Altamont Passages

Mountain House Community Garage Sale is This Weekend!

2012-05-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is probably my favorite event in Mountain House. Every year, I find something I need at an awesome price.

The first year we lived here, I got some perfect curtains for my house. I really needed them, too, because we had just moved in, and the last thing we needed to spend money on was new curtains. Last year, I got a nice bookshelf that I had been looking for, along with a bunch of nice, practically new, clothes that I knew would fit either my sister or me for $1 a piece. My parents got some nice leather couches for a steal, too.

So, you can bet we well be out in force come Saturday morning. Come join us. You can find all of the info and maps here: http://wiki.mhvillages.com/~wiki17/index.php?title=Community_Garage_Sale

Bargain Alert: FREE Papa Burger From A&W for Joining Their Text Club

2012-05-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Right now you can get a FREE Papa Burger (Single not Double) from A&W by texting BURGER to 70626. There's no purchase necessary, and the coupon is valid May 4 - May 10, 2012.

This automatically signs you up for their text club, but you can always opt out later, if you want to. And, rumor is that only some restaurants are participating, so you'll need to make sure your local one is.

Yay for Free Stuff!

Something Fun: U-Pick Farms Around The Altamont Pass

2012-04-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

I think it's such a great experience to pick your own fruit straight off the tree it grows on, and we're lucky enough to live very close to one of the best places to do that. Here's a great post from the Mountain House Living Blog about the U-Pick Farms in Brentwood:

http://mountainhouseliving.com/blog/?p=1000

Bargain Alert: Tax Day Freebies and Deals

2012-04-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've seen the articles about all of the tax day freebies, but I thought I'd post some of the local deals here, as well.

Here's a few courtesy of MSN Money:

Arby’s: Free curly fries at participating restaurants April 17. For the coupon "like" Arby’s Facebook page.
Panda Express: You can get a free single serving of Shanghai Steak on April 17 with a coupon from the Facebook page.
P.F. Chang's: 15% off dine-in and take-out orders April 17. The deal does not include happy hour or P.F. Chang's for Two.
Sonic: Half-price drinks and slushes all April 17 at participating restaurants.
Office Depot: The chain is offering up to 5 pounds of free paper shredding and 25 free photocopies (say, of your tax return) through April 16.

And some more that I found while looking around the web, courtesy of The Christian Science Monitor:

Chevy's Fresh Mex: A tax-free deal. Chevy's will pay sales tax on all meals.
Chili’s: Free dessert or appetizer with an adult entrée purchase. Only one coupon is redeemable per table, so it looks like you’ll have to go alone. You will have to use This coupon.
IHOP: Kids eat free with a paying adult from 4 pm to 10 pm. Offer valid through the month of April.
McDonald’s: Free pie or small cone with purchase of $2.99 or more. Only available at participating locations.

Gluttony will surely make me feel better after writing that check to the IRS...

Something Fun: Earth Day Around the Altamont Pass

2012-04-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd this year, and I've found a few events around the area that you may enjoy.

Wente Vineyards is having a really cool celebration, with family friendly activities. There will be presentations on sustainability at Wente, tours around the gardens and sanctuary at the golf course, activity booths for kids and adults, and of course, wine tasting. Most activities are free, but you'll have to pay for wine tastings and food purchases. The event takes place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and more information can be found here: http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/event_list/earth_day_celebration/

And if you want to take a little drive, Stockton is holding their Annual Earth Day Festival, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with entertainment, booths and exhibits, a Family Fun Bike Ride, as well as food and clothing drives. You can get more information on the free event here: http://livegreensanjoaquin.org/index.htm

Concannon Vineyard is also celebrating Earth Day with special tours and tastings, although this one seems like it's more for the adults. I can't really tell when these events are available - just on Earth Day or on any other day, as well. This information is mostly courtesy of PR Web, supposedly from a press release by Concannon, but it's difficult to find the same exact information on their website. Here's the link to the article on PR Web. And you can go to their website here: http://www.ConcannonVineyard.com

So Much To Do Around the Altamont Pass This Summer

2012-04-14T09:18:00.003-07:00

I've been anxiously awaiting my next opportunity to post because there's so much exciting stuff comping up in our area. While I'm loving the rain, summer is right around the corner. I can tell because the Summer Activity Guides for the Cities of Livermore and Tracy have come out, and I'm so excited about what they hold.

Livermore has a ton of classes and camps for kids. We've been thinking about picking one that my step-daughter and my niece, who lives in Livermore, can attend together. They will be so excited when they hear about it. So far, I'm loving the GLEE Summer Camp and the Nature Camps. I wish I could go! Fortunately, the brochure contains many activities available for adults, as well.

You can find the Livermore Activity Guides here.

I'm especially excited about the Tracy Activity Guide, found here. They say that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but how can you not get excited when you see this?

I love old cars, and especially trucks, so I'm really excited about the Then & Now Car Show happening on July 21st in Downtown Tracy.

But inside, there's much more, too.

I've seen signs around the mall about this, but the brochure also mentions that they're going to have a Farmers' Market at West Valley Mall in Tracy. This will be so much more convenient for us in Mountain House and I'll probably end up going more often, since I'm in that area most weekends, anyway. It runs on Sundays, May 6th until October 27th, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The guide also lists many other Farmers' Markets in San Joaquin County, including the original Tracy Farmers' Market, on Saturdays May 5th through October 27th, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

There will also be some other fun community events downtown. There will be Downtown Block Parties: "Enjoy music, wine, beer, dancing & a bite to eat!" And each Party has a different theme:

May 4th will be a Cinco de Mayo Celebration
June 8th is Blues & Brews
June 22 will be Old Time Rock & Roll, 50's & 60's Night & Taste of Tracy
August 3rd is Boots & Buckles Country Night
August 24th is Classic Rock Night

There will also be outdoor movies on the Downtown Plaza at 6th & Central, starting at sunset on July 13th, July 27th, and August 10th.

I think they've had these events in previous years, but I feel like they haven't been so well advertised as they are this year, right in the very front pages of the brochure.

There's also Girls Night Out on May 11th, and Tracy's Best Yard Sale on June 16th.

Even further in, there's a wealth of Summer Camps for kids. I think Egal Lakes Day Camps sound like something our kid would love. From the brochure: "Each week includes: team sports, games, swimming, crafts, water activities, nature walks, fitness and more." There are many more camps available, as well as activities for adults.

My family is yet to decide which activities we'll participate in this summer, but we're pretty sure it will be a great time.

Bargain Alert: Wedding Bargains from Groupon

2012-04-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

As you know, wedding season is just getting started, and Groupon is offering some great deals for just that purpose. I'm a little late on posting about these, so you'll want to move quickly, but I just had to share some of these great deals that you can use online or locally.

Half off voucher for BlueNile.com. You can buy a $50, $100 or $200 voucher for BlueNile.com from Groupon for half price. This is a great deal for purchasing wedding jewlery. Go here to get it.

$99 for an Engagement Photo Shoot by Supreme Optique Photography in Tracy. For $99 you get a two hour photo shoot, at two separate locations, with time for two wardrobe changes, and eight 4x6" prints (a $230 value). Get this one here.

Go here for more wedding deals, including a deal for invitation printing, custom photo books, custom labels, and many more.

Remember, these end today, so hurry on over and get your Groupon.

Bargain Alert: A Couple of Great Dining Deals from LocalGruv

2012-04-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of good deals on food available today on LocalGruv.com. You can get a $10 voucher for $5 to use at Carl's Jr. in Pleasanton, or at Wise Guys Philly Cheesesteaks n' Gyros in Livermore.

Carl's Jr. is always a decent bet in the fast food world, and I have been wanting to try their new Jalapeño Patty Melt. Click here to get the half off deal for Carl's Jr.

And I'd seen Wise Guys a few times off of the Airway Blvd exit on 580, but I never knew that they served Philly Cheesesteaks. I'm definitely going to have to give them a try. Click here to get the half off deal for Wise Guys. (This one is only available today.)

Mi Pueblo Food Center is Now Open in Tracy!

2012-03-22T10:06:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to hear that Mi Pueblo Food Center is now open in Tracy. I feel like I've been waiting forever, when in reality it was just a few months since I heard that the SaveMart on Tracy Blvd had closed and was going to become a Mi Pueblo.

I was first introduced to Mi Pueblo stores a couple of years ago by my friend who is originally from Mexico. She loved going there because she said it reminded her of being back in Mexico. We went there together and ate at their in-store taqueria (each store has one, I believe). It was really yummy, inexpensive food. Plus they have really good prices on quality produce and each store has a great carniceria (meat department) and panaderia (bakery).

Now, I know some people may be reluctant to go there if they don't speak Spanish. But let me reassure you. Their staff is bilingual (Spanish/English) and I am always treated just like every other customer and have a great experience in their stores, despite the fact that I can barely remember any of my high school Spanish. Plus, it's a great way to experience something out of the norm, and brush up a little on your Spanish vocabulary: lechuga = lettuce. See? It will be fun.

They're now open at:

3225 N. Tracy Blvd.
Tracy, CA 95376

Their Grand Opening Celebration will be on Saturday, March 31st. I definitely plan on stopping by that day to see all of the festivities that they're bound to have.

Here's their new weekly flier. It's also bilingual. http://www.mipueblo.com//mipueblo/wp-content/uploads/especiales/TRACY.pdf

Or visit their website at: http://www.mipueblo.com/mipueblo/

Bargain Alert: $11 for 2 Hours Studio Time, 12" x 12" Canvas and Use of all the Supplies at Sharaku Paintertainment

2012-03-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

For the next four days, LocalGruv is offering a voucher for 2 hours of studio time, a 12" by 12" canvas and all the paint and supplies you'll need to create a beautiful painting at Sharaku Paintertainment in Pleasanton. (Although in my experience, I usually start out feeling like I'm going to paint like Van Gogh, but end up with something that looks like an elephant painted it. But most people are much more artistic than I am.) And at $11 you might as well give it a shot, since you couldn't even purchase the supplies you'd need to create a painted canvas for that price, so it's totally worth it.

Go here to purchase your voucher and see the details of the offer.

And what's even better, a portion of the proceeds go to The Taylor Family Foundation.

Something Fun: Limericks About Where You Live

2012-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the radio this morning and they asked people to call in with limericks about their hometown, and I thought that was a fun idea. So, I'd love to hear yours. Please share them in the comments below. And just so that you don't feel too embarrassed, I'll share mine, since I'm sure yours will be much better.

I think that I never have seen
A sight that is quite so pristine
As the trees and the grass
Of the Altamont Pass
When, like my dear Ir'land, are green

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Bargain Alert: Free French Fries from Burger King This Weekend

2012-03-16T12:58:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, March 17th and Sunday, March 18th, Burger King is giving away a free value size french fry to every customer, with no purchase necessary. And to celebrate St. Patty's Day, they're serving them with a special green sauce. I'm not sure if that's gross or fun, but who can pass up some tasty, free french fries?

Click here for more info: http://www.bk.com/en/us/company-info/press/press-release2536.html

Something Fun: Discover Chocolate Making With a Free Class Today or Sunday

2012-03-16T12:52:00.002-07:00

Yelp is having an event called, Yelp's Field Trip and they're offering free classes and experiences throughout the Bay Area. Unfortunately it's mostly over, but I found this one that sounds really fun: A World of Chocolate at Nuubia Chocolat. Nuubia Chocolate is located in Pleasanton, and in this free class you'll learn about how Chef du Chocolat, Lionel Clement creates beautiful and delicious chocolate confections with environmentally sensitive ingredients. And hopefully you'll get to taste some of the delicious treats.

Classes are:

Friday, March 16th at 4:00 PM: click here to RSVP for this class.

Sunday, March 18th at 3:00 PM: click here to RSVP for this class.

Have fun!

Bargain Alert: Kids Eat Free at Chili's March 5-7th (Plus Free Chips and Queso)

2012-03-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

For the next two days, kids 12 and under eat free at Chili's with the purchase of a regular entree. I rarely need an excuse to go to Chili's, so this is a bonus.

Click here for the coupon you'll need to bring.

Plus! If you sign up for their email club, you get free chips and queso. Double Bonus! Go here to sign up.

Activities through the City of Tracy

2012-03-05T09:54:00.001-08:00

We're almost done with my step-daughter's basketball class, Just 4 Hoops, through the City of Tracy. She is having a great time learning skills in a non-competitive environment. For us, this was a good alternative for a kid who says she wants to join a team, but would probably be over it in about 2 weeks, once she found out how much work and dedication it really takes. So, this was our test run, so that she could learn and practice the game, before making that commitment.

And I have to say, I'm really impressed. The coach, just a young guy, really knows what he's doing, and is so good with the kids. I am so glad that we signed her up for the class. And she's really looking forward to her Just 4 Kicks soccer class, starting in a few weeks.

Just 4 Hoops and Just 4 Kicks have classes for a wide range of ages, and I really recommend it for kids who are interested in sports, but need a little help with their skills. And the City of Tracy Activity Guide really has something for everyone, and generally, at reasonable prices, especially compared with a private institution. (Note: Mountain House residents don't qualify for the Tracy resident prices.)

Check out the Winter/Spring Activity Guide here.

Bargain Alert: $25 for a Horse Riding Lesson in Livermore

2012-03-01T13:34:00.002-08:00

My sister is a horse person, so I practically grew up around horses, and I was lucky enough to be able to ride when I wanted. So, it always surprises me when I meet adults that have always wanted to but have never ridden a horse.

Right now, Groupon has the opportunity to do that for a great price, right here in Livermore. Airdance Farm is offering 3 different packages, starting at $25 for a lesson, $89 for 4 lessons and $49 for an introduction to horses (which includes a lesson).

It sounds like this is a great chance to fulfil those life-long dreams. Or better yet, make your little one's dream come true before they grow up.

Check out the deal here.

Spring Gardening in the Altamont Pass

2012-02-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

I know it's still February, but I'm already itching to get started with my spring gardening. Two summers ago we had a great big, bountiful backyard vegetable garden. Last year - not so much. We just didn't put the same effort into it that we had the year before. So this year, I'm determined to have a large garden (and to keep the dogs from eating my plants before they can grow.)

It seems it took adding a lot of nutrients to our soil to get it to produce anything. I suspect it's because we're on old farm land that has had nutrients pulled out of the soil for years. We like a fish guts mixture for fertilization that you can purchase at Lowes or Home Depot called "Alaska Fish Fertilizer." It smells really bad for a couple of days but it seems to make a big difference in our garden. (We also try to use our own compost, using produce scraps from our house to make a nice rich soil, but we were getting too many visitors from raccoons and possums so we've stopped doing that until we can get a compost bin with a lid.)

I am also interested in finding some plants for our front yard that are fairly drought tolerant. I've found that the each county's Master Gardeners websites are great resources for finding plants that are best for your local climate. Alameda County Master Gardeners even have a "water wise" demonstration garden at the Martinelli Center in Livermore.

Here's the Master Gardeners site for San Joaquin County: http://sjmastergardeners.ucdavis.edu/

And here's the site for Alameda County: http://acmg.ucdavis.edu/

I hope to share some pictures from our garden and what we produce!

What are your gardening plans for the year? What plants have you had good luck or bad luck with?

Weekend Plans: Thrift Store Hunting

2012-02-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

On many weekends, I find myself hitting the local thrift stores in Tracy or Livermore. I do a lot of shopping there for my step-daughter, since she goes through clothes so quickly, and for myself when I need a new pair of jeans or top and can't bear to spend department store prices. I've had great luck at thrift stores finding stylish, hardly-worn clothing for really cheap.

I especially love the Buena Vidas' half price sale on Saturdays. Buena Vidas is a thrift store in Livermore that benefits a local youth ranch. They have a wide array of items and the Saturday prices can't be beat. (They also offer a voucher program for those who can't afford clothing or other necessities - see their website for details.) I'm already planning to go this weekend for my latest crafty project.

Which local thrift stores are your favorites?

Bargain Alert: Saturday Brunch Buffet for Two at the First Street Ale House for $13

2012-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

This deal from Living Social is especially timely, considering First Street Ale House was just voted the best restaurant in Livermore by Mountain Housers, in a poll conducted by MountainHouseLiving.com.

For the next two days, you can purchase a voucher for $13, good for two Saturday brunch buffets, including $6 toward drinks, at the First Street Ale House.

Get yours here!

Bargain Alert: Free Frozen Yogurt (and Toppings) at Yogurtland Today 2/6/12

2012-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

I love froyo and I especially love free stuff. And today is the best Monday ever, because you can get Free Frozen Yogurt (plus toppings!) at Yogurtland from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (valid at participating locations only). Unfortunately, our nearest location is in Dublin, but I'll probably stop on my way home!

Here's their website, to find locations, etc., but it was running pretty slowly when I tried to access it: www.yogurt-land.com

Call for Artists' Submissions for Tracy Art League Show

2012-01-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Tracy Art League is calling for submissions from Northern California artists for their 21st annual Expressions! juried art show. The selected works will be displayed in the Tracy Community Center and will be available for viewing by the public February 18th and 19th and 20th through the 24th. Some pieces will then also be displayed in the gallery at The Grand Theater.

Submissions will be accepted at the community center on February 10th and 11th.

See the article from the Tracy Press for additional details.

Something Fun for Little Ones: Read a Book With a Dog!

2012-01-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

I love this idea because I feel like all kids should be able to spend time with a dog. There are countless stories and studies that show that dogs can elevate your mood and your life.

On Saturdays in Feb, from 2:00 to 4:00, little ones can come and read a story to a trained therapy dog (meaning they'll be on their best behavior). So, this is a great chance for kids to practice reading and have a meaningful connection with a dog, especially if they don't have one of their own.

Here's the link from the Mountain House Forum.

And you can visit the Stockton-San Joaquin Library site here: http://www.stockton.lib.ca.us

Something Fun for Teens and Tweens: Make Valentine's Day Crafts - Feb 9

2012-01-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 9th at 4:30 PM, kids aged 10 and up can head to the Mountain House Library to make Valentine's Day cards and crafts for their friends and family. Supplies will be provided.

Check out the post on the Mountain House Forum.

And you can also visit the Stockton-San Joaquin Library website: http://www.stockton.lib.ca.us

Bargain Alert: Half Price Vouchers for Blue Nile

2012-01-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for something sparkly for your Valentine (or yourself), this is just the ticket. For the next week, you can purchase either a $50 voucher worth $100, or a $100 voucher worth $200 to spend at BlueNile.com from Living Social.

Go here to get this deal.

And check out http://www.bluenile.com/ to find what you're going to get!

This Weekend Around The Altamont Pass (Shoestring Edition)

2012-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Need plans for this weekend and don't want to spend a whole lot of dough? Here's just a short list of fun and cheap things to do in The Altamont Pass Area:

Friday

Free Family Movie Night at Bethany School in Mountain House (donations accepted)

Saturday

The Livermore Rummage Sale
Build-a-saurus event at Lowes (kids can build and take a wooden dinosaur for free. Must RSVP.)

All Weekend

$2 off Popcorn at Regal Cinemas with this mobile coupon. (Don't forget your discounted tickets to Man on a Ledge or One for the Money. Check out this post.)
Redbox is giving away discounts for answering trivia questions correctly
Bare Escentuals is giving a way a free sample of Active Cell Renewal. N.P.N. Head to the Stoneridge Location.
And don't forget the free lip gloss from Victoria's Secret with any purchase (with the coupon).

Thanks to Hip2Save for most of this fab info. Head on over here for much more, including lots of discounts for shopping.