Jet Blue, Again

Jet Blue is having a spring fare sale. Book by April 8th to take advantage of their low fares. Enjoy.

Gas Up

The cost of gas today is cheap compared to what it was about 8 months ago. That said, why pass up a deal at the pump? The ABC 7 news site has a new feature that provides you with the address of the cheapest gas station in your area. All you have to do is click here and type in your zip code.

Free Food & Wine

Today I have a last minute tip courtesy of Laura! Tonight there is a BOTTLENOTES wine tasting at Shin in Hollywood, courtesy of Citysearch. "There will be global wine tastings paired with Simon Shin's menu of Korean delicacies. Bottlenotes author Alyssa Rapp will also speak about her new book "Around The World in 80 Sips" and answer questions about the fun and flavorful world of wine. Best of all, it's free!!!"

When: Thursday March 26th, 7 pm - 9 pm
Where: Shin BBQ 1600 N. Wilcox Avenue (at Selma), Los Angeles, 90028

Saver Beware

These days every one has tips on how to save money and where to cut corners.  Even with the best of intentions, the truth is that it's impossible to eat every meal at home and only be entertained by free television.  While we have to choose wisely, at some point, we need to spend money on ourselves and find some pleasure in all this new free time.  Don't agree with me?  The New York Times has a great article about "Saver's Remorse."  Read it here.

Speaking of remorse, if you don't know about TravelZoo, you must join immediately!  Each Wednesday they publish the Top 20 travel deals they find online.  Today's deals include travel to Tokyo, hotel at the Four Seasons and air fare, for just $1199 and roundtrip to Las Vegas from Los Angeles for $99!  The deals at TravelZoo are too good to be missed.  Go ahead, take that trip now.  You'll be back at work eventually.

A Bit of Free L.A. History

This weekend the Los Angeles Conservancy is offering up 2 free events.

On Saturday March 21st the Conservancy is kicking off their free self guided Pico-Union tour & community fair .  You can find the fair at the Pico Union branch library at 1030 S. Alvarado, from 10 am - 1 pm.

On Sunday March 22nd the Conservancy is sponsoring the second annual L.A. Heritage Day at the Heritage Square Museum from 11 am to 4 pm.  The Museum is located at 3800 Homer Street in Los Angeles.  You must download and print the following flier for free admission.

Want more information?  Click here.

Roll With It

Goldstar.com is offering half price tickets to see the the L.A. Derby Dolls team, The Swarm, face off against the San Diego team, The Fight Crew.  John Doe of punk band X will sing the National Anthem.  The event takes place Saturday, March 28th at 6 pm at the Doll Factory.

It's a whole lot of action for $8.50.  

Luck o' the Irish

Jet Blue has done it again. In partnership with Aer Lingus they are offering a summer sale on more than 25 European destinations. You must book by March 18th to get these low fares.

Well?! What are you waiting for?

It's Real Simple to Save

While REAL SIMPLE is always categorized under "Woman's Interest" magazines, they often have great articles on ways for everyone to save.  Their latest article "24 Hours of Savings" features some great ways to save from morning til night.  Be sure to browse through the entire feature, it has some great freebies!

Your Own, Personal, Downsize

Saving money is certainly the topic du jour these days. Every one has tips and tricks (including me) for ways to stretch your dollar and make things last. In my daily browsing I found an article I thought worth sharing. It's not that the tips are so brilliant, it's just that there are so many of them to pick and choose from. And while the article is aimed at those who have been laid off, there is value in it for people just looking for ways to tighten their belts or be more responsible spenders.

So here it is: 100 CREATIVE, PAINLESS (AND EVEN THERAPEUTIC) WAYS TO DOWNSIZE YOUR LIFE AFTER A LAYOFF from Jobprofiles.org

If your favorite tip isn't on here, please share!

Free Movies

For the month of March Amoeba Music and SPACE 15Twenty are hosting a free Monday night music doc series.  Along with showing movies in the courtyard of SPACE 15Twenty, there will be guest DJs, free IZZE soda, free popcorn, and Q & A's with directors after the film.  

Each film starts at 8 pm.  For more information, click here.

In Good Taste

Taste in West Hollywood is offering a brand new happy hour. Tuesday through Sunday, from 4 pm - 6 pm, Taste is offering $3 beer, $4 Martinis, $4 Well Drinks, $4 Pizza, $4 Mac and Cheese and much more. And if you happen to be unavailable in the afternoon, don't fret. Taste is also offering amazing deals on Sunday night prix fixe meals, and half price bottles of wine on Monday.

Isn't it time you satisfied your Taste buds?

A Green(er) Thumb

If you've got some time to waste, why not pick up a few new hobbies? The Armstrong Garden center is here to help.

Each Saturday Armstrong Garden offers a class on a different topic. There is no registration required and they serve coffee to attendees. On Saturday March 21 the topic is growing tomatoes in your garden, or in a container, and on Saturday March 28 they are discussing how to grow your own veggie garden. The classes are all related to seasonal topics - in the past they've offered ones on low water gardens and another on orchids.

The price is certainly right, so why not learn something new.

Pink Slip Parties

Unemployment got you down?  Live it up at a Pink Slip Party.  The Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills is hosting parties the first Tuesday of every month through July.  Bring your resume, sip a martini and network for your next job.  

Want more information?  ABC 7 has more information here online.  

Sample Sale

I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  I love Jet Blue.  For today only they are having a Sample Sale.  Fares start at $29 one way.  My favorite fare:  Burbank to NY $69 each way!!  Amazing.  

Prime Time

The folks over at the Smoke House sure know how to lure in recession weary diners.  On Monday nights they are offering their Prime Rib for $12.95 and bottles of wine at 50% off.  With all that money you're saving you'll be able to afford their Cheese Bread.  Enjoy.

Islands in L.A.

Looking for something free to do tonight?  Check out Pocketo's "Islands in L.A." art show.  I was first exposed to Pocketo at the San Diego Comic Con and was immediately struck by their style.  Stop by their space tonight for a live art show and coffee & pastries from Urth Caffe.

Free Movies

High prices at the movies got you down?  The Skirball Cultural Center has come to the rescue.   Tuesdays at 1:30 pm the Skirball shows a classic movie for free.  In March and April the center is honoring Katharine Hepburn by showing Woman of The Year, Adam's Rib, Pat & Mike, and The Philadephia Story.  Check the schedule for dates.

Discount Dining

Two tips today for those who like to eat well:

DineLA Restaurant Week has been extended through February.  Restaurants across town are offering 3 course, prix-fixe meals at bargain prices.    Beverages and gratuity are not included and there are some restrictions.  For details and to make a reservation log on to OpenTable.com.

Not into prix-fixe?  Check out Screw the Recession - they advertise special nights at local restaurants when the menu will be offered at a 50% discount.  RSVP on their website and join their facebook page. 

March in Palm Springs

Right now, the Parker Palm Springs is offering a deal on rooms booked by tomorrow, February 25th.  Their "Beware the Ides of March" special is available from February 27th until March 31st.  Weeknights will cost you only $95 and weekends are at a rate of $249 a night.  This is an amazing deal for the Parker and the perfect reason to head out to the desert.

National Pancake Day

How in the world did I just find out about this one??  Today IHOP is offering a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes to their customers.  All they ask in return is that you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.  This free pancake offer is available until 10 pm this evening.  I always loved having breakfast for dinner.