Dollar Tree Via UberEats!

Have you heard that you can order Dollar Tree via UberEats? I checked it out and it’s true. Same in-store prices, just pay the UberEats fee and you can shop Dollar Tree from your phone.

Order essentials from Dollar Tree with Uber Eats and get same-day delivery, that’s pretty sweet! And I found a coupon code in my email to share! Use code DOLLAR10 for $10 off orders over $30. Valid until 9/30/2025. Restrictions apply.

And if you aren’t sure what’s a good buy at Dollar Tree, check out my Top 10 Grocery Items from Dollar Tree here. 

Don’t Forget the Fine Print:
Expires 9/30/2025. $10 off Dollar Tree orders of $30+ on Uber Eats. Taxes and fees still apply. Order min before taxes and fees. Must apply promo code in app before completing order. Cannot be combined. Valid only in US where Uber Eats is available. Exclusions may apply. See app for details.

Prices and selection may vary by store and online. Quantities are limited to stock on hand. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Looking for School Fundraisers without selling?

I’m a mom of two, and for us, that means a near-constant parade of fundraisers once the first month of school has passed. I usually donate money to the school after I get my first paycheck after school starts.

There is only so much candy, plastic junk, wrapping paper, and spirit wear one family needs. I’ve been conducting research on other fundraisers and have found two possibilities that do not involve selling anything.

Fiber/clothing/rag recycling: There are a few companies that recycle fiber (like yarn or fabric), clothing, and rags (old towels and sheets), and they have fundraising programs.  Here are just a few companies that I have found:

If you are interested in doing a shoe recycling fundraiser:

 

If your school or other non-profit has done either of these, I’d love to hear about how they have worked in the past- Please leave a comment!

Pineapple Strawberry Dole Whip Copycat Recipe!

Behold- Breakfast!

Thanks to Orgain for sending me a full-size container of their Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder in the Vanilla Bean flavor to facilitate this review!

I’m always on the lookout for new protein shakes, especially with our new early morning schedule to get the big kid to the bus stop in time. He’s been having a protein shake for breakfast for some time now, and I love mixing it up with new shake flavors.

Orgain uses plant-based protein: organic peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, to provide a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.  While we are not vegetarians, I do appreciate that there are brands that use various sources of protein.

For this breakfast, I used a recipe I saw on social media as a base, but made a couple of additions to make it more delicious and filling.

strawberries not shown in pic.

Pineapple Strawberry Dole Whip Copycat

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1/3 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup frozen strawberries (I used strawberries from my CSA box)
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • Splash of milk (a little bit less than an ounce)- You may need to add a bit more, depending on how thicc your shake is and your blender’s capabilities
  • 2 handfuls of ice cubes

Directions:

  1. In a blender or blender cup, add all ingredients.
  2. Blend until the mixture is thick and uniform in consistency (a little more liquid may be needed).
  3. Serve in a bowl or a cup. I put ours in blender bottles with boba straws so we could enjoy them on the go.

To make this vegan, swap yogurt and milk with your favorite vegan options. 

This was so filling and packed with protein! You can’t taste the greens at all! The best part is that it has over 20 grams of protein- that’s 1/3 of your needed protein intake for the day! Plus 2 servings of fruit- a perfect way to start your day!

If you want to try Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder or any of their other offerings, you can visit their website here and use the coupon code ABBYH15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

 

Father Joe’s Villages Food Pantry- Every Friday!

If you are closer to downtown San Diego, this food pantry is a great option for you.

Stop by Father Joe’s Food Pantry every Friday for drive-thru or walk-in pickup at 3350 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102 (rear warehouse of St. Vincent de Paul Village).

This Food Pantry is open from 12pm-2pm every Friday.

Helpful Tip: Bring a basket with wheels, a bike with a basket, or a vehicle to help carry your items. 1 visit per household per day. Service is located at the back of the building—look for the warehouse!

For more free food resources in San Diego, check out my food resource page here. 

Back to School Haircuts and Supplies 8/9/2025!

It’s back!

The Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation’s biggest event is back!

Saturday, August 9, 2025

9AM -1PM at Skyline Church in La Mesa11330 Campo Road La Mesa, CA 91941

It’s the annual Back-to-School Haircut Event — a day dedicated to supporting local families with free haircuts, school supplies, food, and fun.

Last year’s event was a huge success. Over 1,000 kids attended, and more than 400 walked away with fresh haircuts — ready to start the school year with confidence.

This year, It’s even bigger and better. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Free school supplies for students

  • Free haircuts for kids

  • Free tickets to local attractions — including Padres games

  • Live DJ, games, and kids’ activities

  • Free food for the whole family

This is a first-come, first-served event — so be sure to arrive early and enjoy the festivities while supplies last.

Free Backpack Giveaway- 8/9/2025

It’s back- 10 years and going strong!

This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.

A  backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 9, 2025, at Rio Seco School in Santee, starting at 9AM. It is a drive-thru event. People start lining up as early as 7:30AM, and the line moves FAST!

I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School supply giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!

August and September 2025 Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids and a 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. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.

August:

8/9/25 11AM-12PM Decorate a back-to-school pencil pouch. The craft includes a pencil pouch with a zipper pull, markers, and a sticker sheet.

September:

9/13/25 11AM-12PM Make a wooden tic-tac-toe board. The Craft includes a wooden board and pieces with markers.

 

Back to School Shopping at Kohl’s!

I love shopping at Kohl’s. They have great deals on clothes and home goods.

Between their coupons and sales, their prices are comparable to JCP, and I find that most Kohl’s locations have a better shoe selection than JCP.

My tips for saving at Kohl’s:

  1. If you are a Kohl’s Rewards Member, log on to your account and check your wallet for any coupons before shopping.
  2. Kohl’s has a decent clearance section in-store and online. Usually, their clearance is included in coupons and sales.
  3. One thing I really like about Kohl’s is their buy online, ship to store feature. I also like their buy online, pick up in store.
  4. Most Kohl’s have Sephora locations in the middle of their stores. You can use your Sephora coupons and birthday freebie offers in those locations.
  5. Kohl’s has an incredible toy selection, and their coupons and Kohl’s Cash can be used on toys (restrictions apply, of course), and the Kohl’s Cash I earn with back-to-school shopping can help me offset the cost of holiday gifts/toys.

Back To School Shopping starts at JCPenney!

JCP is THE place we start back-to-school shopping.

From basics like underwear and socks to the perfect First Day of School Outfit, JCPenney’s has been the go-to in my family for generations.

Right now, back-to-school sales are in full swing, and JCP has some great deals.

Whether you shop in-store or online, don’t forget to check out their coupons page here.

And don’t forget their rewards program!

 

7/25/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

This week has been a whirlwind of adventures. Today, we are doing some thrift store adventures for porcelain dolls and back-to-school shopping.

Here are a few ways that we will be having fun and being frugal:

  • The Summer Library Reading Program post can be found here.
  • Fun Free Summer Activities for Tweens and Teens here.
  • The Summer Movie Deals can be found here.
  • Don’t forget about Cheap Stuff to do with Tweens and Teens here.
  • Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025- More info here.

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.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE $30 Purchase at DICK’S After Cash Back
100,000+ FREE Labubu Toy Giveaway
FREE Everyone You Love, with Everything You Have Book
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Space Odyssey Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Educational Comic Books, Activity Books, Posters & More
FREE 2pk Fancy Feast Gems
FREE Yankee Candle on August 16th
2 FREE Movie Tickets to She Rides Shotgun
FREE Kinship LittleKin Puppy or Kitten Sample Pack – $200 Value
FREE Earth Animal No Hide Dog Chew
FREE Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths Sample
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Ice Cream or Frozen Novelty Treats Every Friday in July
$50 Worth of FREE Books
FREE Shelfy – Fall into Freshness Party Pack
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE LEGO 3-in-1 Parrot Set at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
FREE $25 Off $25 on Your Next Meal
FREE Kids’ Soccer Ball at Lowe’s on August 2nd
FREE Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Dog Shampoo
FREE Pet Station Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Lysol Minilabs Science Kits
FREE Cookie This Week at Chick-fil-A

Deals:

Gap Factory 60% Off Clearance + Extra 20% Off Coupon Stack & Free Shipping
Walgreens Photo Coupons & Promo Codes: 50% Off Everything Photo, 50% Off Metal Panels & More
Sandals For The Family Buy 1 Get 2 Free at JCPenney
Touchland Hand Sanitizers Dupes ONLY $3 at Walmart
Mary Ruth Products up to 50% Off on Amazon!
Back To School Sale at Macy’s Up to 60% Off
Shop Lowe’s Scratch and Dent Appliances & Save Up to 50%
Reversible 8-Pc Comforter Sets ONLY $29.93 at Macy’s (Reg $100)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Cat and Jack School Uniforms From $6 at Target
Disney Store: 30% Off Back to School Essentials – Prices start at $4.98
Women’s Pajamas From $9.99 at Macy’s
Laundry Coupons: Shop the Laundry Detergent Aisle with These Coupons and Deals
Save Money with Valvoline Coupons: Up to $25 Off
Tag Freehold 5-Piece Softside Luggage Set ONLY $67.99 (Reg $240)
Top 20 Fast Food Deals, Coupons and Promotions Happening NOW
Kids Polo Shirts $5 & Up at The Children’s Place
Get Red Seal Coupons and Save on Smokeless Tobacco
Join and Get 2 Months of FREE Drinks with This Panera Unlimited Sip Club Promo