Search Results for: blog cast off day

Castle Birthday Party Idea

This next weekend, we are having a birthday party with a castle theme for our youngest son. We are planning  to include theme-based games, decorations, prizes, crafts, a large spread of food and a complete castle cake for less than $100 total. Now that is frugal! How are we doing this? The ideas and preparations are elaborate, so follow this blog over the next few days to get all of the details.  Here is our strategy. By having the party at home, we spend zero dollars on rent for a hall or one of those theme birthday places, saving anywhere from … Continue reading →

Fun Father’s Day Reads

Forget about the tacky tie, fluorescent golf balls, and the tennis racket-shaped bug zapper.  What Dad really wants this Father’s Day is some quality time with the TV remote, his trusty recliner and a plate of bacon. Of course, what Dad wants for the upcoming holiday and what his enthusiastic young offspring want for him may be vastly different.  Fortunately, the following Father’s Day reads may be the key to compromise.  Kids can cuddle up with Dad on his favorite chair and share quality time reading the delightful holiday-themed page turners… while Mom cooks a pile of pork products for a post-story time … Continue reading →

Cute Handmade Mother’s Day Gifts (Inexpensive, Too!)

Handmade gifts, especially when they mark milestones in your child’s life can be lovely. You’ll find yourself years from now looking at them and remembering back to earlier times. I have a small collection of these gifts, and they always make me smile. For example, there is the wax cast of my first-born’s hand when he was only two. We were at a festival, and the vendor didn’t want to cast anyone under the age of four because children that age tend not to hold still. We insisted and said we would take it, no matter how it came out. … Continue reading →

Couple Visits Disneyland Every Day in 2012

At the end of 2012 I came across an interesting post on the official Disney Parks blog: a couple visited Disneyland every single day in 2012.  On December 31, Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh received special gifts personally from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.  It was a typical fancy Disney ceremony: as the two made their way down Main Street, Staggs was waiting for them to present their honors in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Their honors included being made honorary citizens of Disneyland, and a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite, a luxury apartment off the … Continue reading →

5 Free Family Activities You Can Do Today

Forget buying the latest video game or springing for a couple of hours at one of those indoor kids activity places. Instead, try one of the following free family activities that you can do today. Zero cost but lots of fun. 1. Go for a Hike…Literally Being outdoors in nature instantly calms you and raises your spirits. Studies have proven it over and over again. Plus kids really do thrive on fresh air and exercise. A hike, or even just a walk in the park, can be an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it is free. Bonus … Continue reading →

Deals at White Castle, Sonic, California Pizza Kitchen, and More!

Taking your family out for dinner, or for a quick treat, can seem enticing. Sometimes, it can be more than your budget can handle, though. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to dine out and save money while doing it. Before you head out the door, check out some of these deals at restaurants, cafes, and fast food places. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has a Holiday Open House, today, November 8, 2012. Arrive from 2:00 in the afternoon through 6:00 in the evening. Enjoy a 12 ounce Holiday beverage for $1.00. White Castle has a coupon for “Buy One, … Continue reading →

Disney Christmas Day Parade Filming Dates

Big news first: I know the filming dates for the 2012 Disney-ABC Christmas Day Parade. This is an elusive event where the tickets go on sale and sell out almost immediately. This year I have an inside line on the taping; the daughter of a friend of mine is going to dance in the parade. They’re taping the last week of November/the first weekend in December. The big day should be Saturday, December 1. I couldn’t verify this information online, because Disney hasn’t posted anything official about it yet. They probably won’t until November. But I can guarantee that the … Continue reading →

Deals at Burger King, White Castle, Macaroni Grill, and More!

Dining out can be expensive, especially if you are trying to feed a whole family. Before you head out, read over this blog! Use some coupons for the restaurants, fast food places, or cafes that your family will visit. Grab a quick meal, and save money while doing it! Maggie Moo’s has a coupon for $2.00 off any 6 pack of Ice Cream Cupcakes, or $3.00 off any 8 inch or Sheet Size Ice Cream Cake. This coupon will expire on November 1, 2012. Marble Slab has the exact same coupon. Get $2.00 off any 6 pack of Ice Cream … Continue reading →

Deals at Chipotle, White Castle, Little Caesars, and More!

Many restaurants will choose to have their deals expire on the very last day of a month. This is good for frugal families who are paid monthly. The exact same time you are running low on funds is when the restaurants, cafes, and fast food places are giving you a deal! This blog will help you save money while dining out. Beef O’ Brady’s is having Beef’s Octoberfest. They have a coupon for $5.00 off a $25.00 purchase or $3.00 off a $15.00 purchase. This coupon will expire on October 31, 2012. Ben & Jerry’s is celebrating Fair Trade month. … Continue reading →

Holiday Disney World Deals

Looking to take a holiday Disney World vacation? If you try to take your trip right over Christmas you’re not going to get any special offers from the park, but vacation just after Thanksgiving through mid-December, or in early January, and Disney World has a host of deals of which you can take advantage. If you book by October 31, you can receive up to a 30% discount at select Disney resorts for trips taken between November 1 and November 16, or November 24 through December 22. Remember that Disney World holiday celebrations often last weeks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas … Continue reading →