Not everyone is able or willing to fork out the money to attend Olympic sporting events, but rest assured, there's lots to do around town that won't break the bank and will get you and the kids in the Olympic spirit. Vancouver Magazine has created a great list, and we'll keep letting you know of more as they come along.

The Pantry restaurants in British Columbia are having a 2 for 1 promo on right now until February 16th. They have a special 2 for 1 menu which is not too bad but even better, all kids meals are $2.99 when you present your 2 for 1 coupon. It's not first class dining but it is a nice family place and the kids meals are very good (include drink, meal and dessert). Click here for coupons.

Here's a nice FREE souvenir to help keep the Olympic spirit alive in your home for years to come. A personalized 160 page journal for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Keep track of all your memorabelia, game-related thoughts and more. Click here to reserve your FREE copy!

With small kids, we've had our fair share of quiet nights in with a good video, but the cost of DVD rentals can start to add up. We've done a bit of research into some cheaper and even more convenient options to help save money, but keep the movie nights alive and well.

• DVDPlay Canada - These handy kiosks are located all across Canada and often right in your local Safeway stores. Rentals are $1.79 (per day if you can't get it back the next day) which is still cheaper than a daily rental at the bigger box rental stores. Enter your email address and they'll also send promo codes for special offers. 
• Zip.ca - An online rental service that operates under rental plans that start as low as $5.95 per month (you can cancel anytime). They deliver right to your mailbox and also include a postage paid return envelope. They offer a FREE 2-week trial period.
• Library - The cheapest option for movie rentals would, of course, be your local library. You'd be surprised by the number of titles they have available for both adults and kids. Just be sure to return on time as late fees at the library can add up quick.

Happy movie nights to all our fellow deal hunting parents!

If you've got kids who love to ski or are learning to, check out the Canadian Ski Council's FREE SnowPass for grades 4 & 5 students. You can apply for up to 3 FREE ski passes at places across Canada. They also have some bonus coupons for grade 6 students.

Tim Hortons has released their FREE holiday skating schedule. They currently sponsor these FREE public skates in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Check here for their schedule and happy holiday skating!

It's back, just in time for a fabulous Christmas present ... kids fly FREE to Disneyland (plus other California cities) for Spring 2010. Travel dates are between January 5th, 2010 and April 30th, 2010 (blackout dates apply). Check with your local travel agent for details. It's currently offered through Alaska Airlines but your travel agent should know best. In BC we used Carmen at Jubilee Travel.

This was a huge hit with our kids last year, MSN's Portable North Pole creates very personalized emails from Santa to your kids. The actor who plays Santa is great and says your child's name, includes a picture of your child and their name in his book (hopefully on the nice list, it's up to you). Get ready to video your kids watching their email video from Santa, it really is priceless. You can also send more humorous ones to your friends, collegues and spouse. Click here to start this fun Christmas magic!

If you're planning on taking in the Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show this weekend, October 15th - 18th, grab your tickets online and save yourself $3 off the $15 admission. Say hi to Ty for us if you get a chance!

If you're in Langley or New Westminster this weekend, stop by and say hi. We'll be at the Baby and Toddler Fair in Langley on Saturday (Bobs and Lolo will be performing too!), and the Bits for Kids Swap Meet in New Westminster (10am-2pm at the Queensborough Community Centre) on Sunday.