VTA's New Commuter Express Train

On my way to work one day this week a VTA employee handed me a new schedule as well as flyer announcing a new "Commuter Express" light rail train operating on the Santa Teresa/Baypointe Line. They are going to start this new Northbound Departure service Oct. 4, 2010. The train will depart from Santa Teresa and make regular stops until Ohlone/Cheynoweth where it shall become non-stop all the way to Convention Center downtown. Hopefully shaving off a few minutes from the total ride will encourage more ridership on the three Northbound and three Southbound trains they are adding. It will shave 12 minutes off my ride time, enabling me to hit the later train and relax a bit at the morning school drop-off without my literally sprinting through the station lot to grab my train on time. Hooray for saving the planet and saving on downtown parking fees!

Another Cheap and Great Tip: they are offering a free token to ride the new Commuter Express through Oct. 29th through their website.

Outrageous Outgrowns

Outrageous Outgrowns (a wonderful kids' resale event) is coming to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Oct. 15-17th from 9am to 5pm. To the uninitiated, Outrageous Outgrowns is an enormous twice yearly consignment soiree --put together in a warehouse size building. Free parking & admission -- go on Friday for the good stuff! On Sunday they mark everything down that is left -- be wise, these frugal moms will park every which way on the lawn surrounding the pavilion. On previous missions we uncovered bibs, a fold and go potty seat for visiting public restrooms with a toddler in tow, a trio of sweet gingham dresses for growing into as well as some excellent gardening and rain boots for my oldest to wear while assisting in yard work. They have a great selection of baby gear, books, toys and some furniture and maternity clothes.

Cheap and Great Over the Hill

One of the best things about living in San Jose is our proximity to the coast. We love being able to wake up on a weekend morning and impulsively blow off the yard work, and the city traffic for a 30 minute trip over the hill to Natural Bridges State Beach.

And every time we find ourselves repeating the same refrain, "I can't believe we don't come over here more often." Our routine is to walk beautiful West Cliff Drive, then swing by my old college hang-out Taqueria Santa Cruz for the most killer salsa and giant burritos "to-go," grabbing some free parking on on Delaware St. before plopping on the beach to eat, play and let the Silicon Valley stress melt into the sand. Guaranteed napping by the back seat crew all the way home.

Santa Teresa Community Fest

Here's a free community festival planned for our little corner of the valley this Saturday. It's located near the Miyuki Dog Park and George Page Park, one of our little girl's favorite toddler playgrounds.

Book Sale Today

Friends of the Santa Teresa Library is holding their book sale today, Sept. 11, 2010 from 10-4 at the Santa Teresa branch. We scored some great children's books for .25 each at the last sale. We even had been given a one free book coupon from the adjacent farmer's market on Santa Teresa. Enjoy!

Easy Ice Cream Layer Cake - Better Homes and Gardens

Easy Ice Cream Layer Cake - Better Homes and Gardens

My daughter requested a mint ice cream cake for her birthday. Checking the prices at Coldstone and Baskin-Robbins prompted me to research a simple home-made version.

Potty Training Supplies

Two days ago my little 23-month old initiated a "no more diapers for me" stance....and so begins the onslaught of laundry, stickers, mopping and back of the trunk potty chair triage at every stop throughout the day. Whew... but it's for a good cause! Rather than using disposable pull-ups, we use thick cotton underwear and plastic over-panties from Tiny Tots (a diaper service and boutique with plenty of free events and classes in downtown Campbell). They have been handed down from the older daughter and are still in great shape. Normally the word "boutique" would not appear on Cheap and Great, but I feel this store has great resources (such as a fold down toddler potty seat you attach to the toilet) for parents looking to get out of the expense of diapers sooner rather than later.