Zoo Camp- The Living Desert

The Living Desert is doing their ZOO CAMP again this year. Here is some of the information I received off of their website!

Summer Zoo Camp

8 weeks!

Once again, we'll be offering a selection of ZooCamp experiences. Standard Summer ZooCamp consists of six weekly sessions. Each themed class focuses on an entertaining and educational topic, geared to the specific age level at which it's offered. ZooCampers will be excited by the special behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters you can only find at The Living Desert! 

Summer ZooCamp weekly sessions are offered for ages 4 though 12. These sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00 noon. Summer ZooCampers need to come equipped for outdoor activity with a snack, lunch and water bottle each day.

We'll also be offering special 2-day sessions with our very popular Jr. Ranger Program for campers ages 6-14 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and NEW programming for ZooCampers ages 10-14, where our older ZooCampers engage in stimulating observations and experiments to better understand the desert around them! 

ZooCamp Sleepover Option! ZooCampers now have the opportunity to spend the night at the zoo! ZooCamp overnights are offered once per Zoo Camp. Your adventure begins at 6:30pm and includes guided nighttime walks, a campfire program and surprises along the way! Breakfast the next morning is provided. 

Week 1: June 18th - June 22nd 

Week 2: June 25th - June 29th 

Week 3: July 2nd - July 6th 

Week 4: Jr. Rangers Program at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (ages 6-14)

Session A: July 9th - 10th from 9am to 2pm
Session B: July 11th - 12th from 9am to 2pm
ZooCamp Sleepover! July 12th 6:30pm - July 13th 9:00am

Week 5: July 16th - July 27th 

Week 6: July 23rd - July 27th 

Week 7: July 30th - August 3rd 

Week 8: Special ZooCamp Programs (ages 11-14) 

Session A: August 6th - 7th from 8am to 12noon
Session B: August 8th - 9th from 8am to 12noon
Come join the Desert Explorers as we discover more than ever before about our desert flora, fauna and the ever changing land beneath us! These special sessions have been designed to challenge and excite older ZooCampers!

Please see the Summer ZooCamp Schedule for pricing and program specifics (posted April 1st). Registration begins April 15th. Register early, as ZooCamp sessions frequently sell out! 

For more information, please contact the Education Department at 760-346-5694, ext. 2501 or send an email to ZooCamp@livingdesert.org. 

Costco!! My shopping location!!

In the desert it gets extremely hot. I am now buying up all water, sun screen, swimming suits and arm swimmers for the summer. My number one location to buy my items is Costco! I went to Walmart and Target to find sun screen for my little one and recognized that it's $10 per spray. WOW!! When I went into Costco they are selling 3 for $17.99 of the same size and sometimes they have a couple of dollars off as well, so you can actually get it much cheaper! I have 3 little ones running around and I am constantly spraying sunscreen so that they don't get burnt. The worst thing during the summer is having a baby with a sun burn. Costco also has swimming suits for all ages right now starting at $14 and up. Having girls I get really weird about what type of bathing suits they wear. I like to make sure they are covered up. So because of being so weird about what they wear Costco has helped me with their new swim suits for girls. It's a two piece outfit with a one piece bathing suit (we bought Minnie Mouse) and it comes with a cover up for $19.99. Extremely excited about it since my two girls are 23 months apart so my littlest one can wear it in the following years as well. Water Water Water is a definite must in the desert! I always try to keep bottled water and gallon water in the house and cold so that the babies can just come in and ask for cold water and it will be ready for them. They also have arm swimmers with the front connections for $14. Anywhere else they are going for $30 + unless you find them on sale! I bought one for my 2 1/2 year old girl and she loves it. She walks around with all day long in the house! She just loves it!

I believe in Costco and Sams, but recently I am leaning more towards Costco than Sams. It's cheaper and with better quality products. (I have both memberships).

Have a lovely summer and remember WATER WATER WATER!!

Couponing 101 in the Desert

Now finally trying to realize how to coupon I figured I would try to explain what I have learned to you, my readers. 

Here are a couple of coupon basics that might help a new couponer out! 

1) Coupons may only be used once. 

2) You may only use one coupon per indicated item(s) 

3) You can only use one coupon per item (unless you have a manufactured coupon and a store coupon)

4) Ignore the picture and read the fine wording (the manufacturer always puts on their most expensive item on the coupon to make you think that is what you have to buy)

5) You can use your coupon on clearance or sale items as well!

6) Stand up for yourself. If you know your coupons shop with dignity!! You are saving money not broke! :)

Here are a couple of steps you can do to get ready for your first shopping experience:

1) Get Coupons!

       * Sunday Newspaper, Asking Friends and Family for coupons, Search the Internet, Clipping Service, and Check the Stores.

2) Organize Coupons!

       * Envelopes (start by clipping and putting them in all in an envelope or check file), File by insert (file your inserts by date in a box), or use a Coupon Binder (clip all coupons and file them in baseball card holders in a three ring binder then you can carry the binder in the store with you)

3) Know the coupon policy at your local store!

       * Loyalty Cards, Double/ Triple Coupons, Stacking Coupons, Internet Coupons, Competitor Coupons, Expired Coupons

4) Make a plan!

       * Weekly Ads (read the weekly store ads to see what is on sale and which stores you have the best prices on the items you need) 

       * Coupon Matchups (see if you can match coupons to the sale items to get an even better deal)

       * Price Match (some stores will price match other stores in the area)

       * Make a List (don't go to the store without a list, it will remind you what you came for and keep you from buying items you don't need)

       * Rainchecks (get a rain check if the item you wanted is out of stock) 

5) Read the find print! 

      * Sometimes you don't have to buy 10 items to get the $1 price unless the add states that you have to buy all 10 to get the price 

      * Wait on sales- don't just use the coupon because you have it wait until the item is at its lowest price so you can get your max potential out of the coupon

      * One per purchase- means only use one coupon per item purchased

      * Price book- start paying attention to prices and keep a list of items you regularly buy with the best and regular prices for those items

      * Limits- store will sometimes put limits on the item to make you think it's a great price! 

      * Shop early if you have couponers in your area then it's best to get to the store as early in the sale as you can!

      * Bigger is better- the cost per unit of the bigger box of cereal may be less than the smaller one but with coupons and sales the smaller box is likely a better deal

      * Watch the cashier- checking out pay close attention to the price screen to make sure everything rings up at the correct price, and also make sure the cashier scans all of your coupons

 

6) Build your stockpile!

       * Start slowly, buy for the future, know how much you use, and donate!!

Doubling Coupons

Doubling and tripling coupons is one of the most confusing aspects of couponing for beginners (and me). So, I am going to explain exactly what it means!

Double or triple coupons is a promotion offered by the store in an effort to get you to shop there. Doubling coupons is when the store will take your coupon and match the value of it up to a certain amount. The amount will vary by store.

The coupon doubling happens automatically at the register, however you may need to use your loyalty/ rewards card to take advantage of the promotion (make sure to scan your card before any coupons or they may not double). After you scan the $1 coupon, you will see another deduction right under it for another $1 off.

Most store will only double a certain number of each of the same coupon. 

Stores will only double up to a certain amount. The amounts are usually $.50,$. 99, or $1. That means, if you store doubles up to $.99 and you use a $1 coupon, your $1 coupon will not double. So, in this situation, a $.75 coupon would actually be worth more than $1 coupon!

Some coupons state "do not double" on them. If the coupon bar code starts with a "5" it will double automatically. If it starts with a "9" it will not double automatically. 

Some stores only double on certain days. 

To find out your store's policy- JUST CALL AND ASK! Make sure to address each of the issues above so you know what to expect when you go to the store. 

I also follow couponmom.com. It helps me find my stores around me and the newest coupons with the stores. It's a life savor! I would definitely check out this website!

I hope everything that I have learned helps you as well! Happy Shopping! 

  

11 Hidden Costs of Owning a Home

I have been in Real Estate for 10 yrs +. Over the years I have recognized that people get flustered buying a home for the first time and not recognizing all the hidden costs that come out either during the closing or even before hand. I wanted to share some of the hidden costs of owning a home, in hoping that people will read this and become more educated before taking the step in buying a home. 

Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home, you need to pay for a home inspection, an appraisal and perhaps additional inspections for pest or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.

Closing Costs
Some buyers are able to negotiate with the seller for a contribution for these costs, but buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% for the mortgage balance depending on your area.

Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.

Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, which could be costly depending on a variety of factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs can also rise over time, and you may need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood or earthquake zone.

HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowner's association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.

Moving Costs
Not only will you need to pay a moving company or rent a truck to move your belongings, but you may need to make deposits to start your utilities.

Utility Bills
Depending on where you live now, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home. you may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.

Furniture and Decorative Items
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from a small apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture. You can keep your expenses in this category in check by waiting for a year or two to buy extra things and carefully comparing prices before any big purchases.

Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and, if you have a lot of land, you may need items such as a snow blower or a leaf blower, too.

Maintenance
Interior home maintenance costs both time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.

Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of homeownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, fixing loose times in the shower, removing an overgrown or dead tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so the best thing homeowners can do is to set aside savings for an emergency. Some financial experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund, but the amount you save depends on the age, condition and size of your home.

The Bottom Line
While buying a home may cost a little more than you think, the investment in property can still be worthwhile as long as you buy what you can afford, budget for expected and unexpected expenses and hole onto your home for at least seven to 10 years.

But don't let the hidden costs scare you. As long as you have a Real Estate Agent to guide you through the process you shouldn't have any costs that you didn't know about ahead of time. That is what Real Estate Agents are supposed to do for you!

ULTA New Store in Palm Desert

I was really excited to learn that ULTA Beauty is moving their store to the Target Palm Desert Shopping Center. For me being a mother of 3, it was really difficult to go to the River and shop at ULTA because the kids always wanted to go to the movies, or play in the water, or even try to find a parking spot because of the movie theater, and etc... But now that ULTA finally moved I was able to go with my two girls and just enjoy walking into one store with up front parking. Also, since ULTA moved they sent out $3.50 coupons which gave me more of a reason to go and check out the new store! I bought a couple of items as well. Of course since they moved the were having very good sales which gave me more of a reason to buy items! I hope you also go and experience this store when you get a chance!

Desert Recreation District

Desert Recreation District

I just received my new Activity Guide for the Summer of 2012. I always like to see what they have to offer every year for my little ones. The guide shows you all of the facilities and parks around the desert area that you can enjoy. ( Bermuda Dunes, Indio Hills, Indio, La Quinta, Mecca, North Short Yacht Club, Palm Desert, Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Center, Placitas de la Paz, Portola, The First Tee Coachella Valley, and Thousand Palms). You can sign up with any of the above facilities and enjoy their gymnasium, tracks, and weight rooms for annual passes that range from $25 (resident) -$120 (non district residents).

Kaiser Permanente developed the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) program to address the growing obesity epidemic in America. Operation Splash is one of the HEAL programs that strives to empower communities to transform their neighborhoods and schools to encourage physical activity as part of daily life.
The Operation Splash program provides swim lessons, open swim, Junior Lifeguard Training, and they are offered at no cost if you qualify. It starts June 2nd from 9am-12pm at Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Complex.

This guide also has:
Tot Programs with fees per month: For toddlers
Summer Camp Programs with fees per sessions: For the school kids on Summer Break
Dance Programs with fees per month:  For all Ages
Music Programs with fees per session: For 9 yrs + Ages
Health and Fitness Programs with fees per session: For all Ages
Sports Programs with fees per session: For all Ages
   Archery
   Basketball
   Football
   Valleyball
  Table Tennis
Martial Arts Programs with fees per month: For 3+ Ages
The First Tee (Golf) Program with fees per week: For 7+ Ages
Gymnastics Program with fees per month: For  1+ Ages


SPECIAL EVENTS:

Carnaval of Lights  July 4, 2012

Photo Contest "Give Us Your Best Shot"
All Entries Must Be Receive By August 1st, 2012

Karate Tournament  October 13, 2012

Indio Community Center Halloween Carnival   October 27, 2012

Mecca Fall Festival  November 1, 2012

2nd Annual Palm Desert Century Bicycle Ride  November 10, 2012

Santa's Workshop  December 15, 2012


I always enjoy getting this Guide every Season, because it gives me a chance to get my kids in activities within the community.

Super Moon Tonight

A lunar light show circled the globe today, rewarding many moongazers with bright, crisp detail of the full moon's craters and basins. Called a "perigee" moon by scientists, the annual phenomenon occurs once a year. NASA said the moon appears about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full moons. That's because it will be as close to Earth as it will get for a while -- just over 221,000 miles away. Residents of the mainland United States received similar conditions at 8:34 p.m., the peak of this year's "super moon." The best time to see the event is just as the moon crosses Earth's horizon. The moon always looks biggest then, although the reason why is a bit of a mystery. Viewing the moon behind buildings and trees creates an optical illusion so it appears even larger, making it a perfect time to try to grab some beautiful pictures.

So why is this full moon so super?

As the moon makes its elliptical orbit around Earth, there are specific times when it is closest to and farthest away from our planet. Apogee occurs when the moon is farthest away from us, and perigee occurs when it is closest. Experts say viewers may not notice a noticeable size difference, given there are no reference points when the moon is high overhead. "'Super moon' is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon," James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in 2011. "So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times." "I love nature," said Wade, 31, who has a corporate day job and an online vintage clothing shop. The super moon is a natural phenomenon, and that is what is so awesome about it. 

Red Lobster Opening

While small businesses in Palm Desert are opening in numbers according to The Desert Sun, the status of the larger and more visible retail spaces along Highway 111 is much different. 

Construction on Red Lobster (on Highway 111 and Fred Waring) is drawing much attention.   The long awaited seafood chain expects to open in Palm Desert sometime near the end of June.  

Those looking for employment with the restaurant are advised to watch www.facebook.com/workatredlobster.  A large banner will also be placed at the restaurant itself announcing when applications will be accepted. 

Noticeable vacancies at former large retailers in Palm Desert aren’t being filled soon.  

Vacant since 2008, the former Mervyn’s site is slated for new life in the future. Vons has approval from the city to move from the Palms to Pines center to the space formerly occupied by Mervyn’s.   Palm Desert’s Director of Community Development Lauri Aylaian told patch that the plan was for Vons to open this November, but the grocery chain has pushed back the opening at least one year.  

Toys-R-Us moved from Palm Desert to Indio in 2011, never regaining sales traction at the Palm Desert location following a double killing at the store on Black Friday in 2008.

Since then, the city has had talks with developers and retailers about the site, but none have reached an announced agreement.   

The Best Buy in Palm Desert is also making changes.   According to a newspaper article, the electronics retailer plans to shut down the location on Towne Center Way, across from Westfield Palm Desert, and to re-open in a smaller location in the Desert Crossing Center.   There is no word of who will take over the current Best Buy location.

La Quinta Park/ Water Feature

La Quinta Park off of Adams Street is becoming my daughter's favorite park! She hasn't been able to do the water feature yet since it hasn't been warm enough yet, but this week will be the first time! I hope everyone lets their kids do it once this year during the hot summer time! I have always heard really good reviews on the park and the water feature as well! Just make sure you bring a lot of sun screen, a towel, bottles of water, and a blanket for you to sit on underneath a tree so that you can also relax and read a book! Have fun this hot summer and make sure you stay cool and drink lots of water!

Rancho Mirage Library Events

Here are some events for the Rancho Mirage Library! Don't ever think just because your child is a little bit wild, crazy, and energetic that they won't enjoy a good book and being read to. I think they might surprise you once they see other kids sitting down and listening as well. :)

Book Babies   Every Monday, 10 a.m. (EXCEPT DURING HOLIDAY CLOSURES)
Babies and their caregivers participate in an informative twenty-minute session of stories, songs, rhymes, stretching, and discussion of early literacy skills and practices, followed by ten minutes of free play. Attendance is limited to fifteen infant-caregiver pairs; no additional siblings or youngsters mayattend. No registration is required.
This program is best suited for babies, ages birth to 12 months.
Tiny Tot Tales: Toddler Storytime Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. (EXCEPT DURING HOLIDAY CLOSURES)
This program is best suited for children ages 1-3. It includes stories, singing and rhyming games. A coloring sheet is provided after each storytime.
Preschool Storytime and Me   Every Thursday, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.   (EXCEPT DURING HOLIDAY CLOSURES)
This program is best suited for children ages 3-5. It includes stories and a simple arts and crafts project.

La Quinta Library

I have to admit I don't take my children to the library enough. But I am slowly recognizing that through the hot summer months I can see us traveling to the library more often just so that we can get out of the heat, and learn the library etiquette. Here is the May La Quinta Library Fun Day for Children! Hope to see you at some of the events in the future!



The website for the libraries http://rivlib.info/la-quinta-library/

May 2nd:  Children's Book Club  3:00pm to 4:30pm

Join us for a fun hour of crafts, snacks, and a book discussion provided by Barefoot Books. Advanced Registration is Required . Register at (760) 771-0395

Meetup.com

So about two months ago I was on facebook and asked my friends about getting into a moms group. Not really sure what I was asking, but one lady (Tabitha) told me that I needed to check with MEETUP.COM and look around for moms groups with toddler kids. Well of course being bored out of my mind I was up for anything. Went on and noticed a meetup group in the valley and went ahead and asked to join. It was really neat because the group is connected with facebook, so once they added me on I was able to see everyone in the group before going to the first meetup. Which I am a little bit paranoid when it comes to my children and who I put them in contact with. So went to the first meetup which was at the local park. The ladies were very friendly and the kids were so nice to my little ones! I couldn't of asked for a better group. Since the first meetup we have done tons of park trips, home trips to other peoples homes, pool play dates, and also the most important one ever is the moms of the group actually have a gym that they go to daily (with a discount since its a big group). We are right now in a weight loss challenge which is so much fun! Lost some lbs, but not enough! Having the gym membership which also has daycare for free is really nice. It gives me my time for the hour and the kids interact with other kids the same age in a group! Couldn't ask for anything more! The group also has weekend fun play dates, like park time, pool time, and sometimes they even meetup at the polo grounds. A lot of the play dates are free, unless they do like Chuck-E-Cheeses or something like that. I would definitely recommend looking up MEETUP.COM for the SAHM and/or the working mom as well.

Bath & Body Works : Ends May 17th

Time for mom to be pampered!! Go and get your free travel size smelly good stuff! Print this out and head over to the mall! Enjoy! :)

Cinemark: Summer Movie Clubhouse

 I saw this and thought of the families in the summer time when it becomes extremely hot and unbearable. I am definitely getting mine for my family! 

http://free4mommies.us/

Cinemark: Summer Movie Clubhouse – $1 Movies for Kids or 10 movies for $5

Have you been searching for some inexpensive & fun things to do this summer with the kids? You may want to check out your local Cinemark movie theater  for their $1.00 kids movie series or 10 movies for $5!! WHAT A DEAL!

During the summer months, Cinemark offers 10 weeks of films for kids. A different movie will be shown each week during the summer of 2012. Movies are $1.00 each at the box office, or you can purchase a punch card in advance for all 10 movies for only $5.00. All movies  are rated either G or PG.

Tickets are the same price for kids and adults. Series punch cards are limited, and are available at the box office while supplies last. Punch cards are valid at the Cinemark  theater where purchased.

First Blog Information

Hello Everyone! I wanted to start off my blog with information about my blog.. lol..  Our Desert Living.. I have been out here in Coachella Valley for about 4 years now. With no family and no friends in the area it has been very difficult figuring out how to enjoy our new venture in life. Since our move I have been trying to figure out what you are able to do with kids in the desert, what to do as a couple, where to eat, where to shop, what to avoid (because there is always areas that are not safe for a family and a female), schooling situations for my children, where to live, who to let your kids be around, church and etc. Hopefully through my journey and this blog I will be able to help you have fun and make the desert your home and you can also help me know things that I haven't figured out yet either. Well, until the next blog I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy your day. Thank you for visiting and I hope you make this your main blog in the next following weeks as I keep adding new blogs daily, weekly and monthly! Ciao! :)