Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 4-8

Activities

March 19-April 17 (while supplies last). Visit the Busy Bee Learning Store at Kidspace to purchase live caterpillars for $5. Then raise your caterpillars from pupa to chrysalis, and finally into beautiful butterflies by following the directions included with your butterfly adoption kit. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun! Kidspace Museum, 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103.

April 9. 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.

April 9-10. 10am-4pm. Earth Day at the L.A. Zoo! Join the Los Angeles Zoo and K-EARTH101 FM for two-days of festivities that will include recycled crafts, information booths, and K-EARTH DJs. All activities are free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

April 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Children’s Earth Day at STAR ECO Station. Join the celebration at L.A.'s largest Earth Day event. The eco-extravaganza features eco-friendly giveaways, games, prizes, crafts, fun foods, rescued exotic wildlife, green shopping, environmental heroes & experts, celebrities, and live entertainment. Additionally, STAR ECO Station tours will run throughout the day at a special discounted rate of $5. For all ages. STAR ECO Station. 10101 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City. (Thanks to Family Finds for the idea!)

April 10. 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. This week: Members of Musica-Angelica Baroque Orchestra perform music of the Italian Baroque. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

April 12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

April 14 (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 appears that select Wendy’s locations are doing the Frostys keychain promotion again this year. Purchase the keychain for $1 (donated to charity), and get a FREE Junior Frosty (the small kids size). On each returning visit to Wendy’s present the keychain and you’ll get a FREE Junior Frosty with any purchase. Valid at participating Wendy’s for the whole year!

During April, kids eat free at IHOP daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase.

Chipotle is also offering a deal for families in April! On Saturdays and Sundays in April, buy a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos; get one kid’s meal free! This offer is good in L.A. and Orange County. (Thanks to my friend Mercy for the deal!)

Now through December 31. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Da Vinci Museum Exhibit. This looks amazing! It has more than 60 full-size machines to look at, along with reproductions of his famous artwork. There is also an activities zone with games and crafts. It’s a bit pricey, $18 for adults, $13 for students and $11 for children. Hollywood and Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. http://leonardodavincimuseumexhibit.com

I found a coupon for the Da Vinci Museum Exhibit! Here’s a link for $3 off admission. http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/thearts/details.html?offerid=853

Spring Break Ideas  

Looking for things to do with your kiddos? Here are some ideas…

--Los Angeles Arboretum. Free parking. Admission free on the third Tuesday of the month

--California Science Center. Free admission. Open from 10 to 5. Parking is $8.

--Ronald Regan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Open 10-5, parking is free. Adults are $12, children 10 and under are free. Includes touring interior of Air Force One.

--Descanso Gardens in La Canada. Open daily from 9 to 5. Adults $8, Children 5 to 12 $3, under 5 free. Parking is free. They also have musical events, some of which are free with admission.

--Getty Museum in Brentwood and Getty Villa near Malibu. Admission is free. Villa requires reservations. Parking is $15. (Closed on Mondays).

--Miniature golfing at Castle Park in Sherman Oaks. Weekend Early Birds $3 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Kids 4 and under free with paid adult.

--Griffith Observatory. Open Tues.-Friday 12 noon to 10, Sat. and Sun. 10-10. Free admission.

Upcoming Events

April 16. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Earth Day Festival at Descanso Gardens. General $8. Senior/Students $6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and children under 5 free. Enjoy a day filled with educational activities, music and entertainment for all ages. Activities for kids include Ladybug Land, which features ladybugs in all stages of their life cycle, ladybug puzzles, ladybug parachute games and a make-and-take ladybug craft. Children’s activities will be on the Main Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, the Moo Doo Puppets will perform “Earth Day Safari” at 11 a.m. on the Main Lawn.The Mobile Homeboys will return to Descanso to perform their distinctive blend of country, rock, roots and bluegrass music. Showtime is 1 p.m. in the Under the Oaks Theater. Also on the Main Lawn: Patina will offer a barbecue menu for purchase with locally grown food from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Main Lawn. There is ample free parking.

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.

June 11. 3-5 p.m. Christian Performing Arts Center’s Dance Production. $15 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets on sale now 818-921-4430. www.cpacstudio.com Birmingham High School Theatre. 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 3-11

Activities

March 11-12. 2-5 p.m. Free Starbucks Petites dessert when you buy any handcrafted drink.

March 12. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Large garage sale at 7953 Aldea Ave., Van Nuys, 91406.

March 12. 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 12. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission to Japanese American National Museum. 369 E. First Street, Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. This month’s theme is building and architecture.

March 13. 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: UCLA Philharmonia performs Bartók: Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta and Miraculous Mandarin Suite. Neal Stulberg, conductor.

March 15. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. This week learn about St. Patrick’s Day.

March 17 (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 2-25

Activities

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.

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.

February 27. 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: Members of the Capitol Ensemble (Sundays Live's Resident Ensemble), Phillip Levy and Julie Gigante (violins), David Low (cello) and Francois Chouchan (piano), perform Schubert: Sonataine, and Brahms: Piano Quartet in G minor, Opus 25.

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.

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

March 1. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

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

March 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.

March 1. 4pm - 7pm. Free 12 oz. drink at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Offer good at participating stores for a peach tea latte, peach iced tea latte or peach FruTea. I would call ahead and see if your store is offering this. Does not apply to stores in Ralphs.

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 he was able to complete the build without a 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 there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

March 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.

Upcoming Events

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 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 1-21

Activities

January 21. 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Friday Shark Lagoon Nights. The aquarium is free from 6pm to 9pm select Friday nights. Please note that while it is almost every Friday, some Fridays are excluded. Check the dates for availability before you go. Shark Lagoon Nights can be canceled due to poor weather. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

January 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.

January 22. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Free puppet show at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Directed by Taiwan’s leading female puppeteer, Shi-Mei Chiang, Chen Kuai Le Puppet Theater has perfected this traditional art. In addition to the puppets, the performance is accompanied by live traditional Taiwanese music. Tickets are required but are FREE. Here’s how to get them on a first come first serve basis: They are distributed on Grand Avenue at 2nd Street. Tickets for 11am performance given out starting at 10am. Tickets for 12:30pm performance distributed at 11am.Walt Disney Concert Hall – W.M. Keck Foundation Children’s Amphitheatre, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90012.

January 23. 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: Chamber ensembles from the Crossroads School perform selection from Debussy String Quartet, Dvorak: "American" Quartet, Beethoven: "Spring" Sonata, Mozart: Violin Sonata in E minor, K. 304.

January 25. 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 attended this with my seven year old son and we both loved it! There was time in the classroom where the instructor demonstrated with yarn the difference between food chains and food webs. Then we went on a short hike and the instructor knew all about the various plants and rocks. I would definitely recommend this program! 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank, CA 91501. For Mapquest directions, use 1500 Walnut Avenue. 818.238.5440.

January 25. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

January 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 Deals

Did you know LEGOLAND offers discounted days for home school families? Select Mondays are available for $21 a person! Advanced registration is required. Here’s the link: http://california.legoland.com/tickets/groups/education_programs/home_school_days/

Upcoming Events

February 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. 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210.
(818) 549-0733.

February 4. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. FREE Michaels' Kids Workshop. Come and make a Free Valentine's Candy Photo Holder! This workshop is intended for children 3 and older.

February 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. This month, make a heart shelf!

February 12. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free weekly crafts at Lakeshore on Saturdays! On the 12th, your child can make a Valentine's Day Bouquet.

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.

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 1-7

Activities

January 7. 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Friday Shark Lagoon Nights. The aquarium is free from 6pm to 9pm select Friday nights. Please note that while it is almost every Friday, some Fridays are excluded. Check the dates for availability before you go. Shark Lagoon Nights can be canceled due to poor weather. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

January 8. 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.

January 8-9. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Let's Make a Comet at the Griffith Park Observatory. This show is a 25-minute demonstration program that mixes common household ingredients with dry ice to make a small comet that's just like the real thing. The program explores the nature of water in all its forms - solid, liquid, and gas - and discusses why water is so important to life on Earth. Best for ages 4 and older. Free admission to the Observatory and demonstration. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles.

January 9. 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 Lyris Quartet with Pianist Mikhail Korzhev. Alyssa Park (violin) Shalini Vijayan (violin), Luke Maurer (viola), and Timothy Loo (cello) perform Shostakovich: Quartet No. 3 in F major, Opus 73, and Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, opus 34.

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

Ongoing Deals

There’s a website that lists all the Groupon deals each day (Thanks Wendi, for the website information!) Groupon has a bunch of national, doesn’t-matter-where-you-live deals. To get the offers, visit Groupon, sign-in or sign-up, then select the city that’s listing the deal you want from the drop-down list of cities at the top of the Groupon site. Visit http://www.groupongirl.com/ to see a comprehensive list of the Groupon deals.

December 13-May 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Science in Toyland at the California Science Center. (It looks like they extended the exhibit until May. We went this week and my boys loved it!) In this exhibit, kids can play games while learning science concepts, like how to make bridges stronger or why tops spin. FREE! 700 Exposition Park Dr., L.A.

L.A. County Junior Golf is a wonderful and free program! They are offering an afterschool weeklong program for children 18 and under starting in January at various golf courses. It is very well organized, with the children grouped by age and plenty of instructors. My boys (ages 4 & 7) participated this summer and loved it! (I got to sit and read a book, so I loved it too!) Here’s a link to the website: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/applications.htm Click on 2011 After School Free Programs Northern Section.

Upcoming Events

January 17. 12–8 pm. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, LACMA is offering free admission, plus family activities, a performance by the legendary Los Angeles group Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra, engaging talks highlighting African American art in the collection, and a family drawing activity outdoors.

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 11-19

Activities

November 19. 6-8 pm. Last of the free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA until April. LA Times Central Court. This week: John Altman Big Band.

November 20. 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.

November 20. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Free performance at the outdoor W.M. Keck Children’s Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Enjoy a show featuring Red Thunder, celebrating the heritage of the Plains Indians through music and traditional dance. (Tickets for 11 a.m. show distributed beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets for 12:30 show distributed at 11 a.m.).111 S. Grand Ave., L.A., 90012. Tickets are free and distributed on Grand Ave. at 2^nd street. http://www.musiccenter.org/events/worldcity.html

November 20. 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 Belinda and the Glass Slipper & Belinda in Paris by Amy Young. Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/Performing_Books_flyer.pdf

November 20. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. San Fernando Valley 2010 Children’s Day. Woodley Park. 6350 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys. Free admission! There will be carnival rides, rock climbing, food and much more!

November 21. 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: NEC pianist Kyu-Yeon Kim performs Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen, Opus 15, and Kreisleriana, Opus 16.

November 23. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is stories about Thanksgiving.

November 23. 11:30-2 p.m. Kabob n' Roll Gourmet food truck will be at Telesis Credit Union. 9301 Winnetka Ave., Chatsworth, 91311.

November 25 (and subsequent Thursdays). No Mommy and Me Class at The Church on The Way this week.

Ongoing Deals

I found Banana Boat spray sunblock SPF 30 at the 99 cents store this week! This is a fantastic deal! The sunblock at my local grocery store marked down is still around 5 dollars. I’m now stocked up and ready for next summer. Check a 99 cents store near you and see if you can find some too!

Anyone who is considering a membership to the Los Angeles Zoo can save $10 on the cost of the membership through December 31, 2010. Use promo code: 11010FFW www.lazoo.org

Get a free download of the Veggie Tales Holiday album The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree from Amazon.com. You can either download each song individually, or if you want the whole album at once, you'll have to download the Amazon mp3 software. Either way, it's FREE! There's no indication of how long this offer will be available.

Coffee Deals

Starbucks has a great deal from 11/18-11/21. Buy one holiday drink, get one free between the hours of 2 p.m.-5 p.m. I’ll definitely be enjoying this deal!

Burger King has free coffee Fridays during the month of November.
http://www.bk.com/en/us/restaurant-locator/index.html?coffee=true
Stop by BK® every Friday in November for a free cup of tasty Seattle’s Best Coffee.® One free 12 oz. hot Seattle’s Best Coffee® per customer per visit during breakfast hours only on Fridays in November. While supplies last. Not valid on flavored shots or whipped topping. At participating restaurants only.

7-Eleven has an even better free coffee coupon that is good every day of the week, and doesn't expire until December 31, 2010.The coupon is on the second page of the link:
https://online.citibank.com/USBA/einserts/3270.pdf
Excludes iced coffee. Offer good at participating U.S. 7-Eleven stores. Limit one coupon per customer per day. Offer not valid with any other coupon or discount. (The link for this coupon is temporarily unavailable. If you would like a copy of the coupon, comment or email me and I'll forward it to you).

Weekend Group Deals

Here are 2 of the weekend deals available. Remember, you do not need to live in the city where the deal is posted if it’s an online deal. Check my blog later in the day for more group deals. http://www.kristinskickbacks.blogspot.com/

Half Off at American Apparel
($25 for $50 worth of regularly priced merchandise)
http://www.groupon.com/los-angeles/

Highlights

• Array of timeless garments for men & women
• Numerous accessories
• Responsible manufacturer

The Fine Print

• Expires Feb 19, 2011
• Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. $50 minimum purchase. In-store only. Not valid on Multi-Packs, California Select Vintage, Multibrand products, or shoes. Not valid at outlet locations. Not valid with other offers or sale items.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

$25 for $50 Worth of Shoes, Apparel, and More at Nordstrom Rack (Thanks Diane, for the deal!)

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

Highlights

• High fashion for less
• Thousands of shoes in stock
• New items 4–5 times a week
• On-site tailor

The Fine Print

• Expires Dec 31, 2010
• Limit 1/person. Valid at all Nordstrom Rack locations. In-store only. Not valid for gift cards. Not valid with other offers or discounts. EXPIRES ON 12/31/10. View complete terms.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.

Upcoming Events

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!

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 11-12

Activities

November 11-14. Give & Get is here! Enjoy 30% off your total purchase and Feeding America gets 5% of what you spend. Shop in store at Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store or Old Navy. Use this coupon: http://gap.p.delivery.net/m/p/gap/gcan/gpjump.asp?p=bp/fa.html

November 12. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Littleton Brothers.

November 13. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a periscope. 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.

November 13. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE day at Japanese American National Museum. This day includes a weaving workshop for kids, Thanksgiving-themed crafts and cookie making. 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, 90012.(213) 625-0414.

November 14. 1-3:30 p.m. Gingerbread House Event at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura. Look at beautiful gingerbread houses created by local chefs and kids can create their own houses (RSVP required) to raise money for this charity organization. $5 per family (up to 4 people). To RSVP and reserve time slots for the children, please call 805.379.4777. http://www.twcvv.org/

November 14. 4-7:30 p.m. Half Day Marrieds Seminar at the Church on the Way. “Making Difficult Marriages Great and Great Marriages Better!” At just $10 per couple and dinner included, this is a bargain! Childcare is available. For more information call 818-779-8000.

November 14. 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: NEC pianist Gonzalo Farias performs Robert Schumann: Davidsbündlertänze, Opus 6, and music by György Kurtag.

November 16. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is ideas and things that changed the world.

November 16. after 2 p.m. Get 2 free tacos at Jack in the Box. You just need to ask.

November 18. 11:30-2 p.m. The Bacon Truck will be at Telesis Credit Union. Stop by and see what they are serving. 9301 Winnetka Ave., Chatsworth, 91311.

November 18 (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. This week: Field Trip to the Getty Museum. $15 for parking, admission is free. Bring a picnic lunch or food is available for purchase.

November 18. 3-5. Free ice skating, including skate rentals, at Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd at Erwin St. (818) 854-4151. Opening Ceremony at 5:30PM followed by an ice show.

Photo Deals

Picaboo has a photo deal right now. Buy A Book or Calendar, Get A Copy Free - Code: BGFTHX. I plan to use this deal with my gift certificate I got from Groupon. I make photo calendars to give out as gifts to my family each year. You can also get 25% off cards. Use code CARD25 at checkout. Both deals expire 11/15.

My friend Mercy told me about this site http://www.photobookgirl.com/ It’s “A Guide to Photo Book Reviews, Deals and Tips.” It tells about the latest photo deals out there.

I also like Frugal Girls photo deals at http://thefrugalgirls.com/hot-photo-deals

Ongoing Deals

Anyone who is considering a membership to the Los Angeles Zoo can save $10 on the cost of the membership through December 31, 2010. Use promo code: 11010FFW www.lazoo.org

Get a free download of the Veggie Tales Holiday album The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree from Amazon.com. You can either download each song individually, or if you want the whole album at once, you'll have to download the Amazon mp3 software. Either way, it's FREE! There's no indication of how long this offer will be available.

Save 20% on Disney Merchandise in store or online!

http://www.disneystore.com/?CMP=AFL-AffLSGen&att=LSGenAffl&LSID=3593887%257C10836292%257C
Get 20% off sitewide with this Disney coupon, valid through Nov. 15, 2010 with coupon code DISNEYFAN AND get free shipping on purchases of $75 or more (after discount).

There are two retailers currently offering free coffee:

Burger King has free coffee Fridays during the month of November.
http://www.bk.com/en/us/restaurant-locator/index.html?coffee=true

Stop by BK® every Friday in November for a free cup of tasty Seattle’s Best Coffee.®

One free 12 oz. hot Seattle’s Best Coffee® per customer per visit during breakfast hours only on Fridays in November.

While supplies last.Not valid on flavored shots or whipped topping.At participating restaurants only.

7-Eleven has an even better free coffee coupon that is good every day of the week, and doesn't expire until December 31, 2010.

The coupon is on the second page of the link:
https://online.citibank.com/USBA/einserts/3270.pdf

Excludes iced coffee.
Offer good at participating U.S. 7-Eleven stores.
Limit one coupon per customer per day.
Offer not valid with any other coupon or discount.

Free game of bowling at AMF for up to 6 people. Shoe rental not included. Here’s the link to the coupon. (Thanks, Nikki!) http://images.revtrax.com/RevTrax/amf2.jsp?viewType=viewFull&programId=10335037&merchantId=10231201&affiliateId=10311263&uid=MTQ3OTg3NTY4OTES1&text1=270&text2=nikki

Upcoming Events

November 20. 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Free performance at the outdoor W.M. Keck Children’s Amphitheatre at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Enjoy a show featuring Red Thunder, celebrating the heritage of the Plains Indians through music and traditional dance. (Tickets for 11 a.m. show distributed beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets for 12:30 show distributed at 11 a.m.).111 S. Grand Ave., L.A., 90012. Tickets are free and distributed on Grand Ave. at 2^nd street. http://www.musiccenter.org/events/worldcity.html

November 20. 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 Belinda and the Glass Slipper & Belinda in Paris by Amy Young. Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/Performing_Books_flyer.pdf

November 20. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. San Fernando Valley 2010 Children’s Day. Woodley Park. 6350 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys. Free admission! There will be carnival rides, rock climbing, food and much more!

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 10-22

Activities

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 3-31. Pumpkin Festival at Lombardi Ranch. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission, $4 train ride, $4 corn maze, $3 petting zoo, $4.50 for either wagon ride or pony ride. 29527 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita. www.lombardiranch.com.

October 9-November 7. Weekends 9am - 5pm,Weekdays 2pm - 5pm. Forneris Farms Festival and Corn Maze. Free admission and parking. $4 train ticket, $7 corn maze (3 and younger free with paid adult), kids play area $3. 15200 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills. www.fornerisfarms.com.

October 22. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Louis Van Taylor Band.

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. www.calendow.org/healthyneighborhoodfest

October 23. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a free 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. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The first annual "HomeGrown Culver City" is a FREE event that celebrates backyard edible gardening, sustainable gardening, and an ecological lifestyle. Media Park, 9070 Venice Boulevard, Culver City 90232. My friend Josie, of Josie’s English Kitchen, will be presenting a workshop at 1:00 p.m. on conserving jams and marmalade. http://www.homegrownculvercity.com/workshops/

October 23. 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 The Dog Who Sang at the Opera. Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., L.A. http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/Performing_Books_flyer.pdf


October 23-24. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Harvest Festival and Plant Sale at Descanso Gardens. Descanso's horticulture staff and other experts will present talks, demonstrations and workshops through the weekend. Saturday highlights include: 10 and 11 a.m.: Gather the children for a costume parade at the Center Circle. The parade concludes at the Under the Oaks Theater with a sing-along. Check out their website for admission prices and all the scheduled events. http://www.descansogardens.org/

October 24. 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: Amstel Saxophone Quartet.

October 25. Free Pasta Day at Buca di Beppo. All dine-in guests who purchase a Buca Small or Buca Large pasta or entree will receive a FREE serving of Spaghetti with their choice of Meat Sauce or Marinara. Additionally, those receiving a FREE serving of Spaghetti will also receive a complimentary 16-ounce package of pasta to take and prepare at home.

October 26. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is author visit with Rob Scotton and a costume party.

October 28 (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. Theme this week: Harvest Time--Come in costume. King’s Kids Bldg. on the West Campus. 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. 818-779-8000.

October 28. 11:30-2 p.m. Two Gourmet Food Trucks will be at the Telesis Credit Union in Chatsworth. Many friends have recently become interested in the gourmet food trucks that offer good prices on great food. Come buy some food from Don Chow taco truck, a unique melding of Mexican and Chinese cuisine. Additionally, the Cupcakes A Go Go truck will also be there. Yummy! 9301 Winnetka Ave., Chatsworth, 91311.

Restaurants

Wendy's is selling their Jr. Frosty booklets. You buy them for one dollar and get five coupons for a free Jr. Frosty between November 1st and February 1st.

McDonald’s also has coupon books right now! You pay about $1 (some stores may charge a little more) and you get a coupon book that includes 12 FREEBIE Coupons! Coupons are valid for use 11/1/10 – 12/31/10. Redeemable by children 12 and under. Please let me know at chrisrosenquist@aol.com or comment on my blog if you find these at a McDonalds near you. Apparently they are not being sold at every McDonalds.

Photo Deals

At Snapfish, you buy two 8" x 11" Linen Classic Photo Books, you get two FREE!
Just use coupon FALLBKSALE at checkout before October 28. U.S. customers only. Check out their site for all the details.

Picaboo is offering up to 50% off classic books, cards and calendars. Use code FALL50 at checkout. Check out their website for the details. http://www.picaboo.com/

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
(818) 325-3200

Trotta http://www.trotta.net/join.htm (310) 306-6866

Qualitative Insights http://www.q-insights.com/respondent.html (818) 988-5411

Adler Weiner Research http://www.awr-la.com/participants.htm (310) 440-2330

Facts ‘N Figures Inc. http://www.factsnfiguresinc.com/ (818) 986-6600

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/ (310) 645-1700

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


Upcoming Events

October 29. IHOP is offering Scary Face Pancakes free of charge for children 12 and under (one per child). The Scary Face Pancake includes an oversized signature buttermilk pancake with a whipped topping mouth and strawberry nose, served with two mini OREO® cookies and candy corn on the side to allow kids to create their own pancake.

October 30. 4-8 p.m. Harvest Fair at The Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Come and enjoy the live music, games, candy, prizes, crafts, bounce house, Interactives (Sumo Wrestling & Velcro Wall), face painting, BBQ, Bake sale, Toddler fun and more.... It's Free! But bring a little cash for BBQ, Interactives, and Bake sale.6642 Reseda Blvd., Reseda, 91335. (818)776-9696.

October 31. 4-7 p.m. Fall Family Festival at The Church on The Way. 14720 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Free Event for the Community. Free Games! Free Candy! Free Rides! Food available for purchase!

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 10-8

Activities

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 8. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mom’s Bible Study begins at The Church on the Way. Join us as we study the book of Daniel using Beth Moore’s study guide. Childcare is available for $2 a child. Come eat, fellowship and study with us!

October 8. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Two- time Grammy Award winner Ernie Watts.

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

October 8-10. Free Pasadena Art Weekend. See more details below: http://www.pasadenaartweekend.com/

October 8. 6 to 10 p.m. Art Night Pasadena.
Visit many of Pasadena's cultural institutions for free, including the Norton Simon Museum and Kidspace! Park at one of the venues and then take one of the free shuttles to the other museums.

October 9. 11 am to 5 pm. Art Walk Pasadena. Colorado Blvd. & El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA. The Pasadena ARTWalk is Pasadena's largest urban art fair with over 6,000 people attending yearly. The event highlights some of the best Southern Californian visual artists showcasing their work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings and printmaking. ARTWalk is free and all ages are welcome.

October 10. 1-6 p.m. Old Pasadena Cultural Dance Festival at Levitt Pavilion, Memorial Park - 85 E. Holly Street & Lineage Performing Arts Center - 89 S. Fair Oaks Avenue. This free festival of multi-cultural costume, music and movement will feature dance troupes performing traditional Mexican, Russian, African, Irish, Spanish Flamenco, East Indian and Chinese dance amongst others. Attendees are also encouraged to visit the Lineage Performing Arts Center for free dance workshops throughout the day.

October 9. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a fun house mirror. 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 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 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 10. 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 pianists from New England Conservatory perform works in commemoration of Robert Schumann's bicentennial.

October 12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is Heads and Tails by Matthew Van Fleet.

October 12. 6 p.m. FREE. Kids Club at The Commons at Calabasas. This week: Family Magic. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

October 13. 11 a.m. Kids Club at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks. This week: Spin-Art Workshop. Be sure to wear play clothes—you may get messy! 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., T. Oaks, 91362.

Restaurants

Wendy's is selling their Jr. Frosty booklets. You buy them for one dollar and get five coupons for a free Jr. Frosty between November 1st and February 1st.

McDonald’s also has coupon books right now! You pay about $1 (some stores may charge a little more) and you get a coupon book that includes 12 FREEBIE Coupons! You get the following coupons: 3 FREE Apple Dippers, 3 FREE Small Cones, 3 FREE Small Apple Juice or Milk Jug and 3 FREE Hamburgers. Coupons are valid for use 11/1/10 – 12/31/10. Redeemable by children 12 and under.

Upcoming Events

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. www.calendow.org/healthyneighborhoodfest

October 29. IHOP is offering Scary Face Pancakes free of charge for children 12 and under (one per child). The Scary Face Pancake includes an oversized signature buttermilk pancake with a whipped topping mouth and strawberry nose, served with two mini OREO® cookies and candy corn on the side to allow kids to create their own pancake.