Saturday, December 31, 2011

Kristin’s Kickbacks 12-30

Activities

January 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for February free day at the Huntington Gardens. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx.

January 1. 11a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission to the Autry Museum! (across from the L.A. Zoo). 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323)667-2000.

January 3. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. This month make a lego flower. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

January 3. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

January 4. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Open House at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Choose from these $1 Caramel Lattes: Caramel Latte (hot or iced) or Caramel Cream Tea Latte.

Upcoming Events

January 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free day at the Autry Museum (across from the L.A. Zoo). 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323)667-2000.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 12-9

Activities

December 3-18. Knott's Merry Farm and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will once again be teaming up to provide hundreds of toys for needy families throughout the southland December 3-18. With a purchase of a $20 gift from one of several merchandise locations in Knott's Marketplace, guests will receive FREE admission to Knott's Merry Farm. Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $20 or more, will be given a voucher to purchase a regular Knott's Merry Farm admission for only $20.

December 11. 4-6 p.m. Metrolink Holiday Toy Express 15th Anniversary. Join thousands for this sensational holiday event, as a 450-ton train covered with glittering ornaments and ablaze with 50,000 twinkling lights rolls into the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station at 201 N Front Street. Meet Santa and enjoy free entertainment with Frosty’s Jazz Society, stilt walkers, spinning plate workshops, the Marimba Trio, on-air media talent from abc 7 and 94.7 The Wave, and hot chocolate and cookies on the platform from 4 to 6pm. Make sure to bring new, unwrapped toys and sporting equipment for the ABC 7 Spark of Love Toy Drive in cooperation with the Burbank Fire Department. All toys collected will go to Burbank kids in need. For more information, please call 238.5180 (Thanks to Mercy for this Kickback!)

December 12. Free movie screening. 6:30 p.m. Experience the hilarity of the holiday classic Elf! This family comedy about an elf of ungainly size who is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity stars Will Ferrell, Edward Asner and Bob Newhart. The film will be shown on a giant screen in the parking lot behind Burbank City Hall (at 3rd Street and Orange Grove). Refreshments will be available for purchase. The screening is free, but you are encouraged to dress warmly and bring your own deck chairs! For further information please call 818.238.5180.

December 14. 7p.m. Christmas musical at The Church On the Way presented by the Children’s Music Department. This year’s presentation, called “His Christmas Presence” features The Lamb’s Choir, Kidz Choir, Youth Ensemble, Hip-Hop Dancers, and more! And this year, our kids are asking everyone to share God's love with the homeless children at The Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission buy bringing an unwrapped toy or gift.

December 16. 6:30-8:30pm Music Center Holiday Sing-Along *FREE* MUSIC CENTER PLAZA • 135 N. GRAND AVE. [directions]
GO METRO: 2 blocks from Civic Center Station (1st St.) Celebrate the sounds of the season with a FREE, family-friendly evening of singing together among the twinkling lights of the plaza. Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and sing along with live musical accompaniment. Lyric sheets are provided.
Tickets: Admission is FREE, but tickets are required and donations are welcome. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to the event, while supplies last. See site for more details. MORE INFO: www.musiccenter.org

December 17-21. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Back to Bethlehem is a FREE community event held at The Church at Rocky Peak in Chatsworth, CA. Travel back in time and interact with villagers in our outdoor re-creation of the town of Bethlehem. Participate with town merchants and craftsmen. Avoid the Roman centurions and tax collectors! See for yourself an overworked innkeeper, excited shepherds, three mysterious travelers, angelic visitors and a young couple with a newborn baby. Back to Bethlehem is a Christmas event for the whole family! Closed in the event of heavy rain or heavy winds at the time of the event. 22601 Santa Susana Pass Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

Ongoing Activities

NOVEMBER 17 - JANUARY 16, 2011. 14th Annual Downtown on Ice at PERSHING SQUARE • 532 S. OLIVE ST. [directions]
GO METRO
: 1 block from Pershing Square Station (5th St.)Tickets: $2 skate rental / $6 per hour
Regular Hours: Mon-Thurs, 12-10pm & Fri-Sun, 10am-10pm
Extended Holiday Hours (12/9-1/2): Daily, 10am-10pm

MORE INFO: (213) 847-4970 / www.laparks.org

Current Deals

Spend $50 at a Target store and get a $10 gift card now through Dec. 10. Only catch is you have to get the coupon through Target’s Facebook page. (Thanks to Bargain Babe for this deal!)

Subway is offering $2 6 inch subs during December. This price is good for the cold cut combo or meatball sandwiches. (Thanks to Gina for telling me about this deal!)

I recently received an email from the L.A. Zoo with a discount code for any friends interested in joining! This membership offer ends December 31, 2011. Use promo code: 11111FFW

Upcoming Events

DECEMBER 24. 3:00-6:00pm (2:30pm - DOORS OPEN) LA County Holiday Celebration *FREE* DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION • 135 N. GRAND AVE. [directions]
GO METRO: 2 blocks from Civic Center Station (1st St.)For 52 years, this 3-hour-long extravaganza has honored the spirit of LA's many cultures and holiday traditions through music, song, and dance. Community and professional choirs, music ensembles, folk and traditional artists, and dance companies perform while the program is broadcast live throughout Southern and Central California on KCET. Attendance and parking are free. No reservations or tickets are necessary, but seating is first come, first served.

MORE INFO: www.lacountyarts.org

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 12-2

If you have an activity you want me to include on my list, please try to email me a week ahead at chrisrosenquist@aol.com.

Activities

December 2. 12:30-4 p.m. Heritage Christmas Boutique at Rancho Tapo Park in Simi Valley. Come shop at the Annual Christmas Craft Boutique. There will be handmade items prepared by the students, moms and dads. There will be a Snack Bar and Bake Sale with proceeds going to Life Impact International. Help stop Human Trafficking.

December 3. 10 a.m. Candy Cane Christmas Craft Boutique at Lighthouse Bible Church. 4910 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Please come to the boutique and finish all your Christmas shopping! Feel free to tell others about this event.

December 3. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

December 3. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project. I would recommend getting there early.

December 3. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., World City at Keck Amphitheatre, Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Travel to Eastern Europe through the music of all-female vocal ensemble Kitka and the puppet magic of the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre. Free tickets will bedistributed starting at 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. show, and at 11 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. show. Free. www.musiccenter.org/worldcity.

December 3. 3:30 p.m. Family Drawing Hour: Put Your Best Face Forward at the Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A. After looking at portraits in the galleries, families can try their hands at doing an expressive portrait. Space limited; sign-up starts at 3 p.m. at the Information Desk. Ages 7 and older. Free admission; $15 parking. 310-440-7300.

December 6. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. L.A. Kids free sports and crafts program sign up at Winnetka Park. I’m going early to sign my boys up for classes. Here’s a link if you’d like to read more about the program or find a participating park near you: http://www.laparks.org/lakids/class.htm

December 6. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. This month make a lego flower. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

December 6. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

Ongoing Activities

NOVEMBER 17 - JANUARY 16, 2011. 14th Annual Downtown on Ice at PERSHING SQUARE • 532 S. OLIVE ST. [directions]
GO METRO
: 1 block from Pershing Square Station (5th St.)Tickets: $2 skate rental / $6 per hour
Regular Hours: Mon-Thurs, 12-10pm & Fri-Sun, 10am-10pm
Extended Holiday Hours (12/9-1/2): Daily, 10am-10pm

MORE INFO: (213) 847-4970 / www.laparks.org

Current Deals

Spend $50 at a Target store and get a $10 gift card now through Dec. 3. Only catch is you have to get the coupon through Target’s Facebook page. (Thanks to Bargain Babe for this deal!)

Subway is offering $2 6 inch subs during December. This price is good for the cold cut combo or meatball sandwiches. (Thanks to Gina for telling me about this deal!)

I recently received an email from the L.A. Zoo with a discount code for any friends interested in joining! This membership offer ends December 31, 2011. Use promo code: 11111FFW

Upcoming Events

December 14. 7p.m. Christmas musical at The Church On the Way presented by the Children’s Music Department. This year’s presentation, called “His Christmas Presence” features The Lamb’s Choir, Kidz Choir, Youth Ensemble, Hip-Hop Dancers, and more! And this year, our kids are asking everyone to share God's love with the homeless children at The Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission buy bringing an unwrapped toy or gift.

December 16. 7 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center Christmas Show.Birmingham Charter High School, 17000 Haynes St, Lake Balboa. Tickets are $7, and it's reserved seating. They can be purchased through the website:www.cpacstudio.com This year's theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

DECEMBER 16. 6:30-8:30pm Music Center Holiday Sing-Along *FREE* MUSIC CENTER PLAZA • 135 N. GRAND AVE. [directions]
GO METRO: 2 blocks from Civic Center Station (1st St.)

Celebrate the sounds of the season with a FREE, family-friendly evening of singing together among the twinkling lights of the plaza. Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and sing along with live musical accompaniment. Lyric sheets are provided. Tickets: Admission is FREE, but tickets are required and donations are welcome. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to the event, while supplies last. See site for more details. MORE INFO: www.musiccenter.org

December 17-21. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Back to Bethlehem is a FREE community event held at The Church at Rocky Peak in Chatsworth, CA. Travel back in time and interact with villagers in our outdoor re-creation of the town of Bethlehem. Participate with town merchants and craftsmen. Avoid the Roman centurions and tax collectors! See for yourself an overworked innkeeper, excited shepherds, three mysterious travelers, angelic visitors and a young couple with a newborn baby. Back to Bethlehem is a Christmas event for the whole family! Closed in the event of heavy rain or heavy winds at the time of the event. 22601 Santa Susana Pass Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

DECEMBER 24. 3:00-6:00pm (2:30pm - DOORS OPEN) LA County Holiday Celebration *FREE* DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION • 135 N. GRAND AVE. [directions]
GO METRO: 2 blocks from Civic Center Station (1st St.)For 52 years, this 3-hour-long extravaganza has honored the spirit of LA's many cultures and holiday traditions through music, song, and dance. Community and professional choirs, music ensembles, folk and traditional artists, and dance companies perform while the program is broadcast live throughout Southern and Central California on KCET. Attendance and parking are free. No reservations or tickets are necessary, but seating is first come, first served.

MORE INFO: www.lacountyarts.org

Friday, November 25, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 11-25

Activities

November 27. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

November 29. 6 p.m. Free Christmas Tree Lighting at The Commons in Calabasas. Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Show, Santa Meet and Greet, Children’s Crafts.4799 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302 (Thanks to Macaroni Kid for this kickback!) http://www.shopcommons.com

December 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for January free day at the Huntington Gardens. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx.

December 1. 6 p.m. Visit Myrtle Avenue for the annual Monrovia Tree Lighting and holiday parade, “Santa, Snowmen and Song.” Monrovia Library Park. 321 South Mrytle Avenue (Fountain Area). http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/component/content/article/65-departments-community-services-recreation-/180-special-events. (Thanks to Townloop.com for this kickback!)

December 2. 12:30-4 p.m. Heritage Christmas Boutique at Rancho Tapo Park in Simi Valley. Come shop at the Annual Christmas Craft Boutique. There will be handmade items prepared by the students, moms and dads. There will be a Snack Bar and Bake Sale with proceeds going to Life Impact International. Help stop Human Trafficking.

Current Deals

I recently received an email from the L.A. Zoo with a discount code for any friends interested in joining! This membership offer ends December 31, 2011. Use promo code: 11111FFW

There is a great deal on Groupon this weekend! Get a $20 voucher for Old Navy, for only $10! The voucher is good until December 24, 2001. Here’s the link: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gx-nat-old-navy-social

Picaboo has a sale going on right now! I love Picaboo! You download their software onto your computer, and then it’s so easy to make your project! All of your pictures are right there—no need to upload to their website. Save up to 40% on all Classic book styles, cards, calendars and collage posters. Use code: CRANBERRY. Ends 11/30.

Upcoming Events

December 3. 10 a.m. Candy Cane Christmas Craft Boutique at Lighthouse Bible Church. 4910 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Please come to the boutique and finish all your Christmas shopping! Feel free to tell others about this event.

December 3. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

December 6. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. This month make a lego flower. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

December 6. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

December 16. 7 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center Christmas Show.Birmingham Charter High School, 17000 Haynes St, Lake Balboa. Tickets are $7, and it's reserved seating. They can be purchased through the website:www.cpacstudio.com This year's theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Friday, November 18, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 11-18

Activities

November 17-20. 2pm Р5pm. Buy one get on free on Starbucks Holiday Drinks. Participating drinks include: Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brul̩e Latte.

November 18. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

November 19. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project. I would recommend trying to get there early as it’s become quite popular.

November 19-20. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Snow Days at the L.A. Zoo. The Zoo’s tigers, bear, snow leopards, and more will have their habitats transformed into a winter wonderland when the flurry of snow arrives.This two-day event offers an educational and unique opportunity for guests to learn about animal adaptations to different environments and climate change. Families can visit the enchanting Snow Princess for storytelling and more!(11am - 3pm, Adventure Theater in the Winnick Family Children's Zoo). This event is free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

November 20. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

Upcoming Events

December 2. 12:30-4 p.m. Heritage Christmas Boutique at Rancho Tapo Park in Simi Valley. Come shop at the Annual Christmas Craft Boutique. There will be handmade items prepared by the students, moms and dads. There will be a Snack Bar and Bake Sale with proceeds going to Life Impact International. Help stop Human Trafficking.

December 3. 10 a.m. Candy Cane Christmas Craft Boutique at Lighthouse Bible Church. 4910 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Please come to the boutique and finish all your Christmas shopping! Feel free to tell others about this event.

December 16. 7 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center Christmas Show.Birmingham Charter High School, 17000 Haynes St, Lake Balboa. Tickets are $7, and it's reserved seating. They can be purchased through the website:www.cpacstudio.com This year's theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 11-4

Activities

November 4. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

November 5. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Every first Saturday of the month). Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

November 5. 4 p.m. Michele Moreno “Birdie’s Playhouse” will perform original songs. This is a fun, free, musical program for the whole family. All ages. Granada Hills Library. 10640 Petit Avenue. 818-368-5687.

November 6. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

November 8. 4pm - 7pm. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Open House! Choose from these $1 Holiday Beverages*: Red Velvet Hot Cocoa, English Toffee Latte, Winter Dream Tea Latte. *Check your local store for closing times. Offer valid only at participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf retail locations. Not valid in Ralphs, airport and Hawaii locations. Valid only on November 8, 2011 from 4 to 7 pm. Offer applies to one (1) 12 oz Winter Dream Tea Latte, (1) 12 oz. English Toffee Latte or (1) 12 oz. Red Velvet Hot Cocoa only. Cannot be combined with other offers. No substitutions. No rainchecks. While supplies last.

November 10. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Ongoing Events

Now is the time to register for the free after school L.A. County Junior Golf Program. Children 18 and under are welcome. This is a wonderful program that my boys love! First come, first serve at each location. Only 40 spots are available each week. You can sign up for more than one location. Here’s the link. (Click on 2012 After School Schedule under NORTHERN SECTION). http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm

Upcoming Events

December 2. 12:30-4 p.m. Heritage Christmas Boutique at Rancho Tapo Park in Simi Valley. Come shop at the Annual Christmas Craft Boutique. There will be handmade items prepared by the students, moms and dads. There will be a Snack Bar and Bake Sale with proceeds going to Life Impact International. Help stop Human Trafficking.

December 3. 10 a.m. Candy Cane Christmas Craft Boutique at Lighthouse Bible Church. 4910 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Please come to the boutique and finish all your Christmas shopping! Feel free to tell others about this event.

December 16. 7 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center Christmas Show.Birmingham Charter High School, 17000 Haynes St, Lake Balboa. Tickets are $7, and it's reserved seating. They can be purchased through the website:www.cpacstudio.com This year's theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 10-28

Activities

October 28. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. IHOP restaurants will be offering one Scary Face Pancake free to each kid aged 12 and under! (You design it, so it doesn’t have to be scary, just yummy!) We went last year and my boys loved it!

October 28. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

October 29. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free Harvest Fair at Valley Vineyard (bring money for BBQ and bake sale). Come dressed in costumes for games, crafts, live music and candy! 6642 Reseda Blvd., Reseda.

October 30 · 2pm - 5pm.Mountain Meadows Park, Moorpark, CA.Created By

The Fountain Foursquare Church. Join them for an afternoon of family fun for the Moorpark Community! Over 30 cars decorated and trunks filled with candy! Game booths, bounce houses, and just a lot of fun!!! Bring a friend...it's FREE!

October 30. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

October 31. 6-8 p.m. Free Family Fall Festival at the Sports Field at The Church on the Way. Come enjoy games, slides, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and lots of candy! Children 11 and under and their families are welcome in family friendly costumes.

October 31. 6 p.m.-closing. Chipotle is offering up $2.00 Burritos, Salads, or Bowls when you come in somehow dressed “in a costume inspired by the family farm.” They suggest crops, farm tools, tractors, silos, or farm animals. Get the proverbial creative juices flowing and you might have a shot at winning a prize in the Costume Contest.

November 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for December free day for Huntington Gardens. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx.

November 1. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

November 1. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. Note: This month is a LEGO vampire, so we’ll be skipping this one. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

November 1. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening at Kidspace Museum. This museum in Pasadena is a lot of fun for children and normally $10 a person, so this is a great deal! (It offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.) 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org.

November 3. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

November 3 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way for children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

It’s time to sign up for Six Flags Read to Succeed 2011-2012. Children in grades K-6 students who complete six hours of recreational reading can earn a free Six Flags ticket! Teachers get a free ticket too! (Teachers need to sign up their classes. As a home school teacher, you can sign up your children and get a free ticket as the teacher!) Here’s the link to learn more and sign up: http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 10-21

Weekend Online Deal

Deal on Spree Bird (formerly Screamin Daily Deals) $15 for a Conventional RaceTeam Oil Change & Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection from EZ Lube, 74 SoCal Locations to Choose From ($29.99 Value). Promo value expires Jan. 23, 2012. Limit 1 per member. May purchase 1 additional deal as a gift. Disposal fee & taxes not included. Not valid with any other offers. See Additional Fine Print. http://www.screamindailydeals.com/deal/los-angeles-oil-change-ez-lube

Activities

October 20-23. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Santa Clarita Valley Kids Consignment Sale Event. You can find thousands of high-quality, new and gently-used children's items at 50-70% off retail! 50 % off many remaining items on Sunday! 25300 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355.

October 21. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

October 22. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free Family Festival at the Getty Center. Enjoy music and dance, storytelling, crafts and the Getty galleries. 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A.

$15 parking. 310-440-7300.

October 22. 2 p.m. Living Treasures from Around the World with The Reptile Family at the Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. Get a close-up encounter with a wild array of lizards, snakes and other critters. Ages 4 and older. Free. 213-228-7250.

October 22. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Pumpkin Party, Leonis Adobe Museum, 23537 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas. This holiday party features craft activities, games, music and pumpkins. $4 adults, $2 children. www.leonisadobemuseum.org.

October 22. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project.

October 23. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Free Family Festival – Celebrating Korean Arts and Culture at the Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena.

Visitors can explore Korean culture, through performances, hands on

crafts and other activities – and check out the exhibit Auspicious

Beauty: Korean Genre Paintings.. www.pacificasiamuseum.org

October 23. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. A Noise Within Free Community Open House at the Noise Within Theater, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. The theater company,

celebrating its 20th year, will show off its new space with tours, readings, and interactive activities for kids. The Open House is free, but reservations are required and may be made by calling (626) 356-3127. Free self parking is located in the Sierra Madre Villa Metro parking structure, with entrances on northbound Sierra Madre Villa Avenue or North Halsted Street. www.ANoiseWithin.org

October 23. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

October 27. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer will be starting again in October at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

October 27 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way for children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

It’s time to sign up for Six Flags Read to Succeed 2011-2012. Children in grades K-6 students who complete six hours of recreational reading can earn a free Six Flags ticket! Teachers get a free ticket too! (Teachers need to sign up their classes. As a home school teacher, you can sign up your children and get a free ticket as the teacher!) Here’s the link to learn more and sign up: http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/

Upcoming Events

October 28. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. IHOP restaurants will be offering one Scary Face Pancake free to each kid aged 12 and under! (You design it, so it doesn’t have to be scary, just yummy!) We went last year and my boys loved it!

October 29. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free Harvest Fair at Valley Vineyard (bring money for BBQ and bake sale). Come dressed is costume for games, crafts, live music and candy! 6642 Reseda Blvd., Reseda.

October 31. 6-8 p.m. Free Family Fall Festival at the Sports Field at The Church on the Way. Come enjoy games, slides, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and lots of candy! Children 11 and under and their families are welcome in family friendly costumes.

October 31. 6 p.m.-closing. Chipotle is offering up $2.00 Burritos, Salads, or Bowls when you come in somehow dressed “in a costume inspired by the family farm.” They suggest crops, farm tools, tractors, silos, or farm animals. Get the proverbial creative juices flowing and you might have a shot at winning a prize in the Costume Contest.


Friday, October 14, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 10-14

Activities

October 14. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

October 15. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Used book sale at Mid-Valley Regional Branch. This is a sale not to miss! Children’s books have all been 25 cents in the past! It’s held in a small room stuffed with books, so I try to go without my children if possible. 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

October 15. 4 p.m. Celebration of Fall Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot) at the Levitt Pavilion for the performing arts, 85 E. Holly St, Pasadena (Park is on the corner of Walnut and Raymond in old town Pasadena). This is a messianic celebration put on by The Shepherd's heart in Pasadena. Free food. If you come dress warm and bring blankets just in case (It can get really cold after dark.) Thanks to Randi for this idea!

October 15 & 16. 11a.m. to 3p.m. (Zoo hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Dinosaur Train will be making a stop in Griffith Park during PBS SoCal Day at the Zoo! Buddy the dinosaur will be on hand to meet and greet his fans, and Zoo guests will have the opportunity to learn about the similarities between dinosaurs and some of our Zoo residents. This event is free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

October 16. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

October 19. 7 p.m. Free movie at Santa Monica Place. Enjoy Classic Favorites under the Stars Wednesdays at 7pm on the Dining Deck, Level 3. Movies are shown in their original, unedited format. This week: The Blind Side (PG-13). It is first come first serve, these showings are free. Feel free to bring your own blankets, chairs, food, etc. Santa Monica, CA 90401. (310) 260-8333. http://www.santamonicaplace.com/Events/Details/40141

October 20. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer will be starting again in October at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

October 20 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way for children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

You can now get e books from the library for your Kindle and other e readers ! Check out the library website for details: http://www.lapl.org/

Upcoming Events

October 28. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. IHOP restaurants will be offering one Scary Face Pancake free to each kid aged 12 and under! (You design it, so it doesn’t have to be scary, just yummy!) We went last year and my boys loved it!

October 29. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free Harvest Fair at Valley Vineyard (bring money for BBQ and bake sale). Come dressed is costume for games, crafts, live music and candy! 6642 Reseda Blvd., Reseda.

October 31. 6-8 p.m. Free Family Fall Festival at the Sports Field at The Church on the Way. Come enjoy games, slides, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and lots of candy! Children 11 and under and their families are welcome in family friendly costumes.

October 31. 6 p.m.-closing. Chipotle is offering up $2.00 Burritos, Salads, or Bowls when you come in somehow dressed “in a costume inspired by the family farm.” They suggest crops, farm tools, tractors, silos, or farm animals. Get the proverbial creative juices flowing and you might have a shot at winning a prize in the Costume Contest.


Saturday, October 8, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 10-7

Activities

October 7. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

October 9. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

October 12. Free movie at Santa Monica Place. Enjoy Classic Favorites under the Stars Wednesdays at 7pm on the Dining Deck, Level 3. Movies are shown in their original, unedited format. This week: Moonstruck (PG). It is first come first serve, these showings are free. Feel free to bring your own blankets, chairs, food, etc. Santa Monica, CA 90401. (310) 260-8333. http://www.santamonicaplace.com/Events/Details/40141

October 13. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer will be starting again in October at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

October 13 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way for children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events

You can now get ebooks from the library for your Kindle! Check out the library website for details: http://www.lapl.org/

Paid Focus Groups

Have you ever been to a focus group? Companies will pay you to tell them what you think about their products. There are not trying to sell you anything, just getting your opinions. They are generally 1-2 hours and vary in pay, about $75-$100 dollars for your time. Some places even feed you! Here is a list of some local groups. If you sign up for several different groups, you have a better chance of getting called. You are eligible every 3 months or so, depending on the group.

Adept Consumer Testing http://www.adeptconsumer.com/home.php

Trotta http://www.trotta.net/join.htm

Qualitative Insights http://www.q-insights.com/respondent.html

Adler Weiner Research http://www.awr-la.com/participants.htm

Facts ‘N Figures Inc. http://www.factsnfiguresinc.com/

Inspired Opinions (formerly called Schlesinger Associates) https://inspiredopinions.com/registration.php?rc=MTg%3D

Matrix Research http://www.matrix-r.com/

Savitz Research Companies http://www.savitzpanel.com/

Plaza Research http://www.plazaresearch.com/

Focus & Testing http://focusandtesting.com/participants/

Davis Research http://www.davisresearch.com/

Check out this link if you live somewhere besides Los Angeles: http://hubpages.com/hub/Paid_Focus_Groups

Upcoming Events

October 15. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Used book sale at Mid-Valley Regional Branch. This is a sale not to miss! Children’s books have all been 25 cents in the past! It’s held in a small room stuffed with books, so I try to go without my children if possible. 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

October 15 & 16. 11a.m. to 3p.m. (Zoo hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Dinosaur Train will be making a stop in Griffith Park during PBS SoCal Day at the Zoo! Buddy the dinosaur will be on hand to meet and greet his fans, and Zoo guests will have the opportunity to learn about the similarities between dinosaurs and some of our Zoo residents. This event is free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

October 24-30. Legoland is offering FREE Legoland Admission October 24-30 to all LEGO-VIP Members! “Two (2) registered VIP Members per household only, with up to six (6) additional friends and family eligible for $10 off one-day admission when accompanied by a registered VIP Member.” {go here for more information on free admission} If you don’t already have a VIP Lego Membership card… Here’s the link to register for your Free LEGO-VIP Membership! {you’ll be able to print and show them your welcome email if you don’t get your card in time!} http://shopkr.lego.com/VIP2/Register/NotSignedIn.aspx (Thanks To Frugal Girls for this kickback!)

And don’t forget about homeschool days at Legoland! You must preregister. Here’s a link to read more about it: http://california.legoland.com/tickets/groups/education_programs/home_school_days/

October 28. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. IHOP restaurants will be offering one Scary Face Pancake free to each kid aged 12 and under! (You design it, so it doesn’t have to be scary, just yummy!) We went last year and my boys loved it!

October 31. 6-8 p.m. Free Family Fall Festival at the Sports Field at The Church on the Way. Come enjoy games, slides, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and lots of candy! Children 11 and under and their families are welcome in family friendly costumes.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 9-23

Activities

September 24. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a project. The kids get goggles and an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project. I would recommend trying to sign up online and getting there early.

September 24. 12-6 p.m. Deaf Festival Los Angeles at Woodley Park. 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA. This is a wonderful free annual event that my family attends most years. Here’s the link to read more about it: http://www.deafestivalla.org/

September 27. 10-11:30 a.m. Second and fourth Tuesday of each month). Home School Nature Adventure at Stough Canyon Nature Center. $5 per child per class ($4 per additional sibling). Ages 6 -12 years (There were younger siblings and this seemed to be fine). I would definitely recommend this program! 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank, CA 91501. For Mapquest directions, use 1500 Walnut Avenue. 818.238.5440.

September 27. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Free ice cream at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations. Gett a free 3-oz. Sprinkled with Wishes Creation Sundae. In exchange, donations will be accepted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sprinkled with Wishes Creation consists of sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownies, rainbow sprinkles, and fudge.

September 28. Free movie at Santa Monica Place. Enjoy Classic Favorites under the Stars Wednesdays at 7pm on the Dining Deck, Level 3. Movies are shown in their original, unedited format. This week: Viva Las Vegas (NR). It is first come first serve, these showings are free. Feel free to bring your own blankets, chairs, food, etc. Santa Monica, CA 90401. (310) 260-8333. http://www.santamonicaplace.com/Events/Details/40141

September 29 (and subsequent Thursdays). 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way for children under 5 years of age. Please bring a snack for your child. King’s Kid’s Building, West Campus, 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, 91405. Call 818-779-8000 for more information.

Ongoing Events and Deals

Here’s a link to Jamba Juice coupons, good until 9-27.  They include $2 smoothies and $2 oatmeal.  

http://www.jambajuice.com/fallpromo

Here’s another Jamba Juice coupon, buy one smoothie, get one free, good until October 4. http://www.jambajuice.com/fallBOGOlaSD

There’s a Subway deal going on in September. They have 6 inch subs for $2 (Cold Cut Trio, Meatball, and Veggie Delight).

There's an amazing deal on a massage right now! Massage Simple, one of my favorite places for a massage, is offering a great deal this weekend on Amazon Local. For $22 (normally $45) you can get a 60-minute Swedish massage, or pay $27 (regularly $55) for an hour-long deep-tissue massage. You can buy a voucher and it’s good until March 26, 2012. Massage Simple is located at 19520 Nordhoff Street Suite 6, Northridge, CA 91324. 818-882-5878. Here’s the link to the deal:

http://local.amazon.com/san-fernando-valley/B005OT42DI?src=email&cid=em_dd_913_101_na&ref_=pe_142220_21241770

LAUNCH PAD is TCOTW’s new free after-school program offering academic tutoring, exciting field trips, motivational activities, and youth mentoring. We launch at 3:00pm on Tuesday, September 20, in the Multipurpose Room, West Campus. Come that day to register. Space is limited and registration is required.

We are actively recruiting volunteers to:

:: Become mentors to students
:: Help with homework and basic tutoring
:: Assist with activities, recreational games, crafts, etc.
:: Be a featured guest speaker

For more info or to volunteer as a mentor, tutor or helper, contact TCOTW at 818.779.8442 or email launchpad@tcotw.org.

September 3-October 2. L.A. County Fair. There are all kinds of deals for this. Below are a few of the deals: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2011/

Book Drive Thursdays: Free admission Thursdays, noon-6 p.m., with donation of a new or gently used book. Books will be donated to a charity with a portion returning to a local community-based organization.

FairKids Field Trips: Teachers of classes from preschool through eighth grade may bring a chaperoned school group to the Fair, free of charge. School trips are held Wednesday through Friday, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7. Groups visit various educational Fair exhibits, including Jurassic Planet, FairView Farms, California’s Heritage Square, America’s Kids, Millard Sheets Center for the Arts and many other exhibits. Special shows and events are scheduled specially for the FairKids program. The educational extravaganza offers teachers and students hands-on experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. Must be reserved in advance. Subject to availability, call (909) 865-4075.

Ralphs Food Drive Fridays
Guests must bring five Ralphs private label canned products Fridays for a free Fair admission good that day only, noon- 6 p.m. only. The canned products will be collected by Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. A portion of the canned goods will be donated to the honored community of the day for distribution to their charity. Presented by Ralphs.

Looking for costumes for your children? There were some cute ladybug and fairy wings at the 99 cent store. Thrift stores often have costumes and don’t forget about borrowing one from a friend!

Upcoming Events

October 2. Free admission to the Natural History Museum!

October 6. 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time with Jennifer will be starting again in October at Barnes and Noble in Woodland Hills at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

October 24-30. Legoland is offering FREE Legoland Admission October 24-30 to all LEGO-VIP Members! “Two (2) registered VIP Members per household only, with up to six (6) additional friends and family eligible for $10 off one-day admission when accompanied by a registered VIP Member.” {go here for more information on free admission} If you don’t already have a VIP Lego Membership card… Here’s the link to register for your Free LEGO-VIP Membership! {you’ll be able to print and show them your welcome email if you don’t get your card in time!} http://shopkr.lego.com/VIP2/Register/NotSignedIn.aspx (Thanks To Frugal Girls for this kickback!)

And don’t forget about homeschool days at Legoland! You must preregister. Here’s a link to read more about it: http://california.legoland.com/tickets/groups/education_programs/home_school_days/