Lowe's Free Build & Grow Clinic 10/23

Take your kids to a Lowe's Build and Grow clinic this Saturday, 10/23/10, from 10 to 11 am to build a Flapping Bat. The clinic and materials ... complete with glow in the dark stickers ...  are Free!!  Check to see if your local store is participating and register here. 

My hubby took my boys to a previous clinic.  They had great time!!  We have morning soccer games on Saturday so we'll have to miss this one.

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10/10/10 Only! CoCo Key $10 Passes

Today 10/10/10 Only, Buy One Day Passes to CoCo Key Water Resort for just $10 each.  Passes are good weekend days or holidays now through 12/31/10.  You can also buy passes good Monday - Thursday from 4-9 pm for just $5.00 each.  You do have to specify which date your tickets will be good for when you purchase them.

If you happen to be purchasing a ticket for someone turning 10 or 100 on 10/10/10 their ticket is FREE.  Plus all through the month of October $10 Arcade Cards are just $5 each!

Thanks Just Trying to Save Money!

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Jungle Jim's Trip & Fun Outing 7/23

More often than not when my boys ask for a snack I say "Get something good for you." They know that means a fruit or vegetable.  Well as you can see by this picture of the fruit and veggie drawers in my fridge they haven't had many choices the last few days.  It was definitely time for a trip to Jungle Jim's. 

Before

With nothing planned and weather too hot to play outside, I decided to make the trip to Jungle Jim's a fun outing.  I told each of my boys that I wanted them to pick out one fruit and one vegetable while we were shopping.  It is so much easier to get them to make healthy choices when they themselves pick out what to have in the house.  It was a fun experience! As we walked the awesome produce area at Jungle Jim's I quizzed them to see if they knew the names of some fruit and veggies.  I was surprised that they all knew what an eggplant was.  I quickly learned that one of the special items in a Mario Bros video game is an eggplant.  So that's how they knew!!

We came home with carrots and bananas picked out by Zachary.  (He's the least daring one when it comes to veggies!)  Fresh Green Beans and watermelon picked out by Logan.  And Oranges and Kiwi picked out by Dylan.  His veggie choice was Sugar Snap Peas but $4.99/lb was too steep for me so he choose 2 fruits instead.  I added other veggies and few other things like honey, hot dog buns, reduced ground beef and tortillas.  It wasn't the most thrifty trip.  I spent $53.41 and saved $8.08.  Of course coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce.  I am very partial to the fresh produce at Jungle Jim's.  I work to save on other groceries and household items so I can spend a little more on fresh produce.

After 

(missing the watermelon and bananas)

Oh yeah .... the missing watermelon... Just an FYI.  A watermelon doesn't stand up on it's end on the edge of a kitchen table.  A boy who wishes to remain nameless learned that the hard way.  It's now cut in pieces in a bowl in the fridge though so it wasn't lost completely.

Now will this last as long as I hope it will??

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Groupon: 4 Rounds of Mini Golf for $13!!

Does you family like to play Mini Golf?  Mine does but it adds up quickly for the 5 of us to play.  I'm super excited about today's Cincinnati Groupon Offer!  Pay just $13 for 4 Rounds of Mini Golf at Cincinnati Golf Center. It's usually $6.50 for adults and $5.00 for kids.  Cincinnati Golf Center is located just South of Kings Island.

Set up an account or log in to your account with Groupon to buy this offer!  Not interested or don't live in the Cincinnati Area, set up an account with Groupon to start receiving the daily deals for your area sent right to your email box.

FYI ... I asked questions in the Discuss the Deal section today.  The response I got didn't seem right to me.  I called Cincinnati Golf Center for clarification and here's what I was told ... One Groupon CAN be used for up to 4 people to play one round of golf.  I was also told that if 2 people go in with one Groupon to play one round (so use 2 of the 4 on the Groupon) that they can come back again to play the other 2 rounds.

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Groupon: Gymboree Play & Music 73% Off

Are you getting daily emails from Groupon?  Checking my inbox to see the daily deal is a highlight of my morning. My kiddos are too old for today's Cincinnati area offer but if they weren't I'd be pretty excited.

Pay just $30 for a One-Month Unlimited Membership to Gymboree Play & Music with no initiation fee.  That's an $80 savings!!  I've never been to Gymboree but it looks like a lot of fun.  The offer is good at these two locations.  Sign into your Groupon account or set one up here to take advantage of this offer.

Not interested in this offer or live in a different area?  Set up your account with Groupon to start getting the daily offers emailed right to you! You never know what the offer might be ....

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Blockbuster Express: Use Free Codes Online!

Remember the days of going to the video store, wandering the aisles looking for a movie to rent?  Paying $4-$5 a night for a rental??  I have no idea how long it has been since I've been to a video store.  I think they still exist??  Anyway for the past several years now Redbox has been our most convenient choice to rent a movie.  $1 a night?  Sweet!!  Since there were 4 kiosks within a 2 mile radius of our house, I prefer to go online, find a movie we want and then rent it online from the location that has it in stock.  No standing in front of the kiosk paging through the available titles.  My only complaint is that the Free Rental Codes that Redbox offers can't be used online.  I know they only cost $1 a night but I'd rather keep that $1 in my pocket whenever possible.

Just recently 2 of the 4 Redbox kiosks in my area have been replaced with Blockbuster Express.  They work the same as Redbox.  $1 per night, rent online or at the kiosk, return by 9 pm the next day or pay another $1.  Well imagine my surprise the first time that we rented from Blockbuster Express.  Right there on the Checkout Screen is a space for a Promotional Code.  Yay!!  Free movies!!

I'll start posting the promotional codes I find for both Blockbuster Express and Redbox too.

Thanks to the Coupon Dad here are some good through the end of July for Blockbuster Express.  They can be used once per credit card.  They may be regional and not good everywhere.  I have already used all 3. 

Free Rental Code: GT16A (expires 7/30/2010)
Free Rental Code: GT17A (expires 7/30/2010)
Free Rental Code: G417A (expires 7/30/2010)

Find Blockbuster Express or Redbox locations near you. We rent movies often enough that I'm sure I'll be checking both to find the movie we want. 

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Movie Deals .... at the Theater

We don't go to the movie theater very often.  It's way too expensive.  But .... I've heard about and come across several movie deals lately that should make going to see a movie a little more affordable. We have taken advantage of Bargain Tuesday's at National Amusments (Showcase Cinema De Lux near us) twice lately.

AMC Theaters

AMC Theater's Weekday Escape - All day Monday - Thursday and before noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets are half price.  Movies with weekday openings and holiday periods are excluded.  There is an upcharge for special theaters like IMAX, IMAX 3D etc.

Even better ... if you live in or will be visiting Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City or Washington DC Areas you can purchase AMC movie tickets for just $4.00 here.

Summer Movie Camp -  10 am every Tuesday now through August 10, 2010 tickets for Summer Movie Camp are just $1.00.  See locations and movies scheduled for each date here.

National Amusements 

Showcase, Showcase Cinema De Lux, Multiplex

National Amusement have several different special programs each offered one day a week.  For participating locations, schedules and more details click on the links below.  All specials say limited time only but don't list an end date.

Silver Screen Classics - See classics from the 1930's-1980's on the Big Screen for just $2.00.

Bargain Tuesdays - Tickets for all shows is just $6.00 all day.  Includes IMAX, IMAX 3D etc.  We saw Toy Story 3 in IMAX 3D on Tuesday last week. 

Senior Wednesdays - If you are 60 or older see any show all day on Wednesday's for just $4.50.

The Popcorn Club - Kids movie club.  See details here.

Rave Motion Pictures

Free Family Film Festival - Tuesday and Wednesdays for 8 weeks over the Summer get Free Admission to G or PG rated movies.  See scheduled movies here.

Regal Cinemas

Free Family Film Festival - Same name as Rave but different list of movies at Regal Cinemas.  It looks like these are double features.

If you know of any other movie theater specials, comment or email me with the details.  I'll add them here for everyone.  Let me know if you see any good movies!

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AMF Bowling eClub $5.00 off Coupon

Do you live near an AMF Bowling Center? (Unfortunately the closest one to me is 82 miles away ... drats!) Check locations here. If there is one near you, here's a deal for you! It's a 5/10 Split Coupon .... that's $5.00 off per person for up to 10 people. Just register and print your coupon.

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Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - Monster Truck

Saturday, June 26th, make a Monster Truck at the Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic.  My kids really enjoyed the clinic they went to last month.  We have a busy day on Saturday so we won't make it to this one.  If you are interested register here.  It's Free! Take your camera .... my guys in their aprons and googles were too cute!

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Free Kids Admission at Newport Aquarium

Thanks to Brianne at Just Trying to Save Money for sharing that the Summer Family Hours have returned to the Newport Aquarium.  Up to 2 Kids get in Free with each paid adult admission. Plus each child will receive a coupon for a Free Kids Meal at Bob Evans.

Summer Family Hours are from 4pm to 7pm everyday except Saturday now through September 3rd.  Tickets must be purchased at the Newport Aquarium on the day of your visit.  This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

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The Popcorn Club at National Amusements

My hubby and I were spoiled with an unplanned date night last night thanks to a sleepover invitation from a friend ... for all 3 boys!!  Thanks Kym! We went to dinner and a movie.  I saw posters advertising The Popcorn Club for kids.  This looks like a good deal to me!

Popcorn Club membership costs $10 and had the following benefits for kids 11 years old and younger:

• Popcorn Club Membership card preloaded with a Free Movie Ticket and a Free Kids Concession Combo (Small Popcorn and Small Soft Drink)
• Exclusive Popcorn Club Backpack
• Free Movie Ticket during the month of your birthday
• Plus free incentives and invitations to exclusive events throughout the year via e-mail.

The cost of 2 movie tickets and concession combo is at least $20 if bought separately.  Go here for more details including a list of participating locations.

Oh one more thing ... We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the Showcase Cinema De Lux that we visited last night has $6 tickets for all times all day on Tuesdays. 

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Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic --- Success!!

My hubby took all 3 of our boys to the Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic this morning. They made Catapults. It's the first one they've gone to and with the stories and smiles they came home with I'm sure it won't be the last! My boys were too cute coming in the door in their aprons (two of the three of them at least ... the year old didn't want the apron) and googles. Just wanted to share!

The next Build & Grow Clinic at Lowe's is next weekend May 29th. The project is a race car.

And two weeks after that on June 12th they will be building a Picture Frame.

Register Here for either one or both!  Oh and they are FREE!!

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Cincinnati Reds Ticket Deal - Today's Groupon

Did you see today's Groupon email??  It looks like a good one if you are a Cincinnati Reds ... or San Francisco Giants ... fan.  Get one Field-Box Ticket to one of three Cincinnati vs San Francisco games Plus a Red Baseball hat for $20.  Combined the ticket and the hat have a $50 value.  See all the details by logging in to your Groupon account or go here to get started with Groupon.  I've only been to a few Reds games but I'm pretty sure that the field boxes are far from the nose bleed section we usually sit in. 

The 3 available games are:

1. Monday June 7th at 7:10 pm
2. Tuesday June 8th at 7:10 pm
3. Wednesday June 9th at 7:10 pm

Since it's Friday this deal should be good all weekend.  Most Groupons have a limit per person.  There is no limit for this one though!!  Not interested in this deal ... Sign up with Groupon anyway to get the daily deal emailed to you.

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Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic --- Catapult!!

My nine year old is going to be beside himself with excitement when he hears about this!  Saturday May 22nd at the Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic kids will get to make a Catapult. 

We've not done one of these clinics before but I hear that they are pretty cool!  The kids not only get to make the planned project but they also get an apron, googles, project patch and a merit certificate.  Check to see if your local store is participating and to register here.

Oh and how could I forget to mention ... it's a FREE clinic!

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Free & Almost Free Summer Programs

The other day I heard about Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festivals. With Summer break getting closer I'm always looking for fun things to do with my boys without spending much ... if anything at all.

One of my favorite things to do in the Summer with my boys are the many activities offered at our local parks.  We've taken creek walks with a Naturalist, competed in Summer Backyard Games and more.   If you're local, go here to see what is on the Hamilton County Parks schedule for April and May.  Save the site and watch for the Summer months calendar of events to be available.  If you're not local, check for a schedule of events at your local park district.

Here are a few more Summer programs.

Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading Program for kids in Grades 1-6. Kids who read 8 books can choose a Free book from Barnes & Noble.  Get your Reading Passport here.
Thanks Couponing to Disney!

Kids Bowl Free at AMF Bowling Centers.  Get Details here!  I'm sad that there aren't any locations near me.
Thanks Couponing to Disney!

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Cinemark Theaters will be showing 10 weeks of Kids movies.  See all 10 movies for $5.00 with advance tickets or $1.00 per movie when bought at the box office. 
Thanks Stretching a Buck!

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Free Family Film Festival - Summer Movies!

Tonight at dinner my boys were counting down the weeks until school is out for the Summer.  While I do enjoy having them home (most of the time) I know that we need fun things to do to keep me everyone sane over the Summer.  The Free Family Film Festival is going on my list of things to do! Regal Cinemas offers G and PG rates movies every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10 am throughout the Summer.  Of course the best part is the word FREE!  Seating is first come, first serve so get there a early.  If you're a local reader, the closest Regal Cinema is Deerfield.  Go here to find out more details, find a theater near you and the movies scheduled from June 15th - August 11th.

Thanks Brianne from Just Trying to Save!!

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Save at the Movies with The 5 Buck Club

Seeing a movie in the theater is a special treat for my family.  We have seen a few lately but usually we use Redbox and have family movie nights at home.  But still it's not the same as seeing a movie on the big screen.  I just wish it wasn't so expensive.  My SIL emailed me with a great program that I hadn't heard about and it's definitely worth sharing with all of you too! 

The 5 Buck Club is offered by Kerasotes Theaters.   Once a new movie has run for a few weeks, 5 Buck Club members will be able to see it at a discounted price of ... you guessed it ... $5.00.  Here's how it works ... Register here.  And then register each member of your family.  (This is one of those times when Roboform is extremely helpful!)  Your 5 Buck Card(s) will be shipped the next day.  Then simply watch your inbox on Thursday's for an email telling you which movies and show times are eligible for your 5 Buck Club discount. 

Look for a participating theater in your area.  Our local Kerasotes theaters offer free refills on popcorn and drinks every day PLUS Tuesday night is FREE popcorn night.  Does your's do the same?

Yay!  $25 for the 5 of us to see a movie and have popcorn (a real treat!!) is a great savings!! 

Thanks Emily!!!

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Enjoying Spring & Zoo Membership Discount

Where ever you are I hope you're getting to enjoy the Spring weather we have had the last 2 days (and some last week too!)  Yesterday I spent the afternoon cleaning out all the dead leaves and plants from my flower beds.  I love uncovering the green leaves and sprouts of the perennials that are starting to pop up everywhere!  After the work was done, my boys and I played baseball in the backyard.  And then ... I got to take a 1/2 hour nap in the sunshine.  What a perfect combination .... I was productive, got to play with my boys and relax!!

We have been missing our Zoo membership that expired last spring.  I caught the tail end of a commercial on the radio about a current special on Cincinnati Zoo memberships.  I checked into it and found that all memberships are on sale for 20% off until March 31st. So take a mild sunny afternoon with no plans and add to it a sale on a zoo membership and guess what Dylan, my youngest, and I did today?  We had a great time!!  He was sooo cute skipping around the zoo.  One on one time is so special!

Get more details about the Cincinnati Zoo membership sale here. I was excited to see that a Cincinnati Zoo membership can be used for free or discounted admission to over 100 other zoos.  I may have known that but haven't ever looked into which ones are included.  Maybe we'll plan a short family road trip and check out another zoo.  Any recommendations for one within a few hours of Cincinnati??

What are you doing to enjoy the spring weather?  Are you taking lots of pictures?  Don't forget about the 50 Free Prints still available from CVS Photo. 

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Newport Aquarium -- Kids Get in FREE

Update:  My sister in law just let me know that when they visited the Aquarium this past weekend they got coupons for FREE Bob Evans kids meals from the Aquarium's Visitor Center .  The coupons state one FREE kids meal per party but she was able to use one for each of her 3 boys at the same time.

Attention Local Readers or Anyone visiting the Cincinnati Area soon:

Visit the Newport Aquarium for Winter Family Days now through February 28th, 2010.

Up to 2 Children get in FREE with each full-price adult admission

Monday - Sunday from 10am to 6pm

Adult admission is $22....so my family of 5 could visit for $44 instead of $99.  I want to go see the Penguin Parade! It's everyday outside on the Aquarium Plaza just 15 minutes after the aquarium opens (weather permitting) and it's FREE. 

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