summer

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.

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.

2026 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your August Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your August California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $49.36. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit is directly related to the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires polluters to pay for their climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for over seven years, saving thousands of dollars on our power bill and earning thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal.

BOGO Free Bundlets at Nothing Bundt Cake!

Abby H.

This offer is back!

Buy 1 Bundtlet, Get 1 Free: Valid online and in bakery from Monday, June 22, 2026, through Sunday, June 28, 2026, while supplies last.

I love it when Nothing Bundt Cakes does a BOGO. Whether you order online and use online promo code: HELLOSUMMER26, or order in store and let them know about the Buy one, get one free offer, this is a deal that can’t be beat.

And did you know that Nothing Bundt Cake also has an app? You earn points on each purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or free items! It’s available wherever you download apps.

Oh, and don’t forget when you are in the store to ask about their Books and Bundts summer reading program. Your kids can earn free cake by reading this summer.

 

 

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.1 Comment

Today is the last Monday of school for my little kid.

I know a lot of you have kids who are out of school already, and you may be wondering how you can keep them busy without going broke.

I’ve got some things planned- different from other years, now that my posse is older. Here are some of the ways we’re having fun and staying cool.

Kids Bowl Free (only my younger kid qualifies, but it’s still a great program).

Summer Reading Programs. Between the City and County libraries, and Bookit, it’s going to be awesome!

Discount Summer Movies– It’s all second-run movies, but some of these are my kids’ favorites. Plus movie theatre popcorn and AC!

Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park. If you or your kids have an EBT card, check out Museums for All. 

Both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego Library systems have fun events planned for kids and adults.  Some of the events my gang is looking forward to:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside is the lack of shade trees.

There are a bunch of municipal pools in San Diego that have open swim times, and a couple that have splash pads!

If you are looking for free summer food for kids and families, check out my post here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for June & July!

Abby H.

I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) summer 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 June 13, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create a Super Hero Plaque.

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

On July 11, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a bug or safari animal magnet.

Kids aren’t the only ones who get something.  Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

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.

Freebie: Healthy Snack Box!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love a good freebie. I found this deal this morning and had to share.

Get a Free Healthy Snack Box! They’ll send you a box filled with delicious, healthy snacks, and all you need to do is let them know what you think. Shipping is free. No credit card required EVER!

What’s the catch? There isn’t one. Brands just want to hear what you think of their products.

I signed up for one this morning and I’ll post pictures on my Instagram and Facebook Page as soon as it arrives. If you sign up for it too, let me know. I’m curious to see if everyone gets the same snacks.

2026 Summer Reading Programs

Abby H.

Summer break from school means summer reading programs from the local library systems, plus a few other places.

At the time of the publication of this post, the City of San Diego has not officially posted their information; however, I spoke to a librarian at a city library, and they said it would be almost identical to the program offered in years past.  For more information on prior years’ programs and prizes, click here.

Here are a few of our favorite summer reading programs. Unless specifically stated, the programs start on June 1st.

Book It has a summer program where kids can read and earn free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut! Book It is the FAVORITE reading program in my house. Parents can enroll their kids for the summer! All logging of reading and prizes is now done on an app. Learn more here.

The County of San Diego Library’s summer reading program starts on June 1st. They have all sorts of prizes for kids and adults.

If you want your family to experience a multicultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.

My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.

Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish. The books were super useful for me in learning to read in Spanish (Beyond what Duolingo teaches).

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program starting July 1st. More info here.

Dolly Parton has established the Imagination Library, which is available in select regions, and those who live in participating areas can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

Many of you have told me about Nothing Bundt Cake’s reading program. Books & Bundts is their youth reading program for pre-K through elementary students that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s easy and free with delicious results. Contact your local bakery to see if they are participating and to learn more.

If your kids like Chuck E. Cheese, this offer is great!  When they read every day for two weeks, they can fill out and turn in this calendar for 10 free play points!

2026-Summer Movies for Kids on the Cheap!

Abby H.

One of the kid’s favorite summer activities is to hit up the local theater for a showing of one of their favorite movies.

Big buckets of popcorn, snuck in candy (shhhh), and a drink, and they are ready for 2 hours of fun in the Air Conditioning.

 

Some of the “Usual suspects” have not updated their summer movie programs for 2026. As soon as we get more info, I’ll update.

Landmark Theatres has Family Friendly Films starting June 12, 2026. There are no locations in San Diego County, but there are some in Southern California.

Regal Summer Movie Express usually offers tickets for $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy.

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark starts June 1, 2026. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting family-friendly big-screen entertainment for just $1.75 (plus taxes) per ticket for each movie.

Lots of smaller theatre chains have also joined this bandwagon! Marcus Theatres, MegaPlex, Epic Theatres are just a few. These theatres do not have locations in California.

Theatre chains that have not published their schedules yet, but in the past have had family/kids movies in the summer:

AMC Theatres has previously had a Summer Movie Camp with tickets starting at $3.oo/each at the box office.

UltraStar Cinemas doesn’t have anything posted yet, but they do offer discounts on tickets and popcorn on Thursdays year-round.

Talk Back: What summer movies are you looking forward to seeing?

2025 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $81.38. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 6+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!