Frugal Family Planner for April 13-19

CELEBRATE SPRING

The City of Novato is sponsoring a "Celebrate Spring" event downtown this Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., including an Easter egg hunt. Look for Pini Kids’ Club to be in the downtown location for this month only. Kids ages 3-12 can have free fun decorating their own wind-up egg.

LATIN FITNESS DANCE (ZUMBA!) FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Our Lady of Loretto is hosting a Zumba Party School Fundraiser this Saturday afternoon 4-6 p.m. Join local Zumba instructors with a live DJ playing conga drums and dance to Latin music including salsa, cumbia, calypso and more.

No experience required, this is cheaper than a movie for the whole family, and you’ll burn up a lot more calories and perhaps discover that your hips move and they don’t lie, as Shakira would say. Plus, you’ll be supporting a good cause.

Reserve early by emailing rosecapurro@yahoo.com to get the early bird price of $30 for a family of 4 or more, $15 adult, $5 for kids ages 7+ and free for kids under 6. Prices at the door are $5 higher for adults and family admission. The hall is located at 1811 Virginia Avenue, Novato. 

SPECIALTY HANDBAGS MADE LOCALLY

Looking for a one-of-a-kind accessory to go with your wedding dress, prom dress, graduation party dress, Easter outfit or maybe a gift for mom? Novato resident and Texas transplant Michelle Sanger-Petty of Zoeve creates handbags, totes and fancy purses from quality and unique textiles. Currently, she has a sale going on with 10-15% off select custom handbags, but if you mention Patch on any orders before Mother’s Day, you’ll get an ADDITIONAL 10% off all bags. Email michelle@zoeeve.com.

UNIQUE TABLEWARE FOR FUN SPRING GIFTS

Looking for a darling Mother’s Day gift? Going to someone’s home for Easter brunch or a Passover Seder and want to give an ooh and ahh-inducing hostess present? Check out Novato resident and artist Nancy Fisher’s hand-painted tableware. These gifts are both useful and adorable but they won’t break the bank. Mention Patch when you order through the Friday before Mother’s Day, and you can buy mini-shakers with gift box for the special price of $15, including tax and free delivery in Novato (no credit cards & while supplies last). Email njoyhandpainted@juno.com or call 892-8186. Also, on Mother’s Day - weather permitting - Nancy will be displaying and selling her wares at the Marin Civic Center Farmer’s Market.

HOMEMADE FACIAL SCRUB

I got this tip from Novato resident and acupuncturist . For an economical and environmentally safe facial scrub with no harsh chemicals, add plain old baking soda to your liquid cleanser or mix 3 parts baking soda with one part water and apply the paste to your face in circular motions. It is gentle enough to use often to clear up surface roughness on your face and body.