fun – Page 74 – Hewes Family Fun

Vacations on the Cheap, Part 1 (The budget)

May 13, 2015Abby H.

Screen Shot 2015-05-13 at 9.15.38 AM — A shot of us at D-land in September of 2013!

I was cleaning out some files yesterday and I came across some notes from when we planned our family vacation to Disneyland 2 years ago. I know with Summer vacation coming up, a lot of you will be planning trips to The House of Mouse and other locales. Here are a few tips to help you save on your summer fun!

The first part of planning a trip is budget. Where you’ll go, how long you’ll stay, what you’ll do while you’re there, those things are all (sadly) dictated by budget.

When we plan a trip, in order to keep our costs down, I’ve formulate a budget that takes into consideration a few things:

We’re getting a m/hotel room with a kitchenette. That way we can eat some meals in room and save money. The average price per person per meal in most tourist areas is $10.00 plus tax and tip, so just by eating in our room three times we’re saving $90.00 plus tax and tip. The difference in price between a m/hotel room without a kitchen is about $10/day. For us, it’s worth it.
I’ll be using high value and free item coupons for some of the menu items we’ll be eating. I trade coupons online on site like HotCouponWorld, and of course, my local coupon club. (For more info on coupon clubs and online forums, check out this post)
I use as many deals and savings programs to earn gift cards and cash to defray costs. I’m save Swagbucks for a Paypal payout, I save Mypoints points for a gift certificate or a Paypal payout, And if we happen to eat out, we’ll try to eat at Mogl restaurants to earn a little green back!
I save various gift cards as well to be used on the trip (like the $20 pre-paid Visa Gift Cards I earn from SBKC)

So with our budget in mind, I set to finding a m/hotel that fits our budget and has the amenities we are looking for: swimming pool, complimentary continental breakfast, and free parking.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy!

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015Abby H.

I posted about Digital Media Academy a few weeks ago, but I wanted to remind you that there is still time to sign your tween/teen up and save $75!

Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more.

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

The DMA Experience from Digital Media Academy on Vimeo.

Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child’s confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigous colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer.

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!

Smiley360: ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Dental Products!

May 8, 2015Abby H.

I posted a while ago about BzzAgent, and awesome Word of Mouth (WOM) Marketing program. Today I have another WOM Marketing to program to share with you: Smiley360.

Word of Mouth Marketing- It’s not new. Remember the “I told two friends, and they told two friends” commercial from the 1980’s? That’s word of mouth marketing. Since the invention of the internet, WOM marketing has been amplified.

There are companies that connect consumers with companies and products looking to market directly to a specific cross-section of the population. What does that mean for you? Sign up with a WOM Marketing company and when they have products that someone like you would like and use, and they will have you complete a brief survey and send you the product.

Often times, the products they will send you will be full size. Additionally, they will send marketing materials with talking points for you to share with friends. Depending on the product, samples and coupons may be included!

Right now I am participating in the ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Dental Products campaign with Smiley360.

I’ve been using the system for about 2 weeks and white my teeth aren’t blindingly movie star white, they are definitely looking and feeling a lot cleaner! Just two easy steps twice a day is

I received:

• One tube of ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste
• One Spinbrush™ Truly Radiant™ Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush
• One bottle of Truly Radiant™ Whitening & Strengthening Fluoride Rinse

I love the spinbrush. It’s manual, so not batteries needed! The Bristles rotate as you brush to help blast away plaque, and the brush features elongated bristles designed to clean hard-to-reach places. I still have my wisdom teeth, so I DO have some hard to reach places!

The toothpaste is awesome. A lot of whitening toothpastes have a gritty or strange texture. One of my favorite parts of the ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste is that it’s got a smooth texture and cleans really well. However, it does more than just whiten teeth. This revolutionary toothpaste goes beyond the surface to strengthen, clean and repair tooth enamel for a radiant smile in just 5 days!

To learn more about these products, visit TrulyRadiant.com for special offers, product information and Truly Radiant Tips from Alison Sweeney! You can also like them on Facebook for special offers, news and to let them know how you are living Truly Radiant!

If you are interested in signing up for Smiley360, click here!

Digital Media Academy!

April 29, 2015Abby H.

Looking for an awesome summer camp experience for your tween/teen this summer?

Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at http://www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

The DMA Experience from Digital Media Academy on Vimeo.

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!

Inexpensive Summer Fun in San Diego County!

April 24, 2015Abby H.2 Comments

Summer is on it’s way! The kids will be out of school soon and the choruses of, “I’M BORED!” will being heard across the county.

Here are some cheap and free things that you can do this summer around San Diego County to alleviate the boredom.

Screen Shot 2015-04-24 at 5.12.31 PM The splash ground at Santee Lakes is GREAT! It’s only $2.00 per kid to play and if you park outside the Santee Lakes, you don’t have to pay to park! Take a picnic and it’s a great frugal outing! We go at least once a week in the summer and it’s always
a GREAT time!

The Santee Lakes hosts free summer movies throughout the summer. If you park your car outside the gates (there is lots of street parking!), there is no cost of the movies. If you drive your car into the park, it’s $8.00 per car, regardless of how many ppl are in your car. Bring a picnic and some blankets and kick back for a fun family movie!
Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park.

The San Diego Reader has a list of events on their website.

San Diego County Libraries have story time and various kid events each week. I love taking Henry to the Santee library story time, and then we play at Mast Park right next door afterwards!

El Cajon, La Mesa, and Escondido all have classic car shows/rallies each week that are free. Most have free music too! Check out some sweet rides, cool tunes, and have a fun frugal night with the fam!
DiscoverSD has a list of free events and classes offered in San Diego (not all are kid friendly)
Speaking of Parks- San Diego County has great parks, as do most of the cities in San Diego County! Our favorite parks include Big Rock Park in Santee, Kennedy Park in El Cajon, La Mesita/Junior Seau Park in La Mesa, Harry Griffin Park in La Mesa (great for little kids).

If you are looking for a fun drive and an adventure, The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo is really fun for kids (and adults!).

What kind of stuff do you do to keep your family entertained for free?

Follow us on Instagram!

April 21, 2015Abby H.

Did you know you can keep up with us on Instagram too? Sometimes I don’t have time to sit down in front of my desktop and write up a full post, but I’ve always got time to snap awkward photos and post them with with short recipes, frugal tips, and sales I discover while I’m out and about!

So check us out on Instagram today!

Fun, Free Weekend Activities

April 16, 2015April 16, 2015Abby H.

file4361308158952 If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon.

Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

Free National Park Entrance: April 18-19th opening weekend of National Park Week Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them)
Barnes & Noble Saturday, April 18th at 11 AM Story time featuring Aqualicious plus related activities at many B&N locations. Most stores have free toddler story time, NOOK events, hands-on learning events and author events – find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.

home depot workshops for adults Home Depot Workshop for Adults

Saturday, April 18th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM – Organic Gardening

Sunday, April 12th from 1 PM to 2:30 PM – How to Install a Toilet

You can pre-register online here.

whirly twirly windwill Lakeshore Learning Lakeshore Learning Store

Saturday, April 18th from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts every Sunday.

Kids make and take a Whirly Twirly Windmill Craft. Get more information here.

williams sonoma free jr chefs Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Kids

Saturday, April 18th at 10 AM

Junior Chef: Baking Bundts – kids will learn to prepare different flavors and sizes of Bundt cakes with three different glazes. The Jr. Chef’s class is suitable for kids ages 5-13.

Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Adults

Sunday, April 19th -contact your store for class time

Coffee Techniques Class: Be your own Barista and learn brewing methods and discuss various roasts and grinds that affect your finished drink. To reserve a spot, and find out specific class times, contact your closest store right here.

And Coming up in a few weeks:

Earth Day/Month Events in San Diego

4/21/15 at 11 AM: Pottery Barn Kids Decorate biodegradable flower pots and plant seeds for Earth Day. Call your local PBK store here for a reservation.

5/2/15: Free Comic Book Day. Find participating stores here.

5/2/15 from 9 AM to 12 PM: Home Depot Workshop for Kids Kids Learn How to Build a Picket Fence Photo Frame ~You can pre-register online here. (Some Home Depot locations do a kids workshop each week, no pre-registration required)

5/8/15: Free Admission to National Public Gardens. A favorite annual events just in time for Mother’s Day. Find Gardens Near You

5/9/15 at 10 AM Lowe’s Build and Grow Kids make and take a Mother’s Day Planter. Register at the website here.

5/10/15 at 10 AM: Pottery Barn Botanical flower arranging. Get more information and RSVP here.

5/18/15: Free Art Museum Day. Many art museums will be offering free or discounted admission. Find our more information here.

Lego Stores Free Model Build. Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build and binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.

And one of my favorites…Bowling for Kids all Summer: Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. She rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating here.

And Starting in June: Family Movies for $1 During the Summer Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.
Be sure and check out your local library (San Diego County Library event website) and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!

Thanks to Lori at More with Less

Frugal Recipe: Home Made Pizza!

April 14, 2015Abby H.

Who doesn’t love pizza? Ok, I know 1 person, but other than that, everyone loves it! Lil’ Man is no exception. He requests, “Cheesy pizza dinner” at least once a day, but I only acquiesce to his request once a week.

I tend to stock up on the crust mix and cans of salt free tomato sauce, so it’s easy to throw together a pizza on those days when I don’t really feel like cooking, or pizza is requested. With the only limitations being your imagination (and what’s in your fridge and pantry) you never have to have the same pizza twice!

Henry’s Cheese Pizza
Ingredients:

1 Betty Crocker Pizza Crust Mix (All you add is a 1/2 cup of hot water)- available at 99 Cents Only OR most grocery stores for $1.00 or less
1/2 c hot (not boiling) water
1/2 c (more or less) all purpose flour (for rolling out the crust)
1 small can tomato Sauce
Spices to taste (I use 2 T. Italian seasoning, 1 t. each granulated garlic and onion)
3/4 c. Mozzarella
3/4 c. cheddar cheese
(feel free to add up to 1 cup in additional toppings, such as veggies, meat, or even fruit!)

Directions:

Prepare the crust as per the package directions. I set the dough to rest for about 10-15 minutes on the back of the stove. I do this as the stove pre-heats. The dough relaxes and rises just a little.
While the dough is relaxing, mix the tomato sauce and spices together, set aside.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface, and transfer to a well greased cookie sheet.
Top pizza dough with about 1/2 of the pizza sauce, and the cheese
Bake per the package directions
Slice and serve. I usually get 3 or 4 servings per pizza. We like thin crust, so I roll the dough out to fill a cookie sheet.

Variations: Use white sauce, bbq sauce, or even Robert Rothschild Farm Roasted Pineapple & Habanero Sauce (I usually buy it at Costco) in lieu of the tomato sauce, you can change up your base flavor.

This pizza costs us about $4.00 and serves 3-4 hungry people. And since I make it at home, I know exactly what goes into it!

Family fun at The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair (and a giveaway)

April 11, 2015Abby H.5 Comments

KIDS fEST Summer means tons of family fun all over San Diego! One of our favorite is the The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair and it’s right around the corner! It’s a
fun springtime fair complete with music, dance, sports demos, games, cooking classes, plus a NEWLY added Playland that kids will LOVE!

The spring San Diego Kids Expo & Fair is happening at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26 from 10am to 5pm.

I took kiddo last year and we had a blast. There is tons of fun stuff to see and do, including two of our favorite things: The play area sponsored by Playtown and Free Kids Workshop by Home Depot. If you’ve got a kiddo that loves princesses, you’re in luck, there will be character photo ops too!

In addition to fun activities indoors, there are all kinds of fun activities and rides outdoors, including a zip line, Human Hamster Ball, Water Rollers, Laser Tag, Xorbing Balls, Body Bubbles.

You can learn all about The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair on their website, including hours and ticket prices.

Giveaway Time!! The awesome peeps over at the The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair have generously offered a family pack which includes two adults tickets and unlimited children under age 12, valid for either Saturday April 25 or Sunday April 26. It’s easy to enter! Just leave a comment letting me know why you are excited to win this giveaway. I’ll choose a winner on April 18th in the evening!

3 Ingredient Chocolate Cake!

April 10, 2015Abby H.3 Comments

I love this cake recipe. It’s quick, easy, and it disappears so quickly! And the best part, it’s loaded with pumpkin, so you don’t have to feel bad about serving it to your family. It’s easy enough that you can let even the littlest chef help you prepare it without risking a total cake failure!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 Cake Mix (chocolate or Devil’s Food) I prefer the mix with pudding it it- the cake is moister
1 small (approx 15 oz.) can of pumpkin
1/2-1c chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix and pumpkin. I used an electric mixer, but you can always mix it by hand.
Add chocolate chips, stir to combine.
Bake as directed on cake mix packaging. If making cupcakes, do not use cupcake liners, use spray release. Remember, there is no added fat in the recipe, so you’ll need the spray release, or you’ll be picking muffin-y goodness off the cupcake liners!

This is the yummiest, fudgiest cake you’ll ever have. This is a great cake to take to potlucks!

Vegan Option: Use a vegan Cake Mix, and Vegan Chocolate chips
GF option: Use a GF cake mix

It was so good that we snuck some cupcakes for breakfast!

We also shared it with our friends at a play date! Even our pickiest eaters gobbled up the cupcakes!

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