Josee Pharand’s favourite word is ‘free.’
And she’s full of tips to entertain the kids during Christmas break — without breaking the bank.
Pharand, by day, is a civil servant who works as a patent examiner.
Her other joy is finding and listing local bargains for activities to enjoy with her husband Dan and their kids, Sophie, 4, and Joel, 2.
Her website, frugalfunottawa.ca, lists deals under $10 for a family of four.
“There’s so much going on out there that doesn’t cost money,” she said.
“Rainbow Cinemas at St. Laurent is showing Elf on Saturday for free,” she said. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
But if you prefer stars of another breed to Will Ferrell and his antics, the Science and Technology museum has an outdoor stargazing event that’s free on December 21 at 7 p.m.
And there are free horse-drawn carriage rides in the Market next Saturday & Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“You must register in person in front of Le Moulin de Provence at York Street and Byward,” Pharand said.
Lynne Villemaire of Barrhaven plans on checking it out with her family.
She said she uses the site as inspiration for new ideas to keep her kids Alex, 4, and Renee, 18 months, busy.
“Especially at this time of year, it’s too cold to go outside,” she said.
kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca
http://www.ottawasun.com/life/holidays/2010/12/13/16533361.html
Kelly Roche - Storyteller 