Long time no blog!

Just a quick note to let you know that I haven't abandoned my little Eastside blog. I've been out of town with my family for over a month and just returned last week. It's been a long while and we're VERY glad to be home. I'm sitting at our kitchen table with all the doors open admiring the beautiful Riviera views (as in, the homes on the Riviera), enjoying the cool night breeze and listening to neighborhood kids playing in the pool across the street ("MARCO!" "POLO!").

Yeah. It's good to be home.

Our summer travels continue thru August and part of September but I have some hard-hitting topics in mind for the upcoming months including:

* Eastside gang activity

* The homeless situation

* The RV parking problems

* Community building activities

I'd love to have the perspective of others on this blog. If anyone is interested in Guest Posting, please contact me at Eastsidesb@gmail.com.

Many blessings and Viva la Fiesta!

DID YOU KNOW!: Redbox

I've had this unfinished post sitting around for a few months now and figured it was HIGH time I publish it...

We love redbox! I'm not sure how long the redbox vending machine was sitting in Scolari's before we decided to try it out but I think it was several months. Back at that time there was NEVER a line at the redbox stand. I'd notice it and think, "Wonder what the deal is with this?" and move on.

Well, last night I realized that I am not the only one in town to have fallen in love with redbox! Last night I stood in line for probably 20 minutes waiting to return my movie (before the 9PM dealine) and to check out another one. The line was to the door when I arrived. What's a girl to do?!
So, I waited patiently. And in the process, agreed to return movies for 2 other people. That's neighborly, right??

Here are a few things that occured to me as I waited...patiently...

1. I should have 'reserved' my movie ahead of time. On the website, you can create an account, put a hold on your desired movie and pick it up at the redbox location of your choice.

2. When scrolling for movies, use the helpful buttons on the left of the screen. If you are looking for kids movies, select the "genre" button and search for only children's films. If you know the name of the movie you want, try using the alphabetized listing. This saves time and is less annoying the people waiting behind you!

3. I wish I had a free coupon code on me! There are a few ways of getting these...

* First time users get a free coupon code when they sign up for redbox emails.
* Every Monday I get a coupon code sent to my phone via text message. Sign up here.
* Keep an eye on the redbox blog, redblog. In April, they offered a coupon code every Wednesday!

Thanks, Scolari's for having redbox. And thanks, redbox for giving us an option besides Blockbuster!

Did You Know: Wescom's Change Machine

You can use the change machine at the Wescom Credit Union on Milpas at Gutierrez for free?! Scolari's Coinstar charges $0.9/dollar but not at Wescom! My $9.91 in change was converted to cash dollars on site. No fees. Check it out!

I'll be doing a post on the credit union soon. Stay tuned!

DID U KNOW! -- Recycling Guide

DID YOU KNOW! about the Santa Barbara County Residents and Businesses to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Guide?

For a complete online copy go here. Or to request your own hard copy, call 805.882.3600. I picked up my free copy at the Eastside Library.

Somehow, over the past 4 years, we've collected a healthy collection of prescription medications. We've been holding on to them for one reason....we've been too lazy to research where we can take them for proper disposal. So, I grabbed my guide and searched 'medication' (non-controlled substances). I learned how to safely dispose of all in the garbage and even better - I can take them to UCSB's Hazardous Waste Collection Center [805.882.3602]. Jackpot!

Ever wondered exactly which plastics can be put in the recycle bins? Answer: any plastic marked with a 1-7 triangle. Basically, everything but Styrofoam (why is this stuff still being made??)

Please visit WWW.LESSISMORE.ORG for more on recycling in Santa Barbara county. A BIG THANKS to them for the great publication!