Alameda Frugal Family: Hot Deals in Island City

Yes, the weather's cooling off on the Island this week, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on hot bargains around town.

Groupon Deal #1: You can see Seussical the Musical at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley for 55 percent off the normal $33 ticket price. (Don't strain — it's too hot. The tickets are $18 via Groupon.)  Check out the deal details here but act fast. Supplies are limited; deal ends Friday at midnight.

Groupon Deal #2: Closer to home (because I know some of you don't want to leave the Island), you can buy tickets to the USS Hornet Museum for 50 percent off (or $15), also through Groupon. Again, act fast: this deal ends at midnight tonight (Wednesday).

: Have I crowed about this place before? I don't think so. But I was in there yesterday and was reminded what good deals they have on lunches. Their sandwiches are fabulous and huge; just one can easily serve a family of five! Well, not really. But one sandwich definitely could serve two people. Plus it's a cafe with true soul — when a server yesterday ran out of lemonade while pouring me a glass, he squeezed a couple of lemons fresh — right on the spot! — to top off the glass. That's great service.

DIY Popsicles: I love Popsicles. I especially love the expensive kind that are made from real fruit juice, not sugar syrup and artificial colors that leave your lips bright orange. I also like to make my own, however, and it's kind of amazing how extremely cheap pops are when you DIY. 

For instance, a six-pack of very fine, pure juice, Natural Choice Full of Fruit Organic pops  costs $5.69, or about 95¢ apiece. The average price of a six-cup frozen pops mold is about $12. Each mold holds about six ounces (on average) of juice, crushed fruit or smoothie mix. So let's say you buy a half gallon of lemonade for $5. Each of those pops is going to cost about 45¢ once you pay off the mold. See what I mean? Good deal.