How Low Can You Go?

NPR is the greatest.  Their latest feature on All Things Considered is a supper challenge called "How Low Can You Go?," showcasing meals for four, under $10.  So far there have been contributions from Chef Jose Andres and Chef Ming Tsai.   

Have a great recipe?  NPR also wants to hear from you.  Find out more here.

Sweet Freedom

Whether you are working from an office or from home, the internet often serves as a source of much procrastination.  You know how it goes, you start those TPS Reports just to think "Ooh! I wonder when the next lunar eclipse is?" then you Google it, and think "Oooh! I wonder when STAR TREK comes out?" and so on, and so on.  

It is a slippery slope my friends, that's why I recommend FREEDOM, a free downloadable application for your Mac that let's you put a self-imposed ban on using the internet (or IM, etc.) for any period of time up to 8 hours.  The only way around this ban?  Reboot your computer.  Not the toughest by-pass, but enough of a pain that it should limit your online wandering.

Check it out here.

Another sample sale today at JET BLUE!  Get it while it lasts (today only).

Now You're Cooking

Did you know your local Williams-Sonoma offers free in-store Cooking Technique classes?  Schedule varies by location, and you must RSVP in advance.  This Sunday they are offering a class on "Cooking for Kids" and the following Sunday they'll be talking about "Frittatas, Stratas, and More."  Get more information by clicking here.

Joie de Vivre!

Joie de Vivre Hotels, a California hotel chain, is currently advertising their Summer Specials. Ranging from super cute to swanky, these hotels are sure to fit every budget. As an added bonus, download their list of "100 Affordable Things To Do" that covers San Francisco down through Orange County.

That trip to Hawaii may have to wait another year, but why not explore what California has to offer?

Another one from Ikea

The savings continue this weekend at Ikea.  They are offering all kinds of kitchen-related deals, including STARTBOX tableware of 60 pieces for $39.99 (Sunday only.) 

Have everything you need?  Friday through Sunday eat breakfast for FREE.  While supplies last, Ikea will comp you a small breakfast entree and a cup of coffee.  

Sounds like a good deal to me.  Read more about it here.

Bank on The View

When they're not arguing amongst themselves, the ladies on The View are quite helpful.  Today they released their list of the "Top 10 Things To Do If You Become Unemployed."  Take a look at it here.

Here's to hoping most of you won't need this list any time soon.

Your Weekend in Movies

Rather than post about another sale on some item you don't need or want, here is a list of movies to see on the cheap.

New Beverly Cinema

Friday and Saturday night April 10th and 11th, their double feature is THE THIN MAN and AFTER THE THIN MAN.  Seeing both movies will cost a total of $7.  Stick around for the Saturday midnight show of RESERVOIR DOGS for an additional $7.  Or buy their bargain package of 8 admissions for $36.

The Egyptian Theatre 

This weekend they are running a film noir series.  Double features will cost you $10.  Friday night they are showing THE ENFORCER and CONVICTED.  Saturday they are playing THE RACKET and WOMAN ON PIER 13.  If you aren't celebrating Easter on Sunday, check out the Fritz Lang double feature of WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS and BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.  

The Aero Theatre

The Aero in Santa Monica has my top pics for the weekend.  These are classic "must see" movies.  Friday at 7:30 pm TOUCH OF EVIL and THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI.  Saturday April 11th, CITIZEN KANE and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, and Sunday, in honor of Easter, EASTER PARADE.  Friday and Saturday's showings are double features, which will cost you $10.  

Japanese BBQ Happy Hour

Those of you who live close to Gyu-Kaku are in luck.  The Japanese BBQ restaurant is offering unbelievable Happy Hour deals.  While the specials differ in each location, the Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and West L.A. locations are offering 99 cent draft beers and half price appetizers. Each location defines Happy Hour differently, so check here for the specifics.  

Here are a few direct links to individual locations and specials:

Beverly Hills

Pasadena

Sherman Oaks

West L.A.

More Gardens

Maybe I've gone a little garden crazy this year, but it's so satisfying to watch your plants grow! Here is yet another post to help you get yours started. Ecosalon.com recently published an article on the "10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow at Home." Go ahead and follow this trend, it's sure to pay off.

IKEA Tax Free

The tax rate in Los Angeles county has just gone up, but Ikea isn't about to make you pay it.  For this weekend only, Ikea is letting you shop tax free.  Stock up on dishes, linens, and plants or buy those bookshelves you've been wanting.  

Now for the bad news.  This offer is only valid in-stock merchandise and excludes the restaurant, bistro, and Swedish food market.  So if you want those little meatballs, you're paying an addition 9.25% on them.

*Offer is good at IKEA Burbank, Carson, Covina, and Orange County Costa Mesa.

Meet Me In....um...hmmm

One of my favorite new sites is MeetWays.com - it expedites the negotiation about where you are going to meet someone "in the middle" of both of your locations. MeetWays will also suggest locations in the area for food or drink if you specify it in the keywords (ex: coffee, pizza).

MeetWays works in 27 countries, but most importantly dispels the rumor that Beverly Hills is half way between Century City and Hollywood. Check it out here.