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.

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!