Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

My daughter, who is in 1st grade this year, has really fallen in love with reading (yeah!), so this Barnes & Noble program is pretty exciting to me! I'm always looking for new books for her to read, and this sounds like a great way to get one!

Here's the scoop:

Kids in 1-6 grade read 8 books, fill out this reading journal, have their parent sign it, then turn it in at a local Barnes & Noble store. They will receive a coupon for a free book (choose from a selection listed on the reading journal). Sounds easy to me, and I know that Maddie will love picking out her new book!

Program runs between May 27 and September 7, 2009.

Thanks, Free Stuff Times!

Economical Entertainment

I imagine most people are looking for ways to save money (I know we are!). So, I thought I'd give you some ideas for cheap entertainment with your kids in the Portland metro area:

OMSI - The first Sunday of every month OMSI admission is just $2 and parking is free. They're open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Oregon Zoo - Two Buck Tuesday - you can visit the zoo for $2 per person the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Children under 3 are always free. Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Oaks Park - Specials throughout the week for preschoolers: Chipper's Rides Mornings, Preschool Skating Mornings; in the summer, even more choices for kids of all ages during Summer Discount Days.

Tulip Fest (Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm) - Festival is open through April 26. Cost is $5 per vehicle weekdays, $10 per vehicle weekends. Additional charge for some activities (but many are free).

Safety Saturday at Historic Belmont Firehouse - FREE All ages, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn valuable safety lessons and fire department history. Hands-on activities.

So, gather up the kids and have some fun! If you're a grandparent, make plans to take the grandkids on an outing (grandpas could take their grandsons to the firehouse...). Fun doesn't have to cost a lot. :-)

Fun Photo Effects Site

I just discovered this fun website today. You should check it out! The great thing about it is that you don't have to register and it's totally free. Just upload a photo, choose your effect, change it however you want and then save it to your computer. As easy as that!

Check out Be Funky and have fun!