SoCal FruGal

Free Slurpee Day 7-11-10

2010-07-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Get in to any 7-11 store nationwide from 7:00am - 11:00 pm (Detroit time) on - get ready for it - July 11 and get a free 7.11 oz Slurpee. Too precious!

Did you happen to catch Undercover Boss when the CEO of 7-11 went undercover at the local level operations? Loved it! The night-shift delivery truck driver was adorable! He's from Russia and talked about how he was so grateful to be driving a delivery truck at night here in America, because it has provided him and his family more opportunity than they ever would have had in Russia. Keep on truckin', dude. We salute you with a giant Slurpee.

Check out the countdown clock

Also, check out Slurpee Rewards for free stuff. Just for drinking a Slurpee.

Tax Day Freebies

2010-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Subway

Taco Del Mar

Cinnabon

HydroMassage

Maggie Moo’s - Free slice of their new, one-of-a-kind MaggieMia’s Ice Cream Pizza from 3 to 7pm.

Chick-fil-A

McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurants

T.G.I. Friday’s

P.F. Chang’s

Papa John’s

McDonalds

Walgreens

Brea Baptist Church 2nd Annual Car Show, BBQ & Boutique 3/27

2010-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Free Admission & fun for the whole family!

Saturday, March 27, 9am-3pm

Brea Baptist Church
217 E. Birch St.
Brea, CA 92821

Block party...Jump House, Childrens play area, live music, car displays and boutique
Kettle Corn, Heros Restaurant and much much more!!! Great community event!

All proceeds benefit the kids programs at Brea Baptist Church

Free Pastry @ Starbucks Tomorrow!

2010-03-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Go to Starbucks.com and print the coupon for a free pastry tomorrow with the purchase of a handcrafted beverage! Make sure to use a registered Starbucks card to purchase the beverage to get credit for your Starbucks Rewards!

What Reward level are you?

Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shops Free Cone Day!

2010-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Scoot on over to your local Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shop to get your free cone March 23rd, from 12pm-8pm.

Orange County Museum of Art 3/14

2010-03-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday 3/14
Orange County Museum of Art
11:00am - 4:00pm
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA

March Madness!
Bring the whole family to OCMA for a crazy day of family fun! With live entertainment and student artwork provided by the kids at the Orange County Educational Arts Academy, we're packing the museum with creativity! Go wild for our interactive tours and unleash the artist inside at our hands-on project tables, all for free!

Schedule of Events:
11 am Program Begins
11 am-4 pm Hands-on Art Projects
12-12:30 pm Interactive Family Tour
12-3:00 pm Temporary Tattoo Artist
12:30-1 pm Student Performances from OCEAA
1-1:30 pm Public Tour for adults/teens
2-2:30 pm Student Performances from OCEAA
3-3:30 pm Interactive Family Tour
4 pm Program Concludes

More details Directions and Parking

Frugal Family Fun 3/13-3/14

2010-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Good To Go From Head To Toe Family Fun and Wellness Fair!
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: In front of Pretend City Children’s Museum

Whether you’re interested in a free health screening for your little one, learning about the latest and greatest resources to promote healthy child development, or just looking to sing, dance and create – mark your calendar for March 13, 2010. Stop by to find out how you can earn your discounted museum admission ticket by participating in the fair! Fair activities and guests include, but are not limited to:

• On-site language, dental, hearing and speech screenings (*health screening stations)
• "Fit and Fun" Obstacle Course provided by Orange County Health Care Agency Public Health Nurses (*health screening station)
• Kaiser Permanente “Ask a Pediatrician”
• Music provided by 92.7 Jill FM
• Special appearance by The Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing, and Street Team
• Refreshments provided by Sportastic
• Book readings and giveaways provided by Early Literacy Program
• Special giveaways from Pretend City Children’s Museum
• CHOC/UCI Parenting Class Information
• Family Support Network
• Help Me Grow
• Speech Pathology Associates
• Providence Speech and Hearing
• Zachary Orthodontics
• LEAPS Project
• National Children's Study, UCI
• Quest Therapeutic Camps of Southern California
• City of Irvine, Child Resource Center
• OC Family Magazine
• Children's Health Initiative of Orange County
• Posh Party Box

Additional Information:
FREE admission to the fair all day, no sign up required. Children who earn three stamps on their “Good To Go Fun Card” by participating in at least three health screening stations will earn one free Pretend City Children’s Museum entrance (free museum entrance is valid on May 13, 2010 only).

29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lakeshore Learning Free Kids Craft: Pot O' Gold Bank 11:0am-3:00pm.

Check here for the store nearest you

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Sunday, March 14th

Orange County Museum of Art

OCMA Free Second Sundays is one of the best ways for Orange County families to spend time together enjoying art. Thanks to the generous support of the Visionaries, admission is free on the second Sunday of every month. Join us for all day family fun on these special days! Activities from 11 am-4 pm.

March Madness
Come to OCMA for a crazy day of family fun! We're packing the museum with creativity including live entertainment and student artwork provided by the kids at the Orange County Educational Arts Academy, interactive family tours and hands-on project tables.

Schedule:
11:00 am: Program Begins

11:00 am - 4:00 pm:
Hands-on Projects
Museum Education Center

12:00 am - 3:00pm:
Temporary Tattoo Artist
Orange Court Patio

12:00 am - 12:30pm:
Interactive Family Tour
Carlos Amorales: Discarded Spider and The Moving Image: Scan to Screen, Pixel to Projection
Geared for children, sign-up required

12:30 pm - 1:00pm:
Dance, Song, and Theater
Performances by OCEAA
Lyon Auditorium

3:00 pm - 3:30pm:
Interactive Family Tour
Carlos Amorales: Discarded Spider
Geared for children, sign-up required

4:00 pm:
Program Concludes

Parking and Directions

FREE Lancôme Juicy Tubes lip gloss

2010-03-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

Beginning March 9, 2010, bring the April 2010 cover of Seventeen or a printout of the seventeen.com home page to any participating Nordstrom store to receive a FREE full-size Lancôme Juicy Tubes lip gloss (approximate retail value: $18). 8,000 will be given away.

Read all the rules, regs and legal stuff here

Free Spring Cleaning Gift Pack! (1st 10,000)

2010-03-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

First 10,000* to respond will receive a gift pack with favorite Ziploc® Brand, Scrubbing Bubbles® and Pledge® products inside.Hurry—respond now! *Terms & Conditions apply

Spring Cleaning Gift Pack
There's always a lot to do to keep your home fresh and tidy. Organizing supplies, cleaning bathrooms and dusting surfaces are all part of it.

When the chores pile up, these products can help you get more done. They make cleaning and organizing more manageable so you are left with time to enjoy your clean home—or take on the other items on your list!

The gift pack includes:
• One box of Ziploc® Brand Storage Bags (quart size)
• One Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel
• One pouch of Pledge® Multi Surface Wipes

Click Here!

Goodbye, Uncrustables!

2010-03-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

(A Dear John Letter)

Dear Uncrustables sandwich,

You have served me well. My 2 year old is in love with you. You're soft bread "crust" and sweet strawberry or grape jelly tempts him. He even has a song for you "Booooo schandwich! Booooooo schandwich!" when he knows you are coming his way. I could throw a frozen one of your brothers and sisters into the diaper bag at a moments notice and it would be defrosted by lunch/snack time.

But it's not you.... it's me. I am unwilling to pay your high proces anymore. Even when you are on sale and there coupons for you (so few and far between!), you are still expensive.

I must also confess, I have found a replacement for you. I didn't mean to cheat on you, truly. But I saw the picture and couldn't stop thinking about it... the possibilities of what can be made and frozen at home (for so much cheaper!) are endless. The low cost seduced me, sucked me right in. It whispered sweet frugal nothings in my ear.

I know you will soon get over me. There will be others for you. I'm sure you will be calling to them from the freezer case, seducing them with your ease, as you did me.

Adieu

Behold! The Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal! Here is the description from The Pampered Chef "Make crust-free pocket sandwiches for your kids! Simply place filling between two layers of bread, then cut and seal. 3 1/2"."

Ahhh.... but it is so much more than that... homemade savory sandwiches for Mom & Dad? Done. Fruit tarts? Done. If you can think of it, you can make it with this bad boy. Price? $9.00. That's it! It is worth so much more than that, to me. You break even on just a few boxes of Uncrustables with that price!

This post is a part of the Works for Me Wednesday fun, hosted by We Are THAT Family, temporarily hosted by Rocks In My Dryer. Check it out!

Aquarium of the Pacific-Earth Day Celebration

2010-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Learn what you can do to help our ocean planet at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s ninth annual Earth Day Celebration. Join the Aquarium for a weekend of family fun celebrating Earth Day while learning simple, everyday tips to protect our environment. Visit booths from various earth-friendly organizations and participate in hands-on learning demonstrations for people of all ages.

Be green and bring in an e-waste item for recycling to the Aquarium on Earth Day weekend, April 24 and 25, 2010, and receive a coupon for $10 off adult admission. Anything that plugs into a wall or uses a battery will be accepted, including computers, printers, fax machines, scanners, copy machines, televisions, radios, microwaves, stereos, camcorders, cameras, telephones, typewriters, printed circuit boards, batteries, cables, and calculators. For a full list, visit www.4ewaste.com. Please bring your item to be recycled to the e-waste booth in front of the Aquarium to receive your coupon. One coupon per item, per person. Coupon is valid for $10 off one adult admission and is not valid for online purchases. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Valid April 24 and 25, 2010 only.

When: Saturday, Apr 24, 2010
9:00 am–5:00 pm

Sunday, Apr 25, 2010
9:00 am–5:00 pm

Cost: Festival activities are FREE with general admission. FREE for members. Members' guests receive 20% off admission.

Info: (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/eventsdetail/earth_day/

Beehive Family Expo - Sat 3/13 - Sun 3/14

2010-03-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Beehive Family Expo is Irvine, CA's #1 family event. This 2 day event features: Carnival Rides, FREE Hot Air Ballon Rides, Free Giveaways, Live Entertainment, Amazing Stage Performances & OVER 200 Vendor Booths displaying the latest & greatest items for: Mom's, Dad's, Kid's, Teen's & Babies.

Admission to event is FREE w/ donation of 2 cans of food to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00pm

Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Great Park in Rvine

7000 Trabuco Road
Irvine, CA 92618

Target 3/7 - 3/13

2010-03-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the "stock-up worthy" deals this week @ Target:

Johnson & Johnson Buddies bar, $1.09
- $1.00/1 Johnson & Johnson baby product,excl. trial size
= $0.09 92% savings

Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuits 10oz, $1.43
- $1.00/1 Nabisco Crackers, 6 - 16.5 oz 1/24/10 SS
= $0.43 each 68% savings

All Laundry Detergent 100oz, $7.99 (Buy 2, get a $5 Target Gift Card)
- $2.00/1 All Liquid Laundry Detergent, 50 oz. or larger 2/7/10 SS
= $5.99 each ($0.06 / ounce)

Stater Bros 3 Day Only Sale 3/7-3/9

2010-03-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Bonus 3 Day Only Sale Sunday/Monday/Tuesday 3/7-3/9

Buy 4 Patricipating General Mills Products, Save $4.00, with in-ad store coupon

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $0.99 each when you buy 4
- $0.50/2 Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers or Fruit Roll Up Fruit Stickerz Fruit Flavored Snacks 3/7/10 SS
= $0.74 each, when you buy 4 and use in-ad coupon

General Mills Chex Mix Bars $1.49
- $0.50/1 General Mills Chex Mix bars 2/7/10 GM
= $0.99 each when you buy 4 & use 4 coupons 60% savings

General Mills Fiber One bars, $1.49
- $0.40/1 Fiber One® Chewy Bars
= $1.09 56% savings

General Mills Nature Valley Granola Bars, $1.49
- $0.50/1 Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars 2/7/10 GM or
- $0.40/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars
= $0.99 Sweet & Salty 60% savings, $1.09 regular 56% savings

Rite Aid 3/5-3/11 SoCal stores, 3/7-3/13 everywhere else

2010-03-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Bonus: spend $30 on participating P&G brand items, get $10 Rite Aid gift card by mail (see below)

Don't forget to use a $5 off $25 Rite Aid store coupon, in addition to all coupons listed below. Don't have one? Get one here or here

Trident Layers gum 14 pieces, buy one get one free (use 2 coupons), $0.75
- $0.75/1 Trident Layers Gum single pack 2/7/10
= FREE

Almay eye cosmetics, buy one get one free
- $2.00/1 Almay cosmetic product, any 2/7/10 SS
- $5.00 single check rebate on two and two newspaper coupons

Halls Cough Drops 30ct, $0.99
- Halls Cough Drops single bag 20 ct or larger, buy one get one free 2/27/10 SS
= $0.49 each

Ricola Cough Drops 19-24ct, $0.99
- $1.00/2 Ricola Natural Cough, Throat or Vitamin C Drops 1/17/10 SS
= $0.49 each

Metamucil 114 dose, 120-160ct, $9.99 (P&G Promo item)
- $3.00/1 Metamucil product any size 2/7/10 & 3/7/10 PG
- $5.00 single check rebate
= $1.99

Colgate Toothpaste Total Advanced 5.8-6 oz, Sensitive, Max White or Max Fresh 6 oz, buy one get one free, $1.75 (est, price, use 2 coupons)
- $1.00/1 Colgate Total 3/7/10 SS
= $0.75 each

Nivea Lip Care 0.17oz, $0.99
- BOGO Nivea Lip Care Product Buy 1 Get 1 Nivea Lip Care .17 or .35 oz Free up to $3.99 2/7/10 RP
= $0.49 each

Schiff Move Free, buy one get one free, use 2 coupons, $20.00
- $5.00/1 Schiff Move Free Dietary Supplement 80ct or higher 1/17/10 SS
= $5.00 each 75% savings

Cover Girl Cosmetics, buy one get one free
- $2.50/2 Cover Girl Product any save $2.50 on two 2/7/10 PG 75% savings

Crest Toothpaste 4-4.2 oz, 5.8-6.2 oz, $2.74 (P&G Promo item)
- $1.00/1 Crest Premium Paste 4 oz or larger (excludes Cavity, Baking Soda and Tartar) 2/21/10 PG
- $1.00/1 single check rebate (limit 1 rebate)
= $0.74

General Mills Chex Mix 3-8.75 oz, buy one get one free, $2.40(est price) use 2 coupons
- $0.50/1 Chocolate Chex Mix or
- $0.50/1 Chocolate Chex Mix 3/7/10 SS
= $0.70 each

Kotex Security Tampons 36ct or Lightdays 80ct, 2/$11
- $1.00/1 Rite Aid Video Values store coupon (use 2)
- $1.50/2 Kotex Liners or Kotex Securtiy Tampons 1/10/10 SS
- $3.00 on 2 single check rebate
= $2.25 each 59% savings

Colgate Toothpaste Total Advanced 5.8-6 oz, Sensitive, Max White or Max Fresh 6 oz, buy one get one free, $1.75 (est price)
- $0.75/1 Colgate Max White, Max Fresh, Total, Sensitive or Kids Toothpaste 4 oz or larger 2/21/10 SS
= $1.00 each

Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil adult liquid 10 oz , liquiCaps 20ct or childrens 6oz, $4.99 (P&G Promo item)
- $1.50/1 Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil, any 2/7/10, 2/21/10 or 3/7/10 PG
- $2.00 single check rebate
= $1.49

Prevacid 24 hr 42ct, $25.99
- $4.00/1 Rite Aid video Values coupon
- $4.00/1 Prevacid 24 HR or
- $2.00/1 Prevacid 24 HR Medicine 2/7/10 SS
= $17.99 31% savings

P&G brands spend $30, get $10 Rite Aid gift card promo items (based on retail price before coupons and single check rebates!)

Gillette Fusion or Venus Cartridge 4-12 pack, $10.99 (est price)
get a free Fusion razor 3/7/10 PG
get a free Fusion or Satin Care shave gel - store promo

Metamucil 114 dose, 120-160ct, $9.99 (P&G Promo item)
- $3.00/1 Metamucil product any size 2/7/10 & 3/7/10 PG
- $5.00 single check rebate
= $1.99 80% savings

Crest Toothpaste 4-4.2 oz, 5.8-6.2 oz, $2.74 (P&G Promo item)
- $1.00/1 Crest Premium Paste 4 oz or larger (excludes Cavity, Baking Soda and Tartar) 2/21/10 PG
- $1.00/1 single check rebate (limit 1 rebate)
= $0.74 73% savings

Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil adult liquid 10 oz , liquiCaps 20ct or childrens 6oz, $4.99 (P&G Promo item)
- $1.50/1 Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil, any 2/7/10, 2/21/10 or 3/7/10 PG
- $2.00 single check rebate
= $1.49 70% savings

Oral B Advantage or Pro Health manual toothbrush 1ct, $2.74
- BOGO Advantage Toothbrush Free 3/7/10 PG
- $1.00 single check rebate
= $0.87 each 68% savings

Oral B CrossAction Power Toothbrush single pack or 2 ct refill, $5.99
- $3.00/1 Oral B CrossAction Power Toothbrush 3/7/10 PG
= $2.99 57% savings

Align 28ct, $28.99
- $5.00/1 Align Digestive Care product 2/7/10 PG or
- $3.00/1 Align Digestive Care product 3/7/10 PG
= $13.99 52% savings

Crest Rinse 440ml or 1 liter, $4.99
- $2.00/1 Crest Rinse 440ml or larger 2/7/10 & 3/7/10 PG
= $2.99 50% savings

Pampers Baby Wipes 60-72ct, $2.49
- $0.50/1 Pampers Wipes 60ct or larger 2/7/10 PG
= $1.99 46% savings

Scope 710-1000ml, $3.50
- $1.00/1 Scope Mouthwash 710ml or larger 2/7/10 or 2/21/10 PG
= $2.50 43% savings

Glide Floss 35-50m or Floss Picks 30ct, $3.50
- $0.75/1 Crest Glide Floss 35m or larger or Glide Floss Picks 20ct or more 2/7/10 PG
= $2.75 40% savings

Crest Advanced Seal Whitestrips, $34.99
- $10.00/1 Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal 14ct or Crest 3D Whiten Advanced Vivid Whitestrips 14ct 2/7/10 PG or
- $7.00/1 Crest Whitestrips Premium , Pro Effects, Daily Whitening Muliticare, Daily Whitening +Tartar (excluding Classic) 2/7/10 PG or
- $5.00/1 Crest Whitestrips 3/7/10 PG
= $24.99 36% savings

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers or Underjams, $9.99
- $2.00/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers 2/21/10 PG or
- $1.50/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers 2/7/10
= $7.99 33% saings

Prilosec OTC 42ct, $24.99
- $3.00/1 Prilosec OTC Medicine, any 2/7/10 PG
- $5.00 single check rebate (limit 1)
= $18.99 32% savings

Fixodent 2-2.7oz, $3.50
- $0.50/1 Fixodent Adhesive 1.2 oz or larger 2/7/10 PG
= $3.00 each 32% savings

Oral P Pulsar toothbrush 1ct, $4.99
- $0.75/1 Oral B Pulsar, CrossAction , Advantage any one or any two Indicator toothbrushes 2/7/10 & 2/21/10 PG
= $4.24 29% savings

Walmart 3/6-3/12

2010-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Reach Floss 55 yd, $0.97

- $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser 10/4/09, 10/18/09 or 1/3/10 RP

= Free

Air Wick Scented Oil i-motion Starter Kit, $5.00

- $4.00/1 Air Wick Scented Oil iMotion Starter Kit 2/7/10 SS

= $1.00

Air Wick Freshmatic Compact i-Motion Starter Kit, $5.00

- $4.00/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Compact iMotion Starter Kit 2/7/10 SS

= $1.00

Sure For Men Deodorant 2.6 oz, $1.96

- $1.50/1 Sure For Men Anti Perspirant & Deodorant 1/24/10 & 2/28/10 SS

= $0.46

Prices are approximate

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Free Family Sundays

2010-03-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

LA County Museum of Art-Free Family Sundays

Andell Family Sundays

12:30–3:30 pm | Free

Join us on Sundays for programs designed especially for families. Make art, explore the museum, or join a bilingual gallery tour. Most of all—have fun!

What to do here-

Sign up for NexGen
When you get there, sign up your minor children for the NexGen program. Arts for NexGen LACMA is the nation's only free youth membership program! NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in.

Pick up a Family Guide
Family Guides
Providing parents and children a unique way to experience art at the museum, family guides feature activity cards with images and easy-to-read explanations highlighting works from LACMA's permanent collection. The guide offers parents simple questions to begin a dialogue about art with their children and lends an explorative approach to capture the imagination of kids between the ages of six and twelve years old. Your free copy to keep is available at the Welcome Center Box Office. Available in English and Spanish.

Pick up an art tote
Art Tote
To help families further explore the works highlighted in the family guide, the kid's art tote contains touch objects and hands-on materials to assist children in learning more about art through engaging activities. The activities are customized to aid children in developing a well-rounded connection and understanding of art. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.

Due to LACMA's reinstallation project and rotations of art, not all works of art featured in the Art Tote are currently on view.

Children's Audio Tour
Look and Listen
Learn about works of art from around the world through engaging stories and questions on the Children's Audio Tour. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.

Keep the fun going @ home
Play LACMA's online game to learn more about American art in LACMA's collection.

Directions and Parking

Free Kaleidoscope Craft @ Lakeshore Learning 3/6

2010-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday March 6, your kids can make this cute project:

Stop in anytime between 11:00am - 3:00pm. Check here for the store nearest you

Frugal Family Fun 3/6-3/7

2010-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday 3/6

Taste of The Farm
The Farm Store @ Kellogg Ranch
11:00am-3:00pm
Come taste The Store's finest including:
cheese, sparkling drinks, jams, salsa, dressings, marinades, oj, dairy products and produce grown right here at Cal Poly Pomona
Watch cooking demonstrations
Pick fresh strawberries right out of the patch
Enter a drawing for a Farm Store fruit basket
Enjoy a large selection of delicious samples from the Farm Store. There is no fee to attend.
Address and Directions

Sunday 3/7
LA County Museum of Art-Free Family Sundays
Andell Family Sundays
12:30–3:30 pm | Free
Join us on Sundays for programs designed especially for families. Make art, explore the museum, or join a bilingual gallery tour. Most of all—have fun!

What to do here-
Sign up for NexGen
When you get there, sign up your minor children for the NexGen program. Arts for NexGen LACMA is the nation's only free youth membership program! NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in.

Pick up a Family Guide
Family Guides
Providing parents and children a unique way to experience art at the museum, family guides feature activity cards with images and easy-to-read explanations highlighting works from LACMA's permanent collection. The guide offers parents simple questions to begin a dialogue about art with their children and lends an explorative approach to capture the imagination of kids between the ages of six and twelve years old. Your free copy to keep is available at the Welcome Center Box Office. Available in English and Spanish.

Pick up an art tote
Art Tote
To help families further explore the works highlighted in the family guide, the kid's art tote contains touch objects and hands-on materials to assist children in learning more about art through engaging activities. The activities are customized to aid children in developing a well-rounded connection and understanding of art. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.

Due to LACMA's reinstallation project and rotations of art, not all works of art featured in the Art Tote are currently on view.

Children's Audio Tour
Look and Listen
Learn about works of art from around the world through engaging stories and questions on the Children's Audio Tour. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.

Keep the fun going @ home
Play LACMA's online game to learn more about American art in LACMA's collection.
Directions & Parking

Fullerton Arboretum
The Giving Trees: An Arbor Day Event
Come join in an afternoon of fun, interactive activities discovering the rich gifts of trees. Through a unique program based on renowned naturalist Joseph Cornell’s Flow Learning process, participants will develop a meaningful understanding and appreciation of these valuable living giants.

Sunday / Mar 7 / 1:00-3:00 pm / Check in at Nature Center
$5/family - ages 6 and up; individuals also welcome
Preregistration appreciated / Call by Wed, Mar 3 / 657-278-3407
Walk-ins welcome as space allows
Directions

Talkin' About.... Blogs

2010-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Specifically, my favorite blog(s). You mean besides mine, right? Just kidding!! Ok, maybe not kidding by only a teeny smidge. Really.

I have 2 favorites. I love both of them for the same reasons. I heart a blog that never fails to make me laugh. I love a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. And don't make me think, especially this early in the morning, before I've had 2 cups of coffee... 'cause chances are that's when I'm reading. And this chick can't think without a caffeine I.V.

Cake Wrecks
The pictures alone should make the attraction of this blog apparent. But, really, scroll down and read the comments. The author does an insanely good job of always captioning the pics with my exact thoughts and the reader comments are always HI-larious! I literally will have tears streaming down my face at times. The other part of why I love this blog is that I "do" cake and it warms my heart to see less-than-spectacular work, done by professionals, especially when I've worked on an especially trying cake...

Gen X Moms
My guest blogging here is actually NOT why I chose this blog. If I wasn't a part of it, I would still choose it as a favorite. Maybe it's 'cause I'm a Gen Xer. Most likely it's because the women who contribute are hilarious and like to talk about the good, the bad & the ugly of life as a Gen X Mom. I can relate to that.

To see what blogs other peeps are Talkin' About, head on over to MyCup2Yours

Children's Orchard Clearance Sale and Fill-a-Bag

2010-03-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

I know for sure the Cypress location is holding a clearance sale and it looks like all locations are doing the Fill-A-Bag. Here's the details:

Green Tag Clearance
All Green Tag resale clothing
$.99-$1.99 now $ .50
2.99-$3.99 now $1.00
4.99-$5.99 now $2.00
6.99-$7.99 now $2.50
$8.99-$9.99 now $3.00
$10 n up now $4.00

Ends 3/9/10. *Final Sale Fill-a-Bag for $6

Fill-a-Bag for $6
Our Fill-a-Bag Event starts Saturday, March 13th at 9am

....as a M.O.M. Club Member shop Friday night, March 12th from 6-7:30-pm.

Fill-a-Bag merchandise will be restocked for Saturday.

See store for details.

Woohoo! I am heading in today AND back again Friday night. If you go, let me know what you get and if you take pics, send 'em to me and I'll post 'em!

Aquarium of the Pacific-Shark Lagoon Nights

2010-03-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Shark Lagoon Nights

The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.

Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks are available for purchase.

Please note that while it is almost every Friday, some Fridays are excluded. Please check the dates for availability. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather-dependent and can be canceled due to inclement weather. Please call for more information.

Current Schedule:

Event Information
Friday, Mar 5, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Mar 12, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Mar 19, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Mar 26, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Apr 2, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Apr 9, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Apr 23, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Apr 30, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, May 7, 2010
6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Cost: FREE for everyone!

Info: (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

Parking
The parking structure for the Aquarium is on the water side of Shoreline Drive between Chestnut Place and Aquarium Way. Parking is $7 for Aquarium guests in both the Aquarium and Pike parking structures when you show an Aquarium ticket stub.

Stater Bros 3/3-3/9

2010-03-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Coupon Match-ups
Wheaties Fuel 17.1oz or Chocolate Cheerios 11.25oz, $2.49
- $0.75/1 Wheaties Fuel™ cereal or
- $0.55/1 Chocolate cheerios or
- $1.00/2 General Mills Cereals any two: Frosted Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios , Fruity Cheerios, Chocolate Cheerios, Cheerios Oat Cluster Crunch or Yogurt Burst Cheerios or Berry Burst Cheerios 2/21/10 SS
= $1.74 Wheaties (best price) 65% savings

Post Cereals-Honey bunches of Oats, Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts, $1.99
- $1.00/2 Post Cereal 10 oz or larger 2/28/10 SS
= $1.49 each 63% savings

Hillshire Farm Sausage, Rope or Link Style 14-16oz, $1.99
- $1.00/2 Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage 1/31/10 RP
= $1.49 each 63% savings

Dole Fruit Bowls 4-4.3oz, $1.99
- $0.75/2 Dole Fruit Bowls or Fruit Bowls in Gel 1/10/10 SS
= $1.62 each 54% savings

Jennie-O Turkey Store ground turkey, 20oz, 2/$6
- $1.00/2 Jennie O Turkey Store products, any
= $2.50 each 50% savings (equals $2 per pound unit price)

Fiber One Frozen Muffins, Blueberry or Banana Chocolate Chip, $2.99
- $1.00/1 General Mills Fiber One Frozen Muffins 1/3/10 GM
= $1.99 50% savings

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scramble 10-11.5oz, $1.99
- $0.55/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries 1/3/10 & 2/7/10 GM or
- $0.55/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries
= $1.72 each 50% savings

Yoplait Greek Yogurt 6oz, $0.99
- $0.30/1 Yoplait Greek
= $0.69 50% savings

Snapple 16oz bottles 6-pk, $4.99
- $1.00/1 Snapple Tea or Juice Drink 16 oz glass bottles 6 pk 1/31/10 SS
= $3.99 50% savings

Kashi TLC Bars, $2.49
- $1.50/2 Kashi TLC bars
= $1.74 each 50% savings

Bonus 3 Day Only Sale Sunday/Monday/Tuesday 3/7-3/9
Buy 4 Patricipating General Mills Products, Save $4.00, with in-ad store coupon

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $0.99 each when you buy 4 (no coupons)

General Mills Chex Mix Bars $1.49
- $0.50/1 General Mills Chex Mix bars 2/7/10 GM
= $0.99 each when you buy 4 & use 4 coupons 60% savings

General Mills Fiber One bars, $1.49
- $0.40/1 Fiber One® Chewy Bars
= $1.09 56% savings

General Mills Nature Valley Granola Bars, $1.49
- $0.50/1 Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars 2/7/10 GM or
- $0.40/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars
= $0.99 Sweet & Salty 60% savings, $1.09 regular 56% savings

Albertsons 8 Hour Sale Thursday 3/4 1pm-9pm

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Albertsons 8 Hour Sale Thursday 3/4 1pm-9pm

Coupon Match-ups
Aussie Shampoo 13.5oz/Conditioner 8-13.5oz/3 min. Treatment 8oz or Herbal Essances Shampoo /Conditioner 10.1-12oz - $1.99 limit 4 total
- $1.00/1 Aussie Product (except trial size) 2/14/10 RP or
- BOGO (that means buy one get one free) Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Product with purchase get a FREE Herbal Essences Styling product 2/7/10 PG
= $0.99

Kellogg's Cereal Frosted Mini Wheats, 15.8-18oz or Mother's Cookies, 11.5-16oz - 2/$3 limit 4 total
- $1.00/3 Kelloggs Cereal 10 oz or larger 2/7/10 RP
= $1.16 each, when you buy 3

Meats
Fresh boneless/skinless chicken breasts, 3 lbs or more - $1.77/lb (less than 3 lbs $1.97/lb)
Charlie's Pride Original or Italian Roast Beef/ Hormel Black Forest, Honey Roasted, Brown Sugar Ham/ Jennie-O Oven Raosted, Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast (deli sliced to order) - $3.99/lb

Grocery
Navel oranges, 4lb bag - $0.99 ($0.25/lb unit price) limit 2
Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water 24-pk, 0.5liter bottles - $2.49 limit 2
Mission Tortilla Chips 22oz or Mission Dip, 11.5-16oz - $1.88 limit 4 total
Albertsons bakery chocolate chip cookies 18-ct - $1.99
Corona, Heineken 12-pk, 12oz bottles or guiness Draught 8-pk, 14.9oz cans - $10.99 (+CRV) limit 1
Smirnoff Vodka 1.75 liter, $14.99 limit 1

Find your store

How to Remove Smoke Off Your 1980's Wall O' Mirrors

2010-03-03T00:28:00.000-08:00

When we moved into our current home, I could not for the life of me figure out why the completely mirrored walls on either side of the fireplace AND the large mirror behind the bar kept smudging. And smearing. And streaking. It took me 2 months to realize that previous residents had used the family room as a bar (the "BAR" sign hanging above the bar didn't clue me in for some reason), and therefore probably smoked (duh), thus causing my OCD to spiral out of control.

Seriously. I obsessed over getting those mirrors sparkling. Started cruising the 'net and found a recipe for this little gem:

2 c. water

1/2 c. white vinegar

1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap

1/4 c. rubbing alcohol

Poured it into a spray bottle (re-used one from some commercially prepared product, of course!) and went to town spraying and wiping with newspapers. That sticky schtuff came right off! I was so amazed I kept mixing up batches as needed and cleaned the wood-paneling walls AND the wood-beamed ceiling (I am not joking. It's 1982 fabulicious in there). All that yucky-gross yellow tar came right off of everything. It worked much, much, MUCH better than national-name-brand-blue-stuff. Now I use it as an all-purpose cleaner in every single room in my house.

And, no, my house doesn't smell like vinegar.

P.S. I also use cloth diapers as cleaning rags for glass - no lint

Brought to you by Works for Me Wednesday

Cheap Thrills Tuesday

2010-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Join in the LEGO® Store Monthly Mini Model Build!

Go to your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and you can learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.

Upcoming Mini Model Build:
LEGO Shamrock: Tuesday, March 2, begins at 5:00pm until supplies last

$1 Scoop Tuesday @ Baskin Robbins
You're going to have to call your local Baskin Robbins ice cream shop, but mine (and many others here in SoCal) are still offering $1 Scoop Tuesdays (that's for a kid's scoop, with a regular "adult" sized scoop for $1.50). The flavor of the month is Tax Crunch, which I find HIGH-larious. Sweet way to end the night!

New Printable Coupons

2010-03-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

The 1st of every month (which was yesterday. eek!), new printable coupons are made available at the printable coupon sites. so hop on over to

coupons.com
smartsource.com
redplum.com

Check out All You, as they have "exclusive" coupons you won't be able to get anywhere else. Check your grocery stores' websites for a coupons link - chances are they will have exclusive manufacturer AND store coupons for you, too.

Print out 2 of every coupon that you think you might even possibly use, (if there is a good enough deal to compel you to buy the product) as the online coupons tend to have a limit on the number that will be made available and they will go quickly.

There, you have been officially reminded.

Free Cookies!

2010-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard by now (from me or any of the other 300 kazillion people talking about it!) Today is Free Cookies Day from Nabisco! Fan Nabisco Cookies on Facebook, click on the cookies and milk tab and print out your copoun. Hurry, it's today only!

The Huntington Free Day

2010-02-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

If you want tickets to The Huntington's Free Day (next one is April 1st), better start calling (or ordering online) tomorrow morning 9:00am sharp.

Due to the enormous popularity, they go fast. Super fast.

Tickets for April 1 Free Day will be available on March 1 at 9 a.m.

Please note due to the popularity of Free Day, website and telephone traffic to our ticket agency may be heavy and you may not be able to get through immediately.

How To Get Tickets:
•General visitors: call 800-838-3006 to reserve your tickets by phone, or reserve your tickets online selecting from two arrival times:
◦I would like tickets for the morning entry (10:30 a.m. - noon)
◦I would like tickets for the afternoon entry (1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
•Nonprofit groups: Bus group tickets and parking passes may be ordered up to 3 months in advance. Call 626-405-2240 or email tours@huntington.org for tickets and bus parking passes.

•School groups (K-12): If you are a school group arriving by bus, call 626-405-2127 or email driley@huntington.org for tickets and bus reservations. Bus group tickets and parking passes may be ordered up to 3 months in advance.

Ralphs 2/24-3/2

2010-02-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Reach Original Dental Floss 55 yd, $1.00

- $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser (10/4/09, 10/18/09 & 1/3/10 RP)

= FREE

Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste 4.2 oz, $1.67

- $.75/1 Colgate Max White, Max Fresh, Total, Sensitive or Kids Toothpaste 4 oz or larger (2/21/10 SS)

= FREE (after double coupon, limit 1 per transaction)

Fresh green grapes, $0.79/pound

All items listed are 70% off retail (or more!). these are your stock up prices. You can view the full ad here

WalMart 2/27-3/5

2010-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

Reach Floss 55 yd, $1.12
- $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser (10/4/09, 10/18/09 & 1/3/10 RP)
= $0.12 each

Glade Plugins Scented Gel Warmer 1 ct, $1.78
- $1.50/1 Glade Plugins Scented Gel warmer (1/24/10 SS)

Sure For Men Deodorant 2.6 oz, $1.96
- $1.50/1 Sure For Men Anti Perspirant & Deodorant, any (1/24/10 & 2/28/10 SS)
= $0.46 each

Prices are estimated and vary from store to store. Items listed above are at 70% off retail ore more, so stock up!

Target 2/28-3/6

2010-02-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

GE Reveal 60 Watt Light Bulbs 4 pack, $2.00
- $1.00/1 GE light bulbs (1/3/10 SS exp 2/28!)
- $1.50/1 Target store coupon
= FREE

Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuits 10oz, $1.43
- $1.00/1 Nabisco Crackers 6 -16.5 oz (1/24/10 SS)- use 2
- $1.00/2 Target store coupon
= $0.43 each

Nabisco 100 Calorie Pack Snacks 6 ct, $1.50
- $1.00/1 Nabisco Crackers 6 -16.5 oz (1/24/10 SS)- use 2
- $1.00/2 Target store coupon
= $0.50 each

Nabisco Teddy Grahams Snacks 8 or 10 oz, $1.50
- $1.00/1 Nabisco Crackers 6 -16.5 oz (1/24/10 SS)- use 2
- $1.00/2 Target store coupon
= $0.50 each

Kraft Cheese 8oz block or shreds, $1.34
- $1.00/2 Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese Shreds or Chunks(1/24/10 SS)
- $1.00/2 Target store coupon
= $0.84 each (cheese can be frozen!)

There are, of course, more items on sale this week, but these are the deals most worth getting. Everything listed here is 70% off retail (or more). So stock up!

New Product! Kellogg's Clever Kids Fruit Snacks

2010-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a new product-

Kellogg's Clever Kids Fruit Snacks.

Kellogg's® Clever Kids™ fruit flavored snacks are yummy letter and number shapes that make spelling and counting fun. They'll have your kids wanting to show off their love of learning and tell you all about it.

$1.00/1 Kellogg's Clever Kids

Where to buy

Friday Follow Blog Hop Week 7

2010-02-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

So here is an interesting thing... a blog hop. Being new in blogland, I wasn't sure what it was or how it works. Thanks to Sweet and Savory, now I do. Thanks!

Here are the "rules" as listed on One 2 Try
Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Long Beach Museum of Art-Free Admission Fridays

2010-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's what to do when you go:

Family Guides

Explore our galleries and sculpture garden with self-guiding materials designed for your family to use while visiting the Museum. Family Self-Guides are available at the Gallery Desk.

Toyota Children's Gallery
A place for kids to see the work of kids. The Museum hosts exhibitions of artwork made by children and students of the community throughout the year to showcase the talent of our local youth. For more information, please contact us by email or phone 562-439-2119.

Toyota Children's Gallery Exhibition Schedule
T.A.P. Into Creativity
December 4 - March 5, 2010

This exhibition represents the art making activities created in this school year from Long Beach's Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center. LBMA supports Bethune with Transitional Art Program - a partnership in which Education staff provide weekly visual arts instruction to students.

Parking
Free parking is available in the Museum parking lot on Ocean Blvd., one block west of the main entrance. Metered parking is available on the beach. To park on the beach, turn off of Ocean Blvd. at Junipero and follow the road to the parking lot. There are stairs to the Museum from this area.

Museum Hours:
Galleries &; Store
Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1, July 4

Oceanfront Dining at Claire's at the Museum
Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Administrative Offices
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-439-2119

Cheap Chocolate Fix

2010-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Craving chocolate? Or better question, when are we not craving chocolate? Here's the round up of this week's choco-holic deals. 'Cause I don't want your chocolate stash to run low, sweetcheeks.

Rite Aid
Mars Snickers Bars single serve, buy one get one for $.01, $0.44 each (est price)
- $0.50/2 Mars Snickers Bar (2/21/10 RP)
= $0.19 each (78% savings)

Hersheys Bagged Easter Candy 8-10 oz, buy one get one for $.01, $2.00 (est price, assumes two coupns)
- $1.00/1 Hersheys Extra Dark Chocolate Bar or Bag 3.5 oz or larger (01/10/10 SS)
= $1.00 (75% savings)

Walgreens

Hersheys Pieces Candy 10-10.5 oz, Buy 4 Get $5.00 Register Rewards, $2.25

- $1.00/1 Hersheys Pieces Candy 10 oz or larger (01/31/10 SS), use 4

= $0.25 each (92% savings)

Target

Hersheys , York, Reeses and Almond Joy pieces 10 oz, $2.25

- $1.00/1 Hersheys Pieces Candy 10 oz or larger (1/31/10 SS)

- $1.00/1 Target coupon

=$0.25 (89% savings)

Hellooooo, Easter baskets! Want more chocolate? Head on over to see Lisa @ Stop & Smell The Chocolates. She will hook you right up.

Meatloaf Mix 3 ways

2010-02-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

Since I like to be frugal with my time as well as my money, when I am making meatloaf for dinner I make enough to make meatloaf, meatballs AND mini meatloaves (which are awesome for lunches). I will say that my meatloaf (like almost all my dishes) tends to taste a lil' bit different every time. Because I don't really measure. Or follow recipes much. So some of my measurements will not be precise. Sorry 'bout that, for all you recipe-followers.

Meatloaf Mix
2 beaten eggs
3/4 c. milk (or soy milk, almond milk, hempmilk, etc. We are dairy-free)
1 slice of bread, cut up into teeny-tiny cubes (we use gluten-free bread)
1 tsp olive oil, cooking spray, butter (just use a fat of some sort)
1/4 c. minced onion
2 tsps. garlic,minced
1/4 c. shredded carrot,minced
2 tsps of dried herbs (I usually use Italian-type)
1 lb. very lean ground beef (I use 90-ish % lean. Why pay for fat you are going to drain off anyway?)
1 lb. ground turkey
1 lb. ground hot italian sausage
1 small container baby food sweet potatoes (I add this in to boost nutrition. You can use spinach, too. Or leave it out. Up to you.)

In a small bowl, combine the egg, milk and bread cubes, set aside. Saute up all the veggies with the fat over med-high heat, just until soft. In a large bowl, mix all the meats together, along with the baby food (they will never know it's there, I promise). Throw in the veg and the softened bread and mix well. If you are like me and hate getting your hands dirty, you can try mixing it all up with a potato masher.

and now for the 3 ways part...
Divide the meat mixture into thirds - 1/3 for an actual loaf of meat, bake at 350* about 1 hour.

1/3 make into meatballs- I use a small melon baller or a tsp to measure my meatballs. Then they are all uniformly sized and bite-sized. I hate huge meatballs, but do what you like. Bake off in the oven (350* for about 10 minutes, tops). After they have cooled, freeze them until solid, maybe an hour, then bag them up into a gallon-sized freezer bag or some other container. Super-handy to have on hand for impromptu parties, for spaghetti w/ meatballs, meatball pizza...

1/3 form into equal sticks of meat, or use a mini loaf pan, or do what I do and use muffin tins. About 1/3 cup equals 1 muffin cup. Bake @ 350* about 20 minutes.

Here is my glaze:
1/4 c. ketchup
2 tbsps brown sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
a few dashes of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (you know...the hot wing sauce)

As far as meat prices go, I really stock up when I find a fabulous deal. I'm currently working on my supply of 93% lean ground beef, bought for $1.49/lb. I bought over 20 lbs.

This week's theme for Talkin' About Thursdays is dinner recipes. check it out!

Frugal Family Fun 2/27-2/28

2010-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday 2/27/10

Get to your local Michaels store today for a free family workshop:

The Knack(SM) - Where Kids Discover(SM) - The Knack Free Family Event: Science Fair

10:00 am - 1:00pm

Science Fair fun! Come and watch a demo of projects available from Scientific Explorer. Then you can make a FREE Molecule project using Crayola® Model Magic™. While supplies last. Join The Knack and get special offers & discounts

This, obviously, is going to be suitable for school-age kids. But how cool! I think my 2 year is gonna wanna make a model....

Sunday 2/28/10
LA County Museum of Art-Free Family Sundays
Andell Family Sundays
12:30–3:30 pm | Free
Join us on Sundays for programs designed especially for families. Make art, explore the museum, or join a bilingual gallery tour. Most of all—have fun!

What to do here-
Sign up for NexGen
When you get there, sign up your minor children for the NexGen program. Arts for NexGen LACMA is the nation's only free youth membership program! NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in.

Pick up a Family Guide
Family Guides
Providing parents and children a unique way to experience art at the museum, family guides feature activity cards with images and easy-to-read explanations highlighting works from LACMA's permanent collection. The guide offers parents simple questions to begin a dialogue about art with their children and lends an explorative approach to capture the imagination of kids between the ages of six and twelve years old. Your free copy to keep is available at the Welcome Center Box Office. Available in English and Spanish.

Pick up an art tote
Art Tote
To help families further explore the works highlighted in the family guide, the kid's art tote contains touch objects and hands-on materials to assist children in learning more about art through engaging activities. The activities are customized to aid children in developing a well-rounded connection and understanding of art. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.
Due to LACMA's reinstallation project and rotations of art, not all works of art featured in the Art Tote are currently on view.
Children's Audio Tour
Look and Listen
Learn about works of art from around the world through engaging stories and questions on the Children's Audio Tour. Check out is free at the Welcome Center Box Office with deposit and valid ID. Available in English and Spanish.

This month's theme:
Art of the Ancient Americas
February 7, 14, 21, and 28
Explore LACMA's collection of art of the ancient Americas. Find ceramic figures of animals, royalty, ballgames, and even a family house that includes a parrot on the roof! Make art with Marianne Sadowski, Joe Pelayo, and Quan Yen Trang and learn some Aztec danza steps with Stephanie Lozano.

Keep the fun going @ home
Families & Children in American Art: Online Game
Play LACMA's online game to learn more about American art in LACMA's collection.

Directions & Parking

Fullerton Arboretum
Worms...Worms...Worms
Do you know the magical powers of worms? How they can turn your garbage into soil for the garden? Come meet some of these live wigglers and explore their damp, dark world. You'll learn what wonderful powers worms have and how to best use these amazing workers. This event is designed for elementary age students, but Mom and Dad are welcome too.

Sun / Feb 28 / 1:00-3:00 pm / Check in at Nature Center

$5/family - Recommended for ages 6 and up

Preregistration appreciated / Call by Wed, Feb 24 / 657-278-3407

Walk-ins welcome as space allows

Directions & Parking

Free cookies on March 1st!

2010-02-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

Go become a fan of Nabisco cookies on Facebook now, then check back to their facebook page on March 1st for details on how to get free cookies. Who doesn't love free cookies? Pass the soy milk, please!

While you're at it, get a coupon for $1.00 off cakesters and cast your vote on Facebook in the great Dunking vs. No Dunking Cakester Debate

P.S. - I vote No Dunking Cakesters - who wants to eat a mush cookie-cake?

Rite Aid: February 2010 Single Check Rebates end tomorrow! (2/25)

2010-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the last day for February single check rebate purchases for SoCal stores. So get in there today or tomorrow to make any single check rebate eligible purchases you haven't yet made. Then enter your receipts online here, sit back and wait for the check.

Then you can do what I do - use that rebate money during the following rebate period to buy the rebate items I want... which are of course the "better-than-free", "free" and "at least 70% off sale price" stuff.

Kinda cool how that works, huh?

Free Pancakes Today!

2010-02-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

About National Pancake Day

February 23, 2010
Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. While IHOP's National Pancake Day typically takes place on Shrove Tuesday, this year the company will host its free pancake event on Tuesday, February 23, extending the fundraising window by one week to maximize donations for Children's Miracle Network. With your help, we hope to raise $5 million in five years for Children's Miracle Network and other local charities through your donations in 2010!

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products...hence the name Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday.

There is a limit of 1 free "shortstack" (3 pancakes) per person, dine-in only. Get all the details here.

Ralphs 2/17-2/23

2010-02-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

What's worth it this week @ Ralphs? Here is the breakdown:

Daytona Event Offer: Buy 10 participating products Get $3.00 Off at checkout (prices listed reflect Daytona Event savings)

70% or more off retail
Gatorade Thirst Quencher 32 oz (qualifies for Daytona Event), $0.69
- $0.50/1 Gatorade G2 (01/10/10 RP)
= Free (rounded up to $1.00 off for 1st coupon used, face value for subsequent coupons used in same transaction)

Healthy Ones Sliced Lunchmeat 5 oz, $1.69
- $0.55/1 Healthy Ones any package of pre sliced lunchmeat or 1lb of deli meat (01/03/10 SS)
= $0.69 each, $0.14 per ounce unit price (rounded up to $1.00 off for 1st coupon used, face value for subsequent coupons used in same transaction)

60% or more off retail
Cuties Tangerines 3 lb, $2.88
- $0.55/1 Cuties 3lb bag (02/07/10 SS)
= $1.88, $.063 per pound unit price (rounded up to $1.00 off for 1st coupon used, face value for subsequent coupons used in same transaction)

Fresh Personal Seedless Watermelon, $1.88 each

Fresh Whole Tri-Tip, $1.99/lb

Nabisco Ritz Crackers 13.66-16 oz (qualifies for Daytona Event), $2.19
- $1.00/1 Nabisco Crackers 6 -16.5 oz
= $1.19 each

Hot or Lean Pockets 6-10 oz, $1.99 (coupn is for Sideshots 6.5-49.5 oz if included in sale, qualifies for Daytona Event)
- $0.50/1 Hot Pockets Sideshots 6.5-49.5 oz (01/31/10 RP)
= $0.99 each (coupon doubled to $1.00 off for 1st coupon used, face value for subsequent coupons used in same transaction)

50% or more off retail
Previously Frozen Jumbo Scallops, $6.99 per lb

Jennie -O Turkey Store Fresh Turkey 14-20 oz, Buy 1 Get 1 Free, $3.00(estimated price of one variety)
- $1.00/2 Jennie O Turkey Store products, any (01/03/10 SS)
= $2.50 each

Rice -A-Roni or Pasta Roni Side Dishes 3.8-7.2 oz, $1.00
- $1.00/3 Rice a Roni or Pasta Roni (01/03/10 RP)
= $0.67 each

Banquet Brown 'N Serve Sausage 5-10.25 oz, $0.69 (qualifies for Dayton Event Offer)

Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna 5 oz, $0.50

Banquet Dinners 5-10.25 oz, $0.69 each (cpn is for $1.00 Off 10 expiring 2/21 -- final price is $.59 each. qualifies for Dayton Event Offer)

Propel Fitness Water 24 oz (qualifies for Dayton Event Offer), $0.69 each

Ralphs Dozen Large Eggs, Buy 1 Get 1 Free (estimated price) $1.50

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-26 oz (qualifies for Dayton Event) $1.49
- $1.00/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce (01/31/10 RP)
= $0.99 each

Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper 4.5-7.5 oz, 10 for $10 (no need to buy 10)
- $0.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper , Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Mix any flavor (02/07/10 SS & 01/03/10 SS) AND
- $0.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper , Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Mix any flavor shortcuts.com coupon (loaded onto Ralphs card)
= $0.50 each

Yoplait or Dannon Yogurt, Selected Varieties-4 oz. to 6 oz, 10 for $5.00
- $0.50/8 Yoplait Yogurt Cups (includes Original, Light , Thick & Creamy or Whips) or any flavor Yoplait Original or Light Smoothie (01/03/10 GM, or $0.40/6 01/03/10 GM or 02/07/10 GM) AND
- $0.50/6 shortcuts.com coupon loaded onto Ralphs card
= $0.81 each if using $0.50/8 coupon

Walmart 2/21-2/27

2010-02-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

What's worth it @ Walmart this week? Here ya go... Everything listed here is 70% off retail (or better) and prices are approximate, as Walmart price points and stock vary widely from store to store.

Reach Floss 55 yd, $1.12
- $1.00/1 Reach Toothbrush or Dental Floss except trial size or Access Flosser (10/04/09 RP) or
- $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser (10/18/09 RP) or
- $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser (01/03/10 RP)
= $0.12 each

Glade Plugins Scented Gel Warmer, 1 ct, $1.78
- $1.50/1 Glade Plugins Scented Gel warmer (01/24/10 SS)
= $0.28 each

Air Wick Freshmatic Compact i-Motion Starter Kit, $5.00
- $4.00/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Compact iMotion Starter Kit (02/07/10 SS)
= $1.00 each

Sure For Men Deodorant 2.6 oz, $1.96
- $1.50/1 Sure For Men Anti Perspirant & Deodorant, any
= $0.46 each

$5/$25 Rite Aid Coupon

2010-02-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Yay!!

Another $5.00 off $25.00 purchase coupon from Rite Aid.

The $25 purchase requirement applies before coupon and single check rebate savings, so using this in conjunction with coupons and single check rebates helps maximize your savings.

Have fun shopping, and let me know what you get!

Electronic Coupons

2010-02-13T02:20:00.000-08:00

E-coupons are nifty things. You log in to the provider, load 'em up onto your loyalty card (that thing on your key chain that gets you the "member" price at the grocery store/drug store/ gas station/whatever) and go shop. Easy.

The best thing about e-coupons is that they are treated like store coupons. Which means what? If you've paid attention, babycakes, you know that means you can stack them with a manufacturer's coupon for the same item. So where to get them?

First - have you registered with Vons, Ralphs & Albertsons for accounts with them yet? No?

Go ahead.

I'll wait.

Make sure you update your account info with the correct phone number and mailing address for you. So that when they send you stuff in the mail (like coupons, rewards, etc), it will actually get to you.

Now you are ready for the e-coupons.

P&G eSavers when you sign up for your free account here, you can add your Vons & Ralphs cards, then every month they issue new coupons for you to load.

Cellfire this one issues 2 types of coupons - grocery and non-grocery. You can access the coupons online or with your cell phone. The grocery coupons get saved onto your club cards (Vons & Ralphs again), non-grocery can be saved to your phone and you show the cashier the code at checkout to get the deal.

Shortcuts loads up coupons to both Ralphs & Vons cards

Coupons.com offers e-coupons for your Vons card

Avenu is for your Albertsons card. these are customized based on your purchase history.

Value Your Heart coupon book

2010-02-13T01:32:00.000-08:00

Check out Albertsons Value Your Heart coupon book - up to $39 in coupons and pharmacy savings! Now available in all Albertsons stores

Rite Aid 2/12-2/18 UPDATED

2010-02-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

What's Worth It @ Rite Aid this week... (updates are in red)

Free:
Motrin PM 20 ct $2.99
- $1.00/1 Motrin Product except trial size 01/03/10 RP
- $2.00 single check rebate
= Free

Olay skin & bath care 3/$18
Any Olay facial cleanser, complete or active hydrating moisturizer 2-4 oz, ribbons body wash 18 oz or bar soap 6 pack

-$15 mail-in rebate when you buy 3 Olay Facial Moisturizers, Facial Treatments, Facial Cleansers, Hand & Body Lotions, Body Washes, or 6+ Bar Soap Packs
-$1.00/1 Olay Body Wash, Bar, or in-Shower Lotion (01/17/10 PG) or
-$1.00/1 Olay Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser or any Olay Body Wash, in-shower Body Lotion, Bar Soap or Hand & Body Lotion no 30ml size (02/14/10 RP)
*use 3 coupons at purchase*
= Free

"Stock-up" Deals
Air Wick Ultra Air Freshmatic Kits 50% off
-$5.00/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra iMotion Starter Kit 02/07/10 SS (est. final price $1.50)

Hersheys Easter Bagged Candy 8-12.6 oz, buy one get one free, use two coupons, for Extra Dark Chocolate Only!
- $1.00/1 Hersheys Extra Dark Chocolate Bar or Bag 3.5 oz or larger 01/10/10 SS

01-10 S Halls Cough Drops-Ice Blue, Honey Lemon, Cherry, Mentholyptus or Strawberry 30ct, $0.99
- $0.50/1 bag 20 ct or larger
= $0.49

GE Extra Soft White Light Bulbs 4 pack, 2 for $4
- $3.00/2 in ad coupon
= $0.50 each 4-pk

Dove Invisable Solid Deodorant 2.6 oz, 2/$3.00 (buy 2)
- $1.50/2 Dove Deodorant or Body Mist 01/31/10 RP
= $0.75 each

Huggies Jumbo pack diapers/training pants $8.99
- $2.00/1 any huggies diapers
= $6.99 out of pocket - $3.00 single check rebate = $3.99

Full ad here

CVS 2/14-2/20

2010-02-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

"What's worth it" at CVS this week?

Better Than Free
Crest Pro Health Enamel Shield toothpaste 4-4.2oz or rinse 14.8oz $3.50
- $0.75 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ or Liquid Gel (02/07/10 PG)
- $2.00 Crest Rinse 440 ml or larger (02/07/2010 PG)
= $1.50 out of pocket for rinse, get back $3.50 extra bucks = $2.00 profit (limit 2)

Free
Aussie shampoo/conditioner 13.5oz or styler 5.1-14oz $2.99
- $1.00/1 aussie shampoo/conditioner/styler no trial size (02/14/10 RP)
= $1.99 out of pocket, get back $2.00 extra bucks = FREE (limit 1)

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 4oz, $2.99
- $1.00/1 colgate total toothpaste 4oz+ (all you magazine jan. 2010) or
-$1.00/1 colgate total toothpaste 4oz+ (reinventing beauty magazine, courtney cox cover)
= $1.99 out of pocket, get back $2.00 extra bucks = FREE (limit 1)

Sobe Lifewater 20oz (prices start @ $1.79), buy one get one free
- Sobe Lifewater buy one get one up to $1.50

"Stock-up" Deals
Gillette Disposable Razors 2-12ct, $5.79
- $3.00/1 1/10/10 RP
= $2.79 out of pocket, get back $2.00 extra bucks = $0.79 (limit 1)

Neutrogena shampoo, conditioner 4.4-10.1oz. Mask, treatment or cream 3-6oz Prices starting at $5.29
- $2.00/1 Neutrogena® Therapeutic Hair Care (print 2)
= $6.58 out of pocket - $5 back in extra bucks = $0.79 each

Coke 12 pk, 12oz cans buy 3 for $10 (+ CRV), get one free ($2.50 per 12-pk)

Renuzit Crystal Elements Glass Jar & Crystals 9 oz, $3.99
- $3.99/2 02/14/10 RP

Revlon foundation, powder, blush, concealer and lip products buy one get one free (use 2 coupons)

For complete sale see the circular

Chocolate Syrup

2010-02-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmm, chocolate.... let us pause to have a Homer moment....

I adore chocolate. In any shape or form.

Unfortunately, a lot of commercially made chocolate doesn't adore me back. Being dairy & gluten intolerant presents a terrifying thought: How exactly am I gonna get that fix?! Then I had a genius idea - chocolate syrup. I started pouring it on everything and anything I could think of when I got those cravings. Fruit, gluten-free waffles, mango sorbet... yum.

So when I started reading all the ingredient labels of every chocolate syrup bottle/can in the grocery store, I had a mini meltdown. Some of them are made with milk products. Some are possibly cross-contaminated with gluten-containing ingredients. ACK. It never occurred to me until that moment- freaking out in aisle 12, over chocolate syrup- that I could just make it myself. Duh. Even if you are living a frugal lifestyle, it just doesn't enter the thought process. You may stock up when a good sale happens, but make it? Why, when it's easy to just buy a bottle?

Here's why.

Big-Name-Syrup has 100 calories per 2 tbsp serving. Mine has 84. Theirs has "High Fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sugar, water, cocoa, potassium sorbate, salt, mono and diglycerides, polysorbate 60 an emulsifier, xanthan gum and vanillin and artificial flavor." Homemade has 5 ingredients. 1 of those is water. Store-bought syrup costs about $2.50 for 16 oz. Homemade costs about $1.30, if you don't score the very best deals on sugar and cocoa powder. Of course that cost is going to go up if you use the vanilla bean vs. the extract (make sure you use real extract, not artificial. You can even make your own extract, too.) I use extract - the real stuff. Homemade syrup takes mere minutes to make and tastes just like store-bought. (If you want to impress your special Valentine, tell 'em you made it.)

Now go make some syrup and pour it on the object of your chocolate desires. I'll be having some chocolate syrup with a side of mango sorbet. Cheers!

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1 c. cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over med-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture comes to boil. Reduce heat to medium to low and stir in cocoa powder and salt, continuing to stir, boil 2-3 minutes until syrup starts to thicken. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract (or beans from scraped vanilla bean pod). Stir well until you can smell the vanilla. Let cool to room temperature, then store in fridge.

photo credit ('cause I can't take pics that are worth a crap) goes to Jenny Mac's Lipsmack

Want more chocolate? Head on over to
for Chocolate Friday!

Old Navy Weekly

2010-02-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

Item of the week:

Ladies' ruffle v-necktop, reg. $16.50, on sale for $8. Super cute! Go to oldnavyweekly.com to score a coupon and make this deal even better. Click all around the site to hunt for the coupons as they are hidden. (Fun little game to play, even if you don't want the coupons!) Some hints: swap sandals, check out the butterfly and the zipper on the hoodie. Coupons you want: $5 off $25, $10 off $50 - those will getcha 20% off your purchase. Happy hunting!

Walgreens 2/7-2/13

2010-02-11T14:07:00.001-08:00

What's worth getting yourself dressed and out the door for?

Better Than Free
Dove Mens Body Wash, 13.5 oz $5.99
-$1.50 dove men's care body and face wash 12 oz + or dual sided shower tool or
-$1.25/1 Dove Men+ Care Body Wash or Scrubber, 13.5 oz or larger (1/31/10 RP) or
-$1 dove men's care or
= $4.49 out of pocket, get back $6.00 in Register Rewards = $1.51 profit (if using $1.50 coupon)

Schick Quattro Titanium/Titanium Trimmer/Midnight Razor System or 4 pk cartridges (excludes for women) $8.99
warning: Schick Quattro Titanium w/ upc 8 41058 02208 4 reportedly not generating register rewards
-$8.99 mail in rebate Schick Quattro Titanium Razor OR Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer up to $11.99 value (Limit 1 Rebate Per Household) (2/7/10 SS)
= $8.99 out of pocket - $8.99 rebate check - $3.00 Register Rewards = $3.00 profit

FREE

Nabisco Crackers or Cookies 4-8 oz, $0.99
- $1.00/1 crackers 6-16.5oz (1/24/10 SS)
= Free

The Rest

Gillette Venus Embrace or Fusion Razor 1 ct or Disposables 3 pk, $8.99
- $4.00/1 Fusion 2/7/10 PG (cpn shown is for Fusion)
= $4.99 out of pocket, get back $4.00 Register Rewards = $0.99

Theraflu 6 ct or 8.3 oz, 2/$10
- $2.00/1 any Theraflu or here or here or
- $1.50/1 Theraflu, any 2/7/10 SS
= $6.00 out of pocket for 2, get back $5.00 in Register Rewards = $0.50 each

Triaminic 14 pk strips, 4oz liquid or 0.67oz nasal spray, 2/$10
- $1.50/1 Triaminic or
- $1.50/1 triaminic, any 2/7/10 SS
= $7.00 out of pocket for 2, get back $5.00 Register Rewards = $1.00 each

Kotex Pads 14-24 pk, Liners 48-64 pk or Tampons 18 pk, 2/$6.00 Buy 2 Get $3.00 Register Rewards
- $2.00/2 pads or $1.50/2 liners or tampons 01/10/10 SS or
- $2.00/2 kotex pads or $1.50/2 tampons or $1.50/2 liners
= $2.00 each pads, $2.25 each liners or tampons out of pocket, get back $3.00 in Register Rewards = $0.50 each pads, $0.75 each liners or tampons

BenGay 3-4 oz or 4 or 5 pk patches $4.99 each, buy 2 get $3.00 Register Rewards
- $2.00/1 Bengay except trial size 01/03/10 RP
= $5.98 for 2, get back $3.00 register rewards = $1.49 each

Huggies Jumbo pk diapers, pull-ups or good nights $8.99
- $2.00/1 Huggies Pull Ups Training Pants jumbo pack or larger 01/17/10 SS or
- $1.50/1 Huggies Overnites Diapers any 01/17/10 SS or
- $1.00/1 Huggies Diapers any 01/17/10 SS
= $7.99 out of pocket diapers, get back $3.00 Register Rewards = $4.99

Also:
Maybelline Cosmetics, 40% Off
$2.00/1 Maybelline Colorsensational Lipcolor, Lip Liner or Lip Gloss or New York Lipcolor 02/07/10 RP
$2.00/1 Maybelline Foundation 02/07/10 RP

Loreal True Match Foundation, Concealer, Powder or Blush, 40% Off
$3.00/1 Loreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer 01/03/10 RP

Combine these deals with the 15% off coupon good 2/12/10 only and you've got a heck of a deal. Tip: if using 1 coupon for every item being purchased AND the 15/20% off store coupon, make sure you add in 1 extra super cheap filler item as Walgreens has a 1 coupon per item limit. Examples: $0.49 candy bar (advertised in ad), pocket tissue pack, clearance candy, etc.

Walgreens Friends & Family Coupon - Fri Feb 12th ONLY

2010-02-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

Gather your coupons and your shopping list and head on over to Walgreens tomorrow and get:

15% off eligible store items AND
20% off Walgreens & W brand items

valid only in-stores during regular store hours, Full details & locations here

2/13-2/14 Bluelight Specials @ Kmart

2010-02-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may remember the days of the "blue lights" and the store-wide P.A. announcements...

The Bluelight teasers for this weekend are:

- 25% off Valentines Filled Gift Baskets (reg. $9.99)
- Sapphire pendant and earring set (reg $99.99) Sale $25.00
- 3 pair earring set 18kt gold over sterling silver (reg $79.99) Sale $20.00

All day Bluelight teasers:

Saturday: Sale 2/$4 Hershey, Mars and Nestle Valentine packaged chocolate (reg $2.99)

Sunday: 50% off Stetson, Tim Mc Graw, Faith Hill or Halle Berry Fragrances .5-3.5 oz

The SoCal locations:
10870 Katella Ave Anaheim, CA 92804
2222 E Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
10400 Rosecrans, Bellflower, CA 90706
5704 E Whittier BLVD, Commerce, CA 90022
1162 N Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91722
8017 South Atlantic, Cudahy, CA 90201
249 S Diamond Bar BL, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
2900 Bellflower BLVD, Long Beach, CA 90815
5665 N Rosemead BLVD, Temple City, CA 91780
730 South Orange, West Covina, CA 91790

75% off Custom Photo Books @ Walgreens

2010-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Now through Sunday Feb 14th, Walgreens is offering 75% off custom cover 8x11 photo books. With prices starting @ $7.50, it's a fabuLESS frugal gift and not just for Valentine's Day. Think Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays...

Enter coupon code "makebook" at checkout

CVS

2010-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

CVS's incentive program is called Extra Care. The main attraction for the Frugal Shopper (that's you, punkin) is Extra Bucks. Think of it like an instant rebate. No sending in receipts, waiting for checks. You buy stuff (with coupons of course) and get back Extra Bucks. These Extra Bucks are almost as good as cash. Almost. Can't use 'em on alcohol, tobacco or prescriptions. Everything else is Fair Game.

The Extra Bucks are issued to you at 2 different times:

A- On your receipt after you complete a transaction and
B- As a quarterly reward (2% of your purchases, minus restrictions, at the end of each spending period

Another beautiful thing about CVS is that most stores have a price scanner/coupon printer located somewhere in the store. (Look up front when you first walk in and near the middle or back somewhere. Sometimes by pharmacy). Scan your Extra Care card at this machine (you can do it every day if you wish) and you will be issued CVS store coupons. Which of course can be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Yay!

Something nifty recently introduced is the Green Bag Tag. You pay $1 for the tag and every time you shop and use a reusable bag -or none at all- you have the tag scanned along with your Extra Care card. For every 4 scans of the card, you get 1 Extra Buck. So, in essence, you are being paid $0.25 every time you use a reusable shopping bag (it doesn't have to be a CVS bag). The Green Bag Tags are located up at the registers.

How to sign up for the card and system:
If you don't have a card currently, you can sign up for one online or in a store. If you sign up online you will have to wait about 2 weeks for the card to come to you. Go to the store and you will have it instantly. Make sure you register the card online at CVS.com for the perks. If you currently have a card, make sure you register it online @ cvs.com

How I work the system:
Every week I decide which items I want based on highest amount of Extra Bucks issued compared to purchase price of the item. (Usually at least 50% of the purchase price being returned to me in the form of Extra Bucks). I roll my Extra Bucks from one purchase into the next to reduce how much money comes out of my budget to pay for things we need or want.

Rite Aid updated

2010-02-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Rite Aid has a rebate program called Single Check Rebates. You can use the program the old-fashioned way (on paper and snail mail),but why? The easiest is to sign up online and submit your rebates online. It's easy and it's FREE.

The basic gist of the program is that you get rebate money for buying certain products (the line-up changes every month) without having to send in a million different forms, upc numbers, proofs of purchase, etc. And you don't have to worry about missing multiple rebate time period cutoffs. Which has always been the biggest challenge with taking advantage of rebates.

Instead, you submit your Rite Aid receipts online, making sure you do so by the end of the monthly rebate period. (I'll be sure to remind you, babycakes). The system is setup so that it takes the data from your receipts and applies it to any and all rebates being offered during a rebate period, so that if you have purchases that qualify for more than 1 rebate, you only submit once, and still get all rebates you qualify for you. Neat-o, speed-o, huh?

To maximize your savings, simply combine rebate offers with manufacturers and store-issued coupons. Submit your receipts before the cut-off, wait for the check. Easy-peasy.

Here's how I work the rebate system:
Every week I make my rebate purchases, come home and submit my receipts. Wait until the rebate period is over then request my check. The system will tell you what rebate offers you qualify for and how much your check is going to be. You can also check it throughout the rebate period. I then roll my rebate money from one month into the next, so in a sense, all my purchases are free.

Your 1st check takes a bit longer than the subsequent ones because you are a new user.

In addition, Rite Aid has a store coupon "perk system". It's free to sign up and you watch short video clips. You are awarded points for every video you watch and when you reach a set goal, you are rewarded with a $5 off $20 store coupon, in addition to store coupons for specific products whose videos you watch. You get to choose which ones to watch, too.

Vinegar Hair Rinse

2010-02-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing some buzz lately in the last couple of weeks about using vinegar as a hair rinse. This is definitely not a new concept, as I remember hearing something about this when I was younger, but sometimes data just sinks to the subconscious part of the brain and you forget what you knew until you get reminded that you knew that.. know what I mean?

I came across a tv show recently that explained the science behind it and loved the explanation, so I'm posting it here.

"The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, covers the hair shaft and protects it like the bark on a tree. The cuticle is made of overlapping layers of long scales that lie along the surface of the hair like shingles on a roof. It is the condition of the cuticle scales that determines whether you are going to have a bad hair day. When the cuticle is in good shape, is unbroken, and lies flat, your hair has a smooth appearance. When the layers of the cuticle are tightly knit together, the light is able to reflect off the cuticle and this is what makes hair shine. The cuticle opens when we shampoo our hair. When the cuticle layers are open and not knit together, the hair will feel rough, coarse and brittle. The hair will absorb the light rather than reflect it, which gives the appearance of dull and lifeless hair.

Vinegar removes build-up and residue from hair shafts and closes the cuticles. Since residue coats the hair causing it to look dull, removing residue gives your hair more shine and body. By closing the cuticles, the hair slides more easily and there will be fewer tangles. Vinegar has tonic like properties that promote increased blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. This is the perfect treatment before that holiday party or special event.

Tools and Materials
•Cup White Distilled Vinegar
•Cup Water

Process
Combine equal parts White Distilled Vinegar with equal parts Water. After shampoo and conditioning hair, rinse with mixture." LivewellHD.com

I've also heard of using apple cider vinegar as well, so it's possible you can simply use whichever vinegar you want in the above recipe. I probably would want to stay away from flavored vinegars, though. Balsamic might not be a good idea, either, since it's very thick and not exactly inexpensive. Save that one for dipping your bread or pouring on your salad.

Rite Aid Deals 2/5-2/11

2010-02-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

Combine the following deals with this $5 off $25 purchase store coupon. The $25 purchase requirement relates to the retail prices before any and all coupons, so your total out-of-pocket will be even lower!

Better-than-Free:
Dove Men+ Body Care & Face Wash 13.5oz $4.00
- $1.50 off 1 dove coupon
- $4.00 single check rebate
= $1.50 profit

Free:
Post cereals 13-24oz (selection may vary by store) 4/$7
- $2.00/1 Post cereal
= Free

Proctor & Gamble Free Visa Card qualifying products:
Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil Liquid 6 oz or 12 ct (excludes children's 6 oz)$3.99
-$2/1 Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil (1/17/10PG)
= $1.99 (receive $1.00 single check rebate)

Gillette Shave Gels(Fusion 7 oz, Series 7-9 oz, Satin Care 7 oz, or Mach3 7 oz)$2.99
= $2.99 (receive $1.00 single check rebate)

Pampers 31-36 ct jumbo pack $8.99
- $1.50 coupon in 2/7 Sunday paper
= $7.49 (receive $2.00 single check rebate)

Duracell Rechargeable Pre-Charged Batteries AA/AAA 4-Pack $11.99
- $2 Duracell Rechargeable Batteries, Instant Charger, Powerhouse or Pocket Charger (PG 1/17/10)
= $9.99(receive $3.99 single check rebate)

Prilosec OTC 42 ct $24.99
-$3.00/1 Prilosec OTC any (1/17/10 PG)
= $21.99 (receive $6.00 single check rebate)

Oral-B CrossAction Power Toothbrush (1 ct) or Refill Head (2 ct) 4/$24
-$0.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage Toothbrush or (2)Indicators (1/17/10 PG)
= $22.50 for 4 (receive $10.00 single check rebate)

Other P&G products with no rebate, but still qualify for Visa:
Bounty paper towels 6 pk $8.99
Charmin basic bath tissue 12 pk $6.99
Cover Girl or Olay cosmetics or skin and bath care buy one bet one 50% off
($1.00/1 and cover girl product 1/17 PG, $3.00/1 Olay Regenerist or Definity Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser--except trial size, $2.00/1 Olay Hand or Body Lotion (except trial size, $1.00/1 Olay Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser except trial size, $1.00/1 Olay Body Wash, Bar or In Shower Body Lotion (excludes trial size) - all 1/17 PG)
Pringles super stack 4/$5 (Pringles Super Stack 180 g or larger $1.00/4 1/31 RP)
Tide laundry detergent liquid 100oz 48-64 loads, powder 63-80 loads (Tide Detergent any size $0.35/1 1/17PG)

Rite Aid: FREE Visa Reward Card After Rebate -exp. 2/11/10

2010-02-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

FREE Visa Reward Card After Rebate on P&G Products:

Purchase Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) Worth of Any Variety for a $5.00 VISA Reward Card OR
Purchase Fifty Dollars ($50.00) Worth of Any Variety for a $15.00 VISA Reward Card OR
Purchase One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) Worth of Any Variety for a $35.00 VISA Reward Card:
• P&G Products Brands
include: Always, Aussie, Bounce, Bounty, Braun, Cascade, Charmin, Cheer, Clairol, Clear Blue, Cover Girl, Daily Definitions, Daisy Razors, Dawn, Downy, Dreft, Duracell, Era, Fibersure, Fixodent, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Infusium, Ivory, Joy, Luvs, Max Factor, Metamucil, Mr Clean, Oil of Olay, Olay, Old Spice, Oral B, Pampers, Pantene, Pepto Bismol, Prilosec OTC, Pringles, Puffs, Safeguard, Scope, Secret, Swiffer, Tag, Tampax, Tide, Vapo Steam, Vaporub, Venus, Vicks (excludes Vicks Vaporizer), Vitality, Wetjet Cleaner, Zest, Zooth.
Excludes IAMS Pet Products.
VISA Reward Card and U.S. Olympic Team Pin will be mailed separately from rebate check
**Olympic Team Pin will only be honored while supplies last.
**Rebate valid only on products purchased between the dates shown above. Purchases made outside of stated dates will not be honored for the rebate.
Offer valid 01/15/10 - 02/11/10 in select California stores and 01/17/10 - 02/13/10 in all other stores.

*(This means if your Rite Aid runs its sales Fri-Thur, this offer expires 2/11/10. Which is pretty much the entire Southern California market) you can also click here to see the full offer

Where Do I Get the Coupons?

2010-02-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the lowdown on where and how to get those precious money saving scraps of paper:

Sunday Newspaper - Coupon publishers RedPlum and SmartSource will insert coupon circulars (called inserts) in the Sunday paper every week, except certain holiday weekends. This is the largest source of manufacturer coupons.

Product Manufacturers - Sign up to emails from all your favorite products and chances are you'll get some great coupons emailed (and sometimes snail-mailed) to you.

Online coupon sites - There are lots of websites out there devoted to manufacturer coupons, but the only true online issuers are
Coupons.com
SmartSource.com
Redplum.com
you don't have to register for accounts with these sites to print coupons, but it is a good idea as you will sometimes see coupons issued to specific geographic regions and not to others. It's free to do so, so why not? These sites have special security measures embedded in the coupons themselves so that stores know they are not fraudulent coupons, so it's wisest to print from these sites only if you are going to get online coupons outside the product manufacturers.

Product packaging - How many times have you opened a product and found a coupon inside or printed on the package? There are tons.

Store ads: This is where you will find mostly some store coupons, but also some manufacturer coupons as well. And if it's a manufacturer coupon, you can use it anywhere that accepts coupons, not only at the store who has the coupon in the ad.

Catalinas - These are the coupons that come with your register receipt. (Named for the marketing company that makes the little machines). Sometimes these are store-only coupons, sometimes manufacturer.

Blinkies: These are the little machines attached to store shelves that have a blinking red light to get your attention. When you pull one out, usually it will spit out another at you immediately. they are timed so that they will generate only 1 or 2 right away, so if you wait a little bit, eventually another one will pop out (intended for the next customer that comes walking along).

There are many other coupon resources, but these are the primary ones. TIP: Create a special "coupons only" email account so that you don't get inundated with emails in your "real" email account.

Coupons for newbies

2010-02-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

Never used a coupon? This is for you...

Coupons are incentives manufacturers issue to get consuners (that's you) to try their products. The idea is you will buy the product and like it enough that you will develop brand loyalty and buy that product again and again, regardless of the price.

Manufacturers reimburse a retailer (that's the store) the face value of the coupon plus an $0.08 "handling fee" for every coupon redeemed (that's when you, the consumer, use it).

In order to use a coupon, you need to comply with the terms stated on the coupon. Things like "$1.00 off 1 XYZ brand". If the coupon states specific sizes, you can only use it on those sizes. If it states specific varities of a brand, you can only use it on those varities.

Different stores have different coupon policies. Generally, if a store accepts manufacturer coupons at all, they'll take your coupons as long as the item you are purchasing meets the coupon terms.

Some stores offer a "double coupon" incentive. Some all the time, some only during special promotions. (you may also see a triple coupon promo on occaison). This means they will double the face value of the coupon. They may certain restrictions in place such as the number of the exact same coupon they will double in 1 transaction or how many they will double from 1 customer in a day.

Store coupons - these are coupons issued by a specific retailer, to be used only at that retailer. You will know these coupons because it will not have a "retailer agreement" giving the store instructions on how to redeem it with a manufacturer and it will state (usually at the top) XYZ Store only, or some such verbiage.

The awesome-ness of store coupons is that generally you can "stack" a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon for 1 product, provided the item qualifies for both. So if your store has a cereal coupon and you have a manufacturer coupon for that same cereal, you can use both together to maximize savings.

Albertsons 8 Hour Sale Today 1pm-9pm PST

2010-02-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the coupon match-ups:

General Mills cereals $1.50 each, limit 4 (Cheerios 8.9oz, Cocoa Puffs 11.8oz, Golden Grahams 12oz, Trix 10.7oz, Total 10.6oz) use with $0.75 off 1 Cheerios (print 2) = $0.50/box
or $1.00 off 2 Big G cereals (print 2) = $1.00/box
or $1.00 of 3 from the 1/3 GM circular exp 2/6 = $1.16/box

Good Deals:
Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Bottled Water 24-pk of 0.50 liter bottles + CRV $2.49, limit 2

Deli-counter Meats $2.99/lb
Hams - Hormel Smoked Honey, Cure 81
Turkey Breast- Jennie-O Oven Roasted, Hickory Smoked
Margherita Hard Salami
Genoa Salami
Sandwich Pepperoni

Iceburg lettuce 3 for $0.99 limit 3
Albertsons Shredded or Chunk Cheese 6-8oz $0.99, limit 6
Ground Beef, Extra Lean 85% 3lbs or more $1.57/lb (less than 3lbs $1.77/lb)
The Rest:
Doritos Tortilla Chips (11.75-12oz bags) $1.50, limit 2
Corona or Heineken 12-pk 12oz bottles $10.99+CRV, limit 2

Remember: just because there is a limit on an item doesn't mean you have to buy the limit. When you see a sale price of 3/$0.99, unless the ad states "must buy 3 to get this price" you don't have to buy 3. you will receive the reduced price on just 1.

How to use coupons

2010-02-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

I hear it now - the moans, the groans, the eyerolls(Ok, I can't actually hear the eyerolls, but I can feel 'em. So stop it). If you really want to cut your food & household spending, and I mean by a LOT, you're gonna use 'em. But guess what? If you follow my guidance, you will grow to love 'em, I promise. I've been couponing -yeah, it's a real word- on and off my entire adult life and there are a few things I have discovered along the way:

1- If you use coupons the week they come out, or on full-retail-priced-items, forget it. You are wasting your time and energy. A coupon for $0.25 off a $9.00 6 pack of paper towels just is not worth it. But, use that same $0.25 off coupon on a single roll of paper towels that is on sale for $1.00, at a store that doubles coupons, and you got yourself a roll of paper towels for $0.50. Is that worth it? It is when you start looking at unit pricing and "per use" pricing for all your product needs, instead of how much that 6 pack costs. That 6 packs costs $1.50 per roll, by the way. Do you want to pay $1.50 oer roll, or $0.50? I know, you need more than 1 roll of paper towels at a time. Who says you only have to buy 1? which leads me to...

2- Couponing works best when you have a "stockpile" mentality. Instead of buying the items you need when you need them, buy them when they are at their rock-bottom price, using coupons of course, and buy as many as you have coupons for at that time. Found an awesome shampoo deal that gets 'em for $0.50 each? Have 6 coupons for that shampoo? Buy 6.

3- How do you get multiples of coupons... Easy. Buy multiple Sunday papers. Create a coupon email account and sign up at product websites for coupons. Utilize online coupon sites: coupons.com smartsource.com and redplum.com . You can also usually print coupons from the grocery stores' websites, but we will get into that more later.

4- Forget store loalty. You think that grocery store you always go to that advertises itself as "the lowest prices in town", really is? Do they double coupons? Do they offer electronic coupons? No? Then chances are, they don't have the lowest prices. YOU decide what the lowest prices are, my friend. Not the store. And you do that with coupons.

5- Forget brand loyalty. Stockpiling supplies and getting rock-bottom prices is all about buying the items you need, not the brands you need. So learn to be as flexible in your brands as possible. When I first started this mentality, my husband protested when I would bring home 6 deodorants that were not the $5 brand he normally wore. But after discovering I paid $0.22 each for 6 (that's $1.32 total), instead of $5 for 1, he decided I was awesome. Which of course, I already knew. He also decided that he could live with a different brand of deodorant. And we are not talking generic brands here, either. As a matter of fact, shopping with this "new" mentality, you will find that national brands at rock-bottom prices, bought with coupons, are almost ALWAYS cheaper than store brands. Nice!