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!