Franklin Canyon campfires every Wednesday all summer long!

We had such a great time at the Franklin Canyon campfire a few weeks back.  The ranger that led the event really tried to make it interesting and interactive for the kids.  My son discovered he doesn't actually like toasted marshmallows, but he did come home lots of new facts about coyotes and stink-bugs!!

I also learned that the campfires will be held every Wednesday throughout the summer.  They start at 7, and last about an hour and a half.  Marshmallows and skewer-things are provided, but you can bring your own if you are a pro:)

http://www.lamountains.com/programs_calendars.asp

Make sure you choose public programs link under Franklin Canyon.

For those of you that have never been, you can enter the park from the north off Mulholland Dr.  It is right at the branch with Coldwater, across from Tree People.

Palisades Parade and Fireworks

I have heard about this parade in the Palisades for years and not made it out.  Maybe this year is the year!  It looks like a wonderful way to spend the 4th, especially if your kids are old enough that they don't need a nap:)



Palisades Parade and Fireworks:

'via Blog this'

Beverly Hills Open Swim $2 Child $3 Adult!

Looking for a pool to beat this heat?  Check out the Recreational Swim at Beverly Hills High School.  During the week the pool is available for open swim from 12:30 to 1:30 every day, and it is only $3 for adults and $2 for kids.  Can't beat that!  It is open on Saturday too, from 12-1.  Have a look the Beverly Hills Web Site for all the details:)

http://www.beverlyhills.org/living/recreationparks/

Click on Aquatics on the left for the flyer.

Art for the Kids at LACMA

I took both kids to LACMA last week to see the Metropolis II exhibit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed not just the exhibit but the other great things the gallery has to offer!

We first came across a great outdoor art piece that the kids could touch and even go inside.  It was a great chance to talk about what "art" is!  Then we hit the Metropolis exhibit.  They were both totally intrigued by the cars and trains zooming around.  What a cool piece!  It was even cooler from the observation deck up top.

We strolled through the gallery for a bit to see paintings and sculptures, and then headed over to the Boone Children's Museum area to make some art of our own.  There was a story time at the entrance, and then a whole room where the kids could paint their own masterpieces.  How fun!!

And remember, LACMA now offers free admission for anyone under 18, and each child can bring an adult for free too!  They also have those free music events on Fridays and Sundays, and special art projects every Sunday too.  Check my posts for free events to see more about these:)

Mertopolis is only running on certain dates and times, so check the schedule before you head out.  And try and go early - both parking lots were full when I arrived, and I was lucky to get a street spot.

Also, the Page Museum is right next door, so you can always plan a picnic in the park (if you don't mind the smell of the Tar Pits), and then off to a second adventure!

http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/metropolis-ii

John Freida, Marc Anthony, and Infusium cheap at Rite Aid!

My hair is going to be so happy:)  This week at Rite Aid there were some really amazing deals on great hair products.  Here is what I got!
Marc Anthony styling products - $5.99 sale price, used a $2 manufacturer coupon (mq) and $3 Rite Aid Video coupon (raq) from the web site. Pay $.99, get back $2 reward.
Infusium - $4.99 sale price, use $2 mq and $2 ra video q, pay only $.99.
John Freida - there is a promotion this week, spend $10 get $3 back, and the limit is 3.  I got:
1 Foam hair color, regular price $12.99, cost $10.39 after my 20% discount (applies to all full price items).
Used a $5 mq and $4 raq from facebook, cost was $1.39!
4 Shampoo and conditioner, regular price $7.49.  My store had tons of these that were packaged buy one get one free (see picture) so I was already getting 2 for 1.  After my discount I paid $5.99 for each 2 pack, and I used 2 $3/2 mqs.  My total for all 8 bottles was $5.99 x 4 = $23.96, minus $6 in qs, = $17.96 for 8, or $2.25 each!
After all of the John Freida purchases I spent $19.35 and got back $9 in rewards.
I also got a great deal on Oral B replacement heads for power toothbrushes.  They were actually a money maker after coupons, so I was able to take $3.14 off my hair purchases, and earn an extra $10 back.  This is a crazy deal, so I will post separately about it!
Last, I got a coupon on my receipt for $5 off Olay regenerist, and I had a $3 mq.  I got a face wash that was  regular price $10.49, so after my discount was $8.39. I only spent $.39!!  Amazing!!!

On the hair purchases I got back $11 in rewards total, and after using previous rewards I only spent around $9 out of pocket.

For the printable coupons have a look at the Krazy Coupon Lady site.  You can scroll down to see the different posts about the best deals at Rite Aid, and in the posts are links to the coupons.
www.krazycouponlady.com and choose Rite Aid from the store menu:)

Free Family Night at Kidspace Children's Museum July 2

Kidspace Museum in Pasadena offers a free family night on the first Tuesday of each month (except for September).  The hours are 4pm - 8pm.  If you haven't been, this place is definitely worth the drive!  There is a ton to do both indoors and out, including splash pads and water play - bring a change of clothes:)

Next month the first Tuesday is July 2nd.

Hours and Admissions | Kidspace Children's Museum:

'via Blog this'

Books & Cookies' Open Play Plum Deal

Have a look at this Plum Deal for a new open play spot in Santa Monica.  It looks really sweet!  There is a bookstore at the front, where you can test drive books before you buy, a play area, and a cafe with snacks.

This deal is for the open play.  If you buy the deal you get 5 open play sessions for only $20, so $4 per session. They also have a lot of other activities, like crafts and story time, that you can do for a $7 entry fee at the door.  And, this little gem is right around the corner from Joslyn Park (I posted about it last week), and super close to the beach too.

Books & Cookies' Drop-In Open Play Sessions | Plum District Los Angeles: West LA Deals:

'via Blog this'

Oral B replacement toothbrush heads - serious moneymaker!!

If you have the $7 coupons for Oral B replacement heads from the June P&G insert, you can score an awesome money maker deal at Rite Aid this week!  

Replacement heads are priced at $8.29 at my store, and they are on sale buy one get one half price.  Also, when you spend $10 you get a $5 reward, limit 2.  Check out what happens if you have 4 coupons and buy 4 2 pack replacement heads:

4 replacement heads - 2 @ $8.29 + 2 @ $4.14 (buy one get one half price)

Total price = $24.86

Use 4 $7 coupons = $28

After coupons, you net $3.14!  That amount can come off another item in your transaction.  And, having spent $20, you get two $5 rewards.  So you make back $13.14 for buying items that are worth $33.16 retail.  This photo from the Krazy Coupon Lady web site shows the heads priced at $7.99, so you might get an even better deal at your store.  Now that is serious couponing:)

Check out a new park - Douglas Park Santa Monica

Douglas Park has a lot to do and see in a small area. There is a fully gated play area with a ton of different structures, most of which are pretty small. There is a duck pond with a creek and bridges. And there is a skate park, so the little ones can watch the bigger ones showing off their skills. And, there is a Starbucks only a block away!

This park is also very close to The Pump Station, so if you are doing any classes or groups there this is a great park for a play date after the class:)
You will find it at 2439 Wilshire close to 26th.

Free Trial Class - Tumble Kick Studio City

A new studio has opened up in Studio City, right above Pinz bowling.  It is called Tumble Kick, and they offer martial arts and gymnastics for ages 3 and up.  They are looking at starting Mommy and Me classes as well, so stay tuned for news about that!

They are offering a free trial class, so have a look at the schedule and see if you can find a time that works:)

http://tumblekick.com/home-page

Ladybug free demo classes are back!

In anticipation of the summer session, which begins the week of July 15, Ladybug Music is holding free demo classes.  It is a really fun class, and all the teachers I have had are great.  The link below takes you to the sign up page with all the details:)

http://ladybugmusic.com/

Free Kids Workshop at The Home Depot July 6!

Home Depot is a favorite destination for my son.  I can't even imagine how much he is going to love getting to not only go to Home Depot but to build something too!  You can sign up for the July 6 workshop using the link below, just choose Kids Workshops.  They get to take home a project and a work apron.  Fun:)

Free Weekly Workshops & Home Improvement Workshop at The Home Depot:

'via Blog this'

$3 Huggies coupons tomorrow to use at CVS this week!

If Huggies is your brand of choice you might want to pick up some papers tomorrow for the coupons, or use the link below to print the $3 off coupon from the Walmart web site.  $3 off is a really high value coupon for diapers, especially when you use it on the small packs, which typically go on sale for around $10.

At CVS this week you can also get extrabucks rewards for buying diapers.  Huggies are on sale for $9.49, and when you spend $30 on select baby items (you can buy 3 diapers and add in some wipes or baby shampoo to get to $30) you get $12 back.  Add in those $3 coupons on each pack and that's a great deal.  I also got a coupon from the scanner machine in store last week for $4 off any $15 Huggies purchase.  So, my scenario will make 3 packs of diapers cost only $15.47 (using 3 $3 coupons and the $4 coupon), plus I will have to buy a small pack of wipes ($2 after coupon), and then I will get $12 back.  Yay!

Huggies or Pampers, as Low as $2.37 at CVS, Starting 6/23! | | The Krazy Coupon Lady:

'via Blog this'

3 Easy Recipes for Making Homemade Play Dough

Making play dough is actually super easy, even though it sounds like it is totally not worth it:)  It was kind of fun to watch it take form, and I liked mixing our own colors.  The batch we made lasted about a month in a ziploc.  Plus the clean up was way easier than I expected, I guess because the ingredients are all basic and natural.  It does require a lot of salt, but otherwise it is a super cheap project for a quiet day.  Can you tell by my posts that we have had a lot of quiet days lately??

3 Easy Recipes for Making Homemade Play Dough:

'via Blog this'

Magic Show at WeHo Library Wed Jun 26

Next Wednesday is going to be a real toss up for me - free crafts at the mall, or magic show at the library?  I love when these are the choices I have to make:)

The WeHo library has a magician performer next Wednesday June 26.  Have a look at the link for more info.

Magic Show with Magic Wayne! - Events Calendar | County of Los Angeles Public Library:

'via Blog this'

Craft with Nature!

I joked yesterday about the Lego art exhibit at Forest Lawn inspiring some new creations in my house, but it kind of did!  I love seeing people use things in a new way, and it always gets me thinking.  Today was one of those lovely slow mornings with the kids, so I decided to try out a new project.
I gave each kid a big ziploc bag to collect leaves and flowers and sticks, and I did it too, and then we just glued our findings onto construction paper to create art.  It was such a fun project!  I made a hummingbird, and we all made the tree together, and then my son created the piece at the bottom titled "Monster Truck".  So funny.  The rocks are wheels, of course.  My daughter actually just squeezed glue all over a paper, but that was helpful too:)

Free Crafts at Century City Mall Wed June 26

This month the free craft project at the Century City Mall Play Date is spin art frisbees and beachballs.  That sounds so cool!  I personally think that the beach ball is the best toy ever created - you can even play with them inside!! Play dates are from 2-4 pm in Center Court.

The mall recently started to charge for parking, which is $1 per hour, so keep an eye on the clock:)  This mall also has a great climbing structure and chalk wall in the family area by Giggles & Hugs, so check that out too!

News and Events at Westfield Century City Mall:

'via Blog this'

Let the Kids Lead at Greystone Mansion Park

I recently posted a link to a Red Tricycle about the 2 best parks you have never been to.  Well, today we went to one, and it was pretty cool!
Greystone Mansion is just north of Sunset near Doheny.  It has beautiful grounds with lots of little nooks, gardens, and fountains.  My kids loved exploring, and particularly loved the koi and fish pond.  And I love that there is no admission!
My favorite part was letting my kids take the lead in deciding which direction to go.  All of the paths lead back to the parking lot eventually, so we just wandered around taking every turn the kids wanted to take.  How often do you get to do that?

Wreck It Ralph screening at Main Branch Library this Sat!

Here is another great library event to check out this week!  I haven't seen Wreck It Ralph, so I am really looking forward to this screening at the Main Branch library in Santa Monica this weekend.  It's like the perfect little-kid movie experience - all the fun of going to see a movie without the scary movie theater:)

Library All Branches:

'via Blog this'

Balloon Storyteller at WeHo Library 6/19

I just had a peek at the schedule for the West Hollywood library, and there is a lot going on this summer!  Tomorrow afternoon you can check out a balloon storyteller - I have never seen a balloon storyteller before but I can only imagine that the kiddos go nuts for it:)

Link to the schedule and library web site is below.

Annie Banannie Balloon Storyteller! - Events Calendar | County of Los Angeles Public Library:

'via Blog this'

DIY Marble Run

I saw this idea on a Red Tricycle link a few months ago, and it has been on my back burner to try since then.  Today was the day:)  We made a marble run.

All you have to do is cut some paper towel and toilet paper rolls in half lengthwise (you have a stash of those, right??), and then tape them to the wall, preferably using painters tape to protect your lovely walls.

The most fun part of the project was working together to figure out how to position the pieces to make the marble run to the bottom without falling off or over-shooting the ramps.

Check out a new park - Joslyn Park in Santa Monica

Fully gated parks are not as common as you might think!  When I find one it goes immediately into my roster.  I love to plan play dates in one of these treasured enclosures, and bring a picnic.  As long as you park yourself by the door you can give your kids a little freedom from the hover:)

This park is small and usually not busy.  Here is the link for the address and map:

http://www.smgov.net/Departments/CCS/content.aspx?id=31696

There is a lot of free street parking around.  Be aware that there is also an off leash dog area but it is of course fenced off as well.  Enjoy!

CVS keeps giving me free stuff! $.24 for over $30 in goodies!

In all the time I have been couponing I am always surprised at how many good deals come up every week.  I mean, it's not just every so often you can get something free, it's all the time!  And CVS really helps me along with the email coupons and coupons from the scanner in the store.  Take a look at this shopping trip from yesterday.

I got an email coupon for $6 off a $30 purchase, so my goal was to get to $30 before all my other coupons. Always remember to use coupons like this first, while your total is still above the threshold.  Here is what I bought:

Physician's Formula Bronzer - $12.49 minus $4 coupon (q) from the CVS RIB magazine, and $3 q from the scanner, cost - $5.49.  got back $6 in rewards on this purchase.

2 Colgate 4 pack travel size toothpaste - $3.39 each.  I didn't have coupons for these but they each give a $3 reward, so they are worth it:)

2 Right Guard Deodorant - sale price 2/$6 minus a $2/2 manufacturer q and $1/$4 deodorant purchase, cost - 2/$3 plus a $1 reward when you buy 2.

1 box of Tampax Radiant, sale price $6.99 minus $1.50 mq and $1.50/$5 feminine purchase from the scanner, cost $3.99 and got back $2 in rewards

2 Help brand bandaid kits, clearance price 75% off - $.99, no coupons.

My subtotal was $34.24, and all my coupons together were $19, so my total was $15.24.  I had done the math beforehand so that I could use my rewards from last week - I have a ton of them, but I used a $10 and a $5, which made my subtotal $.24.

What?  Yes, $.24.  And I earned back $15 for next week.  I actually have $31 in rewards now when I add up the leftovers from the past couple of weeks.  I'll just keep rolling them along!

If you have a CVS card make sure to register it online.  You will get the weekly email coupons, plus you can check and see what coupons you have waiting for you at the scanner.  It really helps in planning your trip.  And if you are not sure how to get started I always recommend krazycouponlady.com to learn the ropes!

Reminder: 2 Free Campfire Events at Franklin Canyon

Just a reminder that the first family campfire event this month at Franklin Canyon is tomorrow, Wed 6/19, at 7:00.  Here is the link to the LA Mountains web site for all the info.  It sounds like a unique night out, especially for those of us that don't camp:)

Wed, June 19th, 7pm
Evening Campfire
Come out to the park for a fun evening
of songs, marshmallow roasting and a
nature program. Meet at the amphitheater.
1.5 hours.

Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-858-7272 ext. 131
Program and Hiking Hints:
Programs and parking are free
Rain cancels programs
Programs are for all ages
Please no dogs on programs

Free Trial Class - Dan the Man Superkids Gym

Dan the Man is a gym very similar to My Gym.  They have classes for infants up to age 12, including a circus acrobatics class.  How cool does that sound?

This gym is located on the Westside, at Sepulveda and Olympic, so it is pretty easy to get to from anywhere, and right off the freeway too.  The link is below with more information.  Why not give it a try?

http://www.danthemangym.com/index2.php#/home/

Summer Sports Supplies - check eBay!!

If your little one wants to try a new sport this summer, and you don't want to shell out retail just in case they decide they don't actually like it after a try or two...try eBay!  My son decided he wanted rollerblades after a trip to the beach with Dad, but I had a feeling it would go the way ice skating had gone - he wanted those skates off after about 3 minutes of slipping around!  So I found a great pair of training skates on eBay. You've got to figure that if your kids at times abandon a new interest, other kids do too, which leaves a lot of barely used equipment out there!
I bought these for $12.51, and the seller offered free shipping. They are size adjustable, have 3 settings to help kids learn, and look new. My son was so excited when the box arrived.

These retail for $25-$50, so I got half price and I never had to leave the house.  That in itself is worth a ton when it means taking 2 kids to a toy or sports store:)

LEGO Art Exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum

Kids at an art museum can be hit and miss, but kids at a lego art museum is a pretty sure bet!  I am looking forward to checking out this lego art at the Forest Lawn Museum, which is at the north end of Griffith Park near the zoo and Travel Town.  Check the link below for all the details, including hours and location.  Admission and parking are always free.

I wonder if this exhibit will inspire some new creations in my home!!

Calling All LEGO Lovers: See the Art of the Brick:

'via Blog this'

Toys “R” Us: Buy One Get One Free Fisher-Price Little People

I love when Toys R Us does buy one get one free sales on stuff my kids are into.  I can get one for my kids and save one for a gift.  Perfect!  This week Fisher Price Little People, Crayola, and V-Tech have items participating in the sale.  You can buy them online and choose in store pick up to save time and shipping costs.  Also, if you are an Upromise member, remember to link through the Upromise site to get to Toys R Us site so you can earn your 5% back for college!!

Toys “R” Us: Buy One Get One Free Fisher-Price, Crayola and Software! | | The Krazy Coupon Lady:

'via Blog this'

Father's Day Craft

This craft is super cute and needs hardly any supplies - just paper, paint, and glue. I am traveling this week, and I saw this at our friend's house. Great idea!

All you need is a blank page and your child's handprint in a fishy color. Draw a little fish face on the heel part of the hand. Then glue some bits of blue paper around for an ocean effect:) Fishing you a Happy Father's Day - how sweet is that?

California Science Center - a fun, free day!

I am the only person in LA that didn't know that the Science Center doesn't have an admission charge?  Now that I know this I wonder how I went all these years without knowing!  

I went to today with my son and his friend to see the space shuttle, and we had an amazing time.  The shuttle was breathtaking, and the center was full of interesting things to see and do, and most of all to touch.  The kids loved all the hands on activities.  

Some things to note - parking on site is $10 cash only.  You can take the train to the front door and avoid driving all together, which is also an adventure for the kids.  The center has a Cafe and a McDonalds on the main floor, but you can bring your own food in.  The space shuttle exhibit does have timed entry tickets available, but I paid a $2 service charge for each ticket online and didn't need them.  I think these might be more important during the summer when it is busier.  You can also purchase IMAX tickets online.  There were signs when we arrived that some shows were sold out, so that would probably be best to buy ahead and avoid disappointment.  

I also loved that the Natural History Museum is literally next door.  We have a membership there too, so we added dinosaur bones and butterflies to the day without any more expense!  What a fun day:)

Coupon shopping before my vacay!

I am traveling this week, so I got my coupon shopping done Tuesday night. I needed to buy swim diapers anyway, so I was happy to see them on sale this week. The CVS coupon machine was also good to me this week.
Rite Aid:
Bought 2 Huggies swim pants, sale price 2/$15. Used 2 $1.50 coupons, and $4 reward, so 2/$8, plus get a $5 reward when you buy 2.
Bought 2 oral b power toothbrushes, sale price $5.99. Used 2 $3 coupons, so $2.99, and got back $2 each one.
CVS:
Bought 2 Jergens 10oz lotion, $4.49 each. Used $1 coupons and 20% coupon, so paid $5.58 and got back $5 for buying 2.
Bought 2 Colgate mouthwash, sale price $2.99. I used $2 coupons, so paid $1.98 and got $2 in rewards for buying 2.
From the coupon machine I got $3 off Revlon cosmetics and $2 off maybeline cosmetics, so I went for another round of make up clearance!  I got a Revlon lipstick and nail polish and a maybeline nail polish too, and only paid $.47 for all 3. Love that!
I also had a coupon for a free issue of a CVS magazine called reinventing beauty. They have lots of coupons in the middle, and even full price it is only $.99. A good buy! I had a coupon for $2 off any Salma Hyeck product, so I splurged on some lash enhancer serum, normally $16.29. It was 75% as part of the cosmetic clearance, so $4.07 minus the $2 coupon made it $2.07. Awesome!
Last year for the holidays I made baskets for families that were struggling financially, and a lot of these cosmetics I have been getting are perfect for something like that. I donated to one family last year with a mom and 2 teenage girls, so cosmetics are something that they can definitely use but maybe wouldn't buy themselves. I am happy to scoop these up for almost free and hopefully make someone happy:)

So, all told I spent $14.08 (used a $10 CVS reward too), and got back $18. Yay!

Cheap Stride Rite and Osh Kosh at Totsy

Let's be honest, Totsy has great prices but the quality can sometimes leave a little to be desired.  But when they stock name brands like Stride Rite, you really can't go wrong!  If you need some new kicks for your kids this summer check Totsy before you shell out the full retail price.  They have a ton of styles for under $20, but sizes are limited.  If you are a new customer, shipping is free.  Happy hunting!!

Used books shipped free plus discount!

Better World Books is an organization that supports literacy programs.  You can donate books anytime by printing a free shipping label and mailing them in, and BWB donates or resells the books to fund their programs.  The books they sell are rated by condition, and super cheap, plus shipping is free.  This is an awesome way to get all those books on your summer reading list (kids books too!) for a fraction of the cost.  And, right now you can get an extra 25% off your order with the code SUMMERSALE at checkout.  Smart shopping for sure!!

BetterWorldBooks.com - New & Used Books for Sale, Textbooks, Book Reviews & more - FREE SHIPPING:

'via Blog this'

Free Sunday Movie Nights in Beverly Hills

Check out this calendar of free, outdoor movie screenings in the Beverly Canon Gardens in Beverly Hills.  The screenings start at 8pm - a bit late for little kids, unless you have a night owl on your hands, but fun for the older crew!  Wreck-it Ralph and Enchanted are both on the list this summer.

Sunday Movie Nights!:

'via Blog this'

DIY Project - A Book About Me

I got this idea from a book called "Curious George and Me", in which kids can fill in the blanks throughout the book with details about themselves.  This idea is so easy to replicate in a do-it-yourself project!  Here are some ideas for the pages in the book:

All About Me - name, age, birthday, where I live
My Family - pictures and names of family.  Pets you have, pets you wish you had.
Things I like - favorite color, food, game, place to go, book etc.
My handprint - trace or stamp a handprint
My first (you pick the big event that is relevant) - sleepover, day of school, time on an airplane etc
Where I live - type of house/apartment, trees, yard etc.  You can also ask how many rooms/doors/sinks etc are in the house.
A story written by me - you can write it verbatim
What I love about my mommy/daddy etc - also write verbatim
Draw a picture of me, my family
When I grow up I want to be...
I can write my own name...
Words I can spell...

You can tailor the book to suit your own child.  The Curious George book, for example, has a whole section on school, and you child might not go yet.  You can use stickers and crafts and decorate the book when you are done.  What a great keepsake too!  Better yet, do one every summer and have them to compare and look back on.

Buying Tools for Dad? Start Here!

It might be cliche, but lots of men really do want tools for Father's Day!  If you are planning to buy anything from a Home Improvement store for Dad, or just for you, start at Rite Aid.  This week you can get a Home Improvement gift card, accepted anywhere that the Discover card is accepted, and get rewards too.  If you buy a $50 card you will get $10 in rewards for your next purchase.  You can buy up to 2 of these.  If you are going to spend the money anyway you might as well have some rewards and get some free diapers or groceries too!

Home-Made Picture Frame for Dad - Cute as a Button:)

Looking for a special, home made present for Dad this year?  Check out this sweet picture frame idea.  My son made this one at preschool last year.  All you need is a plain wood frame, paint, glue, mod podge, and that random collection of buttons you've been hanging on to!!

Have your child paint and glue the buttons on the frame, cover with mod podge to hold everything in place, and sharpie "Cute as a Button" on there.  Pop in a picture of your kid with Dad, and it's complete.  Easy!!  

Don't have a button collection?  You can buy them at most craft stores.  But save your self a few bucks and start stashing them away.  They have a ton of uses for crafts.  So grab another empty plastic peanut butter jar, and start collecting:)

KidsBowlFree.com: Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!

Free bowling all summer long is just a few clicks away!  Join the Kids Bowl Free network and you will get 2 free games for each child every day Mon to Thurs for the whole summer.  And it is totally free!  The site will try to sell you a family pass for $25, which is a good deal too, but you don't need to buy it to get the free bowling passes for your kids.

Just print out the coupons for the current week before you head out bowling, and bring them along to redeem your free games.  Easy!!

KidsBowlFree.com: Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!:

'via Blog this'

New Pampers Coupons from coupons.com - Print at Home!

If your brand is Pampers make sure to visit coupons.com for a ton of new coupons, for everything from swaddlers to swim pants to underjams:)  You can print 2 copies of each coupon.  Use the categories button at the top left to sort by baby/toddler items and save yourself some time looking!

Diapers also make an awesome gift for new parents and baby showers, so it is always good to keep an eye out for the best diaper deals and diaper coupons:)

www.coupons.com

Men’s Dockers Sandals Only $9.09 - Father's Day Idea

I like this deal for Father's Day - cheap but trendy sandals and flip flops for Dad, just in time for summer!

This site, Stage Stores, has shoes 50% off retail, and you can use coupon code 6170 at checkout for an extra 30% off.  Plus shipping is free.  Find a pair for $12.99 and they will be only $9.09 after coupon!

Men’s Flip Flops, Just $9.09 — Dockers, Nautica and More! | | The Krazy Coupon Lady:

'via Blog this'

Santa Monica Pier Paddle Board and Ocean Festival June 8

It's official - school is out and summer is here!  One great way to celebrate this weekend is with this festival at the Santa Monica Pier.  There are events all day, including hula dancing, live music, and of course, paddle board races!  Sounds like a blast.  And, it's free:)







Pier Paddle | Santa Monica Pier:

'via Blog this'

Rolling Rewards at Rite Aid

I had a $5 reward at Rite Aid that expired yesterday, so I needed a good way to roll it into more rewards. I was going in for a deal on Head and Shoulders but I checked kcl before I went in and saw that the deal was dead. Some deals are discovered by shoppers but not advertised and some of those are like mistakes in the system and they get fixed.

So, I was looking around and saw these lip balm, priced at $3.49, or $2.79 after my 20% gold discount. Each one also prints a $2 reward. I bought 2, which cost $5.58, and used the $5 reward. I spent $.58 plus some tax, and got back $4.

It is always good to use rewards on things that give you more rewards.  Once you have a stockpile going you don't ever really need anything, you can just buy what is cheap and always have a stash on hand:)

Free Music Programs at LACMA

LACMA has some great free music programs that run all summer.  Put one of these dates on your summer calendar, and invite some friends!  Then relax to some great music while the kids run around:)  Most performances are at 5 or 6pm, so you can pack a dinner and make it a date.


Music Programs | LACMA:

'via Blog this'

Santa Monica Libraries June Events

Check out the full schedule of events at the Santa Monica Libraries this month.  They have a ton of story times, and some other really cool events.  I am interested in the Wreck-It Ralph family movie at the Main Branch.  A few spots also have some science programs and lego building events for kids over 4.  And the Paws to Read program (where kids can practicing reading to a therapy dog) is happening a few times this month too.

Local libraries are a great resource for free events over the summer!  Have a look at the web site for your local branch.

Library All Branches:

'via Blog this'

Centrum Flavor Burst $.37!!

I had to go to the grocery store for milk this morning, so of course I picked a store with a CVS in the same plaza to look for deals:) The coupon machine gave me a $3/$15 vitamin purchase coupon, so I went to look for more Centrum clearance. I had seen them 50% off at another store. The clearance was for the large size grape flavor.

The bottles at this store were not marked with any clearance tags, just regular price, so I took one to the price scanner to double check.

Price comes up - $3.37! That's 75% off!  I had the $3/$15 q and 4 copies of the $3 coupon from the Sunday paper. I bought 5 so I could use the $3/$15, and paid only $.37 each plus tax. Amazing! Make sure to check the grape flavor at your store too!!!

Blueberry Picking at the other Underwood Farm:)

I had no idea there was a smaller, less crowded Underwood Farm for blueberry picking, and with no admission fee!  Thank goodness for Red Tricycle.  They have so many good ideas!

This place sounds great.  Animals to feed, a sand and play area, and fresh pick your own berries for only $3.99 a pound.  I can't wait:)

A Berry Fun Day: Go Blueberry Picking:

'via Blog this'

Ralph's. $.33 toothpaste!

Ralph's has Crest toothpaste and Oral B toothbrushes on sale for $1 each. If you have your P&G coupons you can get toothpaste for $.33 and toothbrushes for $.50!

Buy 3 toothpaste, use $2/3 coupon =$1 for 3.

Buy 2 toothbrushes, use $1/2 coupon =$.50 each.

CVS this week - Diapers and more: )

This week I got some great CVS coupons to make good deals even better! By email I got 20% off, and.$5/$25 beauty purchase, and from the machine I got $5/$25 baby care.
The baby care came in handy with a huggies deal - spend $30 get $10 in rewards.  I bought 2 pull ups and 1 slip ons for $10 each, and used $2.50 coupons on each one. So the total was $30 minus $7.50 minus $5 = 17.50 for all 3 and got back $10.
I got to use the beauty coupon on Dermasilk and Physicians Formula. Phy Formula is full price, but anything over $7.49 gets a $7 reward. Awesome! I bought a $7.99 eye liner, and used a $1 coupon, plus 20% off. So it was $5.29. The dermasilk was $20.99, and I used a $5 coupon plus 20% off, so $12.79. It was generating a $10 reward.  All together they were $18.08, minus $5 beauty coupon, = $13.08 and got $17 reward!
Last I got 2 Nivea men's shave gel, $4.29 each, and used a $3/2 printable coupon and the 20%. I spent $4.46, and the promo was get $5 reward when you buy 2.
I also used $9 in rewards, so I paid $29.99 after tax and got $32 back!

I don't know how I got that picture upside down.  Lol, just checking to see if y'all are paying attention!

$1 Scissors at Staples

One thing I can never seem to find when I need them are scissors! Where do they go?

This week at Staples you can score scissors for $1 and $2. The Westcott all purpose are $1 for the first 2, normally $6.29, and the Westcott recycled are $2 unlimited, normally $7.59 each. I bought 2 of each and spent less than one regular price pair!  And now I can keep a pair in every room:)

The Playroom June Specials

If you have some Wednesdays free this month check out The Playroom in Sherman Oaks for $6 play (regular price $9).  You can bring in your lunch, so make plans with some friends and plan to play all day!

June Specials NEW SUMMER HOURS! The Playroom will now be open Monday-Friday from 10am-7pm That is a whole extra hour to come and run off that extra summer energy!   Fathers Day Celebration Join us on Friday June 14th and help us celebrate the joys of being a father with doughnuts & Coffee and $6.00 OPEN PLAY  ALL DAY!   $6.00 Wednesdays That's right $6.00 Wednesdays are back! Come in on ANY Wednesday in June and play for $6.00 ALL DAY!!!

It's Saturday night - and I am out with my coupons:)

I was cleaning out my coupon organizers today because it is the start of a new month, and I came a cross some great coupon stacking scenarios that I didn't know I had!  I could not resist a late night trip to Rite Aid and CVS.

Stacking coupons is when you use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item.  All of my purchases at Rite Aid used 2 coupons, and I got a hair color, tampons and 4 pack razor all for only $1.97 before tax, plus a $2 reward.  Here is how it worked out:

Bic Soleil Savvy 4 pack, $8.49, $6.79 after my gold discount of 20%.  I had a RA coupon that printed on a receipt a while back for $4 off, and also a $3 manufacturer coupon (mq) expiring tomorrow.  I actually made some overage on this one!

Playtex tampons, $5.49, $4.39 after discount (applies to all full price items).  I had printed a $3 RA video values coupon from the web site, plus I had a $1 manufacturer coupon expiring tomorrow.  They were only $.39!

Garnier Nutrisse was on sale for $6.99 this week.  I got it for $6.79, because the system will use whatever price is better, the sale price or the 20% off retail price.  Yay.  Anyway, I had a $3 video coupon from the RA web site, plus a $2 mq, so it was only $1.79, and generated the $2 reward.

My total was $1.97 before tax, $3.59 after tax, and I got the $2 back.  So good!

I also came across a $2 off any 2 sun care CVS coupon.  I had read about a deal that this coupon was perfect for!

The travel size Neutrogena sun care is only $2.49, and is generating a $5 reward when you buy 2.  Even without coupons this was a great deal!  Sometimes the rewards deals intended for larger size products work on the smaller sizes too.  So I used my $2/2 sun care CVS q, and a $1/1 printed mq on each one, so they were only $.49 each!  And I made back $5!!  These are so great to have in your purse or diaper bag.  Happy:)

I also noticed a ton of clearance tags in the vitamin aisle.  I don't usually take vitamins, but I tried the Centrum flavor burst before and loved them.  They were on sale 50% off, which made them $6.74 each, and I had a $3 mq for each one.

I also got some CVS baby bath wipes 75% off, only $1.07.  I thought they might be good to keep in the car for those messy moments that need more than just a baby wipe (I'm thinking ice cream + 2 year old).

And last...wait for it..cosmetics clearance!  I couldn't help myself.  I bought 2 CoverGirl Lipslicks 50% off, so $3.49 each, and used a $3/2 mq. They were $2 each.

My total after coupons was $13.51, and I used $13 in rewards, so I paid $.51 before tax, and made back the $5.

Between the 2 stores I spent $2.48 before tax, made $7, for about $72 worth of product.  What a great way to spend a Saturday night, right??

Pancakes? Firefighters? Yes, please!!

What could be better than rolling out of bed, packing up the kids, and heading over to a fire station for pancakes?  Well, a lot of things, but this sounds pretty good!  Breakfast starts at 8am.  This station is at the corner of Sunset and Beverly Glen.


Come support Fire Station 71's Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Sunday June 2nd 8-11AM — Benedict Canyon Association:

'via Blog this'