There are lots of opportunities out there for all occasions to take a free or discounted way of doing something, yet so many get stuck in the same routine that they don't take advantage. Something like sending out invitations via email (like evite) is fast, easy and very affordable. Who says you have to have cute paper invitations that need to be mailed out?- Don't let your kids be the ruler!
Look for ways that cut costs that really don't matter. Really think about it first, even those small costs because they all add up.
Having some friends over? Think out of the box there. You don't have to be predictable! Go for something simpler rather than trying to impress, or better yet, do a pot luck. There can even be a theme to make things more fun. This can save you time and money and everyone can even bring copies of their recipes to share.
Make the focus on the time together rather than what you're serving. Distract your guests with something new and different- a game night, a movie, even making something together like carving pumpkins! Better yet, get your guests involved in the preparation. Have a make-your-own-calzone night. Having the guests create will provide a fun activity, allow for any special tastes, surely make for some good laughs, and distract from a fancy meal you may typically make.
Get those creative juices flowing! There are tons of ideas out there. Make them work for you. Comment your own ideas and look for a "part 2" to this later.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Hunt and Gather
Don't know what's for dinner again? I sure hope you've realized that there are plenty of options within your pantry and fridge on any given day. Dinner doesn't have to be planned out to be balanced and fast. Start with something that inspires you (or just a bag of pasta) and go from there. A can of tuna, parmesan and butter, some peas... I've got almost all the food groups! Hey, you know you don't even have to have meat in every meal.
Some of you may be saying to yourself that you practically live this way. Dinner wouldn't be on the table half the time if you didn't already do this, but for those that set such high standards for yourself that you can't even keep up with them yourself and end up getting take out, STOP! Try the 'hunt and gather' method and dinner can happen.
Some of you may be saying to yourself that you practically live this way. Dinner wouldn't be on the table half the time if you didn't already do this, but for those that set such high standards for yourself that you can't even keep up with them yourself and end up getting take out, STOP! Try the 'hunt and gather' method and dinner can happen.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saving more at Target stores
So many people swear by Target stores, loving them for so many different reasons. Prices of course being a lead contender in why Target has so many fans. Target has some hidden gems that you may be able to take advantage of.
Target's policy on bags- Bring your own reusable bags to Target next time and earn 5 cents automatically. Those nickels add up with all those trips to Target.
Target's coupon policy- Did you know that you can double up on coupons? You can use a manufacturer's coupon AND a Target coupon for the same item at the same time. Double the savings!
Target coupons- Though you can occasionally find Target coupons in the coupon section of the paper as well as in mailings, you can also find some on their website to print out. Go to "coupons" under "see more" on the main page of their website for a long list of coupons you can print easily from home. This includes food items, clothing, healthy and beauty, and practically everything else! They change them often, so check back regularly. Some of these are from Target and some are manufacturer's. Only downside is that you can't tell which it is before printing.
Target Free Days- Target has chosen to partner up with numerous events and places in Orange County (and many more areas) to provide free or discounted admission to things like the La Habra Children's Museum and the Orange County Museum of Art. This helps families participate in more cultural and arts events. Check their site for more information.
Daily Deals- Again found in the "see more" section from the main page. Choose "daily deals" for a special deal on an item each day.
Target provides many opportunities for deals, but now you're armed with more saving power.
Target's policy on bags- Bring your own reusable bags to Target next time and earn 5 cents automatically. Those nickels add up with all those trips to Target.
Target's coupon policy- Did you know that you can double up on coupons? You can use a manufacturer's coupon AND a Target coupon for the same item at the same time. Double the savings!
Target coupons- Though you can occasionally find Target coupons in the coupon section of the paper as well as in mailings, you can also find some on their website to print out. Go to "coupons" under "see more" on the main page of their website for a long list of coupons you can print easily from home. This includes food items, clothing, healthy and beauty, and practically everything else! They change them often, so check back regularly. Some of these are from Target and some are manufacturer's. Only downside is that you can't tell which it is before printing.
Target Free Days- Target has chosen to partner up with numerous events and places in Orange County (and many more areas) to provide free or discounted admission to things like the La Habra Children's Museum and the Orange County Museum of Art. This helps families participate in more cultural and arts events. Check their site for more information.
Daily Deals- Again found in the "see more" section from the main page. Choose "daily deals" for a special deal on an item each day.
Target provides many opportunities for deals, but now you're armed with more saving power.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
O.C. Great Park Irvine
The city of Irvine may have boasted newer buildings and homes for years now, but the plans for the "Great Park" may actually excite you. Many have heard of this new park, but waiting for it to be completed before visiting would be a mistake. Though it may not contain some of the more traditional attributes of what a park is to most, it does have some special things that set it apart from the rest, even in its early stages. Taking a visit to this park will allow you to circle until you're dizzy, as well as soar to very new heights. For example, visit on a Thursday- Sunday, and with a simple waiver, you can take as many rides on the carousel as you please, and also ride the Great Park Ballon all for free! Hours for the balloon and carousel are:
Great Park Carousel
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Great Park Balloon
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Within the area of the carousel and ballon are also the "Kids Rock" play area. Good for small children, but not as impressive as you may expect. An "environmentally conscious" space for kids, this area has rocks to climb, two small slides, and cave-like areas to play in. Some may not enjoy the pretend snake in one of the caves however, as we discovered recently with a visit there with our two-year-old.
Another option at the Great Park that many don't realize is their community events they offer. From movie nights to safety expos, from garden workshops to guitar lessons, and star gazing to a farmers market, they really have something for everyone. (Some costs may be involved in these events.) Very environmentally aware with sustainability goals for everyone, this park takes its responsibility of being a part of the community very seriously. Check out the events page (link above) and see what the park has to offer your family. Experience, and then come back and share with us. Leave your comments at the bottom of this article.
Considering all this park promises for the future, there will certainly be many more areas to discover. Check out the plans for the Great Park's future. And of course, visit! This very family-friendly place is free, and will provide a new learning experience and family adventure.
There is not yet a formal address for the Great Park. Check out this link to find directions, hours, and more information.
Great Park Carousel
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Great Park Balloon
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Within the area of the carousel and ballon are also the "Kids Rock" play area. Good for small children, but not as impressive as you may expect. An "environmentally conscious" space for kids, this area has rocks to climb, two small slides, and cave-like areas to play in. Some may not enjoy the pretend snake in one of the caves however, as we discovered recently with a visit there with our two-year-old.
Another option at the Great Park that many don't realize is their community events they offer. From movie nights to safety expos, from garden workshops to guitar lessons, and star gazing to a farmers market, they really have something for everyone. (Some costs may be involved in these events.) Very environmentally aware with sustainability goals for everyone, this park takes its responsibility of being a part of the community very seriously. Check out the events page (link above) and see what the park has to offer your family. Experience, and then come back and share with us. Leave your comments at the bottom of this article.
Considering all this park promises for the future, there will certainly be many more areas to discover. Check out the plans for the Great Park's future. And of course, visit! This very family-friendly place is free, and will provide a new learning experience and family adventure.
There is not yet a formal address for the Great Park. Check out this link to find directions, hours, and more information.
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