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 7-1

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!)

Blockbuster Express Deal

Blockbuster Express has a deal for today, 9/29/10, only: rent one dvd, get one free. Here's the code: WDVD2

Kristin’s Kickbacks List Week of 9-24

Local and Online Weekend Deals from Groupon

$37 for Two Indoor Skydiving Flights Plus DVD at iFly Hollywood ($84.90 Value)
http://www.groupon.com/los-angeles/
Highlights
· Two indoor flights
· Equivalent time of three tandem-skydives
· DVD of your flight provided
The Fine Print
· Expires Mar 27, 2011
· Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Not valid Saturdays. By app't only. Must weigh less than 250 lbs.; if under 6', must weigh less than 230 lbs. Not valid for pregnant women or those with history of heart, neck, back or shoulder problems.
· See the rules that apply to all deals.

$7 for One 8" Mum Pot Delivered to Your Home from BidMyCrib.com (Available through Sunday)
http://www.groupon.com/deals/bid-my-crib-com-cincinnati-1
Highlights
· Choice of five colors
· Delivered right to your door
· Order multiple flowers
· Brightens up any yard
The Fine Print
· Expires Dec 27, 2010
· Allow 2 weeks for delivery. No cash back. Not valid with other offers.
· See the rules that apply to all deals.

$20 for $40 Worth of Personalized Paper Products and Invitations from Between the Sheets Co. (Available through Friday)
http://www.groupon.com/deals/between-the-sheets-co-north-jersey
Highlights
· Beautiful, quality paper goods
· Complimentary custom designs
· Shop online
The Fine Print
· Expires Dec 15, 2010
· Redeem starting 9/26. Limit 4 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per order. Allow 2 weeks for shipping. Not valid for monogrammed goods, rubber stamps, custom cups or home goods. Shipping not included.
· See the rules that apply to all deals.

$15 for a Personalized Photo Lunchbox from Photo Lunchboxes ($30 Value) (Available through Sunday)
http://www.groupon.com/deals/flip-clips-1
Highlights
· Classic metal lunchbox
· Personalize both sides with a photo, design, or monogram
· Great gift for kids
The Fine Print
· Expires Mar 1, 2011
· Redeem starting 9/28. Limit 1 per order. Shipping not included. Tax not included for orders in California. Not valid with other offers.
· See the rules that apply to all deals.

Activities

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

September 24 and all subsequent Fridays. 12-6 p.m. L.A. County Fair. Ralphs Food Drive Fridays. Bring 5 cans of Ralphs brand food on Fridays to the fair and receive an admission ticket. The food is donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

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

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

September 24. 6-8 pm. FREE weekly jazz concerts at LACMA, no reservations required. LA Times Central Court. This week: Kristin Korb. Vocalist/bassist Kristin Korb tours internationally as a performer, clinician, and guest artist with numerous jazz ensembles. Her new release, In The Meantime, features her innovative arrangements of jazz standards with the help of jazz greats Bob Sheppard, Nick Mancini, Llew Matthews, Steve Barnes and Larry Koonse.

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

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

September 26. 6 p.m. No concert this week at the LACMA.

September 28. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Toddler story time at Borders at the Northridge Mall. Theme this week is autumn.

September 28. 6 p.m. FREE. Kids Club at The Commons at Calabasas. This week: Magic. 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas.

September 29. 11 a.m. Kids Club at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks. This week: Music and Games with Peter. 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., T. Oaks, 91362.

September 29. Free food! You can try the new Panda Express Kobari Beef on 9-29 only! No purchase required! One entree per person with a coupon. Here’s the link to the coupon:
http://184.106.246.200/PX_FB_tab/images/Kobari-10-ecoupon.jpg

September 30. (Please note this is the corrected date). 5-8 p.m. Free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. You get a 3 oz. Make-A-Wish Creation (which is sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownie, sprinkles and caramel).

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Movies

Movie Ticket Deal (Available through 9-24 only). Get 4 movie tickets for $15!
Go to the following address and sign up as a new user and you'll get $5 credit.
http://tippr.com/i/chris.rosenquist/l/
Go to Seattle Deals (you don’t have to live in Seattle for this deal), and choose Weekly Cinema. Great deal!

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

Blockbuster Express has a new code out. Get a free movie rental for one night with coupon code SSD19B. Expires Sept. 30, 2010. In addition, they have a coupon code good for this weekend. Rent any two movies and get the third one free, just use code THXBBX.

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

Shopping

JcPenney has two deals right now.

Use JCPenney coupon code GO4TEN to get $10 off a purchase of $10 or more online. Also try coupon code LIZ4YOU to get the discount. You may be able to use them both on two separate orders. It's unclear how long these coupon codes are valid, so don't wait long if you want to use them. And shoes ship free right now!

Here is a deal you can get through 10/22 at Sephora locations inside JCPenney Stores: Free Buxom Lash Mascara. All you need to do is bring the printable coupon with you. Here’s the link: http://f.chtah.com/i/2/95827765/092210_SIJCP_ePDF_FINAL_4.jpg

Photo Deals

Snapfish is now offering 75 Free Prints for all Snapfish Members {just pay s/h}! Add 75 4X6 Prints to your cart. At checkout, enter Promo Code: ISTOCK75. Shipping and handling will be around $4.42. Good through 11/30.

Upcoming Events

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

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

October 9. Used book sale at Mid-Valley Regional Branch. This is a sale not to miss! Children’s books have all been 25 cents in the past! It’s held in a small room stuffed with books, so I try to go without my children if possible. 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, 91343. 818-895-3650.

Awesome Movie Ticket Deal!!!

Movie Ticket Deal (Available Through Friday)
Go to the following address and sign up as a new user, you'll get $5 credit.
http://tippr.com/i/chris.rosenquist/l/
Go to Seattle Deals, and choose Weekly Cinema. The deal is 4 movie tickets for $20, so you pay $15. (You do not need to live in Seattle to get this deal. It's online so it's good all over).

Ways to save on movies

My husband and I are both movie lovers! Here are some of the ways we've found to save money on movies.

• The entertainment book has coupons making an AMC movie $7.50 and Regal movie $7 (or $8.50 for a newly released show). The entertainment book also has coupons for restaurants, Ralphs grocery store, many entertainment venues, etc. Right now they have a deal when you reserve a copy of the 2011 book, you get a 2010 copy free! (The 2010 book is good through November 1st).
  http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml
  

• Sign up for the various free club type cards at each theatre. We have a Movie Watcher card from AMC and earn free movies, $1 candies, etc.

• Look for current deals, like the Kellogg's deal.
  Earn a free movie pass and other cool prizes! Now you can turn codes from specially-marked Kellogg’s® cereals (such as Rice Krispies and Frosted Mini Wheats) into points that you can redeem for great stuff inspired by everyone’s favorite gang of toy characters. If you are a new visitor sign up today for a Toy Story 3 account and start adding up your points!
  http://toystory3.kelloggs.com/
  

• Try a discount theatre. Here are two theatres near me:

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

• Check out Regal Theatres Free Summer Movies for Families.

Here's the link:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx

• Wait for the movie to come out on video. Redbox has movies for $1 a night (just make sure you return them on time). During June, Redbox will give you a free rental when you rent 2 movies at the same time. This does not work with online rentals. You will have to rent directly from the kiosk to get the codes. You can only earn 1 free rental per day. The promo codes that are issued cannot be shared, and must be used within 7 days after you receive them. Redbox says that your promo code will be emailed to you 72 hours after your rental transaction, and you will have 7 days to use the code after it is sent to you. Yay for free movies!