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.

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.