Mom is Broke

Labor Neighborhood Block Party
Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55401
The official kick-off to this year's Aquatennial festival takes place on Nicollet Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets, alongside the library, and includes a free concert by Blue Travelers and Tim Mahoney.
http://www.aquatennial.com
Time: 5pm-11pm
Cost: Free

Sommerfest!
Orchestra Hall & the Minnesota Orchestra
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
The annual Minnesota Orchestra festival includes family concerts and free outdoor performances in Peavey Plaza, showcasing orchestral, pop, jazz, and chamber music. Visit the website for a complete schedule.
612.371.5656
http://www.minnasotaorchestra.org
Ongoing Daily 7/11/08 - 8/3/08; check with location for exceptions.
Ages: 4 to 18
Time: See website for offerings
Cost: Varies

Minnesota Sinfonia Great Summer Festival
Lake Harriet
43rd Street & East Lake Harriet Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Artistic Director Jay Fishman leads the Minnesota Sinfonia in one of its popular child-friendly classical music concerts, with a special appearance by trumpet soloist David Baldwin. Takes place at the Lake Harriet Bandshell on the northwestern edge of the lake.
612.230.6400
http://www.mnsinfonia.org
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free

Aquatennial 2008
Lake Calhoun
Minneapolis, MN 55408
The Minneapolis Aquatennial features sandcastle-building, sailing, and other competitions (including milk carton boat races), as well as an art fair, beach parties, and much more. They don't call it "The Best Days of Summer" for nothing! Visit the website for a complete schedule of events; many take place at Lake Calhoun, but there are events all over the city.
612.376.7669
http://www.aquatennial.com
Ongoing Daily 7/12/08 - 7/27/08; check with location for exceptions.
Time: See website for schedule
Cost: Most events free for spectators

25th Annual Highland Fest
Patina
2057 Ford Parkway
Saint Paul, MN 55116
Families can head to Ford Parkway, just east of the river, for a three-day street party that radiates out along the street in both directions from Patina. The fair features an expanded Midway, fireworks (Fri-Sat 10:30pm), a juried art fair, live music, and special activities for kids (Sat 10am-2pm) including face painting, a costume parade, a petting, pony rides, and craft projects. Martin Zellar plays on Friday night; Beatles tribute band Rubber Soul entertains on Saturday night.
http://www.highlandfest.com
Ongoing Daily 7/18/08 - 7/20/08; check with location for exceptions.
Time: Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 11am-5pm
Cost: Free

Negro Baseball League
Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55425
A few of the last remaining members of the Negro Baseball League field autograph requests in Sears Court.
952.883.8800
http://www.mallofamerica.com
Ongoing Daily 7/17/08 - 7/19/08; check with location for exceptions.
Cost: Free

Schwan's USA Cup
National Sports Center
1700 - 105th Avenue Northeast
Blaine, MN 55449
The Schwan's USA Cup - the largest youth tournament in the country - showcases more than 1,000 teams from 20 countries in matches scheduled between opening and closing ceremonies. Visit the website for a complete schedule.
http://www.usacup.com
Ongoing Daily 7/14/08 - 7/19/08; check with location for exceptions.
Ages: 4 to 18
Time: See website for schedule
Cost: Free to watch

SATURDAY JULY 19th

On the Day You Were Born
Champlin Library
12154 Ensign Avenue North
Champlin, MN 55316
In the Heart of the Beast Theater presents a toy theater production of Debra Frasier's best-selling children's book that uses puppetry, poetry, and music to celebrate natural phenomena. Free passes (required to attend) distributed at the library starting 30 minutes prior to the program.
952.847.5350
http://www.hclib.org
Ages: 3 to 18
Time: 1pm
Cost: Free

Manga Drawing for Teens
Riverview Library
1 East George Street
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Manga artist Becky Grutzik teaches a hands-on manga drawing workshop, as part of the library's summer reading and entertainment program.
651.292.6626
http://www.sppl.org
Ages: 12 to 18
Time: 2pm-3pm
Cost: Free

Universe in the Park
Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Road
Saint Paul, MN 55110
U of M astronomers share their telescopes and knowledge, with a short indoor presentation followed by outdoor telescope viewing.
651.407.5350
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Cost: Free

10th Annual Wildlife Forever Art Expo
Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55425
See Smokey the Bear and Blue Goose in the Rotunda, along with large displays of award-winning youth art focusing on conservation and fisheries. Free trees are given to the first 5,000 visitors and family activities are offered throughout the day.
612.673.8431
http://www.statefishart.com
Time: 10am-6pm
Cost: Free

Young Eagles Flights
Young Eagles at Airlake Airport
8140 220th Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044
Young Eagles offers kids a chance to fly - for free! - in a private airplane with a qualified pilot. The national program was launched in 1992, and more than 1.2 million young people have participated since; the local chapter offers the rides on the third Saturday of every month, weather-permitting. A brief "ground school" lesson in aerodynamics and safety is also included.
Call 952.831.5142 or 952.432.4231 in advance to reserve a spot.
http://www.eaa25.org
Ages: 8 to 17
Time: 9am-12n
Cost: Free

SUNDAY JULY 20th

Tony Dungy Book Signing
Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55425
Former NFL player and coach Tony Dungy appears in Sears Court to promote his new children's book, You Can Do It. Wristbands for the autograph line (required) are available starting at 10am; see website for signing guidelines.
952.883.8800
http://www.mallofamerica.com
Ages: 4 to 18
Time: 2pm
Cost: Free

St. Louis Park Community Band
Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55435
Edina presents a free concert at the amphitheater at the southern end of the lake.
952.927.8861
http://www.centenniallakespark.com
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free

Aquatennial: Milk Carton Boat Races
Lake Calhoun
Minneapolis, MN 55408
The Aquatennial's beloved Milk Carton Boat Races and Beach Bash take place at Thomas Beach. Visit the official website for a complete schedule of events.
612.376.7669
http://www.aquatennial.com
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free

Renaissance Festival Preview Party
Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55425
The Rotunda and Sears Court are transformed into a magical realm with coloring, storytellers, magic, music, and more, offering a free taste of what's in store at this summer's Renaissance Festival. Activities and crafts specifically for children are offered in Sears Court.
952.883.8800
http://www.mallofamerica.com
Ages: 2 to 18
Time: 11am-5pm
Cost: Free

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Web Site Wednesday

My oldest son discovered a new gaming web site for kids that he wanted me to "tell the world" about. I told him I would post about it here so other Mom's could tell their kids about it.

It is on Shockwave.com , you probably already have shockwave installed on your computer, as it is used on many different websites to view content already. But if you click on the above link you and your child can play different games for free. There is a 60 minute limit, but I feel that is more than enough time to be sitting on the computer in the summer anyway!

Catagories for games include:

Action & Arcade

Adventure
Card & Board

Jigsaws

Music & Photos
Puzzles

Racing

Shooters
Sports

Strategy

Word Games

When I clicked on there were already some 130,000 people online playing already. My suggestion is to watch what your kids are playing though. You don't know who is out there anymore, and you want to keep your kids safe. We have played alot of the games together, like Family Feud where there can be two teams. It is good family time together, and helps their spelling and typing skills.

So at the suggestion of my oldest son, go check out Shcokwave.com to go play some fun games for free.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Weekly Deals

TARGET

Honey Nut Cheerios - $1.75.
Click here to print this $1/1 coupon.
Final price is .75.

Solo Ultra Tableware - $2.50.
Use the $2/1 in 5/18/08 SmartSource coupon insert.
Final price is .50.

Ziploc Sandwich Bags (25ct.) in the checkout lanes are priced at $1.00.
The small box sold on the shelf is a 25ct., but costs more
Use the $1.50/2 coupon from the Sunday paper coupon insert or click here $1.00/2 coupon.
Final price is .25-.50.

Classico Pasta Sauce - $2.14.
Click here to print this $1/1 Target coupon.
Click here to get .50/1 coupons from Classico.
Final price is .64!

Gillette 7 oz. Series and Satin Care Shave Gels - 2/$3.
Use the .55/1 coupon in the 7/6/08 coupon insert.
Final price is .95.

Gerber Graduates Finger Foods - 3/$5.
Click here to print this $1/1 coupon.
Final price is .67.

Pepsi Jazz - $1.69.
Click here to print a Buy 2, Get 1 Free coupon.
Final price is $1.13 each.

Tava (4pk) - 2/$5.
Click here to use this $1.50/1 coupon.
Final price is $1.00.

WAL-MART

Wal-Mart has jars of Planters peanuts for $2.69.
Buy 3 packets of Kool-aid for $0.20 each and the peanuts for $2.69.
Use one of these $3/1 Planters coupons and get all four items FREE!

Honey Bunches of Oats Just Clusters is $2.50.
Use the $2 Printable coupon HERE.
Final Price is .50.
(This is a Kraft Product and can be used with the Planters coupons above!)

Pert Plus with Botanicals shampoos and conditioners are reportedly priced at less than $3 each.
Use the recent coupons to get them free after the coupon!

Tidy Cats litter is $1.77.
Use the $1.00 off coupon from recent insert (6/29/08)
Final Price is $0.77.

Gillette 2 in 1 body wash in trial size for $0.79.
Use with $1.00 off coupon, (from 7/6 insert?).
Final Price: FREE + overage!!

Head & Shoulders Trial size shampoo is .97.
Use the $3/2 coupon from the 7/06/08 P&G coupon insert.
Final price if FREE plus $1.06 overage!

OFFICE DEPOT

Office Depot Value™ Red Eraser Caps 12-PK - $0.01 each (normally $0.99!),
limit 5 per customer

Office Depot® Brand Semicircular 6" Protractor - $0.01 each (normally $1.99!),
limit 5 per customer

Office Depot® Brand 2 Pocket Paper Folder - $0.01 each (normally $0.29 each),
limit 20 per customer

Office Depot® Brand Acrylic Ruler - $0.01 each (normally $0.59 each),
limit 5 per customer

Also, there is a rebate for a 6-pack TOPS colored junior writing pads - on sale for $7.49,
free after mail-in rebate.

CVS

Money Saving Moms deals

WALGREENS

Money Saving Mom's Deals

Thanks to More than Enough and Money Saving Mom for these great deals.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Target Parade

I think this is the year of the free shirts for my kids. Ali got the free tank top from Wet Seal earlier this summer. They all got free t-shirts at the Back to the 50's Car Show, and today they all got Target t-shirts too.

I signed myself and the kids up to do the local parade under my Target store. I wore my capri pants with the regular red shirt I use everyday. The kids just wore whatever red & khaki they could find. When we got to the line-up, they had a few extra kids Target volunteer t-shirts. And they fit my kids! They were so exited to have actual Target shirts to wear.

We blew up Target bullseye balloons, handed out candy and pinwheels (see picture) while pushing four carts. My littlest rode in the cart the whole parade route. He sat and waved at the people watching. He actually would get a little mad when nobody would wave back. I think it is a kid thing to think when you wave, others must wave back.

All in all we had a fun time. It was windy, but not humid or hot, perfect parade walking weather. The kids had fun and saw a few of their friends along the route.

They are now looking forward to when we are volunteering at the MN State Fair, they will be getting another free t-shirt from there too!

Free Music Downloads E - F

Here are some more tunes to stock up your library.

East Coast Melody - Space Raiders

Easy To Love - Full Flava feat Donna Gardier

Egg Timer - The Split Knee Loons

El Doomo - Steve Ellis

Emotion Comes From Motion - Vibrant

Emotion Comes From Motion - Windenergy

END OF THE DAY - Atomic Rooster

Energy - The Apples In Stereo

Equipping Education - Grow Aware

Everbody's Got To Learn Sometime - The Korgis

Express Yourself - Vibrant

Fall - Full Flava feat Fiona Day

Feeding Your Brain - Progressive

Fisher Weddings in Brora - Hector Sutherland

For Your Love - Hil St Soul

The Formation of Damnation - Testament

Free for All [Explicit] - Ted Nugent

Freedom Park - Marah

Freedom Train - Ancient Grease

Freedom Train(Alternative Version) - Ancient Grease

Frere Jacques - Gotham Wind Symphony

Future - Full Flava feat Donna Gardier

There is the continuing list. Next week will be G - H, so it should be a big one!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

It's Never to Early to Think About CHRISTMAS!

With all the great deals going on for school supplies, it got me to thinking about Christmas Shoeboxes. Samaritans Purse is a wonderful charity that distributes Christmas Boxes to underprivileged children all over the world. You can click here to get all the directions on how to pack your own Christmas box.

Step one:

Get a box.

If you shop at Target you notice that the majority of their shoes come in boxes. Obviously if you are in the market for new shoes, just use that box. But you can ask your Target cashier if he/she has any empty shoe boxes in their garbage at the lane. You can also go through the shoe department and pluck out boxes that are already empty. Lots of people don't want the bulky shoe box at their home, so they just take the shoes and leave the box. Be sure to ask if it is OK before you leave the store.

Step Two:

Decorate the box.

This is optional, but it makes for a fun project for little ones. We have decorated our with everything from paint, contact paper, to wrapping paper. Use what you have around the house already. The wrapping paper doesn't have to be Christmas paper, just cheerful. You can also use old paper grocery bags and decorate with stickers. Use your imagination. Be sure to wrap the box "Hollywood" style, so you wrap the bottom separate from the lid of the box for easy opening.

Step Three:

Fill the box.

This is by far the most fun part. There is a detailed list of suggestions to pack on their web site.

This is the list of items NOT to include:

Used or damaged items;

war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures;

chocolate or food;

out-of-date candy;

liquids or lotions; (including Purell products)

medications or vitamins;

breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers;

aerosol cans,

So aside from the above items, use your imagination again! Small toys, beauty supplies, school supplies, clothing, socks, hard candy, etc... Make sure it will fit into the box, and fit in as much as you can. You can also include a letter and picture of your family if you would like.

Step Four:

Drop off box.

My kids and I normally make a day of this. We talk about how these boxes will help children all over the world. They are even normally planning their boxes for the next year at this point. This is the link for drop off locations, they do not have the 2008 year updated yet. Drop off this fall is November 17 - 24th, so they can get them to the children by Christmas time.

What my family does:

I am always on the lookout for inexpensive toys and clothes to put into my box. I start shopping for our shoeboxes the day after Christmas. This year we have Target clothes (shorts & tops) that I got for $.74 each, harmonicas that were $.24 each, small stuffed animals $1.00 each, and countless crayons and coloring book for real cheap. This year thanks to discovering CVS, I already have countless tooth brushes, tooth pastes and deodorants. Go into your freebie stash to see what you can use too! If you are always looking for inexpensive toys and such, you can fill the boxes easily in the fall. I have a large box in my pantry that I keep putting the "finds" in. When it comes time to pack them, we sort through the stuff and see what fillers we need.

It is a great family tradition in my house, and teaches the kids to be grateful for what they have everyday.

So, while you are finding the great back-to-school sales on supplies, why not get a few extra crayons for a quarter and send them to some kids who would really appreciate them.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

More Free Movies

I just became aware of this one....

For 9 weeks during the summer (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am), Regal Cinemas shows children/kids movies for FREE!!

Here's the link ... choose your state from the drop down menu for the movies being shown in your State. Hopefully there's one in your city!!

The one in my state is pretty far away, but it is close to family. Maybe we will make the drive and have a visit to boot!

Mom is Broke

Friday, July 18, 2008

Free Music Downloads G - H

Thursday, July 17, 2008

What to Do This Weekend

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Web Site Wednesday

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Weekly Deals

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Target Parade

Free Music Downloads E - F

Thursday, July 10, 2008

It's Never to Early to Think About CHRISTMAS!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

More Free Movies

Mom is Broke

$$$ Made at Cash Crate as of 3/2008

Free Things to do in the Twin Cities

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