Thrifty Living Simi Valley

Dollar makes you... HOLLA!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 04:36:00 +0000

The Simi Valley Dollar Store on Cochran is the BEST.

School supplies, household supplies: plastic baggies, foil, dish towels, forks, spoons, hairbrushes, toothbrushes.

I actually ate their food. It's decent. Spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, spices, breakfast sausage, chorizo, tortillas, almond cookies, maple cookies, sodas... all for a dollar!

Be there or.... be broke!

Free Science Experiments at Simi Library

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Weather Balloon Experiment? Sign ups are happening now, today, at the Simi Valley Public Library. I am not sure of the presentation: I am awaiting my chance to experience this on Saturday June 27th. Based on my delighted surprise at discovering a "Paper Airplane Contest" which happened in May, on the last Saturday, I am venturing a guess that this may be a monthly event. Anyway, free... and no age limit. Check it out today! Simi Valley Public Library 805-526-1735.

Cheap Entertainment for 6 and 7 year olds

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:11:00 +0000

Watercolor paint on the cement patio. Big brushes, lotsa water and cool designs. Dries up.

Sidewalk chalk on the brick wall behind our house. A masterpiece that will wash away with the next Spring rain.

$2.00 canvas tote bags from Big Lots on Cochran Street and fabric markers. Wowza. Add some fabric paint, and you have a fabulous future parent gift (you know you are begging for your own...).

Rock collecting. This really is fun during a hike.

Leaf collecting. This is very educational as we learn about all the different leaves and trees in our area. If you spread paint on the leaves, then press the leaves onto paper, you'll create a memorable backdrop for a photograph.

Woah. Rock... Paint... Father's Day paperweight. So far, it's a tradition in our house.

Build a graham cracker house.... and EAT IT. Use up leftover cereal, marshmallows, candy pieces, and stick it with frosting or marshmallow fluff. MUNCH down on a hedonistic treat. Prepare for the sugar crash nap. Once in awhile... WHY not?

Play a board game. We don't spend enough time with our children as it is... and we complain about their using video games. Well, dang it! Be a part of the solution...! Show them how to play Crazy 8s, Old Maid, you name it! Charades! The sky's the limit!

Speaking of skies, cloud watching is awesome. Ask questions: What does that look like? what do you think a cloud tastes like? Can we sketch that cloud? Make a book of clouds. Make a model of cloud with cotten balls and glue (not tape... it looks terrible...just a light application of glue is okay..). Hang it in their room above their bed with some star cut outs. Very cool.

My personal favorite: Find the Matching Sock Game. Once you find its partner, ball them up together and Make a Basket! Two points for making it. 1 point for missing and then putting it in the basket. Loser puts them ALL away! WOO HOO!

Too Cute! Christmas Low On Dollars, High on Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Save these ideas for next year!

Our children colored and glittered wooden photo ornaments for their grandparents. This turned out to be such a nice gift. The ornaments were a nice quality, and currently on sale for 39cents, down from 99cents each at Joann's Crafts on Tapo Street. We used markers on one set of ornaments and discovered that smearing glitter glue onto the freshly colored surfaced spread the ink around, and created a nice watercolor-effect. We used colored pencils on the other set and that also turned out pretty. We "painted" on those with dots of iridescent glitter glue and that was a charming effect as well.

My daughter helped me spray paint silver some fallen magnolia blossoms and gumfruit. If you haven't seen these, they might look like nature trash at first. But after a good dollop of silvery or gold spray, they magically turn into festive centerpieces, great for single items of decor, or grouped for a centerpiece on a pretty plate, or further (we never got to this point, but the potential is there) arranged with hot glue (and I'm thinking) on a rounded coat hanger wire to form an interesting wreath (I'll do this next year). I also noticed the gumfruit had convenient holes in which we could stick foil pipe cleaners. My daughter made a "Christmas Ant". I am thinking Christmas Bugs for next year might be nice

My mother-in-law created very striking holiday decor by (somehow) inserting strings of light into a glass block (her husband helped). Tied with a crisp, elegant bow, the overall look was magical. I always think that holiday decor is a guaranteed hit, at least with me. I don't have enough, and what I do have, is eventually broken and will need to be replaced.

My other mother-in-law (I am blessed with two) had an interesting "Christmas Auction". She had arranged several nice gifts on a table, handed out packets of fake money, and the family members had a great time bidding on their desired gifts. It was not only fun, it was a guarantee that everyone got something they liked. Of course, there were moments when in the heat of bidding, a few family members were caught up in battle, and you are left wondering who truly was the victor.

My sister-in-law and her husband gifted families with their bottles of homemade wine. I should mention, however, this is not a holiday hobby, but a serious part time venture, which they've been doing for years. In other words, this is no "grow your beer in a box" experiment. I always enjoy homemade items, in one way or another. Especially when the gift is the result of something they passionately love to do. Several years ago, my father-in-law made sets of nice wooden chopping blocks. He loves to work with wood, and his gifts were cherished and useful.

Our good friends Keith and Tasha, as usual, had very creative gifts. I should say Tasha. Keith just tags along and adds humor. For example, Tasha made a tin of fudge, to which she attached "family conversation starters" cards, where families would use them to start talking at a dinner table, for example. Tasha is very creative. Check out their company website, which she created http://www.beyond-images.com/. Keith gave us Vienna sausage. See?

However, I should mention we gave Keith Coconut Milk and Top Ramen noodles. There are stories behind these foods BUT the reason I mention these items is that, in all honesty, between good friends, it's much simpler to give a canned good (which may recall a personal story) or an imported (single) bottle of beer with a bow.

Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Blessed Kwanza!

Other Uses for Christmas Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Got a bunch? Okay, let's check out the possibilities, in no particular order of preference.

1.) Hang a long piece of strong yarn across ... somewhere. Hang all your cards so we can enjoy the pretty colors.

2.) Use same method, but string it over your Christmas Tree.

3.) Cut cards in half, use the front cover (which usually has a blank side) as a Christmas postcard.

4.) Same as above, except use for a Thank You note to the gift giver

5.) Use cards and scissors to create a Christmas Village for your children to enjoy. Sure, you can use glue and tape, but wouldn't it be cool to simply cut slits and slide the cards together?

6.) Out of really pretty ones you can make snowflake ornaments, with the special picture or message showing.

7.) Chop into pieces and use them to make a giant collage of collage for fun. This is great to occupy children on vacation. It's especially challenging for older children or young adults to attempt to use the pieces as "colors", for example, using darker pieces to "paint" dark areas of a larger picture. Sort blues, greens, etc into different piles and let them have some fun!

Worried about saving the crafts? No need. Take a picture for your scrapbook. Then, as the adult, you can soak the pieces (or tired out projects) in rubbing alcohol and use them as an economical fire starter for your fireplace.

$1.00 Makes Me Hollar!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:37:00 +0000

The Dollar Store on Cochran, in the Albertson's shopping center, is a true, bonafide bargain center. Other 99 cent or thrift stores smell funny or simply look trashed. This one generally appears clean and the clerks are pleasant. Although not stocked with everything in creation, it has 12 pks of Christmas pencils for $1.00; pairs of girls' socks for $1.00; children's books for.. uh.. $1.00; stickers, 2 pks for ... $1.00; well you get the picture. Other nifty finds are batteries, locks, magnets, candies, interesting lotions and bubble baths, cleaners for the house, energy drinks, plastics for the kitchen, party supplies, coffee cups, bathroom items, Santa hats and holiday decor. They even have what I call "Hannukah Socks" (dark, glittery blue stockings for the fireplace... very pretty, too!). Two dollars can get you a nice gift of scented powder or lotions for your child's classroom teacher; a child's book for your neighbor; a few socks for your own children's stockings...holiday pencils for a neat treat for your child to proudly pass out to their friends this week. This store is worth checking out periodically. The buck definitely stops HERE.

Gifts for the holidays... small or handmade, who'da thunk it?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Recession has an up side: since we're all so broke, we actually have to put more thought and feeling into our gifts than ever before, more twitter than glitter, so to speak. I welcome it as a chance to revisit the spirit and meaning of the holidays.

Our children are truly blessed, and like most children, don't appreciate it. This year I purposely chose to donate toward one of the many toy charity drives in the neighborhood, taking time to explain to my two angels are they are being a "secret santa" to a little one, just like them, who may not have money or parents who can provide a present at Christmas. Emphasizing the needs of others over our own is perfectly in tune with this hailed 'season of peacegiving'.

Handmade gifts can be easily done, especially with the artwork of children. Using their art from school, you can make creative giftwrapping for presents. Children can handpaint frames for showcasing photos of family. My own children enjoy painting plaster ornaments which are purchased cheaply from an art supply store, like Michael's or Jo Ann's. Handmade prints or art with season's greetings can be photocopied onto Christmas cards and make a cherished memory.

Baked cookies are a treat, but have you thought about homemade frozen dinners? Busy parents can really appreciate this timesaver, especially if you have a recipe that they have raved about. Adults can swap "babysitting" hours for gifts, no questions asked.

Items for families include kitchen items: not gadgets, which take up shelf space, but practical and pretty always are a hit. Some examples are:
*a new set of wooden spoons, tied with a bright ribbon and your favorite pancake recipe
*splatter screens with a your favorite fried chicken recipe or include a sealed jar of the actual dusting flour
*canvas cloths can be successfully painted in thick, bright patterns and then edged even by the most basic sewer and used as cloth trivets
*painted dishes can be given as spoon rests
*collection of family recipes with optional family photos

Other, random items:
*Movie Rental Card and a Box of Microwave Popcorn
*Starbucks Gift Card in a Charming Mug
*Pretty Sparkly Headbands
*Laundry for a day or Windows for a Day (an intense labor of love)
*Grandparents will appreciate their grandchildren's efforts at landscaping and gardening (with parent supervision - this is not a day for grandma to babysit!)

A personal favorite of mine are plants and seeds to look forward to growing, in the future months of warmth and sun.

Wine Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:40:00 +0000

Over the years, I've noticed that wine becomes super cheap around November through January. For good reasons, I suppose. From Thanksgiving to New Year's, a good bottle is a good gift as a guest or a host.

It was explained to me once that having low-priced deals are considered a way to drag people into the store and hopefully they will leave with other, more expensive stuff. Makes sense.

I am pleased to tell you this is not your rot gut. This is fairly decent wine. I like some American wines, and imported reds and boutique wines. For example, Rosemount Shiraz from Austrailia, a generally full bodied, slightly berry heavy red, is currently going for less than half price: normally $12.00... now about less than $6.00. Wow.

Definitely the time to stock up, if you are a person who drinks wine. Salut! or A bon sante! or "Woo ee, is this all for me?"

$1.00 Bowling Sundays at Brunswick

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Well, this is a nifty find: buck bowling. It's $1.00 per person, per game and shoes are $2.50 per person. So my two children and I can get in a ten-frame game for about $11.00. Hoo ya! It's on Sundays, from 8:30am until 11:00am. Cheaper than the movies, and my children love it.

By the way, if you can squeeze in on a Saturday, and find an open lane, you get an added treat of experiencing the noontime blacklight / lazer thingy of a show, which is technically for the birthday parties but everyone present gets to enjoy it. Of course, the $1.00 special isn't on a Saturday, but it's nifty cool anyway.

http://local.yahoo.com/info-21154980-brunswick-valley-bowl-simi-valley

Disneyland for FREE on your Birthday? No Way.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Way.

Disneyland is offering a free admission ticket for your birthday in 2009. Register online and they will email you the ticket with a reminder two weeks before your birthday. If you already own a Multi Day Pass or Season Ticket, you will receive an alternate gift. This deal is hard to beat. Go ahead and register your family, even if you think you can't afford taking the family right now... because, who knows? In 2009, everyone might be fine AND you will get an email reminder... it's between you and Mickey.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/disneyland/index?name=CelebrationsDLRFreeOnYourBirthdayPage

Think Ahead Breakfasts Cheap and Good

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:47:00 +0000

School is coming, and I will be returning to work in the Fall. I need ideas on how to prepare breakfast for my family without too much trouble or expense!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16301678 is a newstory on what appears to be delicious and quick breakfast bars made with oats and condensed milk.

Pre-done quiches, which you can make in a muffin pan, pre-cooked pancakes and waffles (frozen for the week) are easy heat-ups which are a nice, warm change from cold cereal and toast.

Hard-boiled eggs and orange juice, cinnamon toast and hot chocolate, bagels and cream cheese and fruit cup are also quickie breakfasts which are healthier than Kellogg's Fruit Loops.

If you are like me and fall into a rut, make a list of breakfasts and post it on your fridge. It'll remind you, when you are too tired to think, what you can whip up without automatically ouring out the milk. I am dead set against cold cereals: I use them! But I believe it's good to keep providing a variety of food for your family, by posting lists and looking at new ideas.

As a last resort, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk are an all-around kid favorite and certainly are a treat anytime of the day. Hey, it's better than a doughnut. Sometimes.

$1.00 Day Ventura County Fair July 31st

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:49:00 +0000

If you are blessed to be off during the summer, or at least, can safely play hookey from work on July 31st, you and your dollar are going to get a nice treat: entrance to the Ventura County Fair.
It's Dollar Day, because it's the opening day. Awesome! If you did that reading trick, you have free ride tickets AND a low cost entry fee. Have fun!

Goodwill Targets Good Buys

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:42:00 +0000

I learned last year that 1:00pm on Fridays is when Target, that nationally known chain, donates off-season or clearance merchandise at our local Goodwill store. Hey, it's not broken or bits and pieces! I'm talking about nice, thick fluffy towels or that last coffeemaker on the shelf which needs to make room for the incoming winter boots. To give you a real-life example, I purchased leather covered lamps for my mother-in-law (at least I think they're leather...), very nice if not excellent condition, at $10.00 each...and they retail for $50.00 and up! I also purchased a studded jean jacket, maybe $50+ dollars for $12.00. I saw long leather coats in the summer for about $20.00 to $30.00. There are lots of good deals here. Of course, if you think good deal means 'cheap', think again. You still have to be careful when you shop. Remember that coffeemaker? It was tagged for $9.95. I can buy a similar one at Sav-On Drugs for about the same price.

St. Rose of Lima Carnival Bargain Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:39:00 +0000

It's too late now, since the Carnival has been over for a couple of weeks, but I learned you can buy those $25.00 ride bracelets for TEN BUCKS at a pre-sale outside St. Rose Church. You just have to know when, or at least, know a parishioner. Failing that, you can buy those expensive ride bracelets from the St. Rose Parish Office for FIFTEEN bucks... still cheaper than showing up at the Carnival and debating tickets vs. bracelets!! Put it on your calendar for next year, and get very friendly with a local St. Rose Catholic.

Read for the Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:15:00 +0000

Okay, really quick, your child can earn free ride tickets for the Venture County Fair by reading books this summer!

http://www.venturacountyfair.org/pages/3441/ is the main web page, and you look down, under "Kids' Korner" and you'll see where the Read and Ride program is mentioned. Follow those links for complete instructions!

Woo hoo! Combined with the Simi Valley Library Summer Reading Program, my children are really going to enjoy reading this summer!

Lemon Park has Cool Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Well, today my children and I are meeting our friends Sheltering Aerie and Soaring Eagle and his sister, Little Eagle (?), (former Adventure Guide members, check out my other post) at Simi Valley's Lemon Park. The neat thing about Lemon Park is its Play and Spray Fountain. It's not called that, but I think you get the image. Lemon Park is near another local favorite of Thrifty Living Simi Valley: the local library. So, to conserve gas (what is going ON with these prices? I don't believe there is as much as an oil shortage as an oily scheme) I try to combine library days and Lemon Park days. I think many parents do that, because I feel like I am in a walking tour group as I see familiar faces from books to spray.

I also often take a book and sit on one of their nearby benches, because it's one of the FEW areas that children will generally stay in one place, be generally safe, and I can sneak in a few lines of reading. There is no shade over the benches, so on blistering hot days, I frequently "check" on my children in the water spray and, oh, dear, I might get an icy cold blast of water against my back. Darn it.

Lemon Park is open from morning until 6:00pm, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Exit Tapo Canyon off the 118 Fwy and head toward the Library. Turn left after the Library, and it'll be on your left hand side.

Remember the usual rules of thumb for Simi Valley Fun in the Sun: Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, plenty of bottled water.

"Music in the Park", Rancho Simi Park

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Always fun, bring a picnic dinner, drinks, blanket and some chairs and enjoy a FREE evening of entertainment, brought to you by the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation District.

All events at the Rancho Simi Park ("the duck park"), on the corner of Erringer and Royal, at the amphitheatre.

Saturday July 19 6:00pm Hotel California (Salute to The Eagles)
Saturday August 16 6:00pm Savor (Tribute to Santana)

Simi Valley Library

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:54:00 +0000

The local library should be at the top of your to-do lists everyday, not just summer. The Simi Valley Library is chock full of free things to do, and a source of inexpensive entertainment. In Simi, there is a Summer Reading Program which includes bi/weekly entertainment and rewards for children for reading. Also, there is a "Friends of the Library" bookstore where you can get books, games, magazines for CHEAP. I picked up two board games for $2.00 yesterday, and a good book for .50 cents. I gave my daughter two quarters and she was thrilled to find something to buy. The Simi Valley Library... check it out.

Summer Reading Program 2008

(Remaining events)
Please note: most events are very popular. Plan to come at least a half hour early. Some events do "sell out".

Wed. July 2 Mad Science BugOlogy
1:00pm and 2:30pm

Tues. July 8 Maury the Amazing Magician
12:00pm and 2:00pm

Wed. July 16 Santa Barbara Zoo - Theatre Gone Wild!
12:30pm and 2:30pm

Sat. July 26 Partianimalz Petting Zoo
12:00pm-2:00pm

Wed. July 30 Treblemakers Music Workshops
1:00pm-3:00pm

Mon. Aug. 4th Magician Shaun McMaster
1:00pm-3:00pm

Tues. Aug. 12th Teen Cartooning Class, by Dave Boatman 1:00pm

Wed. Aug. 20th The Reptile Family visits the Library!
1:00pm

$2.00 Swim Rancho Simi Pool

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:10:00 +0000

584-4436

Recreational Public Swim

1:00-3:30pm MF

1:00pm-4:00pm SS

$2.00 per person

June 14 - August 24

3.5 feet to 15 feet

Diving Boards

Note: Sign up for a Volleyball Camp through RSSPD,

and receive a T Shirt or Pass for Free Swim all Summer!

(Check details upon registration)

$200.00 Family Swim Pass up to six members

$35.00 per individual for 20 admissions

No refunds

Films Under the Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:47:00 +0000

Free

Rancho Simi Community Park Amphitheatre

1765 Royal Avenue

8:00pm or dusk

Bring a picnic dinner, blanket or lawn chairs, jackets.

Don't forget the wipes!

June 27 Bee Movie
July 25 Nancy Drew
August 22 Enchanted

Fairy Tales in the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:23:00 +0000

Free, live children's theatre, donations suggested.

Performed by Gypsies in a Trunk

Rancho Simi Community Park Amphitheatre

1765 Royal Avenue

4:00pm

Saturdays

July 5 "Puck - A Midsummer's Day's Fairytale"

August 2 "Cinderella"

September 6 "The Little Mermaid"

Simi Valley Town Center

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:40:00 +0000

Pack a lunch and indulge in the $2.00 train ride around the mall. My nine year old son and I still love to take a swing around in the mini train. http://www.simivalleytc.com.

Kids Club Every Wednesday 10:00am-11:00am FREE
Intended for preschoolers, but all ages welcome.
Every first Wedensday, a "dragon" (the mall mascot, "Kuyum") will visit
Every third Wednesday, family entertainment. June features magic and comedy.

Monday Night Movies 8:00pm. Approx. 2 hours. Rated PG or PG-13. FREE

June 30th "Disturbia"
July 7th "Zoolander"
July 14th "Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix"
July 21st "Blades of Glory"
July 28th "11"
August 4th "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
August 11th "Grease"
August 18th "The Goonies"
Coordinated by Rancho Simi Park District. Call 805-584-4400 for more details.

Thursday Summer Concerts 6:00pm-8:00pm. FREE.
Now, until September 11th. Pop, Alternative, R&B, Latin Jazz.

Farmers' Market. Fridays 3:00pm-8:00pm. FREE.
Now, until November 1st.
Includes children's activities, a petting zoo, and more.
Call 805-643-6458 for more information.

Cold Eats on Hot Days

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:53:00 +0000

What was it, 100 degrees today? Who wants to cook on a day like this? Yesterday we survived by barbecuing, but we could have barbecued on our car's engine hood today.

Some cold, inexpensive suggestions for eating (at home, of course!)

*Canapes
Essentially an open faced mini sandwich. My kids loved these. Traditionally done on soft, french baquette rounds, but can be done on other breads as well.

Cream cheese, apple slice, walnut
Cream cheese, cucumber slice, roast beef
Garlic mayonnaise, lettuce leaf, ham salad
Try anything really, even PBJ!

*Crostinis
The hard version of the above. This is on crunchy bread.
If you can splurge a bit, buy mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil.
Layer them onto a crostini, and you have your caprese salad on toast.

My children didn't like the hard bread as much. They survived with the spinach dip soaking the bread a bit. In the future, I think I will try tuna salad, ham salad, any other "drippy" food to soften the bread for them.

*Fruit smoothies
Vanilla yogurt, fresh (or near death) fruit, throw in some flax seed or wheat germ so the Righteously Healthy Parent inside you is satisfied, and blend away. You can throw in some milk if it gets too thick, as it may with banana or a heavy fruit blend.

*Cold Meat and Cheese Trays

*Sandwich Wraps (or burritos disguised as wraps)

*Cold Pasta Salads

*Salad Bar, with meats like chicken or ham or turkey to give the salad some
"weight" in the tummy, (meaning the kids will sleep through the evening). Include some cheese toast as a side dish.

*Freeze some yogurt tubes

*Fun Drinks!
I found a cache of flavored syrups from last year, when I had planned to make slushies, but our slushie machine didn't work. Well, this year I made flavored non-alcoholic daquiries for my children with some crazy flavors, like Bubblegum Apple. You could of course "adultify" it, if you want.

About 2 cups crushed ice
About 1/2 cup flavoring
Blend

Stay cool, stay home!