Women, let’s face it, we are obsessed with looking good! There is not a morning that we wake up concerned about beauty! How to improve what we already have to make ourselves more beautiful and going to the salon to get our hair done is just one of them. Aside from how our makeup, nails, and bodies look, our hair and how nice it is, is paramount to how we feel about ourselves! A little over two years ago I stopped going to get my hair done and opted for a beautiful braided hairstyle which I loved. I decided to let my chemical relaxer grow out and take a long break from paying over $100 each visit to a professional salon. African American hair care is very expensive! The relaxers, hair weaves, elaborate styles and coloring. I had my hair braided in a salon and even that service was $160! The plus was that I could keep them up for months and save in that manner. FrugalMama will save in any area possible! My peeve with salons and this isn’t a diss to my people or my sisters who own them but it just takes way too long ! The service is an all day thing or it becomes certainly a half a day one. When booking an appointment make sure you have nothing else planned for the entire day and some one to pick your children up from school. It seems like even if I have booked an appointment with a fast stylist , it always takes longer because all of the distractions. Folks coming into the salon, the phone keeps ringing and she has to answer it? Today, it was a relative in the chair ( I could tell) being serviced 10 minutes before my set appointment! I was “early” and still had to wait. I understand that things happen in salons that are out of the stylists control but come on! Flat iron your cousins hair after all your appointments are taken care of ! I may be venting a little because I would prefer to not have to go anywhere and let a stylist come to me on a house call, however a little more time management and consideration for clients please! Don’t get me wrong I love getting all prettied up at a shop and the whole experience of coming out looking like a million bucks but after I spent almost that I want more!the service is turning out good and I am comfortable . Even with that being said , I may stop going to hair salons, well definitely not as often because after all a girl’s hair is still her crowning glory!
Author: frugalbloggerchic
Confessions of a GROUPON groupie…
Yes, I am a self professed thrift-o-holic, a coupon clipper champion, and a FrugalMama and Oh, I have one more confession to make…I’m also a GROUPON groupie. It’s something I can’t deny. I get high off of the deals on the little Groupon app on my smartphone. Just as my EastBay folks say, “I hella love Oakland!” “I hella love GROUPON!” Whoever invented this thing is a pure genius! I actually found out who created this awesome , terrific, fantastic company . His name is Andrew Mason, a local guy from Pittsburgh (go figure) . He started GROUPON in 2007, however he is no longer in charge of this perfect machine which now is head by CEO/ Investor Eric Lefkofsky. I don’t really care who is running it now , all I know is that it is great and I’m in “deal heaven.” I have been officially sworn in , by myself of course and maybe a few friends as a “GROUPON groupie” about 6 months ago. I noticed that this app was one that I was frequenting more and more, and purchasing from more and more. I love it! They have definitely reeled me in as an avid customer with the deals that I subscribe to as a thrifty lady! Writer Dave Roos describes GROUPON as “coupons on steroids” and I totally agree! His description is also very cute and true! The discounts start at 50% off and go as high as 90% off!!! You sign up and let them know what category of items or services that you are interested in ranging from food & drink, health & beauty, to home services and an extensive array of goods to choose from. You key in your local area of choice and search until your heart is content. The app will remember all of the areas of interest you pick, including your credit card number which can present a problem if you are security prone. I suggest a password on your application so no one but you can get in and shop. I have found some fantastic deals on my beloved GROUPON to date including carpet cleaning services for 70% off the regular price, quality spa facials for way cheaper than I’ve ever paid ! as well as portrait studio steals for my daughter , and tutoring sessions through a reputable company for my son! I have saved so much money and continue to gather great ideas on things to do in the future for myself and my entire family! I really love the “date” night deals, and have taken my boyfriend out to dinner on quite a few GROUPONS! The scary thing about it is that you can get too excited and just start purchasing all these GROUPONS and forget to use them by there expiration date, or get so busy with life and forget to use the product or service all together! A few of my friends have had that issue and so have I. I once forgot to use a dance class GROUPON because the particular class was held at an odd time for me to realistically make it and I let it expire. I simply called the owners of the dance school and they were okay with still honoring my GROUPON and allowing me or my daughter to take classes to use up the amount that I paid. GROUPON also has a “PROMISE” to their customers; If you don not use a GROUPON voucher before it’s promotional value expires, a trip, or attend an event through GROUPON and are disappointed by your experience, they will work with you to make it right or give you a refund. Even in the case where an event is cancelled, or rescheduled or a business closes permanently. GROUPON, like all institutions is far from perfect but for me, my experience has been great. so great that I recommend my co-workers, friend’s and even “YOU” to log on and try it. Groupon has won awards, and has garnered the ability to offer such large discounts because it guarantees owners a minimum return on their investment. It is also a good possibility of the business becoming an overnight sensation. I was just on the site earlier, looking for a hair stylist to chop off my mane! Never know she could later become the next “Paul Mitchell” of the EastBay area! You can print out your GROUPON redemption code or take your smartphone or tablet to the business to redeem your service. It’s so convenient and fun! As FrugalMama, you know I love to save and I obviously enjoy being a GROUPON groupie! So much i could almost be their spokesperson! Yea, there’s LivingSocial, AmazonLocal,(which I have also patronized), and I’m sure many more companies with similar angles. GROUPON is my first love and I am still smitten! Hooked on the thrills of the much needed steals! Sign up and watch how you will be on my groupie bandwagon. Until next time, Smooches and tell GROUPON I sent ya!
My life remains an open book…
My desire to want to be a writer came early. I was about five or six years old when I knew my future destiny. I was immediately drawn to books and stories after many visits to the library. Every time my mother or teachers would take me to the library my imagination was ignited and my spirit felt free when I touched the pages and climbed into other realms inside them. I was alive for reading and felt that I could create stories just as those writers had done for me! I began to feel one with a paper and pen. More than thirty years later, I feel the exact same euphoria when I read, write, or create imagery in my mind fit to be published or shared. I am a creative creature by nature. Singing, dancing, scrapbooking, clipping coupons and being FrugalMama extraordinaire is a real part of who I am and I love it! I’ve recently fell back in love with an old friend of mine. (My book ). My book “College Life” was originally written by me, by hand in 1989. I was in the 9th grade on my way to high school. I am a Facebooker, with over 500 friends, many of them former classmates of mine from middle school onto college. Many of those folks were people who were privy to reading my book way back then and have to my delight loved it. Those friends, or classmates were highly engulfed in my story,partially because it was based loosely on my life . They could also identify with the characters! They were young, hip , and everything “teen” at that time. I have always appreciated the praise that came with that book being passed around. That heightened my confidence and has boosted my love for the written word ever since!
We were using typewriters back then, my mom bought me a Brother name brand one and I thought this is it! I will be a writer, or journalist of some sort. I was never big on technology , even later with computers and still prefer writing free hand. I feel that my thoughts come out more fluidly, and more in synch with each page. My deepest passion is to be published someday! I want 
my work in a major magazine, blog, and to have a book published. I love to write and I know I have a lot to learn about the craft, however I feel that everyone deserves to live the dreams that they have held since childhood. Don’t get me wrong I am loving being a mom, and blogging, and learning new techniques every single day but having a book published will be a huge accomplishment! I have had articles, and reviews published in my college newspaper, and newsmagazines and am still gaining momentum on having other pieces published . I am practicing my craft right now with you lovely folks, its just a matter of time where all things unfold. I unfold my feelings in my stories. In my book “College Life” which I revised in 1991 unleashed many emotions that I was personally feeling at the time. The main female character had a crush on former- University of Michigan player Sean Higgins. He was my real life “crush” at that time, which I ended up meeting in real life in my early 20’s. He actually asked me out in “real” life, so there! You never know how true those words on paper can mirror actual life! I deeply believe in the power of words and in my passion and have not let go of it! I recently posted a photo of my binder which held the contents of the 182 paged “College Life” novel that I wrote and I had over 15 comments, many questioning “Are you going to re-write it?, or publish it?”, and many comments on how they “remembered it, or loved it!”. I am extremely proud and flattered as I was back in 1991. Who knows what will happen with it ? I don’t, but I do know that my life , meaning (my words) in prose are still an open book. As my book remains to be in the Creator’s hands and publishing awaits I still hone my craft and keep being that same curious little girl who fell in love with story books. In the words of “Terry Brooks”, “This is for writer’s yet to be published who think the uphill climb will never end, keep believing. This is also for published writer’s grown jaded by the process, remember how lucky you are.” Indeed. Until next time, Smooches ~
script pen
“There is no agony like having an untold story inside you.” Zora Neale Hurston
Coupon Cop-Outs?
We all know that those coupon shows like “Extreme Couponing”, and Extreme Cheapskates, don’t film in places like California. Typically, California is not a well known state for the doubling of coupons as they do on those shows in Midwest states that they feature. Midwestern states and down South states tend to reap the “real” deals and contain stock piles worth thousands! Californians are savers, there are some very thrifty folks in this state , such as myself the EastBay Frugal Mama, however our part of the U.S does not get to use coupons the way some people do in other parts of the country. There is not enough store competition like on the East Coast and in the South. We have chains like Safeway, Albertson’s (Lucky), FoodsCo,Ralph’s and Food Maxx, which does not max out to many stores in all of California. Many of our consumers, quite as kept have began grocery shopping in discount stores that aren’t even coupon takers such as, 99cent only store, BigLots, and the Dollar Tree chain. Although Kmart in Clovis, California does accept up to five coupons per purchase of $25 and up, many stores in the Golden State do not accept more than one coupon per item in a single transaction. Kroger stores who owns Ralph’s in Southern California did away with doubling in 2012! I’m surprised they even did it up to then. You get the rare places. I have even been surprised of going into a store such as Safeway and having a store coupon for an item and a manufacturer’s coupon and both of them working simultaneously! Wow, is that a double miracle! Ooh wee, East Bay Frugal Mama feels like a gazillion bucks when that happens! Savings Euphoria!!! It’s best to cross your fingers and just see if it happens… Safeway does , and not by surprise has an extensive rule list of 29 items on their Coupon Acceptance Policy. I was a little taken aback by it , however not intimidated. I will still fiercely shop there with coupons always in tow. The Extreme Coupon show drama that I learned of was what through me for a loop or two! I was unaware of the “CONTROVERSY.” I watched the show when I could mentally taking notes, while always silently wishing that I could live in Ohio, just to shop for my family’s groceries.. The show actually bent rules while camera’s rolled! Stores with policies on “NON” Doubling of coupons merely would do it exclusively for the “show.” Shopper’s were allowed to actually use coupons for items they (did not) actually “buy” and they made exceptions if there was a church on an episode ,letting rules go out the window because they were doing a good deed for needy people! So in “good faith”, the producer’s were lying to us because it made for good “T.V.” Ooooookaaaaay, very interesting. This certainly changes the way I look at reality t.V, and the grocery industry as a whole. Well EastBay Frugal Mama knows who to really trust! My own cheap , trusty instincts , and all else will fall in to place accordingly. Happy Savings Sweeties, Until Next time!
*Smoooches!
You can’t use a coupon on Divorce
DIVORCE , the word that sounds like a curse word every time you hear it. Even if the act was amicable, even if it was done for the betterment of both parties involved, it is still a very painful word and a very hard situation to go through. Having gone through it myself I can proclaim that it certainly made me a stronger woman and mother. Divorce can also be an expensive journey lasting months and sometimes even years. Mine fortunately was over and done in six months but the scars last forever. I was married for seven years and divorced before our son was eight years old. He still harbors resentment, and the longing of not having his father under the same roof with him is still very real. I was fortunate that as a union member we get free legal aid. As the Eastbay Frugal Mama I wanted to go the cheapest route to get out of my marriage. I utilized my legal aid benefits and got an attorney and my divorce granted for practically “free”. I didn’t use a coupon but I was thankful to have the luxury of using the benefits that I had been paying into for five years! It doesn’t matter if your divorce was free, cost $199 on Legalzoom.com, or cost several thousand dollars with a lawyer, it is a trying, hurtful time and for me has resulted me into using coupons.
I was always pretty thrifty before and during my marriage, however since pinching pennies has gained a new meaning. I had an ex who wasn’t gainfully employed at the time of our demise and to this day I have yet to receive a dime of child support. Granted my son’s father has chipped in and bought him new clothes, shoes , and has paid for extra -curricular activities, but nothing is more valuable than quality time and attention. This is one thing that neither my son , or I signed up for I expected not only for my ex to provide monthly financial support of some sort, as well as his time and love to my child. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and this normal activity does not occur for us. That being said, Frugal Mama has been in full effect saving dollars and cents on my son’s clothes, shoes, video games, (used from Game Stop) and everything else including sports and tutoring. I just signed him up for tutoring through Huntington Learning Center on Groupon.com. You get an assessment and ten tutoring sessions with a certified teacher for only $99!
It has all helped us tremendously! Cutting corners allows my son to get the fun things and designer clothes that he needs or (wants)and be able to thrive academically! I’m sure my ex husband would do better if he knew better and realistically , that is something I try my best not to be concerned with. I have moved on and have a man in my life that treats my son like his very own. Even with the financial help and quality parenting my boyfriend gives my child, divorce is always an unforgettable event that is life changing for all parties all involved. You just have to navigate through all the bumps in the road,give as much time and attention to your children and reassure them that it’s not their fault, and you certainly can’t scan a coupon on that.
Smooches ! and frugality folks…
A FAMILY VACATION FULL OF FRUGAL FANTASY
D ISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!! 
When planning a family vacation, finances are typically the biggest factor when coming up with an idea of going somewhere with your clan. Do we have enough money to take a vacation this year? How much will it cost? Will we have to take out a second mortgage or sell our souls to be able to do it? What kind of corners can we cut to make it happen for our kids? Awe, the questions, the questions…It happens to the best of us, even myself, the Frugal mama had those questions and many more, but low and behold it can be done! I’m going to tell you how. The magic word is “planning.” As with anything in life, planning ahead makes things a little better, relaxed, and smoother (most of the time) and also gives you more leverage in case any changes have to be made before you go.
Money is surely a dominant issue when planning any getaway. Just breathe deeply and take the plunge, it’s not so bad. I have two children and our trip was a Disneyland one for my daughter’s birthday who just turned five. The first thing I tackled was the transportation. My boyfriend and I decided that we would fly there because we both do not like driving long distances. It is also much easier to jump on an hour flight (from the Bay Area to LAX) and rent a car saving time and energy for your trip. You will be driving in the city when you arrive there, so save your energy! You will definitely need it for Disneyland! The cheapest airline search engine that we found is Onetravel.com where we found four seats on United Airlines for under $500! It was a late flight out and a really empty plane. We chatted with the friendly flight attendant, mentioning our daughter’s birthday trip and she gave us a bunch of snack goodies that we added to our stash for the 5 days that we were staying in Southern California.
The actual Disneyland park tickets were the only thing on this entire trip that hurt our pockets. Each one cost $210 for two-day park hoppers, with the exception of our daughter’s , the birthday girl’s was $197. We were lucky to stay at a Hyatt hotel where my boyfriend and I work and purchased the tickets at the desk there. We learned that Disney does not give discounts, however I did learn a tip standing near the gates. If you are with smaller kids and just want to give them an experience there for a day, you can walk up at the ticket counter and purchase a one park ticket for kids 3 to 9 years old for $86 and they can see just about everything, but you have to choose between Disneyland, or touring California Adventure. Older kids and adults are $92. It’s a toss up, both of them are magical, but California Adventure seemed to have better rides for the smaller kiddos. My son is twelve and not very tall and could pass for 9, I almost wish we would have bought his ticket at the gate for $86 each day for a savings of $38! Yes, I’m really, really frugal guys.
Your trip can be as amazing and as frugal as ours was, you will come back with more money in your pockets and your kids will think you are the greatest parents on planet Earth! For hotel deals try sites like hotels.com, Expedia, Travelocity or Google hotels in the Disneyland area and check for specials. I did spot a Travelodge and a Marriott Residence Inn which usually have fair prices. You will not be in the room that much anyhow. Residence Inns have tiny kitchens inside where you can cook your own meals and save on restaurant dining. Food can be expensive! Packing snacks ahead of time saves you a ton of money! Go to the Dollar stores and stock up on healthy items that wont have your kids to amped up to where they will crash shortly thereafter and act cranky during the trip. I packed things like, peanuts and almonds, dried apricots, granola bars,corn nuts and little juice boxes and coconut water which I mostly drank. You can take all of these items in Disneyland along with bottled water. Everything in the park is highway robbery unless you share a meal, and only eat once. The best thing is getting full at your hotel before you get in the park. My son was the only one who got hungry toward the end of the evening and he was happy with his $11 chili dog which came with chips and a drink.
It helped a lot bringing that backpack full of snacks!
We also carried it throughout the entire trip because frugal mama was not stopping at any fast food restaurants. This also allows you to enjoy more because you are exploring instead of stopping constantly and eating. When we were really hungry it would be meal times such as lunch and dinner in which time we cold splurge and sit down comfortably as a family. Another great tip is to pre buy the souvenirs and pack them so that you save yourself from spending a mint inside the stores in Disneyland. I went to the Dollar stores and bought my daughter those glow lights for the night time, princess necklaces and a tiara (all Disney merchandise) , for a fraction of the cost! I also went to Ross and found her a Minnie mouse tee shirt that she wore on her birthday for only $3.99!
They have boys items too like Buzz Lightyear,Cars and all other Disney characters! Your kids wont bug you in Disneyland (as much) about buying those items and your pockets will thank you! It’s also a good idea if they already have the dress up clothes at home, to bring them and let them wear them in the park. I saw many little girls dressed up like the princesses, and boys dressed like the Goofy character as well as adults! Other fun, free things that we did while in Southern Cal were going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and checking out the stars and Venice Beach for some free sand and people watching on the beach boardwalk! Santa Monica Pier is nearby too for unlimited carnival rides for about $22 each, half off on Groupon.com I hope these tips have helped you prepare for a fabulously frugal family vacation! Smooches*
For the love of savings
Awe Love, Who loves to save money? Just about everyone right?
Well I’m the frugal mama and you know I do! I do, I do, I do so much so, that I want to put a ring on savings and marry them! I refuse to spend a lot of money on what is really a half a day, by the time you wake up and get the kids going , on chocolate hearts, and pink flowers. Valentine’s Day is just another day for mom’s to get creative and keep money in your wallets. Last minute gifts can be thoughtful, just personalize them and make them colorful! Kids can create cards at home with a little card stock, glitter glue, markers or crayons that can all be purchased at the 99cent only or Dollar Tree stores! They even have name brand items like Elmer’s glue for quality that will last you into the next holiday and school project. Did it slip your mind to grab something for your child’s teacher, your best friend, mom , pastor or hey, even for Mr.Wonderful?
Never fear, there are discount stores in just about every city like the ones above that I spoke of above. Like cupid’s arrow I’m here to save you so your heart will be filled with the love of bargains! Big Lots also has cute, low priced items and if you don’t have time to do a homemade card, they have valentine cards for 30% of the retail prices of other stores. Foe cheapie deals on flowers try your mom & pop florist but not on Valentine’s Day which is the highest priced day but a day before, if you don’t have picky folk that wont turn their noses up if your a day late, buy the day after for even better savings! Flowers will be still be appreciated, after all they smell good and look pretty, who would disagree? A day late but a dollar saved for you! You can also get on my favorite sites: Groupon or Livingsocial which has deals from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and ProFlowers and ProPlants for only $15 you get $30 worth of merchandise.
Chocolates, yummy, rich and creamy chocolates! They can be expensive if your on a Godiva or fancier hype, otherwise you can find some great chocolates that your Valentine will be more than sweet on! Ghiradelli has an outlet in San Leandro and you can find a ton of treats there for less. Retail drug stores like Walgreens also have coupons in their ads for all holiday goodies. Just today I found some last minute Russell Stover chocolate cluster hearts in flavors like red raspberry, and dark chocolate red velvet for only 39cents each with the store coupon! Very thrifty and a nice little something to give the kids or even a treat for yourself. Another tip is again, buying a day after and most stores have bins with all the same items for 75% off, you can stock up and give to those on a belated note. To me it’s the thought that counts, especially accompanied by a hug and a kiss. If your loved one isn’t into sweets, or roses always try a discount department store like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, or Ross for a multitude of items including cologne and perfume for way less than Macy’s or Nordstrom. Smells good to me. Enjoy your day of romance and frugality!
Smooches! , Cynthea
The inability to let go…
Is any parent truly ready for their children to grow up? We say that we are , but do we really mean it? Our kids hear the, “I can’t wait until you start working, start driving, go to college so you can see what real responsibility is about…” We heard the same things from our parents,and as funny as it seems looking back, it hurts to see them grow up. I guess I am a sappy mama. I’m a frugal mama, however I am one of those cry when you take your first photo, when you say a certain word in a certain way, cry at the drop of a straw hat sensitive kind of mama. I can’t help it, my kids make me feel some kinda way, especially when those milestones surface. I have a pair , a boy and a girl who are 7 whole years apart. The boy is 12 and in true preteen fashion thinks I am corny and “uncool.” Like all young men his age, he gets embarrassed of me when try I to kiss him in front of his friends, or use lovey nicknames that he no longer answers to. I am floored because to me, my kids are still small “little munchkins”, and they are supposed to want their mommy to do all those syrupy, mushy things, after all “I’m a mom!”
These feelings muster inside of me daily, but what prompted this post was seeing a notification in my local newspaper informing parents of the upcoming kindergarten enrollment times. My daughter graduates from preschool in June and I knew this was coming, but so soon? Next month her dad and I must sign her up officially for regular school ? I immediately started crying, not a full out boo hoo cry, yet tears were flowing and i was overcome with emotion. As I write this , I want to cry! I just had this little person less than 5 years ago and I have to now release her to real elementary school? It’s crazy how one alert , one important milestone can change your perspective on things , or evoke wild emotions that sometimes a mother can not handle. I don’t want her to grow up, yet I applauded her like a cheerleader for walking at 9 months old, saying her first words shortly thereafter and her prowess with her older brother and cousins. I guess I am a swinging pendulum, embracing the changes and wanting to hold on to them. When I see parents pushing little babies in strollers I tell them, “I wish my kids can shrink back to that size, enjoy your baby, take lots of pictures!” I guess that’s the inability to let go, while tying a pair of little shoelaces.
Fun Frugal Kid Excursions
The East Bay is a prime place for beautiful scenery, diverse culture, and kid-friendly fun! There are five favorite spots that i like to take my two children who are four and twelve years old. Even though they are years apart in age they both have tons of fun and are sleepy in the car on the ride home.These venues are exciting, exhilarating, and best of all, Free. Selecting the time and date you want are as easy as a click of a computer button, or you can go online on your smartphone. Even better, you have me, East Bay Frugal Mama who can give you the 411 on our current favorites!
San Leandro Marina Park 
Nestled across from an ample green and tranquil golf course and right along the gorgeous bay San Leandro Marina Park is the place for kids. Lots of green grass for playing soccer, volleyball, or just running in the wind. They have a little kids jungle gym and swing area, picnic areas , where people hold birthday parties year round and a larger play structure for bigger kids. Situated near the larger jungle gym is a wonderful, long bike and walking trail. They even have a new outdoor gym with 24 hour fitness like equipment where frugal mamas can burn a few calories while letting the kids play until they pass out. Be sure to bring a few dollars for the ice-cream trucks lurking in the parking lots to lure your kids in for a Dora or Spiderman treat.
Berkeley /Ashby Flea Market 
Berkeley Flea Market as I know it as, is a tradition in our family. It’s a free way of grasping a piece of culture! While we love being out on a nice day browsing the aisles of yard sales, this flea market is the best ! My kids love the African drums booming, dancers swaying , the sights, and the smells of kettle corn, cotton candy, and incense fill noses all around. They have face painters and booths with toys, hard to find novelties and unique crafts or your family to take home that won’t break the bank. My kids usually share a bag of kettle corn while I enjoy the delicious West African food! People watching is the best at this lively flea market and it’s nice that I never hear the word bored from my kids while we walk and enjoy for hours.
San Leandro Public library
The Public library in any city is definitely a go- to place on rainy days. I love to take my kids there any day because it’s free. you can use the computers for free and the books! My four year old daughter loves our neighborhood library ! The preschool story time, puppet and magic shows are great. Check your library newsletter, online, or call for selected dates and times. Shows are performed by local artists and are interactive. They also sometimes provide light snack for the kiddos! The library also offers many other fun, free , events for older kids, including game tournaments, movie nights, and free tutoring. Check websites for interesting monthly activities and themes.
Kids N’ Dance Oakland 
Kids N’ Dance is a cute little dance studio in the lovely Laurel District. I like this school, not only because I grew up in that area, but because the staff is so friendly! The dance teachers are also good and personable. They offer one free trial dance classe in hip hop, pre-ballet , or ballet, gymnastics and more. The drop-in rate is $15 and they have a $48 trial card to try consecutive classes which we used for a whole month! Both girls and boys will love this dance studio! My daughter took classes there and will always remember her first dance lessons. My son is more of an athlete than a dancer and was content to watch his sister’s artsy side. This was great for me, quality classes on a budget! They also offer camps for all ages and discounts if you apply early.
Off the Grid :Friday Nights @ OMCA
Last, but certainly not least , the frugal mama has one more place that is a must check out! This is a spot you can go with your spouse, your girlfriends, or as a family! It stands out because its like going on a cool date night with your kids. When I went, that’s exactly what it was! Off the Grid at the Oakland Museum of California is the place to be on a Friday night! There’s live music, a diverse crowd of kids and parents , delicious gourmet food trucks and, it’s free! Well, the food trucks aren’t free, but I tried ” Ahn the Go”, a Vietnamese food truck and spent only $9 on garlic noodles and chicken and fed both of my children! Savings mamas, savings! There is also half price gallery admission and those 18 and under are free. The stage is set with local performers(different each Friday) and it’s just a great night out! They serve local beer and wine and hot chocolate for the kids! This event is year round , every Friday from 5 to 9 pm with selected Fridays offering story time for the kiddos from 6-8pm brought on by the Oakland Public library. Free hands on art workshops, and Maker’s & taster’s series is featured the last Friday of the month which is a treat in itself! We will be back , this Friday is Valentine’s Day what a perfect date for your sweeties!
See you next week with more ideas to help your family, smile while you save! Smooches!!, Cynthea
East Bay Frugal Mama 