Duct Tape Art Workshop for Teens: E.L.A. Library, Tuesday, 4/17

I can see it now, duct tape wallets, purses, bags, book covers...

Books! Books! Books! Used Book Sale: East LA Library & all County Libraries

The Friends of the East Los Angeles Library is hosting a used book fair and spring boutique from April 9 to May 2, 2012.

Thousands of books, videos, DVDs, magazines, and audio books are available. The items sold are library discards or were donated by schools and individuals. At the last sale, children's books were 25 cents each and many were in great or new condition.

All Los Angeles County Libraries will be holding a used book sale called, "Books! Books! Books!", on Saturday, April 14, 2012. For more information visit http://www.colapublib.org/.

Earth Day: Longo Toyota, Friday, April 20

Earth Day

Friday, April 20

Noon-6pm

Longo Toyota

3534 N. Peck Road, El Monte

• Paper Shredding 1-3pm
• Recycle Used Motor Oil
• Free Oil Filter w/ turn in of used filter
• E-waste Recycling
• Fun for the Family: games, bouncer, t-shirt decorating, refreshments, giveways

Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival: Pasadena, Saturday 4/14

For more information click here.

MTA Job Fair: Downtown LA, Friday 4/13

Barnyard Bash: The Shops at Montebello, Saturday, April 14

The Shops at Montebello, 2134 Montebello Town Center Drive, Montebello

Members of the US Olympic Water Polo Team will also be on hand for a meet & greet!

Bring a camera!

Crocs Store Grand Opening: The Citadel Outlets, Saturday 3/31

Crocs are hands down, bar none, the most versatile shoes around today; not to mention extremely comfy.  Chefs, nurses, surgeons, dentists and other professionals who spend a considerable amount of time on their feet wear them everyday.  Their style and materials also make them great for the beach, the pool or a stroll around the park.  Got them dirty?  Toss them in the washing machine.  Stepped on something nasty?  Hose them down and toss them in a bucket with warm water and bleach.  Try that with your fancy Italian leather loafers and see how that works out!  The fact that some styles cost as low as $30 make them easy on the wallet as well, and you can outfit the entire family with matching Crocs without breaking the bank.

We are happy to report that a new Crocs store is now open at The Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Drive in Los Angeles!  The store is huge, and features a generous inventory of their popular models in all sizes and colors.  Bring your old used Crocs in still wearable condition and donate them to charity to receive a 15% discount off your purchase!

The store will host its Grand Opening event on Saturday, March 31^st starting at 10 am.  The first 50 customers will receive a free pair of Crocs, and they will have discount coupons and other freebies throughout the day.

Hop Into Spring Event: Shops at Montebello, Saturday 3/24

Hop Into Spring Event

The Shops at Montebello

Centre Court

Saturday, March 24, 2012

12-2 pm

There will be coloring, crafts, face painting, prizes and entertainment!

East L.A. Arts Festival: East L.A., Saturday, March 24

For more information click here.

Spring Break Stock-Up at the Shops at Montebello

Free Pretzel Day!

Spring Break is almost here! The Shops at Montebello gave me a $50 Shops at Montebello Visa Gift Card to stock up on Spring Break essentials and have some fun!

Our visit to the mall coincided with Auntie Anne's "Free Pretzel Day"! Every customer received a complementary pretzel, no purchase necessary! We picked up 5 pretzels and Strawberry Lemonade Mixer all for under $3!

Men's Swim Trunks $15: JCPenny

JCPenney recently launched a new advertising campaign where there are no more sales; which as a super-saver I can't quite understand.  We needed to stock up on some essentials for the girls so a visit to JCPenney was our second stop.

So the first thing I find is that there are no more "SALE" signs. Only small plain signs that say "Everyday" "March" or "Best Price". Signs are outlined in a white/gray coloring, some purple, orange, and blue.

On our way to the children's section my husband saw a display of swimming trunks that reminded him that he needed a new bathing suit. He chose the green and white suit in the front for everyday price of $15.

Everyday Low Prices are in Red

At the girls' section I found exactly what they needed. These socks came in a 6-pk for $8 and the underwear was $3. At the register I found that since the brands are the same I got an additional $2 off the socks too!
 

JCPenney's Clearance Section Renamed: Best Price

I asked the cashier to point out the location of the clearance section since it wasn't obvious. She said there is no longer a clearance section, only a "Best Price" section, where everything is marked down significantly. The tags in the Best Price section are labeled with a small blue sticker.

Our total at JCPenney was $33, men's swimsuit $15, 6 pairs of girl socks $6, and 4 pairs of girl underwear $12.



 Leaving JCPenney behind us, the next item on our stock-up list was hair clips for my daughter. I recently cut her hair really short, so I figured that with a couple of cute clips she could be a trend setter on the playground.

We visited the labyrinth of girl-dom that is Claire's. Inside girls can find everything from knick-knacks to hair accessories all covered with enough glitter, feathers, and fake jewels to make adults want to run and sit in a void of beige. So, of course, my girls love Claire's.

8 Clips for $9.75: Claire's

At Claire's, hair accessories are buy one get one for 50%. My daughter fell in love with these hair clips, $6.50 for a set of four or both sets for $9.75.

Our next stop was to turn in coupons from a recent lunch purchase for shirts for mini-Build-A-Bears that were included in McDonald Happy Meals. At Build-A-Bear Workshop my girls were able to each pick out a t-shirt for their bear and each shirt came with a code for the online Bear-ville game.

It must have been our lucky day, because walking by the Disney Store we saw a sign that said it was "Perry the Platypus Day!" We stopped in just in time for my kids to make a paper fedora and partake in The Platypus Dance.

The Disney Store is also holding a pre-sale for the Muppet Movie. For just about the same price as other retailers, guests can buy the movie pre-sale, get a coupon for $10 off any $10 purchase, and take home an exclusive set of 4 lithographs from the movie.

Children's Place Coupon

While Mr. Montebello Mom and the kids were dancing, I went to The Children's Place and picked up a scarf for my son. All winter accessories were on sale and the scarf was only 91 cents!  At checkout the cashier gave me a coupon for 15% off my next purchase.

Hair Clips: Twin

We found more cute hair accessories at the "TWIN" kiosk in the upper level near Macy's Home. My daughter with the new short cropped hair was eyeing the hair extentions but I convinced her that the clips would suit her better. Total for all three clips $7.98.

Hair Accessories and Jewerly at Twin

Kidgits Prize Wheel: Only $5 to join!

On our way out we made one last stop at the Shops at Montebello Customer Service Desk to try our luck at the Kidgits Prize Wheel.

The kids all came home with a fun toy, the girl's drawers are now stocked with underwear and socks, they have enough hair clips to lose under the couch for at least 2 months, and my husband will sport a new swimsuit at the YMCA this spring break! Watch out ladies!

A special thanks to the Shops at Montebello for sponsoring our afternoon of fun!

Now it's your turn! Grab the family, take a few hours and make your own fun at the Shops at Montebello!

Win Tickets to the Teen Party Expo!

Teen Party Expo has donated a 4 pack of VIP tickets to give away to a MontebelloMom.com reader!

WIN A  4 PACK OF TICKETS to TEEN PARTY EXPO:

To enter: Send an email to montebellomom@gmail.com. Please put "Teen Party Expo Giveaway" in the subject line. Please include a sentence describing the teen party you are planning. Entry deadline is Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

One entry per email address. All entries will be assigned a number by order received and the winner will be chosen by random drawing. Winners will be notified via email on 3/21/2012 and will have 48 hours to respond accepting the prize. The winner's name will be placed on the VIP All-Access List at Teen Party Expo. Winner will need to provide a valid ID to obtain 4 VIP tickets, retail value $40, at will-call the day of the event. If the winners do not contact MontebelloMom.com after 48 hours another winner will be chosen. The names of the winners will be publicly announced on MontebelloMom.com by 3/25/12.

Teen Party Expo: L.A. Convention Center, 3/25

Get great ideas for and meet with professional teen party planners at the Teen Party Expo!

Fashion Shows, Dance Performances, Demonstrations, DJs, & more!

Tickets are $10.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: http://teenpartyexpo.com/

Disney Store Events: March

These events are available at all Disney Store locations including Montebello, Glendale, & West Covina.

Career & College Fair: Santa Fe High School, 3/22

St. Patricks Day Event: Albertsons Montebello, Saturday, 3/17

Albertsons, Montebello: Via Campo and Wilcox

Saturday, March 17

10am-2pm

Stop by the store to pick up a flyer, have the kids color the leprechaun on the back for a Kids Club Card that you use every time you shop at Albertsons!

• Irish themed food samples
• Green Beer Recipes
• Activities for Kids

Montebello Bus Lines Art Contest

Job Fair: Irwindale, Wednesday, March 14 2012

Job Fair

Wednesday, March 14

10am - 2pm

4920 Rivergrade Road, Irwindale

• Dress to impress.
• Bring copies of your resume.
• For more information, click here.

Job Fair: San Fernando Valley, Wednesday April 18

Meet dozens of prospective employers at the

Los Angeles Valley College Job Fair

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

10am - 1pm

LAVC Monarch Hall

5800 Fulton Ave, Valley Glen

Although the job fair is in the San Fernando Valley, employers from all over Southern California usually participate.  Bring copies of an updated resume and dress to impress! 

LAVC also has a jobs posting bulletin board available here.

Teen Tech Week: L.A. County Libraries, March 4-10

The Los Angeles County Library is celebrating Teen Tech Week from March 4-10.  Below are some of the activities at local branches.

3D Madness

El Camino Real Library (East L.A.)

Tuesday 3/6, 3:30 pm

(Must be in 5th grade or higher)

Make Your Own Photo Keychain

Anthony Quinn Library (East L.A.)

Tuesday 3/6, 4 pm

Make Your Own Photo Keychain

Chet Holifield Library (Montebello)

Wednesday 3/7, 4pm

Teen Tech Week Events

East L.A. Library

Wednesday 3/7, 4pm

Make Your Own LED Robot

South Whittier Library

Wednesday 3/7, 5pm

Juggler David Cousin

Bell Gardens Library

Saturday 3/10, 2pm

For more information and additional activites in other branches click here.

"It Starts at Home" Parenting Conference, Saturday, 3/3

Free Parenting Conference

 Saturday, March 3, 8:00-3:00pm

For more information visit: http://dayoneparentconference.eventbrite.com/

Registration is only open until Friday, at 3pm. All events are free.



Free High Efficiency Toilet: San Gabriel, Saturday, March 17

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is giving away free high efficiency toilets to qualifying customers who live within its service area. 

Saturday, March 17, 2012

8 am

Gabrielino High School

1327 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel

Click here for more information, including restrictions and information on cities that qualify for the free toilet giveaway.  The toilets will be given away on a first come, first serve basis.

Chivas USA & Chivas Girls: Shops at Montebello, Sunday, March 18

Fun With Dr. Seuss: The Shops at Montebello, Saturday 3/17

At The Shops at Montebello

2134 Montebello Town Center Drive, Montebello

Toys R Us Birthday Club: Great freebies!

Toys R Us has a fabulous birthday club for kids aged 1-10!

I have my three kids signed up and I look forward to the freebies and fun things Toys R Us offers for them on their birthday.

• The month before the birthday the family also receives a coupon for $5 off any $25 purchase with a suggested list of party supplies available at Toys R Us.
• During the birthday month your child will receive a card from Geoffrey with a gift card for $3.
• On your child's birthday they will receive a special birthday phone call from Geoffrey.
• If you take your child to Toys R Us on their birthday, stop by the Customer Service desk. The manager will give your child a special birthday balloon, crown, and will make an announcement over the PA system that your child is celebrating their birthday and sometimes customers will say "Happy Birthday" to them as they shop.

Sign up your kids at http://www.birthdaysrus.com/ and watch for Geoffrey mail on their birthday!

Ten Commandment Hike: Whittier, Saturday, March 10

For more information and to obtain the registration form contact David Limon: david@pack890.net. 

Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne's! Saturday,March 3

Stop by an Auntie Anne's location from

10am - 3pm on Saturday, March 3

for a free original or cinnamon sugar pretzel!

There are Auntie Anne's locations at:

The Shops at Montbello Mall

The Citadel Outlets

 

For details click here.

How I saved $25 on kids clothes in one hour!

Bins of "Save for Later" clothes.

A couple times a year I run through a routine of cleaning out my kid's closets. I tell the kids we are having a "Fashion Show" and they try on nearly every piece of clothing they own. I make a pile of clothes they've outgrown and put them into five piles: still fits, pass on to friends/family, too big/save for later, yard sale, and throw away.

This round was initiated because my son was complaining that a lot of his school shirts were too tight and he was running out of shirts by the end of the week. I first looked online to see what The Children's Place had in stock and three new shirts with coupons and tax would cost about $25.

The yard sale pile.



Prior to making a trip to the mall, my son and I headed to his closet. After an hour sorting through nearly 100 items while my son was busy making faces in the mirror and inventing new ways to put on a shirt that didn't require the use of hands I realized that my son had outgrown about 1/3 of this clothes. However, he still had seven school shirts that fit perfectly, and we came across about a dozen items that still had tags on them.

So in the end there was no need to spend $25 on new shirts, he has plenty of school shirts and I will probably make about $30 from his old clothes at the next yard sale. Tomorrow, I'll take advantage of the three day weekend and tackle the girl's closet, wish me luck!

That's one organized closet!

Free Scoop Day at Ben & Jerry's! 2/14, 5-8pm!

Get a free scoop of

AmeriCone Dream Ice Cream

at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops

Tuesday, February 14

5 - 8 pm

The closest Scoop Shop location to Montebello is in Long Beach and there is another shop in Burbank. You can find a participating scoop shop near you by clicking here.

Free Tax Preparation Service with United Way

The United Way has teamed with corporate sponsors to offer free tax preparation to individuals that earned less than $44,000 last year.

To find a free tax preparation service and for more information click here.

El Monte Bike Program: El Monte, Saturdays 2/11 and 3/10

Learn bicycle safety tips, maintenance and simple repairs.  For kids and adults 5 and up.  Some events feature a short bicycle ride (approx. 3 miles) after the program.

Twilight Event @ Target Stores, Friday, 2/10

I have to admit that I know next to nothing about the Twilight series, but I do know that many teens love Twilight. This Sunday's Target ad had an additional wrap around advertisement about this event.

From what I've read, if you head to selected Target locations at 9pm you can get a ticket that guarantees you copy of the Breaking Dawn - Part 1 DVD which they will hand out at midnight. The limited edition 2 DVD set includes a flower that was used as a prop in the wedding scene of the movie. At 11pm, they will show an exclusive preview of the movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 2.

Participating Target stores in our area include: Pasadena, Whittier, Norwalk, and Alhambra.

For more information click here.

Valentine Craft Event: Disney Store, Saturday 2/11

Valentine's Event @ the Disney Store

Saturday, February 11

10:30 - 1:00pm

Kids can join other Disney fans to create Mickey and Minnie Valentine Cards at the Disney Store! Lady & the Tramp valentine cards will also be handed out. Stop by the Disney Store with your children any time during the event.

Kid's Corner Event: Albertsons: Montebello, Saturday, 2/11

On Saturday, 2/11 kids can create special treats and gifts for Valentine's Day!

10:00 - 4:00pm

Decorate a mini-cake $2.99

Decorate a message cookie $5.99

Create a rose vase $5.99

Create your own valentine or color a valentine page for free!

Over the past year Albertsons has hosted various kid-friendly events. The decoration events are usually at a table near the bakery and an Albertson's baker is present to supervise the area. The cakes/cookies are there along with a wide variety of sprinkles, candies, and colored frosting for kids to use. My kids love it!

Albertsons Montebello is located on the southeast corner shopping center at Wilcox and Via Campo.

Lego "Friends" Launch Event w/ Free Giveaway at Toys R Us! Saturday 2/4, Noon-2pm!

Lego has a new series called, "Friends". Sets include a house, cafe, pet shop and more. There are five teen girl Lego girls that are part of the series. An exclusive Stephanie Mini Doll is included with any $20 Friends purchase.

LEGO Friends Launch n' Build

Saturday, February 4

Noon-2pm

Toys R Us Stores

The event details read, "Building is Better with Friends! Build a Lemonade stand and add to your LEGO Friends set!" Event intended for children, ages 5-up. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to participating children only. Limit one per child.