Coming Up: Chronicle Books Warehouse Sale

Everything in the store is 80% off at the Chronicle Books Corporate Headquarters sale. Head over!

Stock up on books and gifts with 80% off hundreds of selected titles. Choose from cookbooks, children’s books, lifestyle, home, arts and crafts, art and design, photography, travel, pop culture, and music titles. Plus, journals, stationery, and much more!

Where: 680 2nd Street San Francisco
When: Thursday, December 14, 9-7, Friday, December 15, 9–7 and Saturday, December 16, 10–3.

How to plan a ski trip on a budget

Skiing is not a cheap sport. But you can still do it, even on a budget. I gathered some resources for you to help you plan a ski trip this winter, even if your means are more limited.

Photo courtesy of MorgueFile

A mom named Evelyn in San Francisco is the keeper of a lending closet of infant and toddler snow gear. She has clothes ranging from 3 months to 4T available for anyone to borrow for free. If you have gear to donate, especially for larger sizes like 5 and 6T, please reach out to her. She'll also accept mittens and gender neutral clothing to loan out. If you're interested in borrowing or donating clothes, fill out this form.

If you're flying into Reno, you can ski the day you arrive, for free. Details here.

Looking into season passes? Check out the over/under here.

How to plan a ski trip on a budget - a round-up of great links from fellow family travel bloggers.

I wrote a piece last year for Gothamist on where to ski free. A couple of the options are good for the Bay Area residents, including the Shell's Ski Free deal (if you want to ski in Colorado), and getting a Tahoe license plate from DMV, which gives you 2 ski tickets in Tahoe.

Here's another great round of up travel bloggers on planning the perfect ski trip with kids,

And another round up from travel bloggers on 30 Skiing Tips for Beginners, by RWeThereYetMom.

What are your best tips for skiing on a budget?

Amazon Prime Sale Today - $67 for One Year

If you've been on the fence about getting Amazon Prime, today is your day to buy. From 12 a.m. Eastern time until midnight Pacific time today (September 25), Amazon Prime is $67 (a $32 savings from its normal rate). They are offering it on sale as a way to celebrate Transparent winning an Emmy. If you're interested in in buying, use this link as it has the sale info mentioned on it. It's also an affiliate link, but that won't cost you anything extra. It's still $67 for one year (presumably the second year it goes back up to the regular price).

With Amazon Prime you'll get free two day shipping in addition to access to all their streaming movies and television shows (like Transparent!). There are other benefits as well, like access to 800,000 free ebooks via a lending library, and access to music and playlists.

Coming Up: Chronicle Books Warehouse Sale

Chronicle Books is having a warehouse sale, where everything in the store will be 65% off. This is a great time to start shopping for the holidays. They'll have cookbooks, kids' books, lifestyle and home, art/craft/design, photography, travel, pop culture and music titles. And journals and stationery. 

Where: Chronicle Books Corporate Headquarters - 680 Second Street, San Francisco
When: August 5-7, from 9-7

SCRAP giveaways - school supplies for teachers and students

If you or your kids like doing craft projects, you probably know about SCRAP. This nonprofit group collects all kinds of awesome new and reuseable things that might otherwise end up in the garbage. And they sell it for cheap or give it away.

They have an annual giant Teachers' Give Away for supplies, and it's coming up on Saturday, August 15th. All Bay Area teachers are welcome. Just bring your teacher ID and get supplies for your classes. What can you get? Paper, cloth, markers, pens, easels, pads, and all sorts of handy materials - and it's all free if you're a teacher. Come between 10-5 on August 15th.

And for those going back to school (non-teachers), there's a sale going on all of August. Bring a student ID or Teacher ID (if you can't make the teacher day) and get 25% off all items. The Back to School Sale runs now through August 31.

You can see some of the recent finds on their Instagram page, including colored tape, fancy wrapping paper, art supplies, yarn, glass vases and more.

What: SCRAP (Scroungers' Center for Reusable Art Parts)
Where: 801 Toland Street (Entrance on Newcomb), San Francisco

Coming Up: Chronicle Books Warehouse Sale

Chronicle Books is having a warehouse sale, where everything in the store will be 65% off. This is a great time to get teacher and kids' gifts, and stock up on other presents for yourself and others!

They'll have cookbooks, kids' books, lifestyle and home, art/craft/design, photography, travel, pop culture and music titles. And journals and stationery.

Where: Chronicle Books Corporate Headquarters - 680 Second Street, San Francisco
When:
Wednesday, April 8, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Budget Travel for Families - a Q&A with Author Cynthia Drake

As a travel writer, I'm always on the hunt for books to share which encourage families to do more traveling. Budget Travel for the Genius by Cynthia J. Drake was just published, and I'm excited to share a Q&A I did with her about the book. I think you'll find a lot of helpful hints for your own travels, and I encourage you to pick up a copy of the book!

Frisco Kids: Can you share some frugal travel tips for traveling with kids?

Cynthia Drake: My favorite tip for traveling with kids is to bring your family museum and zoo memberships from home. Check to see if there are zoos, museums, science or art centers that participate in a reciprocal membership program with your home institution. If they do, it will save you a ton of money on admission.

While we're talking about admission prices, beware of "bundling," which is what a lot of attractions do to upsell visitors by combining things like 3-D movies, petting zoos and other extras on top of the base price of the ticket. If you're visiting an attraction for the first time, chances are there will be plenty for you to do and see without buying these extras.

Finally, set some ground rules for souvenirs. Your strategy will vary depending on your kids' ages, but perhaps you set a spending limit or institute a "one souvenir rule." This will hopefully help your kids put some thought into what they would really value or use. Another idea to try is "free souvenirs" — challenge your kids instead to take photos, keep journals, collect rocks or seashells.

How do you do frugal in a big city?

One of the things I love most about big cities is the prevalence of cheap public transportation. In my book, I strongly advocate for using subways, trains and buses to save not only on the cost of renting a car, but all the related costs, such as parking, not to mention the stress of driving in a big city. Plus, kids who aren't used to riding on buses and subways tend to think there's a cool factor there.

As for where you stay, look for hotels just outside of the city limits for the best deals — these hotels can go for half the price of more centrally located ones. Plus, you'll probably enjoy added amenities such as complimentary breakfast, wi-fi and parking when you stay on the outskirts.

Saving Money on Overnight Camp Supplies

I hope this doesn't come too late, but in case you're sending your kid to overnight camp and you're still shopping for gear, read on! This is a revised post from last year that was quite popular, so I wanted to rerun it. Here are my tips for saving money on overnight camp clothing, bedding, etc.

Bedding:
Sheets: While we have plenty of sheet sets in our linen closet, the camp specified cot-size sheets. Can you go buy those at Target? Nope. You have a couple options. To save money, just buy a fitted cot sheet, and use your own top sheet and pillowcase. You can buy fitted cot sheets for $8-10 each.

If you want the softer jersey knit sheets with fun designs (which of course my kids did),

Coming Up: Chronicle Books Friends and Family Sale

Chronicle Books is having a warehouse clearance sale at their headquarters, and you're invited!!
You can save 80% on select titles, including some cook books, children's titles, lifestyle, home, arts/crafts, travel, pop culture, journals, stationary etc.

When: December 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and December 14 from 10-3
Where: 680 Second Street, SF

If you can't make it, they're still offering 35% off plus free ground shipping through December 4th (hurry!!!). Use code FRIENDS at checkout

How to Save Money on Overnight Camp Supplies

I just finished packing up my kids for overnight camp. Camp isn't cheap, and neither is the gear. Here are my tips for saving money on overnight camp clothing, bedding, etc.

Bedding:
Sheets: While we have plenty of sheet sets in our linen closet, the camp specified cot-size sheets. Can you go buy those at Target? Nope. You have a couple options. To save money, just buy a fitted cot sheet, and use your own top sheet and pillowcase. You can buy fitted cot sheets for $8-10 each.

If you want the softer jersey knit sheets with fun designs (which of course my kids did), you can either buy the fitted sheet and pillowcase, or for another $10 you also get the top sheet. While my kids took a ton of stuff from the house, we splurged on the sheets, buying them matching sheet sets. I did a lot of internet searching, and the cheapest I found (for the same products) was at Trunk Outlet, where I saved $5/set over the other cheapest sites. I did have to pay shipping, which was around $12 for 4 sets of sheets. The packaged arrived in two days, even choosing the slowest shipping.

Coming Up: Orientation for Financial Program for Single Moms

Just saw this opportunity listed for single moms in San Mateo county. It's for a group called WANDA that is starting to enroll its next class. WANDA stands for Womens Achievement Network and Development Alliance, and it teaches financial literacy and matches investment funds that each woman contributes. For a more thorough description, read through the website.


Before they open the program to the community, they're having two private orientations for friends/family/colleagues (which you are). If you're interested, you need to attend one of two orientations - no RSVP needed. Info below.


The Program's benefits:

* $4,000 matched savings


* Save for retirement, children's education, home purchase, and small business 


* More education and networking opportunities  
 
Eligibility criteria:

* Single mother with at least 1 dependent under 18 

* Steady work history for past 2 years 

* Living in San Mateo County 

* Income at/under 60% AMI(see chart) 


-When: Wednesday November 9th at 6 p.m.
Where: Fair Oaks Community Center, Room B (2600 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City)


When: Friday November 18th at 5 p.m.
Where: 4Cs of San Mateo (2121 South El Camino Real, Suite A-100, San Mateo)

Deal of the Day: Children's Fairyland membership for $40

I've posted before about Children's Fairyland in Oakland. It's a great place to visit with toddlers and perschoolers. Imagine an old-fashioned kiddie-land, and you've pretty much described Children's Fairyland. They have kiddie rides, story time, puppet shows and special events. It's next to Lake Merritt.

The Savvy Source has a deal good for the next two to three days - get an annual membership for $40 (actual value is $87, and park admission is normally $7/person over age 1). With that, you'll get unlimited admission, rides and attractions for two adults and three kids. Children's Fairyland has some fun events, including family sleepovers, summer camps and they offer birthday party facilities. I went to a birthday party there once - the kids had a great time.

Children's Fairyland says it's great for kids under age 8. That higher end of the age range might be pushing it for some families, but the rids include a mini ferris wheel, train, two carousels and themed play areas.

Get the deal here through mid-day Thursday.

Small print: the deal is only good for new members and is not transferrable. You must redeem the coupon for membership within 60 days. All the details are here.

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Winter sales

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! I managed to avoid the after Christmas shopping rush, but did peek into a few stores in the past couple of days. I thought I'd tell you about a couple deals too good to pass up.

Children's Place - popped in there yesterday for their "monster sale." And monster indeed! I splurged on $5 pajamas for my kids. Got some for this year and next. Fleece pajamas with cute polar bears for boys and girls (and white unisex ones). Also long sleeve, long pant jersey knit winter ones in cute designs also for $5.

You can get these at the store or online. Shipping is a flat $5.

They also offered 50% off their winter coats - so your kid needs a new winter coat for next year (or this year) - you can get a nice one for $30 or so.

Blockbuster - sad to say that some Blockbuster stores are going out of business. In the Bay Area, it's selective - a few stores here and there. I stopped by the San Mateo store (2900 S. Norfolk Street), and that one (as well as San Carlos, I think) will be out of business by January 10th. I picked up pre-viewed movies for $2.99 each, including a few for my kids (Hotel for Dogs, Water Horse and Open Season). Got some for the hubby and me too. They're selling new movies for 30% off, TV series for either $3 or $6, and some cute stuffed animals for a dollar or two.

Any good sales still in progress to tell me about??

King Tut Tickets 50% off in San Francisco

(Click here for King Tut in NYC Times Square tickets, coupon codes, discounts and information) (Click here for a review of NYC Tut with Kids)

This in from Travelzoo - King Tut tickets are 50% off when purchased in pairs..

Admission is for entrance after 2 p.m. on Tuesdays-Thursdays, October 6 - 29th at the de Young Museum.

In this National Geographic exhibit, you'll see 130 ancient artifacts, including many from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Read my King Tut review here.

If the pair of tickets doesn't work for you, you can buy an individual ticket for $20.60 with a free audio tour on any date and time in October (you'll save $13 over the same combo full price). You'll pay fees of $3.25-$3.75 per ticket and $3.50 per order are additional, which you'd have to pay ordering online anyway.

Eight Top Organizing Tools For Your Sanity

I have an obsession with organizing tools, which is odd considering my desk looks like this.

But in honor of the upcoming school year, I’ve vowed to stop buying organizer tools, and actually USE them.

Here's my list of eight top organizing tools you need for your sanity

#1. Mouse Pad “To Do” List:
This mouse pad is actually a pad of paper with 60 pages (sealed on two sides), with 5 days worth of slots on each page for the “to do” list. It’s from Pier 1 and cost $9.95 (I couldn’t find a link to it online, but I bought there in August). I can note my things to do and write down any other little thoughts, and not lose the piece of paper.

#2 Car Pad
For my car, I got a tri-part notebook with 3 sets of sheets for “do” “call” and “buy.” I bought this at Marshall’s for $8. It’s helpful to jot down notes in the car, and to have another list to look at when I’m running errands.






#3 - Calendar
For years I used a bulky Franklin Planner, which in theory is a fabulous system. But I didn’t use it effectively and mine was too bulky to carry around. What I really like is a 2-page per month calendar, with some individual page space later on for the days. momAgenda sent me this calendar to try out, and so far I like it. It’s small enough to fit into my purses (Mom-size purse that is), and it has some other helpful pages too (like the reference pages with national 800 numbers for many hotels and airlines, helpful websites, pages for gift records etc.)

#4 - To-Do Pads
Michael’s craft stores often has pads of paper (with magnets on the back) and helpful list makers in their dollar section. They're not online, however.
momAgenda also sent me this fun “Honey Please Do” pad – which is fun to fill out and give to Mark with my list of his proposed projects.
Download Forms
For those who want to print out some helpful tools and list pages, I recommend these:

#5 - Mommy Track’d free download sheets, including a week at a glance calendar, a work/home “to do” list, a menu/grocery planner, party planning sheets, and a week-at-a-glance calendar.

#6 - Mommy Track'd also has some cool organizing pads and tools for sale –
- use the code “2009” to save 15%.

#7 - Simple Mom has some great free downloads too – a big selection including a “daily docket,” Christmas budgeting sheet, preschooler chore chart, monthly calendar and a master weekly checklist.

#8 - I need to spend some more time at DIY Planner – a free website where you can create your own planner from their templates.

So check these out and let me know what you think!

Get 'Yer Tickets - Gilroy Gardens for $10 a ticket

Gilroy Gardens is offering an awesome Back-to-School special price:

Get into Gilroy Gardens for only $10 a person (actually $9.99, but who's counting?).

Print out their coupon for a $33 a person savings, valid through 10/11/09.

Until October 25, enjoy Creature Kingdom, a petting zoo for the little tykes, including pony rides.
From October 31-November 29th, they're featuring a fall treasure hunt with a Middle Earth theme. That's hobbits, dwarves, goblins and more.

Coming Up: AMC Movies for $1 - Spiderwick Chronicles

Getting bored with the kids at home? Take them to the Spiderwick Chronicles at an AMC theater for $1. AMC's Summer Moviecamp offers movies this summer for $1, and kid-packs of treats for $3. Money raised from these shows goes to AMC's charitable partners.

July 22, 2009 - The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
July 29, 2009 - Nim's Island (PG)
August 5, 2009 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)

Shows are Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at participating theaters. In the Bay Area, you can see these shows for a buck at three theaters in Emeryville and San Jose.

Like this post? Sign up to get Frisco Kids by email (box on the right), or follow me on Twitter (@FriscoKids).

Coming Up: AMC Movies for $1 - Horton Hears a Who

Getting bored with the kids at home? Take them to Horton Hears a Who at an AMC theater for $1. AMC's Summer Moviecamp offers movies this summer for $1, and kid-packs of treats for $3. Money raised from these shows goes to AMC's charitable partners.

July, 15 at 10 a.m. - Horton Hears a Who
July 22, 2009 - The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
July 29, 2009 - Nim's Island (PG)
August 5, 2009 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)

Shows are Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at participating theaters. In the Bay Area, you can see these shows for a buck at three theaters in Emeryville and San Jose.

Like this post? Sign up to get Frisco Kids by email (box on the right), or follow me on Twitter (@FriscoKids).

Coming Up: Fairy Tale Wonders at Gilroy Gardens - $10 discount

Until July 2, Gilroy Gardens has a fun event called Fairy Tale Wonders. Come for story time in the Monarch Garden or Claudia's Garden. Or older kids can star in a fairytale at the Lakeside Amphitheater.

Get $10 off each entry this summer (thanks to Bay Area on the Cheap for the link).

If you miss Fairy Tale Wonders, the park features the Enchanted Wings bird show July 13-August 16.

Community Garage Sale plus Blood Drive this Sunday in Foster City

Get some great deals at this Foster City community garage sale (or if you have items to donate, you can do that too). LOTS OF KIDDIE ITEMS!!!!

The garage sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 499 Boothbay Avenue (corner of Boothbay and Edgewater).

To donate items, come between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. - you'll get a receipt for your tax-deductable donation.

PLUS, do a good deed and donate blood while you're there. A bloodmobile from the Blood Centers of the Pacific will be there from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To make an appointment email plippe18@yahoo.com, or just stop by (though you may have to wait).

I'll be donating at 10 a.m. so donate and we can keep each other company.