Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-4

Activities

March 4- March 6. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. L.A. Kids Consignment Sale. This twice-yearly consignment sale is the largest in L.A. with over 50,000 items. You probably want to leave the kids at home for this one if you can. 50% off most things left on Sunday. 157 W. Providencia Ave., Burbank.

March 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.

March 5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free 15^th Anniversary Celebration at the Mid Valley Regional Branch Library. Includes music by Monroe jazz band, bubble mania and Zumba! 16244 Nordoff Street, North Hills. 818-895-3650.

March 5. 2 p.m. Read Across America. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with storytime, games and crafts at your local Borders book store (I would call and confirm your store is participating).

March 6. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: The United States Army Chorus, under the direction of Major Dwayne Milburn, performs works by Gounod, Wagner, and Foster, together with popular standards and traditional favorites.

March 8. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. This week will be about time.

March 9. Free single serving of Panda Express Golden Treasure Shrimp! Here’s the coupon: http://www.pandaexpress.com/PX/Facebook/Images/GTS_Coupon_030911.html

March 10 (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.

Upcoming Events

March 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Huge used book sale at Mid Valley Regional Library. Children’s books are generally 25 cents each! 16244 Nordoff Street, North Hills. 818-895-3650.

April 22 - April 24. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo. This event features bunny related crafts and activities including the Be-A-Bunny Ear Craft and Funny Bunny Face Painting. Children can also pet bunnies and plant their own carrot seeds to take home. In addition (for a nominal fee), Big Bunny will be available for souvenir photos. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. (323) 644-4200.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 2-18

Activities

February 18-19. Used Book Sale at Granada Hills Branch Library. Feb.19: 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 20: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Inside in the Community Room) Granada Hills, CA 91344.

February 20. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: The Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, Case Scaglione Music Director & Conductor, performs Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras no.5, Schoenberg: Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, and Copland: Appalachian Spring.

February 21& 22. Kids Eat Free at Chili’s restaurants on February 15th, 21st and and 22nd with the purchase of any adult entree. Kids 12 and under. 2 free kid’s meals per adult entree purchased. Not valid with any other offer or discount. I would call first to make sure your Chili’s is participating. I went on the 15^th with my boys, paid for my meal and got both of theirs for free! Love a good deal! Here’s a copy of the flyer. http://Chilis.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=23622344753&MemberID=23632270583

February 22. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

February 24 (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.

February 24-27. Valley Kids Consignment Premiere Event. Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm, Sunday February 27th 2011 (50% off) 9am-5pm. 9660 Cozycroft Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

Upcoming Events

February 26. 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.

March 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. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. ( I brought my 5 year old and it was no problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210.(818) 549-0733. I attended this for the first time last month and it was a lot of fun! Make sure to get their early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

March 1. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Free pancakes at IHOP! Receive one free short stack per person, no purchase necessary. Donations go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 12-3

Activities

December 1-12. 12 Days of Holiday Cheer in Burbank. Various activities throughout the twelve days, including a snow day on the 11^th (More details in the upcoming events section). See this website for more details. http://www.downtown-burbank.org/events.php

December 4. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book Sale at the Mid Valley Library. Amazing used book sale with children’s books generally 25 cents! 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills. 818-895-3650.

December 4. 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. (Usually the Lowes and Home Depot projects are on different weeks. To take advantage of both projects, you can pick up the kits at Lowes for free if you go around 10 a.m. and build them at home).

December 4. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Home Depot's FREE Kids Workshop to make a kit. 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 5. 1:30 p.m. 27th Annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade. On Chatsworth St., from Petit Park Ave. to Zelzah Ave. Over four thousand youth participants representing 150 entries will be marching down Chatsworth Street. This year's theme "Favorite Holiday Gifts and Presents." The Granada Hills Holiday Parade is the largest holiday youth's celebration in the San Fernando Valley featuring celebrities, marching bands, equestrian units, youth groups, drill teams and decorated floats.

December 5. 5 p.m. 5^th Annual Lighting of the Valley’s Christmas Tree at The Church on the Way Sports Field @ 14700 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Free hot chocolate, live nativity, Christmas carols and more! Bring your blankets and chairs for the showing of a great Christmas movie!

December 7. 9:30 a.m. (I believe this is the correct time. You can check by calling 818-756-7876.) Registration for free and inexpensive winter classes at Winnetka Recreation Center. L.A. Kids offers free classes, such as soccer and kids art, as well as inexpensive classes such as cooking for $30 for 8 weeks. Classes begin January 10^th. Great deal! 8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, 91306.

December 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is Hanukkah.

December 7. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

December 7. 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 7. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210.
(818) 549-0733.

Upcoming Events

December 10.10am-12pm. Christmas Tea with Mom’s Bible Study of The Church on the Way. Guests are welcome!! If you would like to participate in the Christmas gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift worth $10. Childcare is available in the King’s Kids building. Please pack a lunch for your child. The Church on the Way West Campus - King’s Chapel.

December 10. 7 p.m. Polar Express Pajama Party at Barnes and Noble store in Burbank. Grab your PJ’s and snuggle up with your pillow or favorite stuffed animal while listening to a reading of The Polar Express and other holiday stories. A special holiday activity and hot chocolate will follow. 818-558-1383. 731 N San Fernando Boulevard.

December 11. 8:30-10 a.m. Burbank Town Center. Breakfast with Santa. Have breakfast with the big man himself! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the food court for music, games, and lots of fun. Presented by the City of Burbank and the Burbank Town Center. Limited seating for an event that’s a sell-out every year. Tickets are required and cost $8. 818.238.5300.

December 11. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Burbank has a Free Snow Day! Kids are invited to romp in 15 tons of snow and enjoy refreshments, music, an ice sculptor and more. 818.238.5180 AMC Walkway at San Fernando Boulevard and Palm Avenue

December 11. 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Free admission to the Performing Books presentation. The Performing Books series is a monthly program designed to introduce children ages 4-10 to the performing arts through books. Professional storytellers and artists bring books to life through song, dance, voice and instruments. This month hear Knockin’ on Wood by Lynne Barasch. Learn the true story of the famous tap dancer Peg Leg Bates. A tragic accident left him with only one leg, but that didn’t stop him from fulfilling his dream to dance.Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/Performing_Books_flyer.pdf

December 16. 6:30 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center CHRISTMAS SHOW will be held at Houses of Light in Northridge. 19408 Londelius St., Northridge. $3.00 per person general admission. I went last year and enjoyed the show very much!

Local and Online Weekend Deals from Groupon

$15 for $30 Worth of Gifts from RedEnvelope
http://www.groupon.com/phoenix/

Highlights

• Variety of unique gifts
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Many gifts less than $50
• Stock up for the holidays

The Fine Print

• Expires Feb 28, 2011
• Limit 1/person, cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Upon expiration, unused Vouchers will be redeemable for $15 at RedEnvelope. Valid towards shipping. Some limitations apply; see full terms.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$60 for Framed, Personalized Print from Create Your Own Successories (Up to $130 Value)

http://www.groupon.com/deals/create-your-own-successories-fresno?c=dnb&p=1

Highlights

• High-quality framed prints
• Upload your own image
• User-friendly interface
• Four frame & mat styles

The Fine Print

• Expires in 1 year
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Order subject to additional tax if shipped to Florida. May be obligated to pay the difference for expedited shipping.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$13 for $26 Worth of Coffee from The Bean Coffee Co.

http://www.groupon.com/san-jose/

Highlights

• 100% organic coffees
• Contains antioxidant CGA
• Roasted in small batches
• Family-owned business

The Fine Print

• Expires Apr 7, 2011
• Limit 2 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Must use in 1 purchase. May not redeem until 12/7 at midnight. Valid online only. Shipping not included. Tax Included. Must use in 1 visit, no cash or credit back.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$15 for $35 Worth of Gourmet Coffees, Teas, and Gifts from Joe’s Coffee House Online

http://www.groupon.com/deals/joes-coffee-house-wilmington?c=dnb&p=1

Highlights

• Exotic, international blends
• New gadgets for the kitchen
• Great gift idea

The Fine Print

• Expires Jun 6, 2011
• Limit 1 per visit. Not valid until 12:00pm on 12/6. Shipping not included.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$65 for a Harry Potter Wall-Art Bundle from Harry Potter Wall Art

http://www.groupon.com/deals/harry-potter-wall-art-chicago?c=gpc&p=2

Highlights

• High-quality art hangings
• Durable, reusable decals
• Choose from multiple bundles

The Fine Print

• Expires Apr 6, 2011
• Limit 2 per person. Holiday orders must be placed by 12/18 to ensure delivery. No cash value. Not valid with other offers. Shipping included.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$15 for $35 Worth of Jewelry and Accessories at ShoptheLook.net

http://www.groupon.com/deals/shopthelook-boston?c=gpc&p=2

Highlights

• Trendy accessories featured in major publications
• Chic styles at affordable prices
• Valid for anything on the site

The Fine Print

• Expires Apr 6, 2011
• Limit 2 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per order. Not valid until 12/7. Must use in 1 order, no cash back. Shipping included.
• See the rules that apply to all deals

$20 for $50 Worth of Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards and Stationery from Paper Culture

http://www.groupon.com/deals/paper-culture-3?c=gpc&p=3

Highlights

• Eco-friendly products
• Stylish, modern designs
• Cards for any event
• Tree planted with each order

The Fine Print

• Expires Jun 1, 2011
• Limit 1 per person. Not valid until 12/7/2010. May not use value toward previously placed orders. No refunds. Non-transferable. Must use in 1 visit, no cash back. Tax, shipping and handling not included. Not valid with other offers.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$85 for a Full-Year Membership to the Indie Film of the Month Club at Film Movement ($192 Value)

http://www.groupon.com/deals/film-movement-nyc?c=gpc&p=3

Highlights

• One indie film each month
• DVD is yours to keep
• Films from prestigious festivals
• Comedies, dramas, and more

The Fine Print

• Expires Jun 6, 2011
• Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Must activate by 6/6/11. Membership expires 1 year after activation. Redeemable starting 12/7/10. Shipping included.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$29 for $61 Worth of Meat, Apparel, and Other Manly Products from Man Cave

http://www.groupon.com/deals/man-cave-portland?c=gpc&p=2

Highlights

• Premium meats & seasonings
• Barbecue essentials
• One-of-a-kind guy gear
• Manly apparel

The Fine Print

• Expires in 1 year
• Limit 2 per person. Limit 1 per order. Online only. Allow 20 days for delivery for meat orders. Not valid with other offers.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$10 for $25 Worth of Nuts, Dried Fruit, and More from Nutty Guys

http://www.groupon.com/deals/nutty-guys-dallas-1?c=dnb&p=1

Highlights

• Large variety of treats
• Fresh nuts and dried fruit
• Easy online ordering

The Fine Print

• Expires Jun 4, 2011
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per order. Not valid until 12/4 at noon. Must use in 1 order. Tax and shipping not included. Not valid with other offers.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 10-1

October 1. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Tom Rizzo Quartet. With his signature sweet tone and driving rhythmic pulse, guitarist Tom Rizzo plays not only bebop based jazz, but has also spent much of his career playing funk, pop, folk, R&B, and alternative music. Rizzo has recorded and performed with a wide range of musicians including Maynard Ferguson, Johnny Mathis, The Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinsen, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, along with numerous recordings under his own name.

October 1 - October 3. Last weekend for the L.A. County Fair!
PARKING is $10 for general and $15 for preferred.

October 1. 12-6 p.m. L.A. County Fair. Ralphs Food Drive Fridays. Bring 5 cans of Ralphs brand food on Fridays to the fair and receive an admission ticket. The food is donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Do you have any children in kindergarten up through 8th grade? The Read to Ride Program is a special reward program for kids who read books over their summer vacations. Kids will receive 3 free carnival ride vouchers for every 2 books they read and write a book report for. Check out all the details at this link: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2010/entertainment/documents/21ReadtoRide10.pdf

October 1-3. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. LA Kids Consignment sale. This is a children's consignment sale where you can find 50,000+ gently-used and new kids items from cribs to toys to bikes and clothing for newborns through pre-teens. 157 W. Providencia Ave., Burbank, 91502. http://www.lakidsconsignment.com/

October 1-31. Kids, ages 3-9, get free admission to San Diego Zoo (with purchase of adult ticket). If you were planning a trip, this would be a good time to go.

October 2. 9 a.m. (Come as early as 8 a.m. for food and fellowship). Men’s and Women’s Fall kickoff event at The Church on The Way. Childcare is available, reservations required. Call 818-779-8085 for more information. This will be a great time to hear about all the wonderful new groups starting and be refreshed!

October 2. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Home Depot's FREE Kids Workshop to make a fireboat. 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.

October 2. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Special Latin Music FREE at LACMA, Hancock Park.
In celebration of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Pavilion, join us for an afternoon of live Latin music. 12–1 pm: Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi Ensemble, under the direction of Irineo Yanez. 1–4 pm: Angel Lebron y Su Sabor. 4–6 pm: Quetzal.

October 2-3. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. FREE admission to LACMA to celebrate the opening of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion. Timed tickets required. Please click here to reserve your tickets. Please click here to view the schedule for the weekend, including music, family activities, a free photo booth and food for purchase.

October 3. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: Guest Artists from NEC perform Schumann (Guest pianists from New England Conservatory perform works in commemoration of Robert Schumann's bicentennial).

October 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is Olivia!

October 5. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

October 5. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free evening for Kidspace Museum. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with cultural art activities by Lation Heritage from 5 to 7pm and a dance performance by Folklorico Nahuatzen at 6 p.m. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103. (626) 449-9144. http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/

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

October 5. 6 p.m. FREE. Kids Club at The Commons at Calabasas. This week: Ventriloquist Puppetry. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

October 6. 11 a.m. Kids Club at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks. This week: Puppets on Parade. 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., T. Oaks, 91362.

October 7-9. Used book sale at Northridge Library. Get a bag of books for $2! Hours: Oct. 7, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8 & 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 818-886-3640. 9051 Darby Avenue, Northridge, 91325.

Paid Focus Groups

Have you ever been to a focus group? Companies will pay you to tell them what you think about their products. 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

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

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

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

**New to list

Upcoming Events

October 8. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mom’s Bible Study begins at The Church on the Way.

October 9. 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 9. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Target Free Family Saturday at the Japanese American National Museum. The day includes workshops, performances, and craft activities for children. 369 East First Street, L.A., 90012. (213) 625-0414. http://www.janm.org/

October 22-24. 9 a.m.-5 p.m LA Kids Consignment sale in Santa Clarita. This is a one-weekend only children's consignment sale where you can find 50,000+ gently-used and new kids items from cribs to toys to bikes and clothing for newborns through pre-teens. 24901 Avenue Stanford, Valencia, 91355. http://www.lakidsconsignment.com/

October 23. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Healthy Neighborhood Festival. Music and dance workshops and performances. Cooking workshops. Admission, parking and health screenings are free. The California Endowment. 1000 N. Alameda Street, L.A., 90012. http://www.calendow.org/healthyneighborhoodfest

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 9-17

September 4 - October 3. L.A. County Fair.
PARKING is $10 for general and $15 for preferred. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

September 17 and all subsequent Fridays. 12-6 p.m. L.A. County Fair. Ralphs Food Drive Fridays. Bring 5 cans of Ralphs brand food on Fridays to the fair and receive an admission ticket. The food is donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Do you have any children in kindergarten up through 8th grade? The Read to Ride Program is a special reward program for kids who read books over their summer vacations. Kids will receive 3 free carnival ride vouchers for every 2 books they read and write a book report for. Check out all the details at this link: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2010/entertainment/documents/21ReadtoRide10.pdf

September 17-22. Jamba Juice coupon – Get a free smoothie (or other menu drink) from Jamba Juice when you buy one smoothie. Expires Sept. 22, 2010. http://www.jambajuice.com/eb/bogo1/images/Jamba_BOGO_Copuon_Option2.jpg

September 17. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Bob Mintzer Canyon Cove Trio. Saxophonist, bass clarinetist, composer, arranger, leader of a Grammy Award winning big band, member of the Yellowjackets, and educator, Bob Mintzer makes his LACMA debut with an all-star trio that includes Larry Goldings on organ and Peter Erskine on drums.

September 18. 11 a.m. The Cat in the Hat Kids Event at Borders (the Northridge store is participating, as well as other local stores). Celebrate a new PBS kids series! There will be stories, games, stickers and more! This is not a costume character event.

September 18. GraceFest AV. 12-9 p.m. (Gates open at 11:30 a.m.) Antelope Valley’s premiere music and message festival. Music groups include Big Daddy Weave, Barlow Girl, Aaron Shust and Dominic Bali. This outdoor event includes vendors, large kids area, prayer tent, special speakers, compassion ministries, concessionaires and more. Blankets, lawn chairs, beach umbrellas and coolers are permitted. Beach umbrellas okay until 5:30pm. Alcoholic beverages, smoking and pets are strictly prohibited. For info and tickets visit http://kidscharitiesoftheav.com/ or call 661.265-6069. Presale general seating is $15 ($20 at gate), youth (13 - 19) $5, kids 12 and under free. Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93551.

September 18. 9:30-10:05 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m. FREE Kids Rhythm Club Drum Circle. Drum Provided. No reservations needed. Event every Saturday morning at REMO Recreational Music Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood, 91605. (1/2 block North of Sherman Way). Journey and explore music making through rhythm, song, and fun activities. Recommended ages for kids: 2 to 12, but all ages are welcome. Parents must stay with children. (Thanks, Diane!)

September 19. 12-5 p.m. Thai Cultural Day. Free. Music, dance, dramatic performances, fruit and vegetable carving, a costume contest and children’s workshops. Barnsdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

September 19. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. These one-hour concerts are presented free to the public on Sundays in the Leo S. Bing Theater. This week: Latitude 41. Bernadene Blaha (piano), Livia Sohn (violin), and Luigi Piovano (cello) perform Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, D. 929, and Notturno, D. 897.

September 20 - 26. SpaFinder Deal Days. SpaFinder Deal Days lets you enjoy spa, wellness or beauty services for just $50 prices or 50% off at spas, yoga and Pilates studios, fitness centers and more across the U.S. http://www.spafinder.com/dealdays?

September 21. 9:30 a.m. Registration for fall classes at Winnetka Rec Center. There are free classes offered through L.A. Kids, including soccer and art. Classes begin October 4 and run for 8 weeks. 8401 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, 91306. Parks offer great inexpensive and fun classes. If you’re interested, check a few near where you live, since each park varies in the cost, classes offered and schedule.

September 21. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is Dr. Seuss.

September 21. 6 p.m. FREE. Kids Club at The Commons at Calabasas. This week: Music with Tia. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

September 22. 11 a.m. Kids Club at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks. This week: Marionettes with Franklin. 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., T. Oaks, 91362.

Movies

Redbox has a new deal going on where you can get a promo code for a Free Rental after renting one! Rent 1 movie at Redbox during September, then enter the code found on the dvd at this site http://www.thanksabilliongiveaway.com/ After entering your code, you’ll receive a promo code valid for a free redbox movie rental! You have a week to use the promo code for your free movie. You are also entered in a contest to win other prizes, such as a trip to the People’s Choice Awards.

Half Price Movie Tickets
https://halfcostmovies.com/
See all the latest movies for 50% off what the theater charges. This site purchases tickets in bulk, so they are able to sell the tickets at a discount. The tickets are only available for theaters that allow online purchase of tickets, so the choices are somewhat limited, but the discount is worth the drive. We haven’t used this site yet, so if anyone does, let us know what you think!

Upcoming Events

September 24. 5-8 p.m. Free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery with a donation to Make-A-Wish. You get a 3 oz. Make-A-Wish Creation (which is sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownie, sprinkles and carmel).

September 25. 12-6 p.m. FREE event. DEAFestival Los Angeles 2010. Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Avenue, Lake Balboa. Free parking. This is a wonderful event that I’ve been able to attend in the past. There are activities for the kids, performances, food and drinks for purchase and just a lot of fun!

September 25. 4:30 p.m. FREE event. Feast of Tabernacles at Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena. 18 E. Holly St., Pasadena CA. Free food and entertainment. Get there early because the food tickets go fast.

October 1-3. LA Kids Consignment sale. This is a one-weekend only children's consignment sale where you can find 50,000+ gently-used and new kids items from cribs to toys to bikes and clothing for newborns through pre-teens.

October 7-9. Used book sale at Northridge Library. Get a bag of books for $2! Hours: Oct. 7, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8 & 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 818-886-3640. 9051 Darby Avenue, Northridge, 91325.

October 9. 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.