50% off Family Tickets to San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay

Hey, Bay Area families: this week's Savvy Source deal is for the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco. You can purchase a Family Pack of tickets (2 adults, 2 children ages 3-11) for $20. That's 50% off the regular price of $40!

If you haven't been to the Aquarium of the Bay, check it out! We went there a couple of months ago and we all loved it. You get to walk through glass tunnels with fish and sharks and bat rays swimming beside you and above you!

The deal expires at midnight on Thursday April 22, so purchase it ASAP at:

http://www.savvysource.com/event/home_san-francisco-bay-area_ca/referrerCode=APB11

In addition, 5% of every purchase will go towards a Savvy Source preschool scholarship fund, and an additional 5% will go to the preschool of your choice (you choose from a list of preschools in CA when you sign up for the offer).

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I do receive a referral bonus if tickets are purchased from the link provided. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

54% Off on Family Memberships to the Bay Area Discovery Museum

Last week's Savvy Discount to the Oakland Museum was a huge success -- over 5000 people signed up! This week's deal is just as good -- a Family Membership to the Bay Area Discovery Museum for just $49. Family Memberships regularly cost $105, so that's a whopping 54% discount!

Not only do you get a great discount, you will also get to earn some money for a deserving preschool. 5% of every purchase will be donated to the Savvy Source Preschool Scholarship Fund for children in financial need. But wait... there's more! An additional 5% of every purchase will go to your specified organization.

To get the discount, just click on this link -- it will take you to the Savvy Savings and Scholarships page, where you can sign up.


http://www.savvysource.com/event/home_san-francisco-bay-area_ca/referrerCode=APB11


Now here's the catch: you have to sign up within the next 3 days, AND at least 50 people need to sign up for the discount to take effect! If less than 50 people sign up in the next 3 days, then the offer expires, and your credit card will not be charged. If more than 50 people sign up in the next 3 days, then the offer will be activated and you will receive a link to a coupon that you print out take take with you to the BADM. So sign up now and tell everyone you know!

Disclosure: I am a city editor for The Savvy Source. If you click on the link above and purchase the deal, a portion of the proceeds will go to me and the preschool of my choice. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Free Shipping? Count me in!

As you know, I've stopped my ranting about American Girl products. It feels kind of nice to surrender to the strong riptide and float out to sea with the other American Girl lovers. Never mind that the economy is in the pits and we can't afford to buy her another one. I'm giving up any more hangups about the AG stuff that the Pea already has. And if I won a million bucks, I'm not going to harbor any feelings of guilt or conflict when I go out and buy The Pea five American Girl dolls and their bedroom sets to boot.

Their standard Free Shipping Code (GIFTSHIP) ends today. However, since I'm all important and well-connected and stuff, I've got another Free Shipping Code that is valid until November 29th. Just enter Key Code # PA82024.

Go take advantage! There's no minimum for either code, so even if The Pea doesn't get any American Girl dolls or clothes or accessories, maybe there's room for a book or two in that Christmas stocking....

Mashed Potatoes, Mimosas and More: a Leapfrog party

Silicon Valley Moms Blog parties are usually a lot of fun, and the latest one, sponsored by LeapFrog, was no exception. Our sister site, the Chicago Moms Blog, held a family-themed LeapFrog event recently, but I'm kind of happy that ours was held at a very small, child-unfriendly conference room at the Four Seasons. After all, I rarely get a chance to spend some child-free time with my blogging peeps.

We knew we were going to have a good time when we were offered mimosas and red wine even before entering the party room. We feasted on ahi tuna rolls, prosciutto and melon, and the big hit of the night, a mashed potato bar. If you don't know what that is (and I didn't until that night), you choose from 3 different kinds of mashed potatoes -- including a purple kind! -- and a yummy toppings like roasted garlic, sour cream, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, (I'd better stop. Alfie and the kids had pasta and tomato sauce that night so he might feel bad if he realizes exactly how much better my dinner was than theirs. I still need him to babysit for future bloggy events), and more.

The other big hit of the night (what? bigger than a potato bar??) was the spirited discussion on the importance of early literacy skills, led by Dr. Anne Cunningham of UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Education. The SV Moms are passionate about their children and education in general, so it's no surprise that practically everyone in the audience chimed in on topics ranging from bedtime reading, improving opportunities for low-income students, challenging gifted children, and working within the bounds of No Child Left Behind. It was a fascinating discussion. My main take-away? That it's ok for 3Po and Jammy to doodle on paper or spin the wheels on their Matchbox cars while I read to them; they're still soaking it all up.

I really appreciated the fact that no attempt was made to plug Leapfrog products during the main discussion; it was just an engaging exchange of ideas about literacy in young children and in our public schools. Not that Leapfrog needs such a hard sell in this technology-loving community. In fact, I found out that almost all of my blogging sistahs already own several Leapfrog products. Still the Leapfrog people let us try some of their products and even gave us a few (ok, more than a few) to take home to our kids. Thanks, Leapfrog, for sponsoring such a great night!

For more Leapfrog products (and a coupon), visit my review site, Bonggamom Finds.

One of these things is not like the other...

They look alike, but one of these 3 boys is actually different. Can you guess which one (and why)? To the first 5 (US-based) people who guess correctly, I'll mail you 2 coupons for free Boca Burgers! My first blog giveaway has not had any takers so far :( .... so if you guess correctly, you can have 2 coupons if you want them.

For more different things, click here. BTW, I've posted this week's Photo Hunt entry extra-early because we're spending the weekend in Vegas... it's Alfie's birthday and we're going to party!

Where's the Beef?

It's the beginning of March and it's 70 degrees outside... don't you just love California?! Time to drag the grill out and barbecue me some beef ..... or not.

I was never really into red meat until I became pregnant with 3Po and CleanBoy (is it just folklore, or did that double does of testosterone in my body start the meat craving?). I spent my pregnancy scarfing down burgers and steak fajitas. To Alfie's dismay, my carnivorous urges have stayed with me. He's doesn't like red meat at all, while the thought of hamburgers and steak still make my mouth water. Fortunately for his tastebuds and my cholesterol levels, I happen to love the taste of meatless burgers like Boca Burger, and am perfectly happy grilling those up instead.

So to celebrate the beginning of outdoor barbecuing season, I'm giving away coupons for 2 free packages of Boca Burgers to five readers! Here's how it works: Between now and next Monday, March 10...

* Leave a comment here telling the world why you like Boca Burgers. Leave your blog URL (or email, if you don't have a blog) so I'll know where to find you.

* If you write a post on your blog telling your readers about this giveaway (and linking back to this entry), you are eligible for a coupon for a 3rd free package of Boca Burgers!

* If more than 5 people enter before midnight (PST) on March 10, I'll pick 5 winners at random.

* I'll post the winners' names on Tuesday, March 11 (Sorry, this giveaway is only open to US residents.)

Good luck, and start firing up those grills!

American Girl coupon

Hey everyone, I've just found the Holy Grail of coupons.... free shipping at the American Girl website/catalog! With no minimum purchase!

coupon code: A382024
expiration date: March 16, 2008

Just in time for The Pea's birthday....

A spoonful of sugar

It's a funny thing: I will scour the internet for hours on end to find a discount coupon worth $10 but if you were to offer to hire me for $5 an hour to do research, I would be insulted. The thrill of the chase and the scrooge-y satisfaction of getting something at a discount make it all worthwhile, I guess.

Which is why, after hours of searching, I'm thrilled to have finally found a free shipping offer for The Pea's Christmas present. It's certainly making that humble pie taste a lot ($10.95, to be more precise) better:

* Free shipping on purchases of $100 or more at American Girl: use promotional code 158117, valid until 11/20/07

And since the holiday season is fast approaching, here are some more discounts I found that will help take some of the sting out of your holiday budgets:

* Go to www.julieoffer.com to save $23.99 on gift sets for latest American Girl doll, Julie Albright

* $5 off purchases of $35 or more at the Lego Store: use coupon code SP117, valid until 12/31/07

* 15% off purchases at the Disney Store: use coupon code 3199, valid until 12/24/07

* 15% off purchases at The Childrens Place: use webcode H2EMJ736IJB7, valid until 12/09/07

* Free shipping at LLBean, no minimum purchase, no code needed, valid until 12/21/07


Happy swallowing, I mean shopping!

Jamba and Samba

When my kids are hungry and I'm lazy, it's easy to give in to the temptation to drive to the nearest fast-food restaurant -- and sometimes I do. But there are equally good, healthier options -- one of which is Jamba Juice, which my kids absolutely love. I usually grab a 16-oz. smoothie and ask the server to pour some of it into three tiny, kid-size cups. We share a Pizza Protein Bread and Honey Blueberry Pretzel, and presto! Lunch is served. I suppose that's a lot of sugar and carbs, but it's gotta be better than burgers and fries, right?

Again, I'm not affiliated with Jamba in any way, but here's a coupon for a free smoothie:



With locations in 21 states (and one in the Bahamas!), almost anyone can samba and Jamba. Happy (and healthy) slurping!

Coupon for Cord Blood Banking

If anyone is expecting a baby and considering banking their baby's cord blood, here's a little financial incentive: I recently received some coupons in the mail for $150 savings off Cord Blood Registry's enrollment fee. Alfie and I decided to bank our babies' cord blood because we figured that should they ever, God forbid, develop a condition that could be treated or cured with stem cells, their cord blood would provide the best source. Our kids are biracial, so finding a good bone marrow match would be next to impossible, and adult stem cells currently only have limited uses. And we're not holding our hopes on embryonic stem cells, given the US government's current stance. Cord blood banking, for us, is sort of like life insurance for a horrible event, but with a happier ending: our child gets to live.

Since this baby factory is now closed, I'm posting the coupon code here for anyone who's expecting a baby and considering cord blood banking:

Call 1-888-227-2460
Or visit www.cordblood.com
Mention this code to receive your discount: CCF2-C00024611

So there it is. Now go and make some babies.

(Note: I'm not being paid to post this. I'm just a customer to whom CBR has given some peace of mind. Full disclosure, though: I do get one free year of storage if anyone does decide to bank with CBR and uses the coupon code above. Hey, I figure it's a win-win situation, right?)

Get thee to a Gymboree

Hey, the coupon does say to forward it to friends and family.......



It's so hard to justify buying Gymboree clothes at full price when they put stuff on sale so often, and when they generously hand out coupons like the one above. Some of their current crop of dresses are a lot simpler in cut and color than usual, which suits The Pea perfectly (as well as her mother). I can't wait for cooler weather so she can wear them with tights and her new purple Lands End boots.

More Free Shipping: LL Bean

Hey, I'm starting to enjoy this! Okay, from now on, every time I get a decent coupon in the mail or email, I'll pass it on here.

Free Shipping with no minimum purchase from LL Bean online (expires 1/1/08):

1. Click "Redeem Coupon, Gift Card or Promotion" when you reach the "Place Your Order" screen during checkout.
2. Enter the following code: LL 7420530 (note: I'm not sure whether you need to type in just the number, or include the "LL" as well, I haven't actually used the coupon yet).

Happy Shopping!

Bonggamom rocks!

Jennifer has bestowed upon me the Rockin' Girl Blogger award; who knew that this little hot-pink badge could make a girl feel so good! To celebrate, here's a great back-to-school coupon for Free Shipping at Land's End (till Aug. 21, 2007). And here's how to get it:

1. On the Billing Information page, go to the section labeled “Source Code” (below the credit card payment box) and click the “add” button.
2. Enter the Source Code FALL and the PIN 457826560 in the space provided.

Or if you have a Lands’ End “Personal Shopping Account”….

1. Make your selections
2. Click “edit your payment information” on the Order Review Page
3. Enter your Source Code and PIN (shown above).

Or call 1-800-800-5800 and give your Source Code and PIN to the customer service representative

For those who care, I'm not being paid to endorse Lands' End. I just like their products and love free shipping. A Thanks! You rock! is payment enough :)

Now that it's time to pass the award along, I can't think of anyone right now who deserves a bit of recognition more than my future sister-in-law, Erica. She works full-time, pays her younger brothers' college tuition, maintains a long-distance relationship with her fiancee (my brother), who's halfway around the world from her, and is planning her wedding almost singlehandedly. She's even found the time to creat a neat little wedding wedsite to make sure that everyone is in the loop. Rock on!

Back-To-School Savings at Gymboree

I can't believe we have less than three weeks left of summer vacation! The Pea starts school on August 28th, and her brothers begin a week later. My mother, who is here for her annual "see the grandkids" visit, brought a ton of hand-me-down clothes for The Pea, courtesy of my aunt and my 11-year-old cousin, and my sister sent along her 7-year-old son's clothes for the twins. Since both my aunt and sister are certified shopaholics, all three children have more than enough clothes in nearly-new condition -- and to them, it's just like getting new clothes anyway.

But for those who can't rely on hand-me-downs to stock up on their kids' back-t0-school wardrobe, here's a Gymboree back-to-school coupon I got in the mail, good for 20% off your entire purchase (one-time use per customer, expires August 15, 2007). Just type in the promotion code below when you check out online:

210503818173

(For those of you who care, I'm not being paid for this post, I'm just a mom who loves to shop and hates to pay full price). I'm sorely tempted to use it myself, but the kids' closets are already bulging with stuff! So use it with my love, and Happy Shopping!