Kids Movies at The Grand Theatre Esplanade only $3.50 with Free Snacks!

Looking for something to do with the kiddies this summer? Look no further! The Grand Theater Esplanade (1401 W. Esplanade Ave, Kenner) offer special screenings of children's movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays now through July 30. Shows begin at 10am. Box office opens at 9:30am. Tickets are only $3.50 and include a free box of popcorn and kid's soda.

Kids Eat Free at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro with Movie Stub

There are some really great family movies out in theatres right now including Lego, Frozen and Nut Job. What better what to treat your little bit to a date night (or date day) with a movie followed by dinner at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro? My oldest daughter (age 5) loves the "grown-up" experience of going to a restaurant.

 Now through Feb. 28, receive a free kid's entrée when your bring in a stub from a children's movie (purchase of adult entrée required.)

Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro kids menu items include Noodles 3-Ways, Mmmm &  Mmmm (meatloaf and mashed potatoes with corn) and Popcorn Shrimp. Finish off your meal by sharing a slice of the to die for Mardi Gras King Cake Cheesecake.

NBA All-Star Week 2014: Free & Inexpensive Fun!

Valentine's Day weekend also happens to be NBA All-Star Weekend in NOLA. From Feb. 13-16, the NBA's best ballers and most enthusiastic fans will descend upon the "Crescent City" for four days of basketball-infused fun.

There are lots of ways to get in on the fun in a frugal way.  Check out the below links! Will add new events as I become aware of them!


1iota
1iota is all about the fans! They are offering FREE tickets to several awesome NBA All Star Events. Just sign up for an account on the website and request tickets. But get 'em while they are hot! These events are 18 and older. Perfect for a date night! But read the fine print, some of these events will conflict with you ability to attend other All-Star events.

State Farm Saturday Night Performance, Sat. Feb. 15 at 4pm ~ featuring Kendrick Lemar
Sprint Pre Game Concert, Sun. Feb. 16 at 3pm ~ featuring Aloe Black, Terrence J, & Mack Wilds
Player Introductions & Half-time, Sun. Feb. 17 at 3:30pm ~ featuring Pharrell Williams, Janelle Monee, Trombone Shorty, Earth, Wind & Fire and Gary Clark Jr..

NBA All-Star Jam Session

The NBA All-Star Session (Feb. 13-16) at the Ernest Morial Covention Center is wall-to-wall basketball fun. Participate in skills challenges, get free autographs for players, interact with coaches and dance teams! Children (ages 3-12) / Senior / Military tickets are just $10. Adult tickets are $20. Use promo code 5OFFJAM for $5 off Thursday and Friday tickets. Click here to head to Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.

ESPN2's First Take

Join Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless and Cari Champion on Friday, Feb 14. as First Take comes to NOLA! Special guests include Kevin Hart and Lil Wayne. Taping begins at the Convention Center at 10am. You must enter at gate J. Gate opens between 7-7:30am. Get there early! Free Admission.

Appearance by James Harden

Houston Rocket's James Harden will make an appearance at the Harahan Walmart on Friday, Feb 14. I believe the signing starts at 7pm, but I will double check:)

Under Armour and Finish Line Sponsor Shoot Around  Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry

Head to Oakwood Mall (197 Westbank Expressway, Gretna LA) and register for your chance to shoot against NBA Allstar Stephen Curry. Feb 12-13 from 3pm-7pm sign up and participate in UA Next Shooting Contest at Center Court Next to the Fountain. Stop by Finish Line after for your chance to meet Curry. Winners will be called back to compete against Curry on 2/14 from 5pm-6pm. Free Admission, must be 13 and under to participate. Entry is first come, first serve.

Fatherhood and Family Summit

Hosted by Soledad O'Brien (Journalist and CEO of Starfish Media Group) and Allan Houston (former NBA player and Assistant GM of the New York Nicks), free event bring some of the NBA's brightest and others committed to the well-being of family to discuss how we can better strengthen our families.
Appearances by Monty Williams (head coach of the NOLA Pelicans), Roger Mason Jr. (Miami Heat), Danny Green (Houston Spurs), Fred Luther (Pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church), Tina Thompson (4-time WNBA champion), Suzanne Immerman (Director of the Office for Strategic Partnerships for the US Department of Education) and more! This event will be held at the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 2515 Franklin Ave, NOLA on Sat. Feb. 15 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Doors open at 11am. Great music, free giveaways!

Adidas In the Quarter 321 Chartres St. NOLA

Adidas is an official sponsor of NBA Allstar gane. They have opened up a pop up shop in the French Quarter. Check them out to get your hands on exlusive gear you can't get anywhere else! Plus, the celebs and ballers will be making appearances all weekend.

Feb. 14
Dikembe Mutombo 10:30-11:30am
Karem Abul Jabbar 2-3pm
Joakim Noah 4-4:30pm

John Wall and Damien Lillard host will host a House of Blues Concert featuring 2 Chainz and Pusha  T on Feb 15 at 10pm. From 6:00pm-8:00pm 100 tickets will be up for grabs for fans!

Feb. 15
Harrison Barnes 11-11:30am
2 Chainz 2pm-3pm

Feb. 16
Dwight Howard 11:30am-12pm
Damien Lillard 12:30pm-1:00pm

Dinner & Movie: The Gabby Douglas Story on Lifetime

Photo Credit: Google Images

Gabrielle Douglas captured the hearts of all of America when she won the gymnastics all-around gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. She became only the fourth American and the first African American to do so, putting a very special asterisks next to her name in the history books.

Their are plenty of articles filled with recipes to chow down on while watching the Super Bowl this weekend. I figured I'd showcase a few recipes to dig into while watching The Gabby Douglas Story this Saturday, Feb 1, on Lifetime at 8/7c. It airs again on Sunday--perfect alternative to the Superbowl or hey watch both!

Red White and Blue Salad

This salad is perfectly kid friendly with strawberries, blueberries and bananas. For an adult spin, swap the bananas with blue cheese crumbles and add fresh spinach, walnuts, grilled chicken and a raspberry vinaigrette . If you use bananas remember to give them a quick spritz of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Fish and Chips

Photo Credit: The Food Channel

Cheerio! In honor of the location for Gabby's historic win, try this easy recipe of a classic English dish, Fish and Chips. Click here for a recipe from the Food Channel's Pat and Gina Neely.

Gold Medals

Photo Credit: Divine Party Concepts

To appease your sweet tooth, make these adorable "gold medals" with Golden Oreos and Fruit by the Foot candy. Super simple and the kids will love them! 

Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Photo Credit: Betty Crocker

Gabby has been quoted as saying one of her favorite cheat foods in cinnamon rolls (who doesn't love these gooey treats?). These cupcakes, with cream cheese frosting and pecans,are a great spin that will surely be a crowd pleaser! Check out the recipe here!

Brazilian Lemonade

Will Gabby go for the gold in 2016? I sure hope so! If she does, we will be cheering her on as she competes in the colorful city of Rio, Brazil. 

Recipe from Allrecipes.com 

2 limes

½ cup white sugar

3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

3 cups water

Ice

Directions:

Cut the limes into eight wedges, being sure to remove the ends.

Blend limes in a blender or food processor with sugar, milk, water and ice. Pulse five times only.

Strain through a mesh strainer to remove the lime rinds. Serve over ice.

HOMEWORK!  Kids want to learn more about Gabby after the movie? Head to your local library and pick up these books. We have both and they are great reads! With this being the first weekend in Black History Month, this will hopefully spark a conversation and lead to learning more about other African American first.

For the younger crowd: Gabby Douglas: Going for the Gold by Tory Kosara (Photo Credit: Amazon)

Grace, Glory & Gold by Gabrielle Douglas (Photo Credit: Barnes and Noble)

Gabby will be live tweeting during the movie. So make sure to follow her here and use hashtags  #gogoldorgohome and #gabbydouglas while tweeting! Can't wait to hear what you think about these recipes and the movie! Talk to you soon!- Kennie

Discount Deals at the Audubon Zoo & Audubon Aquarium of Americas

The days of dreary rain and frigid temperatures have finally faded from Louisiana's forecast (at least for a while). Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and plan a family trip to the Audubon Institute's family of attractions including, the Audubon Zoo, Insectarium & Audubon Aquarium of Americas. These amazing deals can be found as a part of New Orleans radio station, Q93's Big Easy Deals.

An Audubon Aquarium of Americas Family Four Pack can be purchased for $40.00. That's a mere $10 per person! Score a Family Four Pack to the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium for just $30. With savings of %50, that leaves extra cash for snacks and souvenirs. Click the above links for more details.

As your family grows, outings like this can become increasingly difficult. $17.50 may not seem like a lot, but when multiplied by 4 or 5, it no longer can be considered spare change. Deals like this are a life saver!

See you next week with more great deals.

~Don't just be cheap, be chic baby!~

5 for $25 Memorial Day Sale at Babylegs.com

The temperature is heating up but it will be fall before you know it.  That's why now is the perfect time to stock up on adorable leg warmers for your babies and tots. Plus they are a great way to let your newly crawling princess still wear girlie dresses but not have to worry about hurting her knees.

Baby Legs is legwarmer & sock company that provides items that not only comfortable but practical as well.  And did I mention cute and stylish they are? Click here to view all the items included in the sale and use code RWB50 at checkout. Happy Shopping!

Here are a few of the styles on sale now:

~Don't just be cheap, be chic baby!~

Won Ton Wednesdays/Thursdays

Who doesn't love a tasty won ton? They are versatile and easy to use. Plus they are lots of recipes that can made with what ever you have lying around your kitchen....perfect for a quick and inexpensive snack.

Desert Won Ton (filled with Nutela, fried and topped with powdered sugar, pecans, chocolate syrup and whipped cream)

Pizza Won Tons baked with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, pepperoni, parmesan and mozzarella chese

Buffalo Chicken Won Ton- baked with canned chicken, cream cheese, celery, green onion, Ranch dressing and mozzarella

~Don't just be cheap, be chic, baby! (And tasty!)~