shop in-store for these- the in-store selections of bath bombs is always great)
  • Body Wash
  • Lotion
  • Lip Balm
  • Beverage Mixes
  • Water Bottles
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Playing Cards
  • Combs or a Hair Brush
  • Emery Boards
  • Candy
  • Snacks

My local Dollar Tree has a great collection of Skincare and Personal care dupes. From Bath and Body Works dupes to Bubble Skin care dupes, I always find great deals at my local Dollar Tree.

Buying Sewing and Craft Supplies Frugally

Abby H.

I love sewing. I have been creating clothing, costumes, and home goods for decades.

Losing stores like JoAnn Fabrics means turning to online retailers or looking for supplies in thrift stores, apps like OfferUp, or even on Facebook marketplace. 

Brick and mortar fabric stores have been disappearing for about the last 10 years, and for some of us stores like JoAnn fabrics were the last place that we could go in person and buy fabric to make clothes, notions like thread and sewing machine needles, and patterns.

I love shopping at thrift stores for fabric and notions, but it can be hit or miss.  I frequently pick up flat sheets to make mock ups for fitted clothing, as they are less expensive than muslin by the yard. When I need something specific, I look online for deals.

Did you know that apps like Temu and Alibaba partner with small and local businesses in addition to large overseas factories? On Temu, you can select “local warehouse stores” to shop local companies. Not only will you be shopping locally but you may experience faster shipping times. 

I recently purchased bias tape, which I needed for some upcoming projects, and I was able to find a local warehouse store that had two of the colors that I needed. And in less than five days, I had two spools of black and white biased tape in my hand. And it was shipped from Indiana, which isn’t local to me, but was at least purchased by a company in the US.

In fact, if you look at the bottom of the front page of Temu, it has a link to click where you can learn more about selling your products on Temu. It’s not just gigantic faceless mass manufactured factories overseas, anyone can sell their products on Temu.

I have purchased T-shirts in the past that have come from a small business in Orange County California through Temu. I’ve also purchased 3-D printed items from a small company in the Midwest that sells via Temu.

Merlin Entertainment: FREE Tickets for First Responders of the Los Angeles Fires!

Abby H.

This is such an amazing offer, I had to share!

Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND® California Resort and Madame Tussauds Hollywood Offer FREE Tickets for First Responders of the Los Angeles Fires

LEGOLAND® California Resort and Madame Tussauds Hollywood are showing appreciation for the first responders of the Los Angeles fires who have given their time and bravely served their community by offering free tickets. As part of Merlin Entertainments’ commitment to creating memorable, immersive experiences, both attractions are also offering additional discounts for first responders to bring up to four guests at half off, allowing them to enjoy unforgettable fun together with their families.

Now through May 23, LEGOLAND California Resort is offering a complimentary Hopper Ticket and up to four additional Hopper tickets at 50% off for first responders, including California-based firefighters, police officers, sheriff deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and National Guard Members. First responders can choose between a LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper Ticket or a Resort Hopper Ticket, which includes access to LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, and LEGOLAND® Water Park (open select dates).

Tickets must be claimed in person at LEGOLAND California’s Guest Services window with a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid employee ID card.

At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, first responders can enjoy free admission through April 10. They can bring up to four guests, who are all eligible to receive 50% off admission. This exclusive offer at Madame Tussauds is available through ID.me.

For more details, visit LEGOLAND.com/california/deals/first-responders-offer/ and https://www.madametussauds.com/hollywood/ticket-deals/discount-offers/

We love Legoland! If you are looking for a way to continue the savings after you through the gates, check out our post about Legoland on a budget.

If you’ve got someone in your group that has a physical and mental limitation, pick up an Access Pass.

3/14/25 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

There is a whole smattering of freebies and deals this week! And I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:

FREE Sample of KNEMO Microtip Spot Patch for Blemishes
FREE Sample of Pataday Once Daily Relief Eye Allergy Itch Relief
FREE Sample of Nutree Brazilian Bondox or Afro Hair Mask
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Get Free Condom Samples Online and In-Person From Your Favorite Brands
FREE Sorion Cream or Soraresal Cream Sample
FREE Sample of Jiva Botanicals Shilajit Gummies
FREE Creed Eladaria Fragrance Sample
FREE Donna Karan Cashmere & Vanilla Essence Fragrance Sample
T-Mobile Tuesdays – 8×8 Photo Book at Shutterfly, Digital Costco Shop Card, $3 Panera Unlimited Sip Club & More
FREE Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample of Comfort Zone Skin Regimen LX Tripeptide Gel Cream
FREE Kids Meal with the Panda Express Read with Me Program
Free Food at Burger King for Perks Week: Today Free French Toast Sticks
FREE Donut at Krispy Kreme When You Wear Green on March 15th – 17th
FREE Mini Bucket, Puppy Plushie & Shoe Charms at Lowe’s – Reserve Yours Now
FREE Gutzy Organic Prebiotic Fruit Pouch

Deals:

Home Expressions Reversible Comforters ONLY $20.99 (Reg $50)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
National Pi Day Deals You Can Score on March 14th – Today
One Day Sale – Up to 60% Off Sitewide at Macy’s

3/8/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

There is a whole smattering of freebies and deals this week! And I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:

FREE Products with Fur Buddies – New Mission
Free Amazon Prime for Students for 6 Months
FREE Full-Size BONKERS Purrpops Cat Treats
FREE Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer After Walmart Cash
T-Mobile Tuesdays – FREE Large Slurpee at 7-Eleven, FREE Chicken Sandwich at Wendy’s, 30% off Crocs & More
FREE Movie Ticket to Brothers After War
FREE National Park Pass for 4th Graders
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
FREE Leprechaun Lemonade at Raising Cane’s
FREE Pair of Avia Running Sneakers at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher After Walmart Cash
FREE Bulgari Cologne Au The Vert Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample of TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats
Free Creed Millesime Imperial Fragrance Sample
FREE Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up Treats or Oinkies Tender Dog Treats
FREE e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Stick It to Zits Pimple Patches
Prime Members Score GrubHub+ FREE ($120 Value a Year)
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
FREE 2025 Defend the Flock Chicken Calendar
FREE $10 for Signing up for JCPenney Rewards
FREE Sample of Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream
FREE Velveeta Queso Blanco Dip Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Cone Day at Dairy Queen on March 20th
FREE NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet

 

DEALS:

Women’s Clothing Clearance at JCPenney – Some as Low as $2.99!
Kohl’s Cash Ultimate Giveaway – Starts TODAY March 7th
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Free Sandwich at Arby’s with Any Purchase
Buy 3, Get 3 FREE Bath & Body Works Body, Skin, & Hair Care
Easter Basket Filler Items from $0.60 – Cheaper Than Dollar Tree

2025 Birthday Freebies

Abby H.2 Comments

My birthday was last month, and I did score some pretty good freebies. Not as many as years past, but I’ve been really busy with work and kids.

If you are on the hunt for birthday freebies, one suggestion is to search “Birthday Freebies” + your state. One of my favorite places to look is MySavings. Their Freebies on Your Birthday list is pretty long. There are a lot of great options for those of you outside of California.

For those in CA, OR, FL, NY, SC, AZ, WA, and NV,  check out eBirthdayClub. There are TONS of great freebies on this site.

Non-food Birthday Goodies:

  • Members of the Cost Plus World Market Explorers program get a surprise birthday gift, among other perks; you will also get a 10% off coupon upon enrollment.
  • Torrid– Members of the DivaStyle Club will receive $10 off their next purchase of $10+
  • Dave & Buster’s: $10 in free gameplay for those in the D&B Rewards Club.
  • Free goodies at Sephora (It changes every year)
  • DSW Shoe Warehouse – $5 off birthday coupon
  • Hot Topic-  Hot Topic Rewards members receive a $5 coupon for your birthday every year.

Free Food Birthday Goodies:

  • Red Robin:  FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news.
  • Starbucks – Download their app and get a free birthday handcrafted beverage of your choice on your birthday only.
  • Denny’s: Free Grand Slam for your Birthday. They also email out other freebies and coupons.
  • Dunkin Donuts Birthday Club will kick down with a free coffee.
  • Bj’s Brewhouse– Rewards members receive a free Pizookie for their birthday.
  • Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub for your Birthday! (No matter what you read online, there is no Subway or Submarina birthday Freebies- Those deals are DEAD)
  • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: When you sign up for a Smile-age Account, you’ll score a free Fro Yo for your B-day!  (I love Menchie’s!)
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes: Join their email list and receive a FREE Bundlet on your Birthday. (look for the link at the bottom of their website)
  • Sbarro Rewards Club: Free piece of pizza for your birthday when you purchase a drink. You’ll also get a coupon for a free slice when you sign up.
  • Bruegger’s Bagels gives you three free bagels for your birthday. SCORE! Our family eats tons of bagels, so this is a sweet deal.
  • Mary’s Donuts– East County peeps know what I’m talking about! Free drink and TWO Donuts! 
  • Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub Score a free Charburger on your birthday.
  • Panera– Sign up for MyPanera and get a free pastry or sweet on your birthday.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings- Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get six free birthday wings during your birth month
  • Cinnabon- Download their app and sign up for Cinnabon Rewards to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.
  • Edible Arrangements- Join Edible Rewards to receive a birthday reward (it varies).

And as always-

There are tons of other birthday freebie lists, but they may include offers that are not available here or may include stuff that I don’t consider worth it (like a free Rice Krispy treat when you buy an entree that’s $10+, looking at you Noodles & Co.  That’s a hard pass from me, or the Aveda “freebie”- pay $10 and receive a product valued at $23+… No thanks.)

Another deal that everyone and their mama go nuts about is Benihana Japanese Restaurant – a complimentary meal up to $30 when you purchase an Adult meal at Regular Price (You must sign up for The Chef’s Table club). This used to be a FREE meal, no strings attached, but it has changed to basically a BOGO. That’s a no-go for me, but it may still get you excited.

I have not included Ulta in my list because you have to make a purchase the year previous (and it needs to be a certain amount- I’ve been told different amounts by various Ulta Employees, anywhere from $5-$50), so for me, that’s not a freebie. If I have to buy something to receive something, that’s a BOGO deal.

Remember to read the fine print for these offers. Most of them are for adults, ages 18+ (19 in some states). Some offers require the coupon/offer to be printed out, and for some, you can just show your phone.

 

3/1/25 Weekend Freebies

Abby H.

It’s March already! February seemed to fly by, except last week, which I think was longer than January.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

FREEBIES:

Free 7-Day Sample of Ubiquinol CoQ10 Health Softgels
Free Arey’s Proactive Haircare Solution Products
Free 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
Free Sample of Weleda Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Free Full-Size Vykee Nutrition Supplements
Free $35 Purchase at Old Navy After Cash Back
Free Fareway Buttermints Easter Party Pack
Free Hartz Chompathon Dog Chew Toy
Possible Free 4-Pack of Chocorooms + Free Shipping
Free NASCAR Air Freshener
Free Cousin Willie’s Hot Butter Microwave Popcorn at Kroger
Free 12 z. Heineken 0.0 Beer at 7-Eleven
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Megaport T-Shirt
Top Freebies and Rewards for Good Report Cards
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Ocean Spray Immunity Chatterbuy Kit
Free 15-Day Riversol Skincare Kit + Free Shipping
Free Mainstays Adjustable Folding Table at Walmart After Cash Back
Free Museum Admission for Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders – This Weekend
Free Slurpee at 7-Eleven, Stripes & Speedway – Every Friday in February
Free Kinship LittleKin Puppy or Kitten Sample Pack – $200 Value
Free Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
Free Movie Ticket to In the Lost Lands
Free DiGiorno and Hidden Valley Ranch Swag
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
Free $1 Million Toasted Sandwich Giveaway at Jimmy John’s
Free Blue Buffalo NEW True Chews Beef Meatballs Chatterbox Kit
Free OLAY Cleansing Melts

Deals:

Cascade Dishwasher Rinse Aid ONLY $1.74 with Walmart Cash Rebate
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2025
Pickleball Set ONLY $11.99 (Reg $32) at Amazon
Wooden Puzzle Table ONLY $37.79 (Reg $70) at Amazon

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

Abby H.

Are you heading to the mall on 3/8/2025? Check out this fun, free craft from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney and kids can crate this cute rainbow mobile.

Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

April’s Craft is a cute foam finger puppet collection. April 12, 2025.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids, and fun, free activity.

While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult.