Hello Everyone and Happy Friday!!

Sorry for posting so late today. This has been a very busy week for my family and I. Rest assured, I still have been actively searching for deals and freebies. As this is the last day of the month of April, I would like to remind everyone about our first contest here at Bargain Mom. Beginning at 12:01 A.M. tonight you may begin the requirements to earn entries into the contest. I have also decided to add an incentive to get you started. The first person that posts will get 2 extra entries into the contest!! To learn more click here. Be sure to have your referrals check their spam mail for the initial verification email from "Bargain Mom". After that, have them add us to their contacts.

Don't forget tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day 2010. Click here to learn more.

Also, please be sure to check out today's other blog on the Kids Bowl Free program. This is a great way to keep your kids busy throughout the summer.

Be sure to check out tomorrows blog for more weekend activities and Mother's Day events. Have a Super Weekend!

Looking for ways to entertain your kids and keep them active during the summer months? Register them for the Kids Bowl Free program. The program is a great way to get the kids out of the house, and is an affordable way for parents to spend quality time with the kids.

Here is how the program works:

1.Select a bowling center near you from the list of participating centers.

2.Register directly at the bowling center page. (The registration is only valid at the center you register at and can not be used at other locations).

3.When you register you will have the opportunity to purchase a family pass. The Family Pass allows adult family members to bowl throughout the summer as well. The pass is $24.95 and includes 2 games per person per day. The pass covers up to 4 adult family members.

The programs start and end dates are located on the bowling center page that you sign up for. You may register before the start date, but you will not receive the coupons or family passes until the start date. Each center has their own age restrictions, as well as any times the coupons are not valid during the day.

This program allows for "real family time" and is a great way to beat the summer heat. The adult pass provides a tremendous savings and allows for grandparents or aunts and uncles to join in the fun! If you are looking for a way to get your kids moving, boost self-esteem or encourage friendly competition, do not miss this opportunity.

For more information go to: http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Starting May 1st, "Bargain Mom" will have our first ever monthly contest! All subscribers/followers are eligible to enter. Here is how it works:

For every person you refer to http://www.mibargainmom.blogspot.com/. that subscribes to an email subscription you will receive one entry into the contest. Have your referral email me at mi.bargainmom@yahoo.com, with your name and the email you subscribe to "Bargain Mom" with. After I receive the email your referral will also be entered.

If you follow my blog with "Google Friend Connect" (located on the homepage) you will receive another entry.

If you leave a comment on any post I make throughout the month of May, you will receive an entry for each comment posted.

It is that easy, and there is no limit on the number of referrals you can make or the number of comments you can post to receive entries into the contest. The winner will be announced by June 3, 2010. The winner will be notified by email and have a choice of a $25 Kroger gift card or $25 Speedway gas card. Cards will be sent via First Class mail.

Good Luck!!!

Free Comic Book Day occurs the first Saturday in May each year. The day is an attempt by the industry to attract new readers to come into independent comic book stores.

This year Free Comic Book Day will be on May 1, 2010. Participating establishments will give away specially printed copies of comic books-absolutely FREE! This offer is extended to anyone who comes into a participating comic book store.

Some of the titles that will be available this year are:

Archie's Summer Splash #1
G.I. Joe #155 1/2
Iron Man/Thor
War of the Superman #0
Toy Story
Shrek & The Penguins

For more information or to locate a store near you go to the Free Comic Book Day website.

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a great weekend! My kids and I enjoyed a day at IKEA. That was our first time there, but it won't be our last! I will post my review of the Canton store soon.
If you and your family enjoy ice-cream here is a great deal that I found for Baskin-Robbins this Wednesday, ENJOY!

Join Baskin-Robbins for 31 Cent Scoop Night on Wednesday April 28th from 5 P.M.-10 P.M. Treat your family to a sweet treat and help support America's firefighters.

Save 80% on restaurants at www.restaurant.com/. Use the code MEAL at check out. Pay only $2 for $25 gift certificates!!! Stock up while they are this price.

Hello Everyone,

Well the weekend is almost here!! There are a ton of fun and inexpensive activities going on this week-end. I hope that you and your family get to enjoy some of the events going on around town. In addition to the Earth Day Activities that I posted earlier in the week, I have found some other activities that you may enjoy.

Friday April 23- Grand Re-opening of the Silverdome Drive-In. The drive-in will have a full service concession stand and an inflatable kid's area. There will be 3 giant screens showing double-feature films.

Adults-$7.00
Students (w/I.D.)-$6.00
Children (4-12)-$5.00
Children 3 and under-Free

Gates open at 7:30 P.M. Movies began at dusk. Location: 1200 Featherstone Rd., Pontiac, MI 48342. Movie Hotline: (248) 788-7053 or http://silverdomedrivein.com/home.html.

April 24th and 25th- Suburban Michigan Spring Home Show at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas. Location: 867 S. Blvd., Pontiac. This FREE event will feature hundreds of exhibitors under one roof. View samples and displays of everything from kitchen and baths to furnishings, spas and fireplaces. Admission and parking are free. Strollers are welcome in all areas. Saturday 10-9 P.M. and Sunday 10-6 P.M.

This Saturday and Sunday (4/24-4/25) only, Ikea restaurants are offering their famous 10-piece Swedish Meatballs meal for $1. The meal includes mashed potatoes and sauce along with the meatballs. It's always a deal when a family of four can eat for under $5!!!

Enjoy a Free one-night dvd rental on Meijer. Use promo code: SMRTRY6 at the Redbox in your local Meijer. Now thru 4/22/10.

Yesterday I posted events that will be taking place throughout Michigan on Earth Day. Today I want to share a few deals that I found for Earth day, April 22nd.

Pottery Barn Kids- Earth Day activities, storytime and giveaways. April 22, 11-3 P.M. For a store near you click Here.

Walgreens- $1 printer cartridge refills on 4/22 with coupon in Sunday paper or printable coupon. Good for black and color ink. Check for participating stores and cartridge models at: www.walgreens.com/ink.

Disney Store- bring in 6 empty plastic water bottles or pop cans on 4/22 and get a free eco-friendly baseball hat. For a store near you click Here.

As I find more Earth Day deals, I will post them. If you know of any, please post them in the comment box below this article.

Save 70% on Restaurant Certificates with code: Feast. Pay $3 for a $25 certificate. Buy for yourself or as a gift for family and friends. Restaurants throughout the United States.

Happy Monday,

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend. I know that the weather wasn't nice, but hopefully you got to enjoy some of the activities that took place this weekend. This week on Thursday April 22, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. There will be many activities taking place throughout Michigan to celebrate and bring attention to this special day. I have compiled a list of events that you and your family can enjoy. And best of all they're FREE!

Michigan Earth Day Fest- April 23-25th in Rochester at 3rd and Water St. This is Michigan's largest Earth Day event. It will feature over 200 exhibitors providing green and wellness products and services. There will also be musical performances, parade, a kids corner and organic food and drinks. This event will take place rain or shine. Hours are: Friday 4 P.M.-7 P.M., Saturday 11 A.M.- 7 P.M. and Sunday 11 A.M.- 5 P.M. For more info follow this Link.

Earth Day Expo- April 24th at the Rochester Public Library. This is an all day event. The expo will feature Earth Day related films, activities and displays. Call (248) 650-7124 for more info.

Earth Day and Garden Celebration 2010- April 24th 9 A.M.- 3 P.M. at the UM-Flint Harding Mott University Center. Located at 400 Mill St. in Flint. Activities include: Earth Egg Hunt, Recycled Art Contest, educational presentations, car show, free tree seedlings, environmental games and activities, vegan food demos and more. Some activities require registration, but all events are Free! For more info go to: http://www.mcc.edu/earthday/earthday_schedule.php.

Orion Township Earth Day Expo- April 22nd 1 P.M.- 7 P.M. at the King's Court Castle in Canterbury Village at 2325 Joslyn Rd., Orion Township. Included will be info on green parks and services, organic gardening, green career opportunities and green products and vendors. Admission and Parking are free. For more info cal (248) 391-0304.

Recycle Royal Oak- April 25th 12-4 P.M.Kids can take part in recycling relays, art projects from Arts and Scraps, and activities from the Detroit Zoo during the Royal Oak event emphasizing recycling and healthy living. Location is downtown Royal Oak. For more info go to: http://www.downtownroyaloak.org/calendar.html?id=233&category=.

T.G.I.F.!!!!

I am so happy that Friday is finally here! Is it just me or has this been a really looong week?! Now that the weekend is almost here, I hope that you get to check the Family Activities link and also the Free Kids Work Shops link. Also, if this weekend you would like to take a break from cooking, check out the Restaurant.com discounts Here.

Here are some additional deals and freebies that I found for you:

2010 Entertainment Book for ONLY $15 plus FREE SHIPPING Here

Thomas the Train Playdate at Toys R Us on April 17th from 11A.M.-1P.M. Enjoy story time, coloring, games, trivia and free gifts!!!! Check your local Toys R Us to make sure they are participating.

Mom 2 Mom Sale- April 17th at Lake Orion High School,495 E. Scripps Road,
Lake Orion, MI 48360, Off of Lapeer Road (M-24), North of the Palace. Admission is $2 for early bird admission at 8:30 A.M. Regular sale hours 9 A.M.-1 P.M., admission $1. Please Note: Bring a laundry basket to collect your purchases NO bags or boxes. Preemie through children’s size 14, Maternity Clothes, Shoes, Clothes, Jackets, Large Items, Strollers, High Chairs,Toys, Books, Videos and More. Bake Sale – Refreshments

Clarkston Area Mothers & More Mom 2 Mom Sale- April 17th at Bridgewood Community Church, 6765 Rattalee Lake Road in Clarkston. 9A.M.-1 P.M. $1 Donation at the door.

Happy Tax Day,

I wish luck to all of you last-minute filers! Please note: the email address has been changed from the initial message you received. The new and permanent email for this blog will be mi.bargainmom@yahoo.com. Please be sure to add this address to your address book so you don't miss any of the posts from "Bargain Mom". The weekend is almost here! Be sure to check out the activities link to see fun, family-friendly things going on Thursday-Sunday.

I will not post a daily deal today. Check out the Tax Day Deals posted yesterday and be sure to take advantage of one, or all of them.

Today I would like to focus on places that offer free workshops/events for kids. Below is a list that I have compiled. If there are others that you know about, please be sure to add them in the comments section below this post.

Home Depot- Various locations offer Free! Kids' workshop program. Home Depot has wood projects for kids to build. First Saturday of each month; 10 A.M.-Noon. Call your local store for more information.

Jo-Ann Superstores- Free! Creative Kidz Events. Free make and take craft. Third Saturday of each month; 10 A.M.-Noon.

Lowes- Various locations offer Free! Build and Grow Kids' Clinic. Wood crafts to make and take. Second Saturday of each month; 10 A.M.-Noon. Call your local store for details.

Borders Books- Kids storytime on Saturdays. Kids gather in the Children's department for stories and creative activities. Hours vary by location. Call your local store for times.

Michael's- All U.S. and Canada stores.Free Family Pluffy™ Clay Event. April 24th from 10 A.M.-1 P.M. while supplies last. Kids will have the opportunity to make magnets for their moms. Your children can join Michael's kid's program, "The Knack" Here.

In the past few years April 15, A.K.A. tax day, has brought a wallet full of freebies and deals. This year will be no different. Here are a list of items that I found to be worthwhile. Don't forget, most of these offers are only good on Thursaday April 15th.

P.F. Changs is offering 15% off your food and beverage bill. (Special is not available during happy hour or on alcoholic drinks.) For information: http://www.pfchangs.com/.

Thursday is "Tax Day Bites" at Cinnabon bakeries. Stop by between 6 and 8 P.M. for free cupcake bites. Find locations at http://www.cinnabon.com/.

Purchase an Egg McMuffin or Big Mac at McDonald's Thursaday and get a second sandwich for 1 cent! Egg McMuffin promo is good from opening to 10:30 A.M.: the Big Mac deal is available from 10:30 A.M. to midnight.

Participating IHOP restaurants are offering a free kids meal with each adult meal purchased. This offer is good through April 30th. Available daily from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M. for children 12 and younger.

Through Thursday Staples will copy up to 30 single-sided (or 15 double-sided) pages of tax-related documents at NO CHARGE!! Check http://www.staples.com/ for locations.

Office Depot will copy up to 25 single-sided pages of tax related documents free. Check out http://www.officedepot.com/ for locations and hours.

Bring in a reusable travel mug to any participating Starbucks on Thursday and get a free brewed coffee (up to 20 ounces).

Hopefully some of these deals will be able to erase your tax day blues!

This deal is one you will not want to miss if you love dining out! Save 60% on restaurant gift certificates at http://www.restaurant.com/. Use the code "TREAT" at checkout and get a free $10 gift certificate with order. Pay just $4 for a $25 certificate plus receive a free $10 certificate= $35 for only $4!!!
Great way to have an evening out with the family, loved one or friend. Stock up before it's too late!

Here is a deal that I found while looking for new apps on my G1. This deal is for dvd rentals at a Redbox kiosk. The little red boxes are located across the U.S. mostly at grocery stores. DVD's can be rented from one location and returned to any of their other locations. Rentals are $1 per movie per night. Much cheaper than the "big name" video stores. A valid credit or debit card is required at the time of rental. I have tried the first two codes and they do work! Each code is only valid for one free rental per credit/debit card. I used the same code on three different transactions/credit cards and it worked each time. The following are Redbox Codes to get free DVD rentals from the Redbox kiosk. Next to the code is the success rate.

Code: "DVDONME" Success: 93%
Code: "BREAKROOM" Success: 92%
Code: "D7HTKQG" Success: 75%
Code: "54NWW62" Success: 75%
Code: "6WHMNGJ" Success: 67%
Code: "DVDKROG" Success: 82% Kroger Only
Code: "U4M0M" Success: Unproven
Code: "M7DMNG7" Success: Unproven

• Hello Everyone!
  
  I hope that everyone's week started off on a good note. Mine started at 6:30 this morning getting my little one's ready for school. Luckily after a week out of school, they jumped right back into their Monday through Friday routine. I am excited to share with you some free and inexpensive activities that are taking place this week throughout Michigan. I hope that you will take the time to enjoy some of these activities-I know I will!
  
  Thursday April 15 from 5:30 P.M.-8:00 P.M. 17th Annual Family Fun Fest to be held at the Community Educational Resource Center at 455 E. Scripps Rd., Lake Orion. This FREE event will provide an opportunity for families to learn about community resources and to have a good time together.
  
  
• Community Agencies
• Cotton Candy & Popcorn
• Fire Department
• Hand on Arts & Crafts
• Inflatable Slide
• Parent Info.
• Police Department
• Train Rides
• Food and Beverage Concession

For children 0-12yrs. For more info call (248) 693-5439 or http://www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/ under school information.


Friday April 16 at 8 P.M. Pro Wrestling at Faith Temple Church Of God located at 1529 E. 12 Mile Rd., in Madison Heights (Next to Jimmy Johns). Doors open at 7:15 P.M. Tickets are $7 for adults and children. Call 313-300-0403 for more information.


Saturday April 17 from 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Free Shredding by Shred-It at the Palace of Auburn Hills in the Parking Lot. There is a 3 box maximum per person.





Saturday April 17 from 11 A.M.-3 P.M. Earth Day Celebration at Indian Springs Metro Park in White Lake, in the Environmental Discovery Center.Take a guided hike through the landscape restoration area, make some crafts out of recycled materials, learn about alternative “green” energy sources, visit with staff and take home information on how you can make your life more eco-friendly at this open house-style event. For ages 4 and older. A vehicle entry permit is required to enter Indian Springs Metropark and is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors, or $5 daily.


Sunday April 18 from 3 P.M.-6 P.M. 9Th Annual Detroit Greek Independence Parade in Detroit.To be held on Monroe Street in Downtown Detroit's Historic Greektown. Each year this parade starts at Woodward Avenue and continues through Monroe Street concluding at the east end of Greektown. The parade will be followed by a traditional Greek dance performance. For more information contact (800) 338-7648

Happy Sunday!

Hope you all had a great week-end. For the last week my children have been on spring break. Now it's time to get back to our daily routine!

I have found a few deals that I would like to share with you. Be sure to check out everything and watch for postings throughout the week for more bargains.

Have a Super Week!!

Now through April 18, 2010 check out www.restaurant.com to save 70% off the price of a $25 gift certificate. Regularly $10, if you use the code DISH at checkout your price will be $3!!! I have bought over 25 of these certificates since February and I have saved a lot! There are a ton of family-friendly as well has fine-dining restaurants. Great way to enjoy a night out and save a lot of money. These certificates also make perfect gifts for friends and family.

Kids Eat Free everyday in April at IHop from 4 P.M.-10 P.M. This is IHop's National Kids Eat Free promotion. Families who dine in will receive one free kids meal with each adult entree purchased.

Cinnabon Tax Day Relief- April 15, 2010, 2 free cupcake bites from 6 P.M.-8 P.M. at participating locations. Only 2 free per guest.

Today I decided to visit Marvins Marvelous Mechanical Museum with my four year old son. Being the “bargain mom” that I am, I chose this place because the admission is absolutely FREE! Located conveniently off Orchard Lake in Farmington Hills, the museum is centrally located for all residents of Oakland County. This was my first time at the museum, and although I viewed the website before hand (see below), I didn’t know exactly how much money I should take. I was hoping to spend $20 or less for an hour and a half to two hours of time in the museum. Later, you will find out if I stayed within budget.

Upon entering, I felt like a “kid in a candy store”. There were coin operated games from wall to wall. From the ceiling hung dangling signs, airplane models and animated dummies. Classic posters hung on the walls. Both small children and those who are “children at heart” were enjoying the “marvels” in the museum. I immediately walked to the money machine to exchange my dollar bills for quarters. From that point, I began following my son around as he explored all that the museum had to offer. The cost to operate the machines ranged in price from .25 cents (cost for most of the games) to $5.00 (for a color photo in the photo booth). The game floor contained everything from arcade games, kids rides and mechanical claw machines to a dummy strapped in an electric chair and love and torture machines.

After playing around for a while in the front of the museum where about 75 percent of the games are for the older kids, my son and I decided to discover the other half of the game floor. The majority of the games located in the back area of the museum were more suited for the younger kids-those ten and under. My son especially enjoyed these machines because he was able to “win” tickets that he could later redeem for prizes. We stayed in this area for the remainder of our time in the museum.

After an hour and a half of play, my son became hungry and it was time to prepare to leave. We gathered his tickets and cashed them in at the prize counter. For the first time since we walked through the door, we encountered an employee of the museum. Unfortunately, this was not a pleasant encounter. Instead of asking if my son and I needed help, the employee kept walking back and forth looking at us. Finally, I placed the redemption tickets on the counter. The young lady immediately picked them up, crumbled them up and threw the tickets away. She then walked away to help someone else. When she was finished, I asked if my son could get one of the prizes. She took it out of the display case. When I asked how many points he had left she said, “I don’t know, he had a total of one-thirty or something. I threw the slips away”. I told her that I knew he had a total of at least 175 that I re-called. She remained very rude while we were at the prize counter. My son gathered the rest of his prizes.

Before leaving we decided to buy a small box of freshly popped cheese popcorn from the food counter. The young man at the counter was very friendly and welcoming. The price of the small popcorn was $1.75. A large bag would have been $2.25. While waiting, I noticed that they served Good Humor ice cream ranging in price from .99 cents to $2.49, hot dogs, pizza slices, cotton candy, chips, slushies and pop. All of the food was very reasonably priced.

Overall, I had a very enjoyable experience at the museum. This museum truly has something for everyone from ages 2-102. If you are looking for a fun place to take your children, I would definitely recommend this “people friendly” place. It was busy, but not so busy that you could not move around without bumping into others. And after being in the museum from 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. I only spent $12.75 for the games and small popcorn! What a deal! Bargain Mom gives this one a thumbs up! For more information call the museum at (248) 626-5020 or visit their website at: www.marvin3m.com/ .