South Bay Parents Online

Welcome!

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:45:39 GMT

Welcome all you families from Redondo Beach, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Carson, Gardena, Lomita, Harbor City, San Pedro, Wilmington, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes! South Bay Parents Online is the website dedicated to you! Chock full of well researched and in-depth articles, this website is written by a real South Bay mom hoping to save you time, money and provide you with valuable information about the South Bay. Please take a moment, relax, and join us for a little cyber playdate. Feel free to sign up for a free subscription to our website so that you will be alerted when new articles are published. Rest assured your email address is kept completely confidential and South Bay Parents Online will never sell that information to anyone. Any suggestions for articles are greatly appreciated...happy reading!!!

Special News-Press Release:
After receiving several requests, I have launched a new website available to parents who live outside the South Bay area. It is called FrugalParentsOnline.com and I hope you will come by and visit!

Books I thought you might enjoy:

FREEBIES - If it's FREE ...then I'll take THREE

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:56:37 GMT

FREEBIES - If it's FREE ...then I'll take THREE

FREE TOYS:

Sign up your kids (ages 5 and older) to be toy-testers at Mattel. What could be better...it's quick, easy, and lots of fun for the little ones! They simply answer questions about a product and when the testing is completed your child gets to pick a prize from a very nice selection of Mattel toys. You can sign up in person at their Imagination Center or by calling them and leaving your email address: Mattel, Inc., 333 Contintal Blvd. El Segundo, CA 90245, Phone 310-252-2000.

FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE:

Upromise is a free service, and by simply providing them with your credit, debit or grocery card information you can begin saving money for your child's education every time you shop at their participating retailers. Members can earn college savings when they buy gas, dine out, shop online - even when they buy or sell a house. I signed up for this program when my daughter was an infant and every year I watch her savings grow. It's effortless and costs you nothing...why not sign up? Click below for details:

Upromise - Save money for college.

KIDS EAT FREE:

Wednesday nights-One child per adult meal purchase:

                                                       El Segundo Fish Company
                                                       210 E. Grand Ave.
                                                       El Segundo, CA 90245
                                                       Phone (310) 648-7222
                                                       EFishCo.com

All the time, 10 years and under-One child per paid adult entrée:

                                                       Texas Loosey's
                                                       22252 Palos Verdes Blvd.
                                                       Torrance, CA
                                                       Phone (310) 540-9799

Tuesday nights-must be accompanied by a paying adult:

                                                       Rocky Cola Cafe
                                                      1025 Pacific Coast Hwy.
                                                       Hermosa Beach, CA
                                                     Phone (310) 798-3111

                                                                  and

                                                       Ruby's Diner
                                                       550 Deep Valley Drive
                                                       Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
                                                      Phone (310) 544-7829
                                                       (starts at 4 p.m.-be sure to mention it to your server)

Tuesday and Thursday nights-One child per paid adult entrée:

                                                       IHOP Restaurant
                                                       29403 S. Western Ave.
                                                       Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
                                                       (4 p.m.-10 p.m.)

All the time-One child per paid adult entrée:

                                                        IHOP Restaurant
                                                        755 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
                                                        El Segundo, CA 90245
                                                        (4 p.m.-10 p.m.)

                                                                   and

                                                         IHOP Restaurant
                                                         15619 Crenshaw Blvd.
                                                         Gardena, CA 90249
                                                         (4 p.m.-10 p.m.)

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights-One child per paid adult entrée:

                                                         Eat at Joe's
                                                         400 N. P.C.H.
                                                         Redondo Beach, CA
                                                         (4 p.m. - 9 p.m.)

For more detailed information on "Kids Eat Free" in the South Bay (including driving directions and menus) go to:   www.dailybreeze.com/kidseatfree

FREE ICE CREAM:

Baskin Robbins: Join their Birthday Club and they will give you a 2.5 oz. scoop of ice cream on your birthday! YUM!!!

BaskinRobbins.com

Cold Stone Creamery: Mmmm...become a Birthday Club member and receive a free ice cream on your big day.

ColdStoneCreamery.com

FREE 8X10 COLOR CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT:

Sign the kids up for the Milestones Program (free to children 0-12 yrs. old) and they'll be eligible for a free professional photo every year within 30 days of their birthday. No purchase necessary. Sign up at your local studio:

                                                          Kiddie Kandids Portrait Studio
                                                          (located inside Babie 'R' Us)
                                                          20120 Hawthorne Blvd.
                                                          Torrance, CA 90503
                                                        Phone (310) 921-3718

BABY FREEBIES AND SAMPLES FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND NEW MOTHERS:

Register with Enfamil Family Beginnings and they will send you lots of baby freebies including a free diaper bag and feeding kit: Enfamil.com

Join Huggies Baby Network and receive samples and money-saving coupons: Huggies.com

Join Pampers.com and receive samples and valuable coupons: Pampers.com

Get money-saving checks on Good Start formula and lots of other great stuff by signing up at: VeryBestBaby.com

Receive free samples of Similac formula, a stylish diaper bag and more: WelcomeAddition.com

You'll receive even more baby freebies by joining the Heinz Baby Club:  HeinzBaby.com

FREE BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR YOUR CHILD:

Toys 'R' Us will make your child's day even more special! Sign up your kids (ages 2-10) for Geoffrey's Birthday Club and they'll receive a birthday card, a surprise gift, and a special phone message from
Geoffrey (optional) on their special day:

ToysRUs.com

Sign up for free to the Chuck E-Club and Chuck E Cheese will help your child celebrate his or her birthday with a special gift. You can sign up on their website:

ChuckECheese.com

ATTEND A FREE CLASS:

Wondernation is offering our readers a free trial class. They are located at: 3625 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Wondernation.com

Home Depot: The first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon all Home Depot stores have a kids workshops designed for children ages 5-12. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits such as toolboxes, birdhouses, firetrucks, etc.  In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

HomeDepot.com

Another great option for Mom's who are looking for a fun educational activity to do with their children is EarlyBirds Learning. Located on the border between Hermosa and Redondo they offer play based foreign languages classes for children ages 1-10. EarlyBirds Learning teaches French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese using games, arts and crafts and songs! For children 12-36 months they offer a parent toddler class so you and your little one can learn the language together. Just metion South Bay Parents Online to get your free trial class.

EarlyBirdsLearning.com

KidsArt Fine Art Classes offer drawing and painting classes for ages 4 years and up.  Just mention South Bay Parents Online and get a free trial class:

KidsartClasses.com

KidsArt Fine Art Classes
1802 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Gymboree Play and Music: Free trial class for babies and kids up to 5 years old. It's fun, there's no pressure to sign up, and it's a great excuse for new moms to get out of the house and bond with other new mothers.

GymboreeClasses.com

Gymboree Play & Music
Promenade at Howard Hughes Center
6081 Center Dr., Suite 202C
Los Angeles, CA 90045


My Gym: They also have classes for babies and kids. Again, it's a free trial class that's fun and you have nothing to loose by giving it a try. You might want to save your free class for a rainy day-this is a great activity when it's too wet and miserable to go to the park.

MyGym.com

Locations:

My Gym
1836 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone (310) 796-1300

My Gym
1216 Beryl St.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone (310) 318-2288

My Gym
6226 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone (562) 986-0066

FREE COMPUTER GAMES FOR KIDS:

www.ClubPenguin.com (Club Penguin has a free or paid membership, but the free one is plenty of fun!)
www.NickJr.com
www.DisneyChannel.com
www.Barbie.com
www.Disney.com


Readers: If you know of any FREE goodies you think other South Bay parents might be interested in, please let me know.

Written by: South Bay Mom

FREE Activities for Kids

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:00:17 GMT

FREE Activities for Kids

Take a Free Train Ride:

Charles H. Wilson Park offers Free Little Train Rides on the first Sunday of the month (except in July) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's really a nice park and a fun family outing. You might want to bring along a picnic lunch and make a day of it. The park address is: 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, and the trains are located at the southeast end at Washington St.

Free Children's Performances:

Del Amo Mall (Torrance): Thursday mornings (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) at 10:30 a.m. children's performers come to entertain kids between the ages of 2 - 12 years old.   It takes place at their International Food Court and there is seating on a large carpet and chairs on the sides and in the rear.

South Bay Galleria (Redondo Beach): Galleria Kids Club takes place monthly (except in January) on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Food Court on the 3rd floor of the mall.

Free Children's Activities:

Manhattan Village Kids Club (Manhattan Beach): Takes place Thursdays just north of the center court area. The first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m to noon consists of interactive play and a sensory based workshop sponsored by Wondernation. The second Thursday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. consists of arts and crafts activities sponsored by the Children's Museum of Los Angeles. The third Thursday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Star Eco Station sponsors a program about ecology, environmentalism, and exotic wild life. Finally, the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adventure Plex provides play activities for the kids.

Avenue of the Peninsula (Rolling Hills Estates): Camp Adventure takes place the first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. They are located on Level 1 at the inside area near Ruby's Diner and the skating rink.

Free Indoor Play Areas:

Ikea:  They are a very family-friendly store. You can either opt to have your kids come along with you while you browse the store (they have several children's play areas located throughout) or you can leave the kids at one large supervised play area located near the store entrance. Ikea is located at: 20700 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90746.

Westside Pavilion: Their children's play area is composed of several large replicas of food that kids climb on.  They are located at: 10800 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064. You might want to check out the new Landmark Theater while you're there!

Washington Mutual: The branch located at 700 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 has a small play area filled with books and a few toys. It's really a great idea, mom and dad can get some banking accomplished and the kids have a good time, too!

Free Museum Days:

California Science Center: 700 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. Free admission daily (closed on major holidays), but parking is $6. http://www.californiasciencecenter.org./

Craft and Folk Art Museum: 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Free admission the first Wednesday of the month. http://www.cafam.org/

Fowler UCLA Campus, Westwood. Free admission daily (closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays). http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/incEngine/

Geffen Contemporary at MOCA: 152 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Free admission Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m. http://www.moca.org/museum/visit_home.php

Getty Center: 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049. Free admission daily (closed on Mondays and major holidays), but parking is $8. http://www.getty.edu/

Getty Villa: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Free admission daily, (closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and major holidays) but advance timed tickets are required; parking is $8. http://www.getty.edu/

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. Free admission the first Thursday of the month with advance tickets. http://www.huntington.org/ I absolutely LOVE having High Tea in their tearoom!

Japanese American National Museum: 369 First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Free admission every Thursday night from 5-8 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month. http://www.janm.org/

Kidspace Children’s Museum: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103. Free admission the first Tuesday night of the month from 5-8 p.m. http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pl_admission

Long Beach Museum of Art: 2300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803. Free admission every Friday. http://www.lbma.org/

Los Angeles County Museum of Art: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Free admission every day from 5-8pm (closed Wednesdays); kids 18 yrs. and younger are always free. http://www.lacma.org/

Museum of 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Free admission Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m. http://www.moca.org/

Natural 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007. Free admission the first Tuesday of the month. http://nhm.org/

Norton 411 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105. Free admission the first Friday night of the month from 6-9pm; kids 18 and younger always admitted free. http://nortonsimon.org/

Pacific Asia Museum: 46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101. Free admission every fourth Friday of the month. http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/

Pacific Design Center: 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Free admission daily (closed Mondays and major holidays). http://www.moca.org/

Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Free admission the first Tuesday of the month. http://www.tarpits.org/

Take a Free Class:

Free Classes

Go to the park or take a hike/walk:

Parks and Community Pools
Hiking Trails and Walking Paths

Written by: South Bay Mom

South Bay Museums, Aquariums, and Historic Sites

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:22:40 GMT

Museums, Aquariums, and Historic Sites in the South Bay area:

Automobile Driving Museum is located at 610 Lairport Street in El Segundo.  At this one-of-a-kind museum not only do you get to view the automobiles in their collection, you get to sit in them. On the weekends, select models are available for visitors to actually ride in!

Phineas Banning Residence Museum is located at 401 E. 'M' Street in Wilmington. It is the former home of the Banning family and the most famous structure in Wilmington.

Beach Boys Historic Landmark is located at 3701 W. 119th St. in Hawthorne.  This site was formerly the childhood home of Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum is located at 18127 Alameda St. in Carson. This preserved 1826 adobe ranch is surrounded by lush gardens that celebrate the first Spanish land grant in California.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a non-profit aquarium located at 3720 Stephen M. White Dr. in San Pedro.

Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is located at 1052 N. Banning Blvd. in Wilmington and was the U.S. Army headquarters durring the Civil War.

Flight Path Learning Center Museum is located at 6661 W. Imperial Hwy. in Los Angeles, near LAX. It is a non-profit organization honoring aviation pioneers, recognizing the economic importance of aviation and encourages youth to pursue education and careers in aviation-related fields.

The Fort MacArthur Museum is located at 3601 S. Gaffey St. in San Pedro. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Fort MacArthur, the U.S. Army post which guarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974.

Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum is located at 710 Pier Ave. in Hermosa Beach inside the Hermosa Beach Community Center and chronicles the history of Hermosa Beach.

International Printing Press Museum is located at 315 Torrance Blvd. in Carson. It is a dynamic museum that takes one of the world's most significant collections of antique printing presses and brings them to life through working demonstrations and theater presentations.

Korean Bell of Friendship is located at 3601 S. Gaffey St. at the Angel's Gate Recreation Center. The bell was donated by the people of the Republic of Korea in 1976 to celebrate our bicentennial, honor veterans of the Korean War, and to consolidate traditional friendship between the two countries.

Lomita Railroad Museum is located at 2137 W. 250th St. in Lomita. It is a historical museum dedicated to the steam engine period of railroading. According to my resources this museum is not only educational, it is also a lot of fun!

Los Angeles Maritime Museum is located in San Pedro (Berth 84 in the Los Angeles Harbor) at the foot of 6th St. in John S. Gibson Park. The museum creates an awareness and appreciation of the maritime history of coastal California.

Manhattan Beach Historical Society Museum is located at 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Manhattan Beach inside Polliwog Park and chronicles the history of Manhattan Beach.

Muller House Museum is located at 1542 W. Beacon St. in San Pedro. This two-story Colonial Revival house was built in 1899 by a local ship builder.

Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum is located at 807 W. Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro. Built in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first navigational light into the San Pedro bay.

Point Vicente Interpretive Center is located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West in Rancho Palos Verdes. Newly expanded, it features exhibits showing the history of the Peninsula, with special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale.

Redondo Beach Historical Museum is located at Dominguez Park on Flagler Lane between 190th St. and Beryl St. in Redondo Beach. The museum is inside a gorgeous Queen Anne house built in the 1890's. Next door is the "Morell House" which dates back to 1906.

Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier in Manhattan Beach. It is a small non-profit aquarium with a brilliant selection of marine fish and invertebrates. Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. they have a free story time and crafts for kids.

S.E.A. Laboratory is located at 1021 N. Harbor Dr. in Redondo Beach and is a non-profit educational program.

Torrance Historical Society Museum is located at 1345 Post Avenue in Torrance and chronicles the history of the city of Torrance.

Western Museum of Flight is located at 3315 Airport Dr., Red Barron #3, in the Torrance Airport. It is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history and artifacts.

Wienerschnitzel located on Pacific Coast Hwy. East of Figueroa St. in Wilmington is the first Der Wienerschnitzel restaurant. It was first opened in 1961 and is still open for business. Yum!

Money, Money, Money

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:12:55 GMT
Want to line your pockets with a little extra green? Why not try Market Research? Yes, there are companies out there who will pay you for your opinion! This is not one of those Internet scams where they ask you for money up front to provide you with a list of Market Research companies. These are legitimate companies that I am registered with who call me occasionally to participate in focus groups. There is no fee to sign up with them. I am generally paid somewhere between $50 and $75 for about an hour of my time (I was once offered $500 to participate in a very specific focus group). You certainly won't get rich quick doing this, but it's easy, gives you a little break from the kids, and can be fun (once you have kids your idea of fun really changes, doesn't it?)!

Here are the companies I am registered with and their websites:

                                                     Plaza Research
                                                    (near LAX)
                                                    6053 West Century Blvd, Suite 100
                                                    Los Angeles CA 90045

                                                    Phone: (310) 645-1700

                                                     http://www.iopinion.com/add.ws4d

                                                     Trotta Associates
                                                     13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 100
                                                     Marina del Rey, CA 90292

                                                      Phone: (310) 306-6866

                                                      http://www.trotta.net/join.htm

                                                      Adler-Weiner Research Company
                                                      10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200
                                                      Los Angeles, CA 90024

                                                      Phone:  (310) 440-2330

                                                      http://www.awr-la.com/consumers.asp

                                                      Savitz Field and Focus
                                                      5757 W. Century Blvd., Suite 360
                                                      Los Angeles, CA 90045

                                                      Phone: (310) 642-4799

                                                      http://www.savitzpanel.com/

Parents, can't muster up the energy to go to work yourself? Who can blame you! I have just the answer for you...PUT THE KIDS TO WORK!!! After all, they're just frittering their days away playing and napping, why can't they earn a bit of the bacon, right? Well, here's one idea of what they can do: Background work for t.v., movies, commercials, and ads. All joking aside, this is definitely not a get-rich quick scheme and it also is not a scam where you are asked to buy expensive photos or take expensive acting/modeling classes. I signed my daughter up for background work about four years ago and she has earned approximately $1,000 thus far. It is very occasional work and we have turned down numerous jobs as I do not really like to take her out of school to do this. Your child will be paid varying amounts, the average being about $110/day. Commercials pay much better than film (my daughter earned approximately $375 for one day's work). Also, if your child is really serious about getting into acting this might be a good starting point as it allows them the opportunity to get a few jobs under their belt and on their resume. The downfall is that we are in the South Bay and much of the work is in the Los Angeles area. There is an initial registration fee (I don't remember how much, but it was not pricey). Also, they charge an $18 renewal fee every 6 months, but you can call them and ask them to subtract the fee from your child's next pay check. This is the company my daughter is registered with is:

                                                            KIDS! Background Talent
                                                            207 S. Flower St.
                                                            Burbank, CA 91502

                                                            Phone (661) 244-4621

You need to call to schedule an appointment to register...this is the only time you will have to go down to their office. Here is the link to their website:

                                                              Kids! Background

Interested in more substantial acting/modeling work for your kids, but don't want to dole out the dinero for expensive portfolios and acting classes?   I know of two agencies you might be interested in. The first is The Osbrink Agency. I have visited their website and it appears all they request is a snapshot of your child, a cover letter, and a resume (if you have one). Here is a link to their website:

                                                               Osbrink Agency Submissions

The other agency is LL Talent! The application process is so simple, you can do it online. Here is a link to their site:

                                                               LLTalent.com

Readers:  Please let me know if you have any clever money making ideas for families.

Written by: South Bay Mom


Simply Frugalicious

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:13:20 GMT

Here are some simply FRUGALICIOUS ideas to help you trim the fat from your household budget:

Stop forking out all that hard earned dinero on baby toys! An authority on early childhood development informed me that babies do not need store bought toys. And guess what...she was right! Just use your imagination, look around your house and I bet you will find plenty of household items that will easily substitute for those store-bought indulgences. Some ideas: plastic measuring cups make great stacking toys and great bath toys. A plastic spoon and an old Tupperware container make a wonderful drumstick and drum combination.

Be resourceful when it comes to toys for the older kids as well. My six-year-old still loves receiving a rock and she also loves those big Costco-size cardboard boxes (they make for a fantastic cardboard chair).  Try making paper dolls with your kids or a musical instrument out of an empty Quaker Oats container (fill it with rice or beans and tape the lid back on).

If you like to eat out even just once in awhile it behooves you to purchase an Entertainment Book. Right now you can get the Entertainment 2008 Book. All Books $9.99! So, the cost of the book is recouped by using just one of the coupons.  Now that's frugalicious!

Want to stop spending an arm and a leg on birthday parties? My solution: have them at the park (free), buy a birthday cake (which is about $15 at Costco) and that's it, ta-dah...instant party! You do not need to hire a clown or a magician, you are not required to have a bouncy house or even a pinata, and you will not have to give up your mom card for not having party favors (who started this tradition, anyways, it's my birthday, but I have to give you a gift?). Given the opportunity, children will make their own fun.

Too chicken to be the only mother in town who doesn't dole out the party favors? Get creative and think of your own frugalicous alternatives. One idea: paint and decorate rocks! You can even individualize them with each kid's initial...they're cute and children love them!

Paying for computer games? No need to! There are many wonderful sites online which offer free games. My daughter's favorite is: www.ClubPenguin.com. Club Penguin offers both a free membership and a paid one, but the free one is plenty of fun! Other free sites your children will adore: DisneyChannel.com, Barbie.com, NickJr.com, and Disney.com.

Are you spending so much moolah at the local Hallmark store that they know you by name and reserve your parking spot? There's really no need. Didn't anyone tell you? When you have children you do not need to buy greeting cards or gift wrap...really! Let your kids make greeting cards out of construction paper and gift wrap from butcher paper. Provide them with colorful markers, crayons, and stickers and presto! You have instant, one-of-a-kind , personalized cards and wrap that are way better than the store-bought stuff.

I know you've heard this one before, but it's a good one which bares repeating. Lower your heating bill by adding extra blankets to your bed and lowering your thermostat. I used to be a disbeliever. I used to keep the house at 72 degrees at all times. Now, thanks to the extra blankets, we keep the thermostat set at 64 degrees throughout the night. Then, the first one up in the morning raises it just a bit so that no one freezes when they first get out of bed.

Save bundles on cleaning supplies by making your own: Buy 3 spray bottles, ammonia, vinegar, and bleach at a Dollar Store. In the first bottle mix part water and part ammonia. This one makes a great glass cleaner that can also be used on your windows, counter tops, and floors. In the next bottle mix part water and part bleach. Less the fragrance,  my sources tell me these are the exact ingredients in Tilex. Thus, this one is great for removing mildew from showers and bathtubs. Finally, in the last bottle mix part water and part vinegar or you can opt to go with full strength vinegar. This makes a great all-purpose cleaner which can be used to clean the stove top, refrigerator, floors and sinks. It also works on soap scum. Your house will smell a little like Italian dressing until the vinegar dries and then the odor will disappear.

Washing your clothes in cold water and keeping the clean ones out of the hamper will help make them last longer.

If you find a great price on something you use and it is non-perishable, stock up on it!

If you commute to work and you're not already a member, I strongly suggest you consider joining the brown bagger club. The savings are phenomenal (put that money away in an IRA and you'll retire rich!).

Save money on plastic baggies by buying small Tupperware containers for kid's lunch boxes. Get them sized just right for sandwiches and snacks.

Frugalicious ideas aren't only great for your pocketbook...they really help the environment, too, by cutting out on waste!

Written by: South Bay Mom

Avoid Work From Home Scams

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:13:45 GMT

How to Avoid Work From Home Scams:

Anything that sounds too good to be true probably is.

Legitimate employers do not ask for money up-front.

The internet is filled with work-at-home scams. Be wary of so-called "opportunities" for envelope stuffers, product assemblers, and mystery shoppers. The offers may seem appealing, but most likely the promoters aren't offering real jobs. They ask you for money up-front and then the information they provide you with is how to place your own ad in a paper or magazine just like the one you answered.

Before taking an at-home position... do your homework! Research the company owner or President and research the company with the Better Business Bureau.

Beware of pyramid schemes. Be skeptical of sales positions that focus more on recruiting new members than on selling a product or service.

Written by: South Bay Mom

See my Work-from-Home Store Which has a Large Selection of Resources for Parents Wishing to Telecommute:

   Work-from-Home Store

Local Deals

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:14:12 GMT
South Bay Parents Online appreciates our dedicated readers and would like to provide you with lots of savings! Here are some local businesses providing you with discounts:

Wondernation is giving South Bay Parents Online readers a free trial class and $10 off enrollment for readers who are signing up for the first time. Wondernation.com

South Bay Sailing is extending a 10% discount to our readers on regularly scheduled and regularly priced Youth and Adult Programs. Go to their website at SouthBaySailing.com for details on their programs and remember to tell them you are a South Bay Parents Online reader!

KidsArt Fine Art Classes is giving our readers 25% off the first month of enrollment simply by mentioning South Bay Parents Online . Also, remember that they give a free trial class. For more details you can visit their website at: KidsArtClasses.com

Magician Juan Carlos is giving our readers a $50 discount for mentioning South Bay Parents Online! For contact information please visit his website: ImpossibleNothing.com

Omaha Steaks coupons go to: Omaha Steaks

Gable House Bowl go to: Bowling Specials

Laser Storm go to: Laser Tag Specials

Jiffy Lube $5 coupon go to: Jiffy Lube coupon

EZ Lube coupons go to: EZ Lube Coupon

Other local dining, beauty, retail, automotive and more go to: More South Bay Savings

Resources

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:14:42 GMT

Money Saving Advice, Parenting Resources and Family Fun:

Alan Mendelson, the "Moneyman" from KCAL-TV in Los Angeles now has two web sites with investing and money-saving information. The site www.BestDealsTVshow.com features money saving alerts and tips as well as information about the deals from his Best Deals TV show on Channel 9. His other site www.AlanMendelsonDeals.com features in depth investor information as well as information about Las Vegas vacationing and gaming.

Join Upromise and earn up to 8% of your bill in college savings rewards when you dine out at any of over 8,000 participating restaurants.

Need a babysitter? Sittercity helps parents and babysitters to contact each other. Find a quality babysitter that you can trust.

Need money for college? Use FastWeb's free scholarship search to find information on more than 600,000 scholarships!

All Entertainment Books are only $9.99! Get yours today.

My Other Websites:

FrugalShoppersGuide.com is a handy resource for bargain hunters seeking savings, discounts and coupon codes on entertainment, educational, financial, health, computer, baby and kid's merchandise.

Work from Home Resources is chock full of ways to make a living without having to get out of your pajamas.

Gifts Galore! Compare and save on new and used books, magazines, video games, toys, and electronics.

FrugalParentsOnline.com There is now a site for those of you living outside the South Bay area! If you are looking to find at-home employment be sure to see the section entitled, "Legitimate Work-at-Home Employment Opportunities."

Support Entrepreneurial Moms and Dads:

Tonis Bows is a super cute website specializing in simple, stylish, handmade hair bows for your pampered pooch!

www.piecesofcarmel.com Carmel Madonna is a very talented local children's entertainer! Stop by her website to sample her music and purchase her CD.

Discoverytoyslink.com/mariapacheco is your link to Discovery Toys!

www.lookbeyondatutor.com Local mom with 6 years experience as a credentialed teacher offers tutoring services-she will travel to your home! Call Cristie (310) 675-6951.

http://www.youravon.com/salter Reach for the stars! Partner with Avon to reach your goals and dreams today! For more information about buying, selling or fundraising with Avon call Sandie Alter, Independent Sales Rep./Beauty Advisor (805) 583-0329. Free direct shipping available--Se Habla Espanol!

http://www.spa.myarbonne.com/ Kimberly Harris, Arbonne Independent Consultant, is located in the South Bay and is looking to expand her team and teach and train other qualified people to do what she does. Also, you can shop on her site to find Swiss, botanically based skin care, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, detox spa products, and more!

http://www.babylulus.com/ is a unique boutique for baby gifts. They offer designer brands including Little Giraffe, Barefoot Dreams, and Trumpette.

Attention work-at-home parents: Please contact me for a free link ad on South Bay Parents Online

About South Bay Parents Online

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:16:37 GMT

Hi, it's me, South Bay Mom. For those of you who are interested, I grew up in the South Bay. Aside from a few years away at college, I've never really left the area. I love it here and plan to stay.

I met my husband through a mutual friend and we married in 2000. The following year our daughter was born (don't tell her, though, her daddy told her we got her on sale at Target).

I spent 15 years of my professional life as an Insurance Agent. I liked it a lot...it paid the bills and I enjoyed the flexibility of being in Sales. Unfortunately, a few years back the company I was working for took the flexibility out of the job (no more working from home on a laptop) and I opted to stay home with my daughter. Great choice, don't you think?

Since that time I've spent countless hours online scouring the Internet for ways to save, ways to earn a little extra spending money, parenting information, local activities, and more. I always wished there was one local website that had everything I needed.

That is exactly what you will find here at South Bay Parents Online. This site is chock-full of the advise, tips, and tidbits I have been sharing with fellow parents over the past several years. I hope you enjoy what we have to offer and will come back and visit often! The site will be updated frequently for your satisfaction. If you have any suggestions for our improvement, please feel free to leave comments or email me.

Thank you so much for visiting!

Truly,
South Bay Mom

Email address: SouthBayParentsOnline@Yahoo.com

Farmers' Markets in the South Bay

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:24:53 GMT
Farmers' markets are a great way to entertain the troops and get a little shopping done at the same time. Kids love them for the free samples; moms love them for the fresh, healthy produce. Here's a guide to our local farmers' markets:

Carson Farmers' Market: Located on E. Carson St. at Bonita St.,  it takes place Thursdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Del Aire Certified Farmers' Market:   Located at Del Aire Park at 12601 S. Isis Ave. at El Segundo Blvd. in Hawthorne, it takes place Wednesday afternoons from 3 p.m. to p.m.

El Segundo Farmers' Market: Located on Main Street between Holly and Pine Avenues. It takes place every Thursday 3-7 p.m. rain or shine. They have free balloons for the kids, live entertainment, and a free raffle every week at 6 p.m. Also, there is a booth there that sells cute and very inexpensive baby clothes.

Gardena Farmers' Market: Located in front of the Nakaoka Community Center at 1670 W. 162nd St., it takes place Wednesdays 7:30 a.m.-noon.

Hermosa Beach Farmers' Market:  Located on Valley Drive at 8th St., it takes place Fridays noon-4 p.m.

Lawndale Farmers' Market: Located near the Lawndale Civic Center at 147th St. and Hawthorne Blvd., it takes place Fridays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Farmers' Market:  Located at 13 St. and Morningside Dr. Metered parking is available in the underground Metlox parking lot. Takes place every Tuesday 12-4 p.m. regular hours, 12-5 p.m. summer hours.

San Pedro Farmers' Market: Located on S Mesa St. at W. 7th St., it takes place Fridays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Redondo Beach Farmers' Market: Located at 100 W. Torrance Blvd., it takes place Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rolling Hills Estates Farmers' Market:   Located at Hawthorne Blvd at Silver Spur Rd., it takes place Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Torrance Farmers' Market: Located at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd.; it takes place Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Wilmington Farmers' Market: Located at Avalon Blvd. and L Street, it takes place Thursdays 9 a.m-1 p.m.

Hiking Trails and Walking Paths:

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:17:30 GMT
South Bay Hiking Trails and Walking Paths:

George F. Canyon Nature Center and Trail is located at 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East in Rolling Hills Estates. It is a 36-acre park owned by the city of Rolling Hills Estates with a nature trail which runs through the canyons of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Visitors can walk or ride horseback.

The Greenbelt-walking path between Valley Dr. and Ardmore Ave. in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park is located at 25820 S. Vermont Ave. in Harbor City. It has hiking trails and a jogging path.

Leland Park located at 1863 S. Herbert Ave. in San Pedro has hiking trails.

Madrona Marsh located at 3201 Plaza Del Amo in Torrance is a 10-acre vernal marsh.

Point Fermin Park at 807 Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro has two jogging trails which lead to the beach and tide pools below.

South Coast Botanic Garden located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. in Palos Verdes Peninsula is an 87-acre garden environment which, interestingly, used to be a landfill. It is a beautiful place for a walk/hike, but there is an admission fee.

The Strand-walking path at Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Nothing beats the magnificent coastline, the people-watching, and the beautiful homes.

Wilderness Park at 1102 Camino Real in Redondo Beach is an 11-acre site great for hiking and taking in a bit of nature.

Privacy Policy

southbayparentsonline@yahoo.com (South Bay Mom) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:18:49 GMT
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