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

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!

Bargain Alert: Tax Day Freebies and Deals

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

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

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: A Couple of Great Dining Deals from LocalGruv

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.)

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

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. 

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

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.

Weekend Plans: Thrift Store Hunting

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

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!

This Weekend Around The Altamont Pass (Shoestring Edition)

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.

Bargain Alert: For the Grown Ups - 2 Craft-Beer Flight Paddles at Tap 25 for $6

I had noticed Tap 25 last week on Yelp and it had really good reviews.  It's a newer place, in the charming Blacksmith Square (corner of Livermore Ave and Railroad).  They have 25 rotating taps of American craft beers (hence the name) and I hear the food is good, too. 

This weekend, for $6, you can get a voucher for two Craft-Beer Flight Paddles (regularly $12) from Living Social.  I'm not quite sure what a paddle is, but I'm anxious to find out. 

Get yours here. 

(This is my link - which will give me a promotion.  Remember you can do this, too.  If you want to go the site directly, go to www.livingsocial.com and select Walnut Creek/Contra Costa)

Also remember that you can't use your voucher until the day after you purchase it.  (Too bad, I definitely could have used a beer tonight.  It's been a long week.)

Here's Tap 25's website, as well: http://www.taptwentyfive.com/

And of course, always enjoy your adult beverages safely and responsibly.

Something Fun: Valentines Day

This February 14th will be our third Valentines Day in Mountain House.  I honestly can't remember the first, and I only remember last year because of a really bad dining experience.  I won't mention the restaurant here, but it was a place in downtown Tracy, and I'm sure if you're really keen, you can find my Yelp review of the place.

So, because of that, I wanted this year to be nice.  Nothing too over the top, but still a great time.  We've decided to try out a new "gourmet Mexican" restaurant in Livermore, El Sacromonte.  It's gotten good reviews on Yelp.  So, even though I'm a food wimp and a little scared of trying something so different (check out their menu - this is no taqueria), I'm going to have an open mind. 

What are your favorite places nearby for a nice dinner out?  Please post your responses in the comments below.  Thanks!

Bargain Alert: Half off Dog Grooming Services in Livermore ($15 for $30)

If you're a dog lover like me, you might like this deal from a great deal site that I just learned about called LocalGruv.  Today you can purchase a $30 voucher for $15 for Dog Grooming Services at The Sudsy Dog on 2nd Street in Livermore.  You have a few days to purchase this deal, and a portion of the money will go to the East Bay SPCA.  What can be better?

Go here: http://localgruv.com/

I had to share this pic from the site.  It's too much.

Thanks to Jeff from the Mountain House Forum for letting me know about this one.

Bargain Alert: Free Food and Discounts from Panda Express

Thank you, again, to Hip2Save for this gem.  On January 23rd, Panda Express is giving away FREE Firecracker Chicken Breast - no purchase necessary.  Then on January 24th through February 14th, they're giving away any free entree (excluding shrimp) with the purchase of a 2-entree plate, or you can get 10% off any purchase. 

You'll have to bring the coupons, though, available here.

Bargain Alert: Livermore Rummage Sale January 28th

When I was looking at the LARPD website, I also saw that their monthly rummage sale is on January 28th 8:00 AM to Noon.  I believe they're held monthly on the last Saturday of the month.  I've been to it once and, although it wasn't huge, I would say it was definitely worth a visit, and I'll probably go again soon. You can also rent a space and sell your own stuff.

Here's the flier for January. 

Livermore Area Recreation & Park District's Winter/Spring Programs Catalog is Now Available

Every few months, I look forward to LARPD's new catalog of classes and programs.  It's filled with great activities for kids and adults and they're usually at great prices (or at least cheaper than private lessons and classes).  There are always too many classes that I want to take, so my family and I usually attend one or two per year.
 
There are any kind of classes imaginable, and some you never would have thought of in your wildest dreams.  Last year, my step-daughter took a kid's Zumba class, that she really enjoyed. (I've since discovered that kids can participate in the Zumba classes in Mountain House, but I'll post more on that soon.)  Another fun thing that my sister told me about is the Friday Fun Night, which allows you to drop of your 5- to 10-year-old off at the community center so that you can have a "date night" (or just a break).  It's only $15 for 3 hours and it sounds like a great time for all.

I'm going to look a little deeper to pick out which classes we might take this season.  I'll update you on the ones that I think look the best, and are the best deals.

Find the full catalog here: http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/brochures/Winter_Spring_2012_Brochure.pdf

And you can find the LARPD website here: http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/ 

Bargain Alert: $20 for Paintball Package for 4 in Livermore

For $20 you can purchase this Trubates deal which is good for a $120 paintball package for 4, including equipment rental, although air and paint are not included.  I thought I'd share this one because it can be used in Livermore, off of Stanley Blvd. 

Activities at Sycamore Grove Park

Sycamore Grove Park is one of my favorite places in Livermore.  I love its history and beauty.  If you ever get a chance to take a class about the history of the park and Olivina, I highly recommend it. 

Every month Sycamore Grove park releases a newsletter which includes a number of activities, led by park rangers, who teach you about the habitat and tell stories about the park.  Most are family-friendly and free. 

Here's the link to their newsletter for your enjoyment: http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/vw_archives.html

I imagine my sister will make me join her for the Winter Owls program on January 29th, but the Bright Winter Stars program on January 14th looks fun, as well.

LARPD's website is also a great resource for community events and classes in Livermore.  My family and I have taken several classes through their recreation department, including an olive picking and curing class, which is where I learned about Olivina and Sycamore Grove Park.

Life around the Altamont Pass

Life is unique here.  The Altamont Pass area has it's own culture.  It's filled with people with high hopes and long days.  It's close enough to the San Francisco Bay Area that many of us do the commute, several hours each day, to and from the Bay Area.  But it's far enough away to be considered by most, not really part of the Bay Area (I say I live in the East, East Bay).  And it really is a world apart.  My first 27 years growing up in Silicon Valley, I never had seen a camouflage truck driving through the Safeway parking lot.  But it's close enough to common here, that no one really bats an eye. 

I, like many out here, moved here from the Bay Area because of the home prices.  I wanted something REALLY affordable, but nice.  I could have bought a 100-year-old, falling-down fixer-upper, house in downtown San Jose.  But instead I bought a 3-year-old house in beautiful Mountain House, for the same price.  The commute to Mountain View (yes, I work in Mountain View and live in Mountain House) sucks.  But for now, I like my job and I'm not willing to change it.  And I'm not willing to move either.  I've decided I love this area - Livermore, Mountain House, and (sometimes) Tracy*.  It's quiet, quaint, and reminds me of simpler times.  I love the rolling hills, the cows, and that there's room to breathe. 

So, I'm starting this blog for those of us who live here.  One of my constant goals is finding great deals (I am really, really cheap), and I'd love to share those with you.  And I'll share my thoughts and experiences, as well as keep you posted on neat local events.




*Tracy is a great town with tons of charm, but we have to be honest and admit that it has it's faults.  The crime is my biggest complaint, and I must admit that I don't venture to parts of town by myself at night.