How Green is Your Garden?

Along with the rate of unemployment, the cost of food is rising these days.  The last time most of us planted a vegetable garden was back in kindergarten.  It might be the time to paint that black thumb green.  Sarah Newman has written a column for the Huffington Post about "7 Ways to Grow Your Own Food and Save Money,"  with tips for the most novice gardener.  

Not into planting?  Sarah also suggests picking fallen fruit, fruit that is on public property and free to you and I.  Need to know where to find said fruit?  Head to FallenFruit.org, a group that goes out into the world and maps public fruit trees and the seasons of said fruit crop.  If you live in the LA area you can find our maps here.

Another Reason to Love Jet Blue

Do you want to book travel,  but are afraid you might be losing your job?  Go ahead and purchase a flight on Jet Blue.  If you lose your job, Jet Blue will refund your money.  NBC.com is reporting that Jet Blue is changing their refund policy on flights leaving between Feb. 1 and June 1.  Their Promise Program requires that the refund is requested in writing, 2 weeks prior to the intended departure.

Click here for more details.

Little Bit of History

To celebrate HISTORY's 50th installment of their documentary specials they are offering 50% off all their programming available on ITunes.  For the low cost of $1.99 you can learn all about The Dark Ages or the History of Jokes.  This offer is good through March 2.

Tasty Delight

Still don't have a dinner reservation for tomorrow night? How about a romantic dinner for two? Here's a great salad that can be made as either a first course or a whole meal, if you add shredded chicken.  

Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb. Strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. honey

1 tsp. olive oil

Salt and Pepper

1 12 oz. Bag of Spinach

3/4 cup Toasted Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

Dressing -  Puree 3/4 c. of strawberries.  Add lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.  In large bowl, toss with remaining strawberries, spinach, and walnuts.   

To make a meal, add 2 cups of shredded chicken.  If preferred, substitute toasted almonds for walnuts.

Have left over strawberries?  Wash and dry them completely.  Dip in melted chocolate and let cool on wax paper.

Date Night!

For a low cost date, nothing beats a great romantic movie.  Here are my top Valentine's picks for this weekend.

Today 2/12

Harold and Maude @ New Beverly Cinema

He's Just Not That Into You (21+) @ Arclight Sherman Oaks

Friday 2/13

Breakfast at Tiffanys, Roman Holiday @ Aero Theatre

Romeo and Juliet (1968) @ Egyptian Theatre

Saturday, Valentine's Day, 2/14

From Here to Eternity, Casablanca @ Aero Theatre

Harold and Maude @ Angel City Drive-In

Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet (1996) @ Egyptian Theatre

The Philadelphia Story @ Alex Theatre

She's Out Of Control @ New Beverly Cinema (Midnight Screening)

Sunday 2/15

Adam's Rib, Pat & Mike @ Aero Theatre

Now, Voyager; Jezebel @ Egyptian Theatre

Saturday Night Fever, Flashdance @ New Beverly Cinema

Public Displays of Affection

If you're going to be spending money on flowers this Valentine's Day, don't get ripped off.  Here are a few ideas for you, especially if you live in the LA area.  

Don't buy your flowers from the shop that's charging you $75 and up for red roses.  While it requires a little more leg work, head to either your local thrift store or the 99 cent store and find a unique vessel for the flowers.  I found these while roaming around a local thrift store:

Next, head to your local Trader Joe's right after they open at 9 am and buy a few bunches of your favorite flowers.   If you have a little more time on your hands, I recommend making a trip down to the LA Flower Mart, but make sure you bring cash, because not all vendors except credit cards.  Once you cut and arrange your flowers in the vase, find a piece of ribbon, yarn, or string about 18 inches long, tie it around the arrangement, and v'oila! 

If this seems like too much work, I have another idea for you.  Balloon bouquets are fairly inexpensive and make quite a display of affection.  Head to your local party store, like Party City, and have them build a latex/mylar arrangement just for you!  It shouldn't cost more than $20 - $25, depending on what you choose.

My final suggestion:  Head to your local home & garden store (Home Depot, Lowe's, Osh, Armstrong Garden) and purchase a potted plant.  I recommend a small rose bush, gerber daises, or an orchid.  These plants will last longer than cut flowers and generally cost under $15.

And remember, no matter what you spend, it's all about the presentation.

The Biggest Hallmark Holiday of them All!

At one time or another we've all had the same conversation:  "To hell with Valentine's Day!  It's the biggest rip-off of all time!  Who needs expensive meals, over priced flowers, and indulgent chocolates just to say 'I Love You'?"

Rather than have us all throw our hands up in protest, I'm determined to find a more creative solution.  This whole week will be dedicated to low cost Valentine's Day ideas that will hit your loved one's heart, not your wallet.

Ready Made magazine online has an idea worth stealing,  a Valentine's Day card made from office supplies.  I know that this blog is aimed at those of us that don't have a job, but don't tell me you never "borrowed" some supplies.  Don't think you need to have a lunch hour to make their "Lunch Hour Love Letters."

For a limited time only, FTD.com is offering 100 roses for $29.99.  This deal seems a little too good to be true, but you certainly can't beat that price.  They will deliver via UPS or DHL for an additional fee depending on the zip code and your choice of delivery date.  

Feeling more creative? Or don't want to pay those bloated shipping charges?  Tomorrow we'll focus on budget displays of affection.

Friends with Fringe Benefits

When thinking of ways to save, donating money doesn't usually come to mind.  Here is the exception:

Right now, KCRW is having a membership subscription drive.  A donations of $50 or more gets you their Fringe Benefits card, which gives discounts at over 900 retailers - including theaters, restaurants,  museums, and stores.  The fun doesn't stop there.  With your donation you get to choose a member premium (listen to 89.9 FM for details), entered in their daily drawing for a new MacBook, their subscription drive sweepstakes for a trip to Australia, and a another contest for a VW Jetta.  Did I mention that your donation is also tax deductible?

Still not sold?  For a donation of $100, KCRW was offering two tickets to Flight of the Conchords at the Greek.  Had you purchased them from Ticketmaster, it would cost well over $110.

Booksmart

When it comes to books, I have a real problem. One of my favorite pastimes is browsing the bookstore for books to buy that I will never actually have the chance to read. Rather than continuing to spend money on these wonderful dust collectors I have rediscovered one of my favorite childhood haunts: the public Library.

The Los Angeles Public Library has definitely stepped into 21st century. Audio and E-books are downloadable online. If you don't have a library card, you can pre-register for one through their website. Have a question for the librarian? A librarian is available via IM between 10 - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. And don't forget, your local library will rent you movies for free too.

Because why buy the book when you can get the milk for free.

Two on Melrose

Here's a time filler and a money saver for those of you in the Melrose area.

Closing today is Gallery 1988's Under the Influence exhibit, an official art tribute to the Beastie Boys.  If modern, pop art is your thing, then you'll enjoy this collection of diverse pieces.  And, be sure to check out the Dave Crosland piece on east wall.

Right next door to Gallery 1988 is the Moon Nails Salon.  Right now they are offering a $10 Express Manicures and $15 Express Pedicures.  The salon is cute, clean, and walk-in's are welcome.

Dollars and Sense

If you walk around bookstores these days you'll notice giant sections of books devoted to helping the unemployed.  I'm astounded by the number of books about building your resume, finding the right job for your personality, personal finance, and saving money.  What amuses me even more is the price of these "cost cutting how-to guides."  Upon browsing I noticed that Trent Hamm, the author of  365 WAYS TO LIVE CHEAPLY,  runs a blog.  Sweet relief! Something for free!  

Trent's blog, The Simple Dollar, is entirely focused on finances and ways to save money.  It's a virtual treasure trove of information.  I recommend it.  And, if you want to buy Trent's book, save yourself $4 and buy it used on Amazon.com.  

Friday Freebies

In my on going search to come up with low cost forms of entertainment, I've stumbled upon ABC 7's Friday Freebies report.  Each Friday they publish a list of free activities as part of their "ABC7 on Your Side" segment.  This week, they spotlight the Doo-dah parade in Pasadena, the California African American Museum, and Marina del Rey's Sunday music series.  Click the link and check it out for yourself.

Help Wanted

NPR's Daydreaming is the latest program to be hit by the sagging economy .  Rather than take pity on themselves, the hosts of this radio show have decide to help the rest of us find employment.  Write into the show, tell them about your situation, and if selected they will tell your story on air.  There are certainly stranger ways to find employment!

Read all about it here.

The Price is Right

Have some time to fill?  Bored of the television?  Already finished that new book?  It's time to get out of the house and be entertained.   Here is my pick of the week:

ART LA at the Barker Hanger runs from Jan. 23rd - Jan. 25th, showcasing over 60 modern art  galleries.  Get some culture at the bargain price of $7.50.

Put on your black turtleneck, stick your nose up in the air, and pretend that painting on the wall doesn't cost more than your rent.

Purchase tickets here: http://www.goldstar.com/events/25575.html

Steak for Change

It is a new day in America, and cause for celebration.  Why not treat yourself?  The Smoke House in Burbank is offering their "Beat the Clock" special with 25% off entrees when you dine between 4 pm - 6 pm Monday through Friday and 3 pm - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.  

Fill your belly on the Smoke House's famous garlic and cheese bread, order that filet mignon, and raise a glass to our new President.  

Free for All

Who says that nothing good comes free?  Tomorrow, January 20th, in honor of the inauguration of Barack Obama, Krispy Kreme is giving away 1 free donut per customer.  No other purchase is necessary.  Pick up your donut, pour yourself a tall glass of milk, and celebrate the 44th President.  

Aren't you proud to be an American?

Somewhere That's Green

The streak of good weather continues here on the West coast.  Temperatures this weekend promise to be in the high 70s, low 80s.  My suggestion: grab a blanket, pack a basket of food, and head to your local park.  Not sure which park to visit?  There are 2 websites to help choose from all that L.A. City and L.A. County has to offer.

Bring some reading material, sports equipment, and maybe even your dog.  

http://www.lacountyparks.org

http://www.laparks.org

Shaken, Not Stirred

Lola's on Fairfax offers one of the best happy hour deals in town.  Between 5:30 & 7:30, 7 days a week, they offer $5 martinis and $5.50 appetizer specials.  

Not into martinis?  They offer a $5 special on margaritas, Kir Royale, capaernias, and all house wines.  If $5 is too steep, they offer $3 Bud on tap and $3 Woodchick pear cider.  

Appetizers include mini-burgers, pizza, short rib tacos, chicken spring rolls and many others.

It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world, except for Lola(s).

Sundance Shmundance

Not heading to Park City this year? That doesn't mean you can't create your own film festival.  

Don't forget the classics:  The New Beverly Cinema is currently showing BADLANDS and SUGARLAND EXPRESS.  On January 17th they are starting their Swords & Sorcery Festival for only $5.  And, from January 21 - 31 Peter Bogadanavich will be the guest programmer, introducing many of the screenings.  Take that Sundance!

In the mood for a Western? The Egyptian Theater at the American Cinematheque is showing THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN on Friday January 16th, and GUNFIGHT AT THE OK CORRAL on Saturday January 18th.  

Still not satisfied?  The Aero Theater in Santa Monica is showing a series of French New Wave classics followed by a few days of Hitchcock.  With movies like this and the beautiful weather we're having, who would want to go to the snow?

Alright, alright.  I get it.  You want to be able to schmooze with Industry elite about the fancy schmancy films you're seeing.  Well, Sundance is posting many short films from their shorts programs online so you too can watch them.  Starting tomorrow, you can download 10 shorts at the Sundance iTunes store.

Maybe we'll make it to Park City next year.

Cheap Gourmet

A gourmet meal at a restaurant can cost upwards of $200.  A gourmet meal at home costs upwards of $50.  

Christiane Jork is here to help.  She recently published The 99 Cent Only Cookbook, adapting many recipes from The Joy of Cooking using only ingredients found at the 99 Cent Store.  Talk about being resourceful.  The book sells on Amazon.com for $10.39 new, but buy it used for as little as $7.72 and save enough to make one of Christiane's recipes.

Just be certain to check the expiration date on those packages!  

(And then head to Trader Joe's for some $5 flowers and $2 Charles Shaw to complete the experience.)