Since this is still Oscars week, and I happen to be writing my weekly entertainment column about free paper dolls, here's a link to a lovely Grace Kelly doll, wearing the Gown she wore to win her Oscar in 1954. It's a beautiful blue and, as always, she lives up to her name. She has a spare dress that she wore when her carrying out her duties as Princess of Monaco.

http://www.ushsdolls.com/paperdoll/grace.html

The oddest critique I've heard of the new Tim Burton/Johnny Depp Alice in Wonderland movie is that there isn't much of a story. I have to wonder if the author of the critique is familiar with the source material. If anyone asked me I'd say the original story is not precisely strong on plot. But then, much like The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, it doesn't need to be as the silliness and wonders found within more than make up for lack of story.

If you've never read Alice in Wonderland you can do yourself a favor and listen to this audio recording by Michael York for free, available until March 16th. http://booksinaudio.com/blackstone/

If you want to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and don't want to pay there are a variety of ways to get in for free. Seniors get in free on Fridays. Children under twelve are free all the time. School groups are free.

If you're not a child or a senior you're still in luck as members get in free all the time. Can't afford to be a member? Don't lose hope, just go on Tuesday or Saturdays ten to noon.

Or if you want to go when it's cold, visit for free any weekdays from November 17 – March 2.

http://www.bbg.org/vis2/hours.html

If you're in the DC area and looking for something free to do this weekend you might want to head over to the National Zoo for their science fair. It's the first ever and will feature exhibits put together by local seventh graders, whose projects are based on zoo animals, research and conversation efforts. Complete details can be found here:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/sciencefair.c...

A discussion of how your credit report impacts your life, including your job. Also how to improve your score.

Bass Pro Shops is having a family activities weekend on March 13 and 14, featuring things to do like rain gutter boat races, a class in fishing basics and wiggle worm painting. The events take place from noon to five daily.

Complete details can be found here: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&c...

Here's an interesting post I found at the Freebie blog, talking about a settlement with Activia, made by Dannon. Apparently the yogurt company got into trouble for false advertising and if you, like me, purchased their product you may be entitled to a share of the settlement.

Details here: http://thefreebieblogger.com/dannon-activia-yogurt-settlement/

The Who Says Nothing in Life is Free blog has a post about how Tampa children aged five and under can get free annual passes to the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun Busch Gardens attraction.

http://www.whosaidnothinginlifeisfree.com/2010/02/free-busch-gardens-tam...

IHOP celebrates Free Pancake Day on February 23rd, 2010. This event takes place from seven am to ten pm and raises money for the Children's Miracle Network. You can get all the details here: http://www.ihoppancakeday.com

Does your grocery store have a cookie club? I was thinking about how when my boys were little all three grocery stores near us had a cookie club, which meant I could take the boys to the bakery department and get them each a cookie for free. In return they would promise not to ask to buy candy or gum when we checked out, so it made for easier shopping.

You might want to check and see if your local store has one. It's a nice way to get free treats for the kids.

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've had the flu and have been very sick.