Holiday Wonderland ~ Del Mar 12/5

The Del Mar Village has some of the very best community events we have ever attended!

December 5, 2010 make sure to stop by Del Mar Plaza between 1-5pm

'A family holiday event with craft activities, entertainment, tastes, carriage rides, Santa visit, and more!' (from their flier)

for more information Click Here

Merry Christmas! ~ Kate

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Santa's Magical Village ~ December 4th & 5th

I LOVE all of the great holiday events we can check out right now!  "Santa's Magical Village" will be held on December 4th & 5th.

There will be a Christmas Craft fair, annual tree lighting, food vendors, free entertainment, an inexpensive breakfast with Santa, a parade and more!

We love this little event and we hope you will check it out too!

Enjoy ~
Kate

Corey Villicana Photography

Just FYI - 'Life with Little Ones Photography' is now Corey Villicana Photography - if you are planning on having family portraits done for the holidays I HIGHLY suggest booking quickly! She is talented, professional, and her rates cannot be beat!  Check out some of her lovely work below.....

We recently had our family portraits taken by Corey Villicana of Life With Little Ones Photography and we are SO HAPPY with the results! She was simply amazing with my not always so willing models.  There are so many freelance family photographers today but but Corey is truly an artist. To top it all off her rates are so affordable! Please check out her website  read her introduction, as she writes far more eloquently than I do anyway.....Enjoy ~

Hello. My name is Corey Villicana. 

I am the photographer behind the camera at

 Life with Little Ones Photography.

I 'm a huge fan of photography, I have been for as long as I can remember. 

Some of my earliest childhood memories involve my father with his Nikon 35mm in hand.  He would follow my sister and I throughout our day, capturing our most quiet and obscure moments right along with our loudest and most exciting.  I first learned from watching him. And then started practicing. My camera did, and does come with me everywhere that I go; my eye to the lense, reading light and capturing spirits.    

Having two little boys of my own has been my muse. 

Once they were born, I knew that the photographs I took of them served as more than a moments enjoyment, rather a lasting documentation of their childhood.

  The images that I have of my boys are pure treasure.

When I decided to take Life With Little Ones Photography and turn it into a business, I thought first of what I would want as a mother of young children, looking to have her family photographed.

I knew first that I would need it to be reasonably priced, so that the cost of the session didn't interfere with the excitement and happiness that the images would bring. 

I knew that I would want a quick processing time so that I could have the images within days of the session.

And lastly, I knew that I would want flexibility and leniency in reproducing and enlarging of the images.

This has become the way of business at Life With Little Ones Photography.

All of this for you.

Scheduling
A session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and will be held at a predetermined outdoor location. Length of time may vary depending on the number of people being photographed during the session. Late afternoon or early evening light is the best to work in and will be highly suggested for a successful session.


Session fee
An $150.00 sitting fee covers both my time and talent. This fee also includes full access to the pre-selected, edited images from the session.

Images
All of the pre-selected, edited images will be made available to you on CD and included in the price of your sitting fee. You will be welcome to print and enlarge freely without limitations or restrictions. A sneak peek of your session will be posted to this website for your immediate viewing.

For more information, about Corey Villicana and Life With Little Ones Photography,

 please visit

lifewithlittleonesphotography.blogspot.com

http://www.coreyvillicanaphotography.com/

San Elijo Holiday Boutique

San Elijo Hills is holding a holiday boutique with crafts, food, and music on Saturday November 6, 2010 from 10am -4pm.

It will be held in the San Elijo Rec Center which is located at

1105 Elfin Forst Road in San Marcos

Call 760-744-9000 for more information

Enjoy ~
Kate

CHEAP Christmas Present alert - $20 Shutterfly book, mug, & 50 prints!

This deal is still going on!

Today's Buy With Me is an excellent deal!

$20 buys you a Shutterfly 8X8 book - FIFTY 4X6 prints - AND a photo mug!

We are purchasing this deal for sure! The photobook and mug will make excellent Christmas gifts and the fifty prints will make great inserts in holiday cards!

Please start thinking about these great online coupons as holiday options! SO many people end up spending a TON on holiday cards & photos - if you can plan ahead you can save so much for the exact same items!

Enjoy ! Kate


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25% off with Capture It Photography!

So you may remember my recent post about awesome photographer and friend Irene with Capture it Photography!

Check out her recent Holiday Special - 25% off her normal rates!  Her rates are already very reasonable and it includes ALL your images on a CD for you to print however you like!

Enjoy ~ Kate
I


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FREE San Diego Deals & Steals business cards to share with your mommy group!

Hi friends ~

Here is a fun idea I got from a few fellow bloggers I network with....

If you enjoy San Diego Deals and Steals and would like to share it with your mommy group, friends at the office, bible study group, MOPS table, etc - please email me at SanDiegoDealsandSteals@gmail.com - I would be so happy to mail you 15 cards to share with a few friends you think might enjoy it! 

With the holidays just around the corner our calendar is filling up like crazy! I will also be posting awesome free and inexpensive gift ideas and hot sales - don't let your friends spend too much this season - there are SO many ways to save money and still have a great time.  You can of course always share via email - but if you would like a card to give to a friend please let me know!

I consider it a great compliment to have my blog shared - please email me your address and I will happily ship you some cards! *while supplies last* ;)


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4th of July ~ A few free festivities I found - do you know more? Post in the comment section!

Thanks to 'Kid Stuff' magazine fore most of these entries!

*Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade! - this is the cutest! 1pm - 230pm - North Harbor Jetty 760-722-5751

*Vista Brengle Terrace Park - Entertainment on the Moonlight stage starting at 130pm, fireworks start at 9pm - it is FREE - but they will be charging $10 to park, you can park free at Vista High School (where my Panther's at?) and they will shuttle you in.

*San Marcos has a free fireworks and festivities starting at 6pm (fireworks start at 9pm)

*Del Mar Fairgrounds - fireworks at 9pm - it will be busy!! Consider taking the coaster!

*Old Town San Diego- Enjoy an old fashioned 4th of July celebration with a parade, crafts and activities of early San Diego. Wagon rides, period games, music, food specials, pie eating contest and much more are included in this afternoon of family-fun. From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Thanks to San Diego Macaroni Kid for letting me know about this one through facebook!

*Music Fest & Fireworks - Lake Murray  San Carlos 10am

*Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks - California Center for the arts Escondido starting at 4pm

*Old Fashioned 4th of July - this seems the cutest of all! 10am - 4pm Old Poway Park http://www.poway.org/ for more details


Again - if you know others (that are free or inexpensive) - please leave it in the comments section below!

Enjoy ~
Kate

A few sales worth mentioning

I woke up to a few promotional emails I thought you might want to know about.

Gymboree - HUGE clearance sale - accessories starting at 99 cents & clothing starting at $4.99 - less than Target - Gymboree quality - can't beat that!

Old Navy - today only $15 adult jeans & $10 kids & baby jeans - remember - it will be crazy busy -

Big Lots - all their Christmas stuff - wrapping, bows, decor etc are all 50% off their already crazy low prices - I always buy wrapping paper the year before - usually for less than a $1 a roll & just save it, it doesnt take up that much space - also find solid color wraps that can be used for presents during the year - red, green, blue can all be used individually for bdays - red, silver, or white - valentines day or a wedding - silver or gold for an anniversary party - just something to keep in mind - the little stuff always adds up.

Babies R Us ~ extra 30% off clearance - speaking from experience you can get some great steals at this sale

Michaels - 70% off Christmas clearance!

Trade Secrets (North County Fair Mall) - I ALWAYS hit up their after Christmas sale - they have great deals on their gift sets - they are generally a better deal than buying seperately to begin with - and usually after CHristmas they are an additional 50% or more off - I usually stock up on a few to use during the year - also sign up for their reward card - it is free and you always get 10% off.

Track Santa's Journey!

Did you know that Santa was already in route? Check out Norad Santa with the kids today to see where he has been and where he is headed!

Enjoy ~
Kate

A few fun FREE ways to spend Christmas Eve ~ December 24th

Here are a couple events that I thought might be fun!

1. La Mesa Branch Library - listen to a reading of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' - free 1030am

2.  'Ice Princess' show at Viejas Outlet Center ~ free 730pm - showing nightly through January 3rd weather permitting - for more info go to http://www.shopviejas.com/

3.  There are countless Christmas Eve services at churches county wide - but I thought this one sounded extra fun if you have little ones
* 4 & 6pm - San Carlos United Methodist Church there will be a Christmas celebration with puppets, music, prayer, & more - followed by a birthday party for Jesus with cake & punch. (cute right?) They will have traditional candle light services at 9 & 11pm for more info go to http://www.sancarlosumc.org/

remember to go Peet's Coffee & Tea ~ they have complimentary Coffee & Tea (please give a donation to the charity they are supporting)

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy ~
Kate

Free Holiday Cake show - December 19th - check out the website!

this looks fun! Roz Sweet Art Studio is hosting an open house cake show from 11am - 4pm - FREE - there will be raffles & just looks fun - check out the website - cakes are all over 2ft tall & just super cute!

Might be fun to check out with your little baker.

Enjoy ~
Kate

Are you feeling guilty about not sending out holiday cards yet? You still can!

*You can still email adorable custom holiday cards!  You still have time to take advantage of the $2 off coupon code BAZAAR - Kim at 'Wishes on the Way' will customize your card with your family pics & one of several customizable designs & you can either print them or email them! She charges a low fee to make your design & unlike many other places you OWN the design, you can email it, print it at home, or send it to any number of printers - emailing is the most frugal & so 'green' - I think we are going to just do email cards next year - those stamps sure add up!

Remember to use your coupon code! Check out their cute advertisment on this blog - top corner.

If you normally create photo cards for Christmas you should check out Wishes On the Way. 

They are kind of like a hybrid of those fancy custom holiday cards you order from high end designers and 'snapfish'. 

Here are some cool features ~

They have much cuter designs and more options within those designs than an online source.

Your semi-custom design costs between $15 - $20!

(my favorite!) - you purchase your design, she emails the image that you can use however you want - meaning, you own the image - you can choose to print them at Walmart, snapfish, at home.... you can also choose to email the card (green & less expensive). 

Keep in mind they do not just do Christmas cards, but also everything from birthday cards to baby announcements and much more!

I love to look at those fancy sites where cards are $4 a piece - but seriously, we can't afford that! This is an awesome alternative!

Even better - if you order before DECEMBER 15, 2009 ~ enter BAZAAR at checkout for a $2 discount - making your entire order between $13 & $18 for a custom designed card! (Thanks KIM for letting me know about this discount code!)

'Wishes on the Way' is a small local company too! If you want to support small business, this is a great option!

Enjoy ~
Kate

a few fun & free things to do Sunday December 13th

hopefully that pesky rain will die down in time to enjoy these fun family freebies!

*FREE day at The New Children's Museum - 10am - 4pm - this is free once a month thanks to TARGET!

*PB Holiday parade ~ along Garnet Ave - 1pm

*Gaslamp holiday pet parade (this is my favorite!) 3:15pm - there is a fee to enter your pet - but spectators are free - our kids are gonna love this! http://www.gaslamp.org/

*San Diego Parade of Lights ~ the Embarcadaro - Seaport Village  530 - 9pm - 80 boats decked out with lights - super cute!

We'll see you there!

Enjoy ~
Kate

Gift cards w/ bonuses ~ will update as new cards become available

Now at Pick Up Stix you can buy a gift card for $25 and you get a FREE $5 gift card.  There will be LOTS of businesses offering these kind of incentives to buy gift cards this year & I will let you know when I find them.  Even if you wouldn't give the gift card away, sometimes it is a good idea to buy them for stores your family normally frequents anyway, it will help you save a little overall.

http://www.pickupstix.com/  has other coupons too!

Remember also there is another posting here about 'twofer' Tuesdays at pick up stix - awesome deals no coupon needed! check it out too!

Buy a $20 gift card at Chick Fil A & get a calendar w/ coupons inside for every month (items are mostly no purchase necessary & total over $20 - so this is quite a steal!)

CVS - purchase a $25 gift card & get a free $5 gift card - again, buy for yourself and think of it as a $5 off coupon =)

https://cvs.cashstar.com/gift-card/buy/ click here for limited time offer & details!

Souplantation ~ buy $100 in gift cards & get a free meal pass

 Buy $100/Get $25 GIFT CARD good through November 30th. Available in any denomination and redeemable in all Brigantine Family Restaurants ~ Brigantine Seafood, Azul, Zocalo, Miguel's Cocina

 Peet's Coffee House - free medium drink with a $25 gift card

 Bistro Pazzo in La Jolla - purchase a $100 in gift cards get $25 gift card for FREE

Buy $25 in gift certificates at Red Robin & you will get a $5 gift card bonus

NEW - get a $40 gift card for $35 at Build a Bear - make sure to sign up for their rewards card - this year we got several $5 off any bear purchases in the mail, a free birthday gift, and a free book just to name a few.


Enjoy ~
Kate

Ice Skating + Skate rental $10 all day & unlimited re-entry

Iceoplex in Escondido offers Ice Skating + Skate rental for $10 all day AND you have unlimited re-entry - this is by far one of the best deals I have found for Ice Skating!

Most rinks that are set up just for the holidays are well over $10 and you have to rent ice skates for an additional $5 - $8 (my thought is in San Diego nobody owns ice skates and it should be understood that we will need ice skates - therefore an additional charge is wrong, that's just my opinion =))

They have dressed up the inside to make it more Winter Wonderland - ish - check out their site or call 760-489-5550 for more details.

Enjoy ~
Kate

Cyber Monday! 'Wishes on the Way'

Hot tip - just got this email from WISHES ON THE WAY ~ this is an AWESOME DEAL! Make sure to order on Monday ~

Cyber Monday...40% off anything in my store


I love Cyber Monday! Forget waking up at 4am for Black Friday. There is just something about sitting on my couch shopping all the great deals with a cup of coffee. I couldn't think of a better way to shop. I recently read an article that said 9 out of 10 online retailers would be participating, and then I realized I want to be part of that group. So, tomorrow, Nov 30, from midnight to midnight everything in my store will be 40% off. Use coupon code cybermonday at checkout. All photos must be submitted before midnight. You will get a proof within 24 hours. Pass this along to any family and friends.

http://www.wishesontheway.com/

Check it out!

Enjoy ~
Kate

Carlsbad Premium Outtlets - Nov 26 - 29!

Extended Shopping Hours


Fri, Nov 27: Midnight-10pm

Sat, Nov 28: 8am-10pm

Sun, Nov 29: 9am-9pm



Don't miss the biggest sale of the year. Enjoy exceptional holiday savings and extended shopping hours, plus, experience Midnight Madness as most stores open their doors at midnight right after Thanksgiving. Some stores are opening earlier:

be patient - the parking will be terrible - the shopping will be worth it!

Select Stores opening Thu, Nov 26

8pm: Starbucks Coffee

10pm: BabyGap Outlet, Banana Republic, Bass, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Converse, Gap Outlet, Guess, Gymboree Outlet, Izod, Jockey, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Michael Kors, PacSun, Papaya, Polo Ralph Lauren, Time Factory Watch Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Vans, Vitamin World, Wilsons Leather Outlet, Sunglass Hut, Sunglass Plus

11pm: Carter's, Designer Fragrances, Factory Brand Shoes, Nine West, OshKosh B'gosh, Ruby's Diner, True Religion, Ultra Diamonds
 
enjoy ~
Kate

Surfing Santa at Seaport Village - Mark your calendars! THIS SATURDAY!

I posted this too long ago - thought I should repost so nobody misses it - this is going to be so much fun!

Mark your calendars - this is such a fun event! See Santa in his board shorts & ready to surf!

November 28, 2009 1pm

Have your photo taken with Santa.
Exchange up to 3 strands of old holiday lights for energy efficient ones
Free kids crafts
Live music and entertainment

1pm West Harbor Drice & Pacific Hwy

http://www.seaportvillage.com/

see you there ~
Kate

Craft Fair for a GREAT cause! Friday November 20th (Shameless plug alert!)

TODAY! Come out and see me!

William H. Frazier Annual Holiday Boutique

Friday November 20th ~1pm - 6pm

WIlliam H. Frazier School Multi Purpose Room

1835 Gum Tree Ln.

Fallbrook, CA 92028


there will be door prizes raffled off throughout the event! please consider buying some of your holiday gifts at craft events like these! It is a great way to get a unique present, help out a great school, and help out the families that sell their homemade wares!

*ok - this is a shameless plug for myself! I will be there selling my crafts! If you come to my booth & mention this blog entry I will give you 20% off anything you buy! Look for me 'Josie Belle Designs' - I sell little girls tutus & accesories ~ I really hope to see you there!

thanks!
Kate