Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-22

Activities

July 22. 7-9:30 p.m. Keyes Lexus of Valencia has free Jazz and Blues concert series every Friday night thru Aug. 27. This week: Tony Galla Band. 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 22. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: John Beasley. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 23. Neighborhood yard sale in Simi Valley. Olympic Street in Simi Valley - North of Royal, south of Barnes, west of Sequoia.

July 23. 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.

July 23. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Bobby Matos & his Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 24. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Diavolo Dance Theater Education Company. This group looks amazing! Here’s the website to check them out: http://www.diavolo.org/ Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 24. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: iPalpiti Artists. 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 26. Borders is closing, so no more toddler story time. There are sales going on, starting July 22.

July 26. 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).

July 26. 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!) This week, they get Mr. Popper’s Penguins! The boys have wanted to see this one. http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=30

July 26. 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 crowd-pleasing “A Faery Hunt” theater group returns to the Gardens on Tuesday, July 26. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 26-27. 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. DOOGAL & MEGAMIND are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CHRONICLES OF NARNIA & PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. ASTRO BOY & FURRY VENGEANCE 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 27. 7 p.m. Free children’s evening at Levitt Pavilion. This week: Steve Songs. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

July 28. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Kristin Korb. 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 28. 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: Yari Moré y su Orquesta.

Shopping Deals

July 28. Target’s bi-annual 75% off toy clearance should be starting today! I’ll be there, checking it out. Look carefully through the toy section, as the deals are often spread out.

Kristin's Kickbacks List Week of 7-8

Activities

July 8. 5-10 p.m. Burbank’s Birthday. Free event. The city turns 100 and is celebrating with an air parade, a Mascot parade, live performances, children’s entertainment, fireworks and a huge cupcake display. Downtown Burbank. www.downtown-burbank.org

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!)

July 8. 6 p.m. Free weekly jazz concerts at LACMA. This week: Clayton Cameron Sextet. BP Grand Entrance. No reservations needed.

July 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.

July 9. 10 a.m. Big!Fun!World! Family Series: AXIS Dance Company. This dance troupe is known for integrating the audience into the dance experience. Reservations required. Tickets $5 for adults, free for children. Ford Theatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. www.fordtheatres.org.

July 9. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Target Free Family Saturday: Once Upon a Time. Do crafts, watch vintage anime, listen to We Tell Stories and take part in a “storytelling tea party.” Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., L.A. 213-625-0414.

July 9. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Latin Sounds in Hancock Park. (Free event every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September). This week: Bobby Rodriguez Latin Jazz at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum.

July 10. 4 p.m. Free event at Levitt Pavilion. Hudson Vagabond Puppets. The troupe uses over-size puppets and maskes to tell the story on Jemima Puddle Duck. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, W. 6^th St. and S. Park View St., L.A. www.levittla.org

July 10. 6 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA. (Los Angles County Museum of Art). This week: Pianist Bernadene Blaha and violinist Livia Sohn. 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 11. Get a free 7.11 oz slurpee at 7-11 (Thanks, Janice!)

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

July 12. 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: Aaron Nigel Trio, reggae-flavored music. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200.

July 12-13. 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. TALE OF DESPEREAUX & YOGI BEAR are playing at the Civic Center Stadium 16 in Simi Valley at 2751 Tapo Cyn Road. CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS & GULLIVERS TRAVEL are playing at the Canyon Country Stadium 10 at 18800 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. MARMADUKE & MEGAMIND 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 13. 11 a.m. Puppet Show at Porter Ranch Library. 11371 Tampa Avenue
Porter Ranch, 91326. (Thanks, Janice!)

July 13. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids Club: Reptilian Adventures. The Reptile Family will let you look at snakes and lizards! Free event. The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-497-9861.

July 13. 7 p.m. Theatre 360 at Levitt Pavilion. Enjoy a free evening of family-friendly theater from this award-winning local children’s theater company. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena. www.levittpavilionpasadena.org

July 14. 5:30 p.m. Music on the Main jazz series at Descanso Gardens.This week: Drummer Sammy Miller, a rising star on the jazz scene, headlines a concert of smooth jazz. 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 14. 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: Johnny Planceo y su Conjunto Amistad

Back to School Supplies

Stores already have back to school sales! Here’s one for school supplies from Staples, good until 7-9-11. (Thanks, Nikki!)

· Staples Paper Clips, 50 ct – $0.50

· Staples 12″ Ruler – $0.50

· Avery Insertable 5 Tab Dividers – $0.50

· Staples Steel 1 Hole Punch – $0.50

· Staples Magnetic Bulldog Clip, 3 pk – $0.50

· Staples Main Composition Book, 80 sheets, 2 pk – $0.50

· Staples Pencil Box – $0.50

· Staples Pencil Sharpener – $0.50

· Staples Clipboard, 5.5″ x 9″ – $0.50

Kristin’s Kickbacks: Free and Inexpensive Summer Ideas

Concerts

● LACMA has several free concerts throughout the summer. Check their website for more details. http://www.lacma.org/

● Free Concerts in the Park in Santa Clarita at Central Park. Saturday nights at 7 p.m. from July 9^th to August 27^th. http://www.santa-clarita.com/arts/concerts/ 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita.

● Free Concerts in Park at Warner Center Park on Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

● Jazz at Descanso Gardens. Enjoy live jazz on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. from June 23-August 25. Concerts are free with admission to the Gardens and free for members. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. (818) 949-4200.

● Thursday night summer concerts at the Autry Museum from 6-9 p.m. July 7-September 1 (across from L.A. Zoo). The taco bar opens at 6 p.m., and the museum and museum store close at 8 p.m. Complimentary dance lessons and a separate dance floor for kids guarantee fun for all! Free for Autry members / $10 for nonmembers. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, 90027.

● The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts-Pasadena is proud to present its 9th annual 50 summer concert series. All concerts are FREE to the public beginning June 22 to August 28, Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy an evening under the stars at Memorial Park in Old Pasadena while listening to quality entertainment ranging from Grammy winners and nominees, to international touring artists, and local favorites! 323-667-2000. http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/

Gardens

● Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advanced tickets. Get tickets June 1^st for July free day at 9 a.m. Call 800-838-3006 or get tickets online at http://www.huntington.org/default.aspx. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 91108. 626-405-2100.

● Los Angeles Arboretum. Free parking. Admission free on the third Tuesday of the month. 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, 91007. (626) 821-3222.

● 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. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. (818) 949-4200.

Museums

● Kidspace Museum in Pasadena—free admission on first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103. (626) 449-9144.

● Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Museum. Free on Thursdays. Advance tickets required. 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90049. (310) 440-4500.

● California Science Center. Free admission. Open from 10 to 5. Parking is $8. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, 90037. (323) 724-3623.

● Getty Museum in Brentwood and Getty Villa near Malibu. Admission is free. Villa requires reservations. Parking is $15. Getty Center is at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 440-7300. Getty Villa is at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. (310) 440-7300.

● Natural History Museum in Exposition Park is free on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking is $8. 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles. (213) 763-3466.

● La Brea Tar Pits is also free on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking is $6.00 with Page Museum validation (Page Museum parking lot only), $8.00 without Page Museum validation. Be sure to bring your parking ticket into the museum to receive your validation. 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 934-7243.

● LACMA is free on the second Tuesday of the month, as well as Holiday Mondays. Parking is now available in the new 6th Street parking garage, located just east of Fairfax Avenue. The charge is $7 and may be prepaid at all Welcome Centers, with credit cards now accepted. 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 857-6000.

● Did you know your children can get a free membership to LACMA? NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in. Here’s the link for the enrollment form: http://www.lacma.org/programs/pdfs/NewEnglishNexGenForm.pdf

Water Fun

● New pool and aquatic center at Northridge Park. 10058 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, CA 91324. 818-709-7475.

● Aquatic center in Santa Clarita. $4 for adults, $3 for kids, 2 and under free. Family Movie Nights at Aquatic center-- $7 a person, various dates. 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. 661-250-3766.

● Rancho Tapo Community Park—Water & Climbing Playground. 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley (Also known as Lemon Park)

● Beach day! Pack a lunch and spend a day at a local beach.

Other Discounts

● $1 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Regal Theatres in Simi Valley, Calabasas and Santa Clarita. Older G and PG movies. Check their website for schedule.

● 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.

Additional Ideas

● L.A. Zoo

● Bowling

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 8-27

August 26-29. Old Navy, Banana Republic, and The Gap Give & Get Sale! Take an extra 30% off your entire purchase with this coupon!! Enjoy 30% off and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society gets 5% of what you spend. Valid in-store only.

August 27. 6 pm. FREE weekly concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. BP Grand Entrance. This week: Mon David.

August 27. 7-9:30 p.m. This is the last week of the Keyes Lexus of Valencia has Jazz and Blues concert series. This week: Michael John & the Bottom Line. 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!)

August 28. 10 a.m. FREE Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build a school bus! The kids get goggles, an apron and a kit to build an item. They use hammers their size and get a patch afterward for completing the project.

August 28. 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!)

August 28. 10 a.m. Big!World!Fun! Family Series at the Ford Theatre. This week features LA Opera. No experience with opera is necessary to enjoy Sing Out Loud! Artists from LA Opera offer interactive performances of opera’s greatest hits plus music from the theatre.PRE-SHOW ACTIVITIES START @ 9AM – arrive early to make opera glasses with the Autry! 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, L.A. One hour-long music, dance and theatre aimed for children ages 4 to 10 and families. Children free, adults $5. Parking $1. Reservations required. To avoid handling fees, call the box office at 323-461-3673. This is outdoors and it’s okay to bring food.

August 28. 7-10 p.m. Last week at Warner Park: Movies on the Green. Movie begins about ½ hour after sunset. This week’s movie is: Star Trek (PG-13). Outdoor family movies are presented on Saturday evenings through August 28th and are projected on a 30’ screen with digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills.

August 28. 6-8 p.m. Last of the free weekly summer concerts at Simi Valley Town Center. This week: August 28th: Grand Final Disco Night and Costume Contest! 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, 93065. (805) 581-1430.

August 28. 5-7 p.m. FREE weekly concerts at Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater at LACMA, in Hancock Park north of the museum. This week: Oscar Hernandez and the LA/NY Connection. Oscar Hernández is known as one of the most gifted pianist/arrangers on the contemporary Latin scene.

August 29. 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: Pianist Maria Demina and violinist Mitchell Newman perform Chopin: Fantasy in F minor, Opus 49, and Respighi: Violin Sonata in B minor.

August 29. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Last of the FREE weekly concerts in the park. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. This week: The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz.

August 29. 7 p.m. FREE. Levitt Pavilion. Rhythmic Circus Presents: Feet Don't Fail Me Now--An innovative jazz production that features urban tap dance. 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

August 31. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is getting ready for school.

August 31. 6 p.m. FREE. Kids’ Club at The Commons at Calabasas. Stoil Stoilov mixes magic and comedy. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

September 1. 9 a.m. Get tickets for Huntington Gardens free day in October. Call 800-838-3006 or go online at www.huntington.org.

September 2. 10:30 a.m. The Oaks in Thousand Oaks. Enjoy music for children from award-winning Tia Cohen. 350 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks.

Movies

$4 Movie Ticket on Fandango.com (up to $12 value)
http://www.groupon.com/deals/fandango-email?/r/uu1117423
Highlights
· Convenient online redemption
· More than 16,000 screens nationwide
· Everyone likes movies
The Fine Print
· Expires Feb 28, 2011
· Limit 1 per person. Must register Fandango account. Valid for 1 ticket worth up to $12. Not valid for IMAX or 3D movies. Not for resale. No cash back.
· See the rules that apply to all deals.

Toy Story 3 is now playing at the discount theatres in Pasadena and Simi Valley if you haven’t seen it or want to see it again.

Simi Valley 10 Cinemas
http://www.simivalley10.com/
Matinee: $3.00 Evening: $3.75
Box Office: (805)526-4329
1457 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley CA, 93065

Academy Cinemas - Pasadena
1003 E. Colorado Blvd
At Colorado & Catalina
Pasadena, CA. 91106
626-229-9400
http://www.regencymovies.com/main.php?theaterId=8
Matinee Admission $2.00 Films starting at and before 6pm
Evening Admission $3.00 Films starting after 6pm
Wednesday Night Special! Movies starting at 6 PM and later are a great deal for you and a buddy! You and a companion get 2 admissions, 2 popcorns and 2 sodas for only $10!

Back-to-School Deals

There are a lot of back to school sales for school supplies right now. Check out this link Janet sent me for a great chart of sales at various stores. http://www.saveathomemommy.com/2010/08/school-supply-deals-822-28/

Photo Deals

Free 8x8 Photo Book from Shutterfly.com
Get a free 8x8 photo book with hard cover (offer valid for one-time redemption per member). Just choose some of your favorite summer pictures and make your photo book.
· Get a free photo book using code 8PBA91
· Offer ends September 1, 2010
· You'll love it. We promise. If not, we offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
· New photo book layouts help tell your story
· Printed on the highest quality paper.
· Free shipping on orders of $30 or more using code SHIP30
http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books?PH=1&cid=FOC_082610

Picaboo is offering a FREE classic photo book during August. Just design your own photo book at Picaboo. Get it FREE with code FREEBK until 8/31. To design your book you will need to download Picaboo’s free software Make sure to design a large Classic, Classic Leather, or Classic Custom book by August 31. The total cost of your book (up to 20 pages) will be deducted from your order total. This is a $39 value and you just pay the shipping of $8.99. This offer is available to new Picaboo members only. The website is www.picaboo.com

Here’s another photo deal. Through 9/1, you can order 3 Free 5×7 Folded Photo Cards from Shutterfly (just pay shipping, just over $1). www.shutterfly.com I took advantage of this deal earlier in the year and made great Father’s Day cards for my hubby and dad. At checkout, enter code: SUMMERCARDS. Here’s how to order the cards:
· Create or Login to your account.
· Click on ‘Cards & Stationery’, then ‘5×7 Folded Greeting Cards’, then select other card style and upload photos
· Order
· Select ‘Send them Back to Me’ to avoid postage costs
· Change Quantity to total 3 cards, then ‘Add to Cart’
· {or you can order 1 each of 3 different styles!}
· When you’re in your shopping cart, click on the blue words at the top “Enter promo code”
· Enter & apply code: SUMMERCARDS

Frugal Girls list other photo deals out right now. Here’s the link: http://thefrugalgirls.com/hot-photo-deals

Restaurant Deals

Maggiano’s Little Italy now has a new option on their menu. For $12.95, you get a pasta dish to eat and another one to take home. Add a dessert for just $2 with the coupon available at the following address through 9/3/2010.
http://maggianos.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=36507231545&storecode=165 You can also sign up online to receive $10 off your next meal, and discounts on your birthday, anniversary, and occasionally throughout the year. http://www.maggianos.com/

Here’s a deal at Wendy’s. Each store got 1,000 keychain cards to sell for a $1 each. Purchase the keychain and get a Junior Frosty (the small kids size) for free. On each returning visit to Wendy's present the card and you'll get a free Junior Frosty (when you purchase something). You can use it as many times as you would like through December. Limit one free Frosty per transaction.

Every day in August, from 4-10 p.m., kids eat free at IHOP. Buy an adult entrée, get a kids’ meal free.

Ongoing Deals

My friend Randi recommends the Carousel at the Santa Monica Pier. It’s $2 for adults, $1 for kids (I think) and is open everyday except Tuesdays. (310) 394-8042. Make a day of it and check out the Annenberg Community Beach House. It’s Santa Monica’s only public beach house, offering a pool and beach access. It’s normally $7 but go this Monday, August 30, and it’s only $1 per person! Passes go on sale at 9:30 a.m., pool entry is at 10 a.m. All members of your group must be present to buy tickets. Hours vary; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays. NOTE: The pool is 4' to 8' deep. Due to the depth of this pool, children under 8 years old and 4' tall must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times. Children under 12 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult in the pool area. Children requiring use of a diaper must wear a swim diaper in the pool. It looks like a beautiful place!

Upcoming Events

L.A. County Fair is coming Sept 4 - Oct 3, 2010. There are all kinds of deals, including the following during the opening weekend.

Opening Weekend $1 Specials – Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sept. 4 – Monday, Sept. 6
Admission –$1, 10 a.m. – 1. p.m., regular admission rates apply after 1 p.m. Ages 5 and younger free every day. PARKING is $10 for general and $15 for preferred. Open on Labor Day, closed Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of the fair dates.
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 6. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boddy's Big Backyard Festival at Descanso Gardens. Inspired by the legendary parties that E. Manchester Boddy hosted in the '30s and '40s, Descanso celebrates Labor Day with music, food and flora. Enjoy a morning walk through the California Natives Garden at 10 a.m., then gather the kids for a special reading of "Teddy Bears' Picnic" at 12:30 p.m. Kick out the jams with the Mobile Homeboys from 1 to 3p.m., and either bring a picnic or purchase a BBQ lunch from Patina's gourmet chuck wagon from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. All activities are free with admission. General $ 8. Senior/Students $ 6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Members and children under 5 free.

September 6. 12-8 p.m. Free admission all day to LACMA.

September 11 and 12. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7th Annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival will take place at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes. FREE admission and parking.

September 20 - 26th. SpaFinder Deal Days. Book early for 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 25th is museum day! You can request a ticket for free admission for two people by going to this link. http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html?2010