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.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Spring Gardening in the Altamont Pass
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
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?
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?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Bargain Alert: Free Frozen Yogurt (and Toppings) at Yogurtland Today 2/6/12
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
Here's their website, to find locations, etc., but it was running pretty slowly when I tried to access it: www.yogurt-land.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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.
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!
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
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
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
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
Monday, January 30, 2012
Bargain Alert: Half Price Vouchers for Blue Nile
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!
Go here to get this deal.
And check out http://www.bluenile.com/ to find what you're going to get!
Friday, January 27, 2012
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
Thanks to Hip2Save for most of this fab info. Head on over here for much more, including lots of discounts for shopping.
Friday
- Free Family Movie Night at Bethany School in Mountain House (donations accepted)
- The Livermore Rummage Sale
- Build-a-saurus event at Lowes (kids can build and take a wooden dinosaur for free. Must RSVP.)
- $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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Bargain Alert: Weekend Movie Plans - Discounted Tickets to Man on a Ledge and One for the Money
Your weekend movie plans are set. Right now you can get discounted movie tickets to two new movies: Man on a Ledge and One for the Money.
Man on a Ledge looked really exciting when I saw the trailer for it a few weeks ago, and currently, Living Social is selling a voucher for 2 movie tickets to see it for $12. Tickets are purchased through Fandango.com and the voucher covers up to $13 per ticket ($26 total). Get the deal here.
Don't forget that Living Social will refund your purchase if three of your friends buy it from your referral link!
And Groupon is offering a deal to see One for the Money for the same price ($6 tickets, but you can buy these individually). This one goes through a site called Hollywood Movie Money that I'm not familiar with, but is probably similar to Fandango. I've heard this movie is based a really funny book series, so it might be a fun one to check out, too. You can get that deal here.
I think this is a great price for a night out, even though you can get movie tickets for not much more than this. But if you were going to see these movies anyway, why not save a couple of bucks.
Man on a Ledge looked really exciting when I saw the trailer for it a few weeks ago, and currently, Living Social is selling a voucher for 2 movie tickets to see it for $12. Tickets are purchased through Fandango.com and the voucher covers up to $13 per ticket ($26 total). Get the deal here.
Don't forget that Living Social will refund your purchase if three of your friends buy it from your referral link!
And Groupon is offering a deal to see One for the Money for the same price ($6 tickets, but you can buy these individually). This one goes through a site called Hollywood Movie Money that I'm not familiar with, but is probably similar to Fandango. I've heard this movie is based a really funny book series, so it might be a fun one to check out, too. You can get that deal here.
I think this is a great price for a night out, even though you can get movie tickets for not much more than this. But if you were going to see these movies anyway, why not save a couple of bucks.
Bargain Alert: $16 for a Photo Shoot and 8 Portrait Sheets at The Picture People from Groupon
For the next two days, you can get a Groupon for a photo shoot and 8 portrait sheets from The Picture People for $16. It's a $144 value, so that's a great deal! The nearest location that you can redeem this Groupon is at the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, but it's also valid at the Concord and San Mateo locations.
The only downside, to me, is that you can only select one image for all of the printed portrait sheets, which include one 10" x 13", one 8"x 10", four 5"x7"s, ten 4"x6"s and 16 wallets. But this is perfect if you've been looking for a cheap way to get the first portrait of your little one to send out to the whole family, or if you just need that one great shot for the new family portrait.
I've never used The Picture People, but I've seen pictures from others who have, and they're always adorable. I'm tempted to get this deal, but I know I'd want all of the images on a disc as well, and that can be pretty pricey ($150 for the high resolution images on a disc). But they also have a View & Share CD for $35, which include all of the images in a lower resolution, so that you can share the images online with friends and family.
Get the Groupon here.
The only downside, to me, is that you can only select one image for all of the printed portrait sheets, which include one 10" x 13", one 8"x 10", four 5"x7"s, ten 4"x6"s and 16 wallets. But this is perfect if you've been looking for a cheap way to get the first portrait of your little one to send out to the whole family, or if you just need that one great shot for the new family portrait.
I've never used The Picture People, but I've seen pictures from others who have, and they're always adorable. I'm tempted to get this deal, but I know I'd want all of the images on a disc as well, and that can be pretty pricey ($150 for the high resolution images on a disc). But they also have a View & Share CD for $35, which include all of the images in a lower resolution, so that you can share the images online with friends and family.
Get the Groupon here.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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!
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: $20 to Spend at The Body Shop for $10
Living Social is selling $20 vouchers for The Body Shop for $10. The only problem is you'll have to travel a little further from home if you want to use this deal. The closest Shop is in Modesto at the Vintage Faire Mall. (Unfortunately, they're not valid online.) But it might make a nice Valentines Day gift for someone you know.
Get the deal here.
Get the deal here.
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