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...

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: Wedding Bargains from Groupon

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.

Mi Pueblo Food Center is Now Open in Tracy!

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: 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. 

Activities through the City of Tracy

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.

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?

Call for Artists' Submissions for Tracy Art League Show

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.

Good Cause: Mountain House and Tracy Fire Department Crab Feed - Feb 17

Don't tell my significant other, but I love firefighters.  Not just because they're brave and handsome... well, yeah, basically because they're brave and handsome.  (I know that there are female firefighters, who are equally brave and beautiful - you go girls!) And we need them in our community to protect us from all sorts of bad things.  So, if you can, please attend the Mountain House Fire and Tracy Fire Crab Feed on February 17th, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM at the Portuguese Hall in Tracy. Tickets are $40, with all the proceeds going back to the community.  And they'll also have Tri Tip if, like me, you have an aversion to all things from the ocean.

You can get tickets by calling Fire Station 91 at (209) 831-4710, or Oscar Sharp on his cell at (209) 321-1977, or Jeff Brown on his cell at (209) 914-0377. I hear they're going fast!

Thanks to the post by Oscar on the Mountain House Forum for this info.  There's also a Facebook event page here.

On a serious note, I really appreciate firefighters for all that they do.  It's a rare person who will risk his or her life to save another, and they do it without hesitation, just because it's their job and the right thing to do.  My grandfather was a member of his volunteer fire company for over 50 years. He was very proud of that, as we still are.  Please support our local firefighters in any way that you can.

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: Fun Free In-Store Event at Michaels on Saturday

Thanks to my fav savings blog www.hip2save.com, I found out about this cute event for the little princess(es) in your life. At the Fancy Nancy: Make-it, Take-it class in stores on Saturday Jan 21st 10:00 AM-Noon, kids can make their own tiara and hear a story.

Here's the store's website.  You'll have to click the little arrow on the right side of the page under store events to see the Fancy Nancy event. 

It looks like they have a lot of these in-store events throughout the month that appeal to all different ages.

Bargain Alert: Groupon for Casa Flores in Tracy

I'm loving all of the Groupons that are available in our area lately (with the exception of the Jamba Juice Groupon - see the updated post about that).  And here's another one I just learned about (and bought!)

For $10, you get $20 to spend on food and drinks at Casa Flores Mexican Restaurant.  It's valid at 8 locations, including the one on Tracy Blvd in Tracy (but not the ones in Manteca or Modesto, in case you're planning to go there).  I haven't been to Casa Flores before, but with a 50% discount, I'm definitely going to give it a try.

Go here to get all the details and to purchase the Groupon.

Bargain Alert: Groupon for Qdoba Mexican Grill is Back Up!

In case you missed it last time, I just noticed that the Groupon for Qdoba Mexican Grill in Tracy is back up: $7 for a $14 voucher.  You can purchase it through tomorrow.  

I still haven't used mine, but let me know if you've been there and how you liked it.

You can get the Groupon here.

Taco Night!

Fridays are often taco night in our household.  That's because our favorite taqueria in Tracy, Taqueria Maguey, sells $0.75 tacos on Fridays (and Wednesdays).  Their tacos are on the smaller side, but deliciously filled with quality ingredients.  About 4 will fill me up, and I like to eat a lot of food. They also have other deals the rest of the week, but I love ending my work week with tacos and maybe a chile relleno, if they have any left.

Taqueria Maguey
2242 W. Grant Line Rd.
Tracy, CA 95377http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-maguey-tracy

Cinematic Treasures Series at The Grand

I'm really excited that I just found out about the Cinematic Treasures Series at The Grand Theater in Tracy.   A few times over the next couple of months, The Grand will be showing classic movies at a great price (about $3).  The Birds, The Godfather Trilogy, and a special midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show are all listed on their calendar.  (Each film is only shown once.) 

http://www.atthegrand.org/calendar/.

Their site is little bit clunky but if you click on an event in the calendar, more information pops up.  And it also appears that you can purchase tickets online for some of the shows.

Check out their other events, too.  There will be a community theater presentation of the musical, Annie, in May, (auditions are today, by the way) which would also be fun to take the kiddies to.

Bargain Alert: Groupon for Qdoba in Tracy - One Day Left

On Groupon right now, you can get a $14 voucher to Qdoba in Tracy for $7.  It's rare for Groupon or any of the other deal sites to have deals so close to home, so I had to post about it.  I bought this one since it's a new restaurant that I'd been wanting to try, and I'll definitely try it if I get a 50% discount.

Here's the link.  You won't be able to purchase it after tomorrow: http://www.groupon.com/deals/qdoba-stockton?c=dnb&p=5

Tracy Half Marathon!

I just found out today about a half marathon taking place in Tracy, right off of Naglee, in May.  I'm really excited because, even though I'm not a very athletic person, I enjoy the challenge of doing a half marathon and I think I'm going to have to sign up. 

I'll post more info as I get it, but for now, here's the link: tracyhalf.com
It's on Sunday, May 20th.  Prices are reasonable for a half marathon - $60 - considering I usually see prices around $100 for halfs.  And it's right in our backyard.

If you've never done a half marathon - or even a 5k, which is also being offered - I really recommend it.  It is a great way to motivate yourself to exercise because, if you've signed up, you know that you'd better train for it, or you will not be happy with yourself.  If you don't do the race, you spent all that money for nothing. If you do the race and quit in the middle because you're too tired, you always feel guilty about it.  And if you do the whole race without training beforehand, you will be in a LOT of pain. 

I did my first half marathon in 2009 and I never thought I could do it.  But I trained (not enough) and I did it, in less time than I expected to, and I was so amazed with myself.  I wish everyone could have that feeling.  My goal for this race will be to beat my personal best time, and that gives me even more reason to train. 

Hope to see you out there training and at the race!

Bargain Alert: Eco Friendly Bathroom and Window Cleaners - Costco

On Saturday, I was at Costco in Tracy, and I saw a great deal for ATTITUDE Certified Eco Friendly Bathroom and Window Cleaners.  It was $2.97 for a spray bottle and 1 gallon refill.  On the shelves next to these bottles was were equal-sized bottles of PineSol, which were $10 each.  So, I couldn't resist - I bought two sets of the bathroom cleaners.  I tested it out on my shower, which picks up a lot of soap scum, and it worked pretty well.  They were almost out of the bathroom cleaners when I was there, but they had plenty of window cleaner left.  I'm not sure if this item is being sold at other stores, or if it's at the same price.

On a side note, I really wish I could buy eco-friendly and organic products all the time, but I just can't afford to.  So, whenever possible, I do, or I buy the most eco-friendly items that I can afford.  Costco is actually a great place for good deals on some green products.  We try to buy their recycled paper towels and toilet paper, as well as some of the Kirkland brand green(er) cleaners.  Prices for these products are often comparable, if not cheaper than their traditional Kirkland brand items.  And even when it ends up being a little bit more, I can justify buying it anyway because it helps me feel better about my impact on the world. 

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.