Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-29

Activities

July 29. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Artwork Jamal. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

July 29. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Kathleen Grace.BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 30. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Edmar Castaneda in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 31. 4 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Kim Eung Hwa Dance Company. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 31. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Pianist Roger Wright. 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

July 31. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE weekly concerts in the park. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. This week the group is Bruce in the USA – The World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E St. Band.

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

August 2. 1:30-3 p.m. Afternoon science club on Tuesdays at Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank. $2/child, ages 8-12. (They let me bring my 5 year old, I just stayed with him). 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank. (Mapquest: Use 1500 Walnut Ave., 91501).

August 2. The Regency Valley Plaza 6 in North Hollywood offers movies for $1.50 all day on Tuesdays! $3 any other day. 6355 Bellingham Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91606. (818) 760-8400. Cash only, no outside food or drinks (they actually searched my purse!). http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=30

August 2. 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.

August 2. 28th Annual National Night Out! National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and public officials from over 15,000 communities in all 50 states, and Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate in Night Out events. This is celebrated all over the valley. Listed below are a few locations:

Mason Park. 7 p.m. (Not sure if the food starts earlier. I would call to find out). Save the date for the next “Movies Under the Stars,” our series of free family-friendly movies screened outdoors in local parks, showing “Yogi Bear” on Tuesday, August 2 at Mason Park in Chatsworth. This movie night will feature public safety booths, free hot dogs and sodas (while supplies last) and lots of activities for kids.Mason Park, 10500 Mason Ave., Chatsworth, (1 block north of Devonshire St.) For more information, call (818) 756-8501.

Events in our community will occur from 5 – 9 p.m. at Randal David Simmons Park (West Valley Park) at 6731 Wilbur Ave. in Reseda and 6 – 9 p.m. at Van Nuys Community Police Station at 14410 Sylvan St. (in the Erwin Street Mall) in Van Nuys (free hot dogs and sodas served last year).

August 2. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: The Summer Family Series concludes this week with the Elizabethan Festival, performed by Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Expect an evening of interactive theater performance and family fun, including dance.1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

August 2-3. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. DESPICABLE ME & RAMONA & BEEZUS are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS & GULLIVERS TRAVEL are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

August 2-3. 5 p.m. FREE LEGO^® mini model build at the Glendale Galleria LEGO store, the first Tuesday of each month (and Wednesday as well this 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. Make sure to get there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

August 3. 7 p.m. Free children’s evening at Levitt Pavilion. This week: Rhythm Child. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

August 4. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Bob Sheppard, renowned reed player with straight-ahead jazz, http://bobsheppard.net/index.php. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

August 4. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Ricardo Lemvo.

Upcoming Events

August 27. 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sister Act 2: The Musical. Performance at Hope Chapel of the Valley, 7930 Mason Ave., Winnetka. Tickets are on sale now for $10 (adults) and $5 (children under 12). You can purchase them on line at www.cpacstudio.com. My friend Randi and her daughter are part of the production.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-1

Activities

July 1-4. Brunswick is giving away a FREE game of bowling to every person in America, every day of the July 4th weekend! July 1st - July 4th. No coupon necessary, just come in for your FREE game each day of the weekend! (I’m guessing shoe rental is not included, but still a good deal!)

July 2. 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.

July 2. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Freddie Ravel at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 3. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: The Encore Saxophone Quartet with pianist Bryan Pezzone

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

July 4. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration at Hansen Dam. This 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam is in its 17th year and celebrates “hometown heroes.” Check out gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and prizes, free water slide, kid zone and other entertainment. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake which is available for use during the day (there may be a small charge for the swimming).The fireworks show is orchestrated with patriotic music.Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace.

July 4. 4:30 pm – 10 pm. The FREE festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors; all capped off with a twenty-one minute aerial fireworks display. Shepherd of the Hills Church , 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326. www.theshepherd.org/events/4th-of-july-spectacular

July 4. Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:08 p.m. Councilman Dennis P. Zine’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Park. Music by Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds and Taylor Made, the James Taylor Tribute Band. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. Free event.

July 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

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

July 5. 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.

July 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. (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. Make sure to get there early (we arrived around 4:30) and bring snacks and things to do while you wait in line.

July 5. 5:30 p.m. Summer Family Series at Descanso Gardens. For six Tuesday evenings, enjoy family-friendly music, theater and fairies. Bring a picnic (normally not allowed in the Gardens) and get ready for fun. Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. This week: “A Midsummer Night's Eve," presented by Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 5-6. 10 a.m. $1 summer movies at select Regal Theatres. Selected G or PG movies start at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity. KIT KITTREDGE & SPY NEXT DOOR are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE & SHREK FOREVER AFTER are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. CHARLOTTE'S WEB &YOGI BEAR are playing at the Grand Palace Stadium 6 at 4767 Commons Way in Calabasas. Here’s the link for the full summer schedule: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

July 7. 10:30 a.m. Free Kid's Club at the Northridge Fashion Center in the Food Court. Comedy Magic Show! Jersey Jim brings some of the funniest magic you will ever see. Entertainment the young and old will enjoy. (Thanks to Janice for the deal!)

July 7. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.Gonzalo Bergara headlines a concert of jazz with Gypsy and tango influences. Bring a picnic (usually not allowed in the Gardens.) Concert included with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. No reciprocal gardens admissions. Free parking. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 7. 6-9 p.m. Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum (across from L.A. Zoo). See top Latin bands in a fun, casual, energetic setting on the Autry plaza. The taco bar opens at 6:00 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Adults: $10 / Students and Seniors: $6 / Children (3–12): $4 / Children under 3: Free. Purchase membership on-site and enjoy all nine Sizzling Summer Nights for free. This week: Octavio Figueroa and La Combinacion Salsa Band. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 323.667.2000.

Coffee Deal

Sonoma Coffee Cafe on Tampa has a free coffee coupon on their website that is good through 7/6. Their coffee is really good, locally roasted and much fresher than average. They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights and of course free Wifi. (Thanks Rick for the deal!) Here’s a link to the coupon: http://www.sonomacoffeeshop.com/promo/Free%20coffee%20coupon.pdf

Upcoming Events

July 8. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps. Food & Beverages for sale (No outside food or beverages; no pets allowed.) Activities for the kids. Downtown Valencia in the street on Town Center Drive at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita. www.valenciajazzandblues.com (Thanks, Kristi!)

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 6-3

Activities

June 3. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Greg Reitan Trio. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

June 3. 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.

June 4. 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.

June 4. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Téka. Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

June 5. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Pianist Mark Robson. 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

June 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

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

June 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 (I’ve brought my younger son without a problem). 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 91210. (818) 549-0733.

June 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

Ongoing Deals

Interested in a Los Angeles Zoo Membership? I received an email from the zoo today, giving me a code to pass on to anyone interested in a membership. Use this code to get $10 off membership: 11105FFW This code is valid until June 30.

Catalina Express is celebrating their 30th Anniversary by giving a Free Pass to anyone who wants to go to Catalina on their birthday. Valid for round trip travel on your birthday between May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012.You must pre-register online! You will receive an email confirmation from which you will download and print your Free Birthday Pass. Here’s the link to check out all the details: http://www.catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.php

Kellogg’s has a free gas offer. Buy 10 Kellogg’s cereals, mail in the UPC codes with a form from this link http://www2.kelloggs.com/aarp/rewards/ , and get a $10 MasterCard to buy gas. You can do this 5 times per household.

Jamba Juice Deal! Get $2 Fruit Refreshers from Jamba Juice using the coupon found at the link below. These are made with fruit and coconut water. http://jambajuice.fbmta.com/shared/images/2147483718/2147483718_20110520314374.png

Snapple has a great rebate offer right now. Keep an eye at your local stores for Try Me Free Snapple rebate forms good on this product. The rebate is good for a FREE 6-pack (up to $5.99 value). I found some on the Snapple bottles at Ralphs. Plus you can request it once per person, but you can send up to 5 requests for other family members.

Upcoming Events

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 4-29

Activities

April 30. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Held in conjunction with the Day of the Child and National Child Abuse Prevention, this open-air street festival is free for everyone. A city block is closed down for the day and filled with music, laughter and color as children and families come together to interact, learn and play. Over 20 activities include: face painting, bubble bonanza, drum-circle, Aztec dancing, climbing wall, crafts for kids, and more. The Echo Center (Formerly the Center for Non Violent Education) provides education and support for all parents and families. For all ages. FREE. Echo Parenting and Education Center, 1226 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles (Echo Park) (Thanks to Family Finds for the idea!)

April 30- May1. (April 30 10am – 6pm, May 1 10am – 5pm). The free annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! This event includes celebrity appearances, live music, cooking demos, author reading, an area especially for kids and much more! It will be at USC this year. To locate USC on Yahoo! Maps or similar mapping software, you may use the intersection of Exposition Blvd and S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089. Parking at the USC campus will be $10. Find out more at http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

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

May 1. 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:Young Musicians Foundation Chamber Ensembles perform works by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorák, Hindemith, Berkeley, and Adrienne Albert’s New York Gardens. If you don’t make it there, you can also listen online for free at: http://www.lacma.org/programs/SundaysLive.aspx#audio

May 3. Free day for La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.

May 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.

May 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.

May 3. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall.

May 5 (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

Now is the time to register for the free L.A. County Junior Golf Program for the summer. Children 18 and under are welcome. Here’s the link to the form: http://www.lacountyjuniorgolf.com/norsumv1.pdf

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 (including Sunday, May 1^st) 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!)

Upcoming Events

On May 6th, you can get free admission to a garden near you! Descanso Gardens is one of the beautiful gardens nearby, in La Canada. Here’s the link. http://www.bhg.com/gardening/celebrate-national-public-gardens-day/

Click on get coupon. Follow the instructions to sign up, then click on ‘Download Now’ to print your Free Admission voucher! (Thanks to Frugal Girls for the deal!)

May 7. 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.

May 7. 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.

May 7. 2 p.m. The Throne of Fire Release Party and Pharaoh's Quest LEGO Giveaway at Borders in Northridge (other Borders also participating. Call your local store to see if they are holding this event). Put on your favorite pharaoh gear, brush up on your hieroglyphics and get ready to party with Rick Riordan's The Kane Chronicles and free LEGO's Pharaoh's Quest building set! Space for this event is limited, call the store to RSVP. 818.886.5443. 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge, CA 91324.

May 10. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away free ice blended drinks during their open house! The freebie applies to mocha mint chip, cookies and cream and expresso cream ice blended drink; no substitutions. There’s a limit of one free drink per customer, and it excludes all Ralphs stores, casinos, campus or airport locations.

May 21. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free Lego Club for Kids at The Burbank Central Library. Open to kids from ages 2-14 and their families! Specially sized larger blocks will be available for toddlers. 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, 91502. For more information call (818) 238-5600.

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 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 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 1-28

Activities

January 28. 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 29. 8:30 a.m. Free Thrive Financial Sessions on Debt, Tax, and Investing at the Church on The Way. Guest speakers include the founder and CEO of Not of This World (NOTW) Christian Clothing. Free childcare available for birth through kindergarten. For more information call 818-779-8020.

January 30. 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: Violinist Tim Fain and pianist Gideon Rubin perform Zimmerili: The Light Guitar, Glass: I Enjoyed the Laughter from Book of Longing, Fauré: Sonata No.1 in A Major, Puts: Arches, and Zhurbin: Sicilienne.

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

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

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

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 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.

February 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 Deals

During the month of February, all regular footlong sandwiches at Subway are $5!

Upcoming Events

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 13. 6 p.m. $25 per couple. Marrieds Valentine Dinner at the Church on the Way in the Living Room, East Campus. Come to a wonderful dinner with special musical guests and touching stories and child care for birth through 6^th grade. Call 818-779-8095 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.

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 1-21

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 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