san diego

San Diego, CA Area Families: Low Cost Computers from C2K 8/5/2023

Abby H.

This just popped into my email and I had to share! C2K is doing their refurbished desktops and laptop program for San Diego, CA area residents again, just in time for back to school!

Saturday, August 5th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Montgomery High School @ 3250 Palm Avenue, San Diego CA 92154 (Drive Thru Event)

  • Computers are available to low-income families with no other criteria.
  • Pay at the Event. We accept Cash, Debit & Credit cards.
  • Friends & family are welcome to register!
  • Walk-Ups are welcome!

You can register by doing any of the following:

I’ve never purchased one of these computers before, but I know several people who have participated in this program in years past. These are great starter computers for kids!

Beating the Summer Heat Without Breaking the Bank!

Abby H.

The past few weeks here in Southern California have had some very high temperatures, and it reminds me that we could all use a brush up on our frugal ways to beat the heat.

First of all, if you live in San Diego County check out the cool zone website to find a free place near you to chill out. They are typically places like community centers, libraries, and indoor shopping centers. If you are outside San Diego County, here is a list of all of the California counties and their cool zone sites.

In addition to finding certified cool zones, you can head to cooler areas like the beach, a local swimming pool, or a splash pad. Most beaches have free parking, although state beaches have a nominal fee to park. Community pools and splash pads also have a small admittance fee, although parking is generally free.

Remember to dress for the weather, and that includes floppy hats with wide brims that will keep your head and neck covered, as well as sunscreen if you were going to be outside between the hours of 10 AM-4 PM. Hydration is also very important if you’re gonna be outside in the heat. Water bottles, ice cubes, and frozen packs are all on my summer adventure packing list.

And now finally cooling down your home. We’ve only had a decent AC in our home for two years, prior to that we had the original from when our home with built in the early 80s. We cool our home down by having box fans in the windows each night, and we close the house by 10 AM to keep the cool air inside. We close our blinds and drapes, and we keep the fans going inside the house to circulate the air. We set our thermostat to between 74 and 76°. And because we have a newer AC we use the smart program (it’s an app) that communicates with our thermostat.

This is super important especially if you live in an area where there are wildfires: Set a reminder in your phone or online calendar to change the air filter on your AC once a year or more if you have a wildfire in your area and you’re running the AC. We take advantage of programs like OhmConnect and programs through our local power company (SDG&E). There are programs like FERA, and the Care program that offers discounts off the electric portion of your power bill.  These programs are for lower-income families, or families who need electricity for medical devices.

I make approximately 12 trays of ice cubes each day (are in-freezer icemaker broke about two years ago, and it cost more than a new refrigerator to get it fixed), and we drink a lot of ice water, ice tea, and iced sugar-free beverages daily during the summer. This is the kid’s current obsession. They like it because they can make it themselves in their personal water bottles without any help from mom.

I have become the master at packing weather-appropriate drinks and snacks for when we are on the go when school is out.

Remember that you can increase your water intake by consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables as well. Melons and cucumbers are just two sources of hydration that can also satiate your hunger. Our weekly CSA boxes have been coming with all sorts of delicious cucumbers (both Persian and English) and a variety of melons. I cut them up and stash them in the fridge so the kids can always have a quick, easy snack.

Focus Group Casting Call!! – San Diego CA area residents

Abby H.

Focus Group Connections is a research company located in Southern California. They conduct studies and surveys all over the US.

Focus Group Connection is looking for Delta Dental members to participate in a unique and fun Focus Group. For this study, you MUST be a CURRENT Delta Dental member! This is a CASTING CALL for a Delta Dental commercial being held in San Diego, CA. on August 10th. There are three parts to this study.

Study Breakdown
1. Photo/ Short video submission by July 24th = $25
-You will be asked to provide a few photos of yourself and your smile plus a short 60-second video of yourself. (Not all will move forward).
2. If selected – Casting Call in San Diego = $500
-You will drive to San Diego CA to attend a Casting Call. (Not all will move forward).
3. If selected – Commercial = $2,500
-You will take part in shooting a commercial
If interested, please click the link below to fill in the pre-screen.
Not everyone will qualify to participate and not everyone will receive a call-back.

7/14/2023 An All Inclusive Day of Play for Families!

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources. This year, the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair on Friday, July 14, from 11 am-2 pm Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center, 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126

FREE community event with activities, games, crafts, raffles, shopping, and resource booths for families of all abilities.

Activity Stations for kids including favorites:

  •  Light Saber Creation Station
  • Rubber Duckies Literacy Pond
  • Super Mario Wheelchair Awareness Course
  • & many more!

Family Resources & Networking – Resource and service providers will be on-site to speak with parents and offer helpful information. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families at the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego booth.

Stop by our ShopAble Bazaar to peruse and purchase amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities.

All activities and resources are FREE and open to the public!

*Craft projects and giveaways are available while supplies last.

To sign up for free tickets to this event, click here. 

Focus Group Connection- San Diego Kids study $125

Abby H.

Focus Group Connections is a research company located in Southern California. They conduct studies and surveys all over the US.

Focus Group Connection is looking for kids (8-13) and one of their friends in the San Diego Area to participate in a fun online Consumer Research Project taking place between July 5th – July 10th on the topic of “Active Kids.” This study will be one-hour. There will also be a short 30-minute pre-task assignment that will need to be completed prior. To participate, you must have a working Desktop or Laptop computer with high-speed internet, audio, and working webcam. If selected, your child will receive $125 for their time and insights.

If interested, please click here to fill in the pre-screen.

Looking for Swim Lessons for the Kids- 2023 Edition

Abby H.2 Comments

Summer is here, or will be soon. The kids need to brush up on their skills-I can’t be the only parent looking for information on swim lessons and getting kids’ water ready.

My usual go-to is the swim lessons held at our local high school district, Grossmont Unified High School District. They have lessons for kids ages 3 and up. Schedules and pricing can be seen here.

The City of San Diego has private, semi-private, and group swim lessons at several of its pools. The prices are pretty decent. The prices and more info can be found here.

If you live in El Cajon, you’ve got some really excellent swim lesson options. Visit the Rec Center online here and take a look at all of the classes. Anyone can take classes, but El Cajon residents (of the incorporated city) can get killer discounts.

The Kroc Center offers swim lessons. Information can be found here.

The YMCA offers swim lessons at many of its facilities. Currently, they are offering private/semi-private lessons only. You do not need to be a YMCA member to take lessons there, however, the rate is cheaper if you are. The list of San Diego, CA area YMCAs that offer swim lessons can be found here.

I also did some digging for parents of kids on the Autism Spectrum. Aqua Pros offers classes specially designed for kids on the spectrum! More information and class prices can be found on their website.

These are just a few of the options available. There are of course private swim instructors and private companies that offer private or small group lessons. The ones listed above are for more of the price-conscious in mind.

Talk Back: If you or your kids have had great swim lessons, leave a comment and let us know where! The more options, the better!

San Diego, CA-Upcoming Dream Dinners Cooking Class!

Abby H.

This landed in my inbox last night, and I thought I’d share it. With Summer Break coming up, I’ll be leaning on Dream Dinners a few times a week to get us through the summer for those days we are busy.

I don’t get paid when school is out (surprise- teachers and school staff don’t draw a paycheck over the summer months unless they work summer school or opt to spread their paychecks out over 12 months- and some districts don’t offer this), so I really need to be cost-conscious over the summer. Dream Dinners is a great way to have restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of our home for 50% (or more) savings compared to restaurant prices.

And the June Dream Dinners Menu has a bunch of my family’s favorites- Mongolian Beef & Broccoli with White Rice (my fav), and Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake (The kids’ fav) were the top two on my list.

FREE* Dream Dinners Cooking Class

Thursday, June 8th at 5:30

Learn how easy it can be to make Dream Dinners at home. During the class learn how to prepare quick, easy healthy, and delicious meals. In this class, you will learn basic cooking skills you can use to make all types of different meals at home. Save time, save money, and have fun!!

This Month’s Featured Entrée will be the Nashville Chicken served with Summer Grilled Veggies.

Sign up for June 8th Class Here

Call/Text 619-460-6800 for more information. La Mesa Dream Dinners will begin offering a series of cooking classes each month. To stay up to date on our classes, go to lamesadreamdinners.com.

 

* No Fee for class, Minimum Purchase required – 3 meals.

San Diego Area 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).

There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.

 

April 8, 2023 Porchlight Community Services, Inc. 8888 Clairemont Mesa Blvd From their site “We invite you to be part of our SWAP PARTY! Bring clothing, accessories, personal hygiene, or toiletries.

There is a $5 fee, however, it goes to offset the cost of their programs, which are incredible.

The Second event is my personal favorite: Spring Swap for extended sizes 14 and up on May 7, 2023.

I always find cute clothes at this swap, and I love it because it’s all plus-size clothes. I always fill my Ikea Bag with clothes, accessories (and usually shoes too).

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

Does Your Child Have an IEP? Upcoming Event in San Diego- IEP Conference

Abby H.

The Involved Exceptional Parents Day Planning Committee is sponsoring a 1-Day Conference & Expo for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and disabilities, educators, and service providers on May 13, 2023 at Town and Country Hotel Mission Valley 500 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108.

I’ve never been, but I’m looking forward to going. There will be all sorts of Empowerment Workshops and Inspirational Ideas. Plus a free lunch and free parking.

And probably the most important part of this post: SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE

If you would like to apply for a scholarship from Exceptional Family Resource Center, contact Lisa Fisher at llfisher@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-7416. You will be prompted to enter a code at checkout.

San Diego Regional Center also has scholarships available. Please contact Sonia Griffin at Sonia.Griffin@sdrc.org or call (619) 336-6691 to request Authorization. The conference vendor number is PY2843. Once approved, they will provide you with a code to enter at registration checkout.

For more information, check out their Eventbrite page here.

Dream Dinners: Lower Minimum Order, Lots of Tasty Options!

Abby H.

Dream Dinners is one of my favorite ways to save time and get tasty, healthy meals on the table in 45 minutes or less!

If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners yet, now is the perfect time! They have lowered their minimum orders to three meals. And April has some of my favorite meals:

  • Chicken with Honey, Garlic, and Orange with Oven Roasted Broccoli
  • Chateau Chicken with Almond Butter Sauce
  • Sonoma Grilled Steak
  • Tuscan Chicken Bake
  • Classic French Dip and Au Jus

I am picking up my Dream Dinners order tomorrow afternoon, and it is definitely coming in the clutch over spring break. We’ll be able to have our usual fun adventures and I’ll be able to get dinner on the table.

If you want to learn more, find your local Dream Dinner location, or place an order, click here.