Family Friendly New Year's Eve at John's Incredible Pizza Co

Starting at 4pm until 1am, for $10 a person enjoy unlimited food and fun at John’s Incredible Pizza Co, on Herndon and Cedar, and ring in the New Year with your family.  You can watch the ball drop on the big screen, enjoy the all you can eat buffet with pizza, salad, soup and more! All you can drink beverages including sodas, ICEE, iced tea, and more! With video games and attractions stay warm with your family until the New Year comes!

Free Ride from Tipsy Tow New Year's Eve

If tonight becomes too much fun for you, call Tipsy Tow who is offering free tows (and rides in the tow truck) to your home. Call 1 800 222 4357 for more details- or if you need a ride tonight. Deal runs from 6pm to 6am. Start the New Year right. Save lives.
Thanks Fresno Couponing.

Senior FAX and Taxi Discounts

This information is directly from the city website:

Senior Transportation

Fresno Area Express (FAX) - we offer several services to reduce or eliminate the cost of public transportation for seniors, as well as make these options accessible.  Services offered include:

• Seniors Fare - $0.60 fixed-route service at any time for seniors 65 and older with valid ID or Senior 7 card. 
• Senior Monthly Pass - Seniors may purchase a monthly pass for only $24.
• COG's Taxi Scrip - Upon application approval, seniors 70 and older may purchase a $20 booklet of taxi scrip, that acts as cash, for a reduced rate of $5.

For information, please call FAX at 621-RIDE (7433)

To view more information include hot meal programs, recreation for seniors, and more click HERE.

Fresno Monsters Hockey 2 Tickets for $8.50

Fresno Monsters together with Living Social is offering 2 hockey tickets for $8.50 instead of the normal $17 for two. Get the deal HERE. This deal ends on Saturday December 31 at 11:59pm. They are almost sold out.  The tickets are good for home games only and expire March 24, 2012. The Monsters play at the Selland Area.

700 M StreetFresno, CA 93721559-445-8142

Read more here: http://findnsavefresno.dealsaver.com/engine/SplashDetails.aspx?LID=524&contestid=29812&productid=4098336&p=13#storylink=cpy

700 M StreetFresno, CA 93721559-445-8142

Read more here: http://findnsavefresno.dealsaver.com/engine/SplashDetails.aspx?LID=524&contestid=29812&productid=4098336&p=13#storylink=cpy

Selland Arena700 M StreetFresno, CA 93721559-445-8142Visit Our Website Selland Arena

Read more here: http://findnsavefresno.dealsaver.com/engine/SplashDetails.aspx?LID=524&contestid=29812&productid=4098336&p=13#storylink=cpy

Hurray Old Navy Groupon pay $10 for $20 of merchandise!

Old Navy together with Groupon is selling vouchers of $20 for $10. These sell out fast, so may sure and hurry HERE to get yours. I'm using mine for the end of year clearance. It needs to be used in one purchase and expires January 28, 2012; however, the $10 never expires. Deal ends December 24th at 11:59pm.

Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Salt Dough Recipe

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups warm water

Directions:

Mix flour and salt. Then gradually add water, finishing with your hands. Knead until soft: think playdough.

Roll out on a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters or trace kids hands with a pencil on the dough and cut them out with a butter knife in a sawing motion. You will need to smooth the edges. Cut holes before baking to hang the ornaments (the holes shrink only a little), or hot glue opened paper clips to the back of baked pieces.

Bake at 325 degree F for about an hour, or use a lower temperature (200 degrees) for longer to prevent bubbling. You can add food coloring to the dough or paint them with acrylic; we used nail polish last year.  

These are plain, but I like 'em.

Thanks Phyllis from Allrecipes.

Michael's Christmas Blow-out Starts Today 12/20/2011

Includes artificial trees, stocking stuffers, wrapping paper, baskets, Christmas crafts, and more!

Tips for Affordable Car Insurance

Are you paying too much for car insurance? No, this isn't an ad; still, a valid question though. A few years ago I switched from what I would consider one of the "big" car insurance companies to a company (Safeco) offered through my credit card company. Sounds kinda weird, but it turned out to be a great deal for me. I haven't been able to find better insurance for the price in my search so far.


So now to the tips:

Ask about multiple car discounts.

Ask about Good Driver discounts.

Ask about Good Student discounts.

Ask about discounts for having anti-theft devices (car alarms).

Ask about home/renters insurance discounts.

Ask about options for particular features ie) remove the 100 mile towing roadside assistance and replace it with 5 mile towing. (5 mile towing has worked perfectly for us.)

Ask about lowering the mileage estimate for your car- if you are only driving 7,000 miles a year, instead of 15,000 miles that does make a difference now.

Ask about different deductible options.

Ask about getting "comp" only for your registered car that you are not driving right now.

Consider liability instead of full coverage for your older car. If you have a $500 deductible and can only get $1000 for your car, it's not worth it.

Add full coverage for a car rental temporarily and then call back to have it removed when you wish.


Be careful not to sacrifice the quality of your coverage for the price. Keep in mind your family's needs, but these tips can help shave a few dollars off and save you money!

Rent College Textbooks

Ever had a college semester were you had no idea how you were going to pay for textbooks? Well, did you know you can rent textbooks? Some sites provide free shipping both ways! . Check out DealOz.com which is like a airfare comparison site except for textbooks etc. It compares prices to rent, buy used, and buy new. Check out Bookrenters.com, or Chegg.com. DealOz.com also gives you the option to sell your books as well. Don't forget you can always check Half.com ,Amazon.com,  and Craigslist. Good luck in the spring!

Bread Machine White Bread

Michele's White Bread
Ingredients
In Order:
1 1/8 Cup Warm Water
1 1/2 Tbsp Oil
3 Cups Bread Flour (or All Purpose Flour with 3 Tbsp Vital Wheat Gluten)
1 Tsp salt
1/4 Cup Potato Flakes
1/8 Cup Sugar
1/8 Cup Powdered Milk
2 1/4 Tsp Dry Active Yeast

Set the bread machine to dough cycle (8 on my machine). Immediately withdraw the dough when the machine finishes. Let rise before baking about 20 minutes. Bake at 375 degree F for 20 minutes.

This recipe works without the bread machine. You would need to prep the yeast with sugar and warm water at least 5-10 minutes until nice and foamy. The mix and knead the ingredients about 5 minutes.  Let rise until double punch down and shape into loaf. Let rise 20 minutes, then bake at 375 degree for 20 minutes.

$15 for $30 Christmas Tree from Bread Upon Waters

Bread Upon Waters, a non denominational ministry, 

located in Clovis, together with Valley Daily Deals is offering a deal for Christmas 

trees. Today you can purchase a $15 coupon for $30 

toward a Christmas tree. No cash back, one per visit.

Offers ends Wednesday December 21,2011, 11:59pm. You can choose from 

Douglas Grand and Noble Fir trees. 

They offer flocking and fire retardant on location. 

2250 Clovis Ave

Fresno CA 93612

559-917-3159
Clovis Ave & Santa Ana, behind Sierra Vista Mall

Hours: Open Everyday from 12:00-8:00 PM

Click HERE to get the deal. Expires 12/22/2011.

The Fresno Synced Christmas Lights Tour

Yay!  Mike Oz at the Fresno Bee took the time to do what I wanted to do, but hadn't got to; he documented the neighborhoods to visit that have their Christmas Lights synched to music around Fresno and Clovis. Click HERE for the article and directions.

A Christmas Story at 2nd Space Theatre Until December 18th

Tonight through Sunday night 2nd Space Theatre in the Tower District will finish its performances of A Christmas Story. Who can forget Ralphie and his dream of a Red Ryder BB Gun with a compass in the stock.
2nd Space Theatre
928 E Olive, Fresno, CA 93728

For more information call: 559-266-0660
Email GATHER@ROGERROCKAS.COM You can purchase tickets online http://www.WWW.GCPLAYERS.COM

The Christmas Patch in Clovis

Spraetz Holiday Landscape Environment, L P is hosting The Christmas Patch and Party Place in Clovis  on Pollasky between Fifth and Seventh. You can purchase a Christmas tree, ice skate, ride a carousel and more!

The Christmas Patch is open from 10am-10pm.

For more information call: (559) 593-8193

Hmong New Year 2012! Don't miss this unique cultural event!

The Hmong New Year celebration takes place on December 26, 2011 through January 1, 2012. Located at the Fresno Fair Grounds 1121 S. Chance Ave. Fresno CA 93703 events include Miss Hmong International Pagent. Hmong New Year includes over 30 food vendors, arts and crafts, 2 stages for entertainment and the latest in fashion, music, and film for Hmong culture. Come play the pov pob game (ball tossing game). The traditional clothing alone is fantastic. 
Attend from 8am-until 4pm or later daily. Let me assure you, you won't be disappointed. 
This event is completely unique to Fresno over 100,000 will attend.
We have the largest Hmong population in the USA.

Tickets cost $4 for six and over.
Five and under are free.
Seniors 65+ are free.
Veterans with ID are free.

 For more information click HERE or call:
Chong Za Her  (559) 487-1012
Charlie Vang   (559) 803-1026
Pao Fang        (559) 312-3024

Library List of Events

So I found an alternative to the "Full Events Calendar" on the Fresno County Public Library site and this page lists all the individual library pages. Each library lists its times and features and includes a Events at ..... link. This link lets you view each calendar separately. Very cool. There are still a few libraries doing the Gingerbread House activity (Fig Garden, Clovis), but makes sure you call and sign up. They fill up fast.

Visit with Santa in Prather December 16th

This Friday December 16, 2011, you can visit with Santa in Prather  at the decorated Christmas tree on the north end of the CVS parking lot. Christmas caroling will take place and join in the fun with hot chocolate and cookies. Begins at 5 pm until 7 pm. Don't forget to pick up a Charlie Brown Christmas tree from the Boy Scouts! Dinner at the Pizza Factory alone would make the trip for flatlanders well worthwhile.

Thanks Pat.

10 Frugal Ideas for Surviving Gift Giving

1. One Gift from Mom, One Gift from Dad, One Gift from Santa.
2. Have siblings design and create homemade gifts for each other. Necklaces, decorate gloves...
3. Bake: take orders of everyone's favorite dessert or cookie and make them.
4. Price Limits for Spouses- It's the thought that counts. Consider activities you enjoy together as gifts instead of material things. Memories last longer.
5. Consumable Gifts- especially great for young children that have too many toys already- drawing paper, activity books, crayons, pencils, pens, bubbles, paint, etc. (most of which can be found at the Dollar Tree/99 Cent Store or in $1 aisles)
6. Buy Year Around- January will have some killer "after holiday" clearance- think PJs
7. $10 White Elephant- our family favorite. USB flash drives, ReWritable CDs, Flashlights always popular.
8. Collectible Gifts- does your child collect The Littlest Pet Shop, or does your husband collect comics?
9. Amazon.com
10. Follow a coupon blog or join a facebook group dedicated to saving money and sharing deals! Fresno Couponing or Fresno Frugal Finds.

Marble Slab FREE Cupcake! Thursday December 15th

Marble Slab is giving away FREE ice cream cupcakes on Thursday, December 15th for national cupcake day. Between 4-7pm visit the Champlain and Milburn locations in Fresno for your goodie! Click HERE to visit the website.

Christmas Lights on Huntington Boulevard

Candlelight Christmas in Fresno
Until December 25th, take a walk down Huntington Blvd in Fresno between First and Cedar and see America's tallest living lighted Christmas tree. Santa will also be visiting nightly on Fifth street from 6pm to 9:30pm with a life sized animated reindeer!

Call 255-8622 for more information.

This a chance to walk if you can't make it to the last walking night on Christmas Tree Lane!
(December 13, 2011)

Holiday Lane (Cindy Lane) in Clovis

Located at Peach and Alluvial, Clovis is gaining a reputation for its Holiday Lane. Less crowded than Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno, Holiday Lane has room for walkers every night. They also have a local radio station you can tune into for holiday music, but make sure you pay attention when you drive in on Peach because I forgot the number by the time I wanted to listen to it.
I drove this year and the wait was tolerable, and there is no specific route, so that "frees" up your options for how long you want to stay. Next year I will walk with the kids for sure.

Fresno Art Museum Family Day December 10th

Fresno Art Museum is presenting Family Day on Saturday December 10, 2011 from 11am to 5pm. This is a free event with holiday fun to be had!

For more info email Susan@FresnoArtMuseum.org, or call 550 441-4221 ext 101
The FAM is located on 2233 N First Street (First and Clinton)

Fresno City Choral Ensemble Winter Concert in the restored Old Administration Building December 9th

Fresno City College's Choral Ensemble is going to "Sing in the Holidays" this Friday December 9, 2011. Come support them as they sing in the newly restored administration building. 
The concert begins at 7:30 and goes until 9pm.
Tickets are $8 for Adults and $6 for Seniors, Students, and Staff. you can purchase tickets online HERE or call (559) 442-8221. RSVP via Facebook HERE.

"Season of Lights" at the Downing Planetarium December 17, 2011

The Season of Lights will be held at 2pm and again 3pm on December 17th the Downing Planetarium will be focusing on winter traditions held by different cultures, including ideas about the Star of Bethlehem.
Admission: Students with ID and children $2.50, Seniors $4, Adults $5. Free parking in lots O and P.
The Downing Planetarium is located at:
5320 N. Maple
Call 278-4121 for more information.

This information came from the Central California Parent Magazine.

Central Valley Parades! December 10, 2011

Fresno 82nd Annual Christmas Parade:
Begins at 10am in downtown Fresno. Click HERE to view the parade route.
Call 621-PLAY for more information.

Huron Annual Parade:
Begins at 12pm.
South of Palmer to Lassen, southbound and west of Myrtle into the Keenan Community Center parking lot. Festivites to follow! Call 945-2241 ext 13 or 16 for more information.


Kerman Pageantry of Lights:
Begins at 6pm. Downtown Kerman on Madera street between C and G. Holiday Gift Fair opens at 3pm on Madera and C. Call 846-6343 for more information.

Thanks Central California Parent Magazine

$42 for Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater Tickets

Until 6am Sunday morning December 4, 2011 Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater is offering $42 for 42 Hour Sale click HERE and order only online. It was so popular for Black Friday that they wanted to give fans another chance to save! These tickets are good for any day-dinner and show.  Save $7 a ticket.

Central Valley Parades! December 3, 2011

Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade:
starts at 6:30pm in Old Town Clovis.
Call  250-3351 for more information.
Dinuba Christmas Light Parade and Tree Lighting: 
5:30pm in Downtown Dinuba 289 L Street.
Call 591-5940 x 102 for more information.
Firebaugh Electric Light Christmas Parade:
Begins at 9am. Christmas tree lights at 5:30pm and parade at 6pm on Main Street.
Call 659-2043 for more information.
Kingsburg Festival Lights Parade:
begins at 5:30pm.
Call 897-1111 for more information.
Lemoore Christmas Salute Parade:
6pm on D Street
Call 924-6401 for more information.
Sanger Toyland Parade:
Begins at 11am, meet at Brehler Square for festivities.
Call 875-4575 for more information.
Tulare Children's Christmas Parade:
Begins at 10am. Parade starts at San Joaquin and K Street.
Call 686-1547 for more information.

Most of this information was found in the Central California Parent Magazine, which can be viewed online HERE, or found at your local library.

Santa Lucia Festival Today in Kingsburg!

Beginning at 10am today, December 3rd, the Swedish Village of Kingsburg will be celebrating Santa Lucia on Draper Street with food, crafts, and music. The library will be hosting a gingerbread house competition for the kids, and the Festival Lights Parade will begin at 5:30pm. Santa Claus' arrival and dancing around the town Christmas tree will follow the parade. Call 897-1111 for details.

$58 for 8; $44 for 6; or $30 for 4 Drop-in Classes at California Arts Academy

Valley Daily Deals together with California Arts Academy is offering 8 drop-in classes for $58 (a $128 value) 6 drop-in classes for $44 (a $96 value) or 4 drop-in classes for $30 (a $64 value). If you are familiar with California Arts Academy, there are two locations in Fresno and they offer an impressive range of services from art to dance, theater to voice lessons, and social dance. Click HERE to view the class schedule. My husband, Sammy G Art teaches drawing and painting at the Blackstone location. This would give you a great chance to sample different classes to see what you like. Click HERE for the $58 deal. Click HERE to get the $44 deal, and HERE for the $30 deal. The deals end on Sunday at 11:59pm.

Blackstone Location
4750 N. Blackstone , S. of Shaw
(559) 222-6539

Severance Building
1401 N. Wishon, at Floradora
(559) 498-3300

McDonald's $13 for 5 Big Macs and 5 Large Fries

Living Social together with McDonald's is offering coupon booklet for 5 Big Macs and 5 large fries for $13 (a $26 value). Click HERE for the deal! Hurry! Ends at midnight!

Christmas Tree Lane last walking night Tuesday December 13

Christmas Tree Lane will be open until December 25, 2011. This Tuesday, December 11th is the last walking night. Be prepared to meet Santa somewhere along the walk and see if you can find all of his reindeer!

Every other night on Van Ness Boulevard between Shields and Shaw, cars are welcome to drive through (northbound only) and enjoy the lights and decorations that brighten the night. 

Admission is FREE, however donations are encouraged.
Christmas Tree Lane is sponsored by the Fig Garden Homeowners Association.

The lights turn on at 6pm until 10pm Sunday through Thursday, 6pm-11pm Friday through Saturday.
A tradition since 1920, come enjoy the Fresno tradition with your family!

Clovis Christmas Tree Lighting December 5th

Join the Clovis Major and Santa Claus as they come together to light the city Christmas tree! Bring your camera to get a picture with Santa while the Clovis High and Clark choirs sing holiday carols. Refreshments will be served. This FREE event starts at 6:30pm. Come early to the Clovis City Hall to make sure to see Santa arrive by trolley! 

The Clovis City Hall is located at 

1033 Fifth Street. 

For more information call Clovis Recreation Center (559) 324-2780

Clovis Children's Electric Parade December 3, 2011

December 3rd, this Saturday, come join your neighbors for the
Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade starting at 6:30pm in Old Town Clovis.
Bring the kids, dress warm and enjoy the parade of floats, animals, lights, and more!
This is a free event.

For more information contact the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club at (559) 250-3351

The Clovis Museum FREE Admission

The Clovis Museum is maintained by the Clovis-Big Creek Historical Society. When everything cools down outside I start look for indoor activities to get me out of the house for anything other than shopping, especially if I can bring the kids with me too. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-2pm and closed most holidays. Admission is FREE and donations are accepted.
Visit the website HERE.

The museum is located at

401 Pollasky Avenue
The Clovis Museum In Old Town Clovis
Clovis, CA 93612-1141
For more information call (559) 297-8033 or email
aclovism@sbcglobal.net 

The Curator and docents are available for presentations to schools and organizations by appointment.

Free Carriage Rides in Clovis: Saturdays and Sundays Until Christmas!

Oh, how romantic! I've been a lucky soul because most of my childhood I had a chance to ride a horse whenever I wanted, and frequently rode in buggies and carriages. A carriage ride has a magic all its own and now you can have your own FREE ride!
In Old Town Clovis, every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-4pm you can catch a carriage ride on Pollaski. (Boys great date idea, hint, hint)
Contact Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT) (559) 298-5774 for more information.
You can view the Fresno Carriage facebook page HERE.

Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House FREE at Your Local Library in December!

Nearly all Fresno County Libraries are participating in a FREE Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House activity for families and children. This Saturday Woodward, Auberry, Easton, Bear Mountain, Kingsburg libraries will be participating, click HERE to see dates and times. Even if your local library is not listed, it is likely still participating, just call or stop by and pre-register to make sure you get a spot! Also check for great holiday craft activities too!

San Joaquin River Parkway FREE Holiday Event December 3, 2011

This Saturday bring your family to enjoy Holiday Cheer at the River Center from 8am-3pm. This is a FREE event kicking off with a pancake breakfast from 8am-10am ($5), then gourmet soup and salad will be available for lunch. The Riverway Trust website boasts:

"This year we'll have live entertainment featuring music and dance, free refreshments, local community organization booths, crafts and games for children, and the River Store will be open for holiday shopping." I saw a picture with Victorian Carolers, WHAT! I hope I can make it!

The River Center is located at 

11605 Old Friant Road

Fresno, CA 93730

Call (559) 248-8480 for more information.

$50 Towards a Noble Christmas Tree for $25!

Valley Daily Deals along with The Patch at Spraetz's Holiday Landscaping is offering $50 credit toward a Noble tree (6' minimum) for $25. You may purchase two coupons. This deal ends Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 11:59pm. Click HERE to get the deal!

The Patch at Spraetz's Holiday Landscaping is located at

533 Pollasky
Od Town Clovis, CA 93612
(559) 593-8197
www.thepatchclovis.com

$30 for Keratin Treatment, Haircut and Style from Joylene Aguilar ($75 value)

Valley Daily Deals together with hairstylist Joylene Aguilar of Afterglow Day Salon and Spa is offering a keratin hair treatment, haircut and style for $30. You may purchase one per order. The offer expires November 29, 2012. Purchase before December 4, 2011, at 11:59pm. So you have time to decide if this is a gift for you or someone else. Click HERE for the deal.

Afterglow Salon & Spa is located at

7498 N. Remmington, Suite 105
Fresno, CA 93711
Call (559) 579-5979 for more details or visit online at
www.afterglowdayspasalon.com/

Katherine Maxwell Skin Care 1 Hour Massage and Custom 40-Minute Mini Facial ($49); Full-Face Waxing ($17); or Rock'n Decor Body Art Application ($25)

Living Social together with Katherine Maxwell Skin Care is offering three options that would all be great gifts! An one hour massage and 40 min mini facial for $49 ($100 value) and/or Full Face Wax for $17 and/or a Rock'n Decor Body Art Application for $25. You can buy two.

Katherine Maxwell Skin Care is located at  
1533 North Wishon
Fresno, CA 93728

Call (559) 273-4613 for more details.

The Fine Print Directly from Living Social:

"Limit two per person (Option A, B or C), up to two additional as gifts • Limit one per person per visit • Appointments are required and subject to availability • Merchant cancellation/re-scheduling policy of 24 hours applies; voucher subject to forfeiture • All services must be redeemed during one visit and used by same customer; cannot be shared • Other conditions apply • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON June 2, 2012"

Island Water Park Season Passes Unlimited $69.99, M-Th $49.99

Island Water Park Season Passes for 2012 are on sale right now for $69.99 for the unlimited passes and $49.99 for the M-Th passes. I signed up for the email list hoping to get a discount code.

Island Water Park is located at 6099 West Barstow Avenue,Fresno,CA 93723.

I don't know their membership perks, but for more information call (888) 633-7105. Click HERE to purchase your passes.

Wild Water Adventures Unlimited Season Passes $40 each until November 28th

Now is the time to buy Wild Water Adventures Gold Season Passes for the summer of 2012. Sign up for the email list and receive $10 off you your already discounted pass totaling $34.99! Members are able to enter the park 15 minutes early and a few free passes come with your pass, however they do have expiration dates. As a member you also receive free parking. WWA also has a day each week that allows you to bring a friend for $10 admission. Pretty sweet deal! So if the toy box is full, ask the Grandparents for passes! Children 2 and under are free. Offer ends this week, November 28, 2011. You can purchase them online, or in person from 10am to 4pm.(Although, they may be closed this week so call beforehand.)
Wild Water Adventures is located at 11413 E Shaw - Clovis CA 93619. 
Call 559-299-WILD (9453)
Click HERE to sign up for the email list. If they do not send you the discount code, I would call and ask for it.
Click HERE for more details.

UPDATE: Use promo code PREF2012 to receive the passes for $39.99. I never received my $10 off code in my email. The total cost is $40 per ticket with an online processing fee of $3. TODAY is the last day!

The Dollar Tree

Littlest Pet Shop made it to The Dollar Tree!

Don't forget you can buy these and the 99 Cent Store too!

 

These have real swimsuit material.

The puzzles are great, we got some as party favors and my girls LOVE them.

So nostalgic.

For your preschooler.

For you Junior- SAT Vocab Flashcards anyone?

They have great stocking stuffers.

These pictures are from The Dollar Tree located at Champlain and Shepherd. My only caution with shopping at dollar stores in general, is be picky. I know it's easy to say, "But it's just a dollar." Then you find yourself at the register spending $40 that would have been better spent on a tricycle, rather than trinkets that might be destroyed in a week. So I suggest you give yourself a limit, and keep in mind quality over quantity. Not to chastise anyone, just a friendly suggestion, since we all are budget minded this time of year.

Black Friday

I will be on vacation during Thanksgiving and I thought you might be interested in this website that will where you can subscribe and browse the store ads for Black Friday! Check it out, they will force you to enter your email before you can see the site, but after Black Friday you can always unsubscribe. Check it out HERE. Remember there is a world of coupon blogs out there too to help you out! You can always check out Fresno Couponing. Personally, I'm not a Black Friday shopper (too many people), but good luck to all those brave souls out there! Happy Thanksgiving!

Swim America Fall Day Camp November 21-23rd

Thanksgiving Pumpkinpalooza Day Camp starts tomorrow at Swim America! Ages 5-8 are invited to fun games and Thanksgiving activities, including a mini swim and gym experience. A snack is included, but bring your own lunch since day camp lasts from 9am-4pm.  The cost is $141 for all three days. For more information call 324-SWIM(7946) or click HERE. 

Swim America
1205 N. Willow Clovis
Clovis, Ca 93619

The Little Gym Fall Camp November 21-23rd

The Little Gym is offering Hip Hip Hooray! Day Camps from November 21-23rd from 9am-12pm.
Each camp is $30. Members receive discount pricing for multiple days. The children will participate in games and activities, including snacks and crafts.

The Little Gym Northeast Fresno
9525 N. Sommerville Dr. Ste., #109
Fresno CA, 93720

Call (559) 433-3434 for more information or click HERE.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Lights November 25-27, December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23

Starting Friday November 25th every weekend from 5-8pm until Christmas, Fresno Chaffee Zoo will be celebrating the holidays with Zoo Lights. According to the website, "Go for a stroll through brilliantly lit pathways, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served."  Admission is available for members the cost is $4 Adult, $2 Child (ages 2-11) and non-members $5 Adult, $3 Child (ages 2-11) Children 1 and under are free. ZooLights is sponsored by K-Jewel 99.3FM, KYNO 940AM & MATT Construction. Click HERE for more information.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo November Camps

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is offering Day Camps this week November 21-23.
Zoo Adventure Camp
Monday "King of the Repitles"
Tuesday "Life on the Branch"
Wednesday "Boo with Labu"
Ages 5-11 are invited to come from 9am-4pm to enjoy activities that include a morning and afternoon snack, although lunch will not be provided. Each day has a different theme. The cost is $53 a day for members and $57 a day for non-members.

Cubby Camp is also available for preschoolers ages 3-5 with the same activities and a snack, however it only lasts 9-12pm. The cost is $32 a day for members or $36 for non-members.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is located at 894 W Belmont, in Fresno. (559) 498-5920



For more information you can check the calendar from the Central California Parent Magazine HERE.

U-Pick CSU Fresno Organic Student Farm Saturday December 10th

Join the CSU Fresno organic students at the farm for a pick-your-own this Saturday, December 10th! Come from 9am-11am and meet the students and staff, any them your questions and support the program. Cash only.
The farm is located on Barstow just east of Chestnut on the other side of the Gibson market.
This will be the last harvest of the season, possibly until late spring (May).

Come pick your own fresh organic vegetables at affordable prices! 

This crop includes: Organic arugula, beets, carrots, kale, rainbow Swiss chard, mustard greens, pumpkin, spinach, and turnips.

Free Flat Rate Shipping Boxes with USPS

You can order free flat rate shipping boxes (to be shipped with USPS only.) Click HERE. This is great timing for Christmas gifts you might be shipping to family and friends. With flat rate boxes the weight doesn't matter, just the size, so pack those babies as full as possible. Maybe I've just been lazy. With these boxes I can estimate better I think. Funny, they ship, your shipping boxes.          

League of Legends Free Online Game

League of Legends is a free online game that focuses on player versus player. If someone in your family plays a game like World of Warcraft that requires a monthly subscription and a fair amount of dedication, League of Legends is a nice alternative. It allows players to be play casually with friends online without worrying about getting their moneys worth. Growing up at the tail end of Generation X, I know how much video games have become a part of our entertainment culture. My husband and I play together and it provides us a great way to have a "date night" at home without paying a babysitter or for movie and a dinner we can't afford.

Freebies for Veterans and Active Duty Military November 11

Veteran's Day honors our veterans and active military duty and so do many restaurants and stores! Here are some participating retailers in the valley all you need is proof of military service. Some of these you may want to call before to make sure they are participating
Meals
IHOP Free Entree
Olive Garden Free Entree
Applebee's Free Entree
Chili's Free Entree
Famous Dave's Free Two Meat Salute
Denny's Free Grand Slam at Participating Locations
Subway offers vary Free 6" Sub
Hooters Free Wings Drink Purchase Required
Outback Free Bloomin Onion and Coke
Little Caesars Free Breadsticks
TGI Fridays BOGO

Red Carpet Car Wash-Free Full Service Car Wash at any of the four valley locations.


Many more discounts out there, but this should get you started!

Need Writing Help? English Tutoring by Sarah (me)

My mother is a retired teacher, and my whole life I have had the benefit of her shouting out grammar corrections when I speak. One the phone, if I said, "This is her," in response to someone wishing to speak to me, she would shout, "This is SHE!" across the house. I spent hours in her classroom after school reading and re-reading books bored to tears even though I knew them all already. As a result, I have been helping others with English since high school. (About 12 years) I've tutored all ages from 3-53 and especially enjoy teaching essay writing. (I was the outstanding political science graduate and Summa Cum Laude, [4.0 GPA])

This time of year many Seniors in high school are carefully composing their personal statements for colleges and universities around the country. 
If you are looking for some extra help and editing, I charge $20 to look over an essay, and $30 per hour to sit with your teenager and help them put together something that presents them well and makes them memorable.
You must think of these admissions officers like most readers: chained to a desk, in a hot room, under a bright light, with hundreds of essays to read. They maybe spent five minutes on your essay.
Make it easy on them, write an essay that will make them think, "Hey, I'd like to meet that person."

For tutoring in general, including phonics, SAT/ACT Prep, and more, my prices are about the same. I prefer to meet you in a library or at your home as long as other adults are present.
This includes the Fresno/Clovis/Auberry area.

Contact me via email fresnofrugalista at gmail dot com or call 559 977 6131.

Free Entrance to National Parks November 11-13th

National Parks will be offering free entrance the weekend of November 11-13th. That would include Sequoia and Yosemite. So if you're up for a drive, you can use your $10-$20 that would have needed for the entry fee on gas, food, or souvenirs! Don't forget a sweater and warm shoes! For details click HERE.

Hulu: Watch Movies and Shows Online for FREE!

Hulu, a on demand website, provides FREE movies and shows with limited commercial interruption. My husband and I have not had a television since  we got married (by choice) and we like that Hulu provides us to watch shows like Burn Notice and Psych. We also use it to occupy our kids occasionally, and they get to watch our old favorites like The Littles.

Right now Hulu is offering many Halloween Specials you can stream on demand. My kids love "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown." They are actually watching it right now.

Hulu also provides an one month trial of Hulu Plus , but you do need to enter credit card information and cancel your subscription before the month is up or you will be charged $7.99 for the following month. Sammy made it through almost all of the Quantum Leap episodes with our free trial.

Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

Delicious Pumpkin Pancakes
1 Cup Milk (add extra to desired consistency)
2 Eggs
4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated)
1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger
1 Teaspoon Allspice (or Pumpkin Pie Spice)
2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Cups Flour

Mix until incorporated, some lumps are fine. Add extra milk to desired consistency. Let rest 5 minutes. Pan cook on medium heat, lightly oiled. The pancakes will be more moist than regular pancakes because of the pumpkin puree. Serve immediately with syrup or whipped cream. Refrigerate left over batter.
Don't be afraid of the spices, I'm always worried the amounts are too great, but it comes out wonderfully.

Ihop Scaryface Pancake FREE for Children 12 and under Friday Oct 28, 7am-10pm

Ihop is offering a Scaryface Pancake FREE for each child 12 and under on Friday Oct 28th from 7am-10pm. Yay! Dine in only, adults can purchase all you can eat pancakes for $4.99! Sign up for the mailing list and receive your own updates and promotion deals via email.

Hoosier Homemade: Great Spooky Ideas for Halloween!

Hoosier Homemade is one of my favorite blogs! Liz is so resourceful and creative. Every Tuesday she sends out the Cupcake Chronicles this weeks is Monsters, Mummies, and Ghosts. Check out her blog for fantastic and affordable Halloween ideas (and cupcakes). Subscribe to her blog by email to receive ideas year around.