January 2008 Archives

Not that there is a piece of chocolate that *wouldn't* make me smile, but the tasty treats sold at Intentional Choclate are even more pleasant to nibble because 10% of proceeds go to charity. Plus each piece is blessed by a Buddhist monk. The company claims its chocoate increases your energy because the cooking process "captures the focused good intentions of experienced meditators" and infuses them into the pieces.

Um, that's cool and all, but you had me at chocoate. A 21-piece box of their Love Trufflesis $59. A 9-piece box is $29. Plenty of time to arrive before Valentine's day.

Reader Sid writes that he recently came across the Gibson USA factory outlet store in Commerce near the Citadel Outlets. He says "this is a HUGE company that supplies most of the dinnerware to Wal-Mart, Target and many other retailers. Not only do they have tons of dinnerware in both open stock and sets at great prices, they've got flatware, glasses, fine china and some great chatckes for your pad!" Sid saw a 16-piece stoneware set for $15 that retails around $30 and says shopping there is like going to Big Lots because you never know what you're going to find.

Unfortunately, the outlet is closed on weekends. Visit them at 2410 Yates Ave. in Commerce. Hours are Mon to Fri 9 to 4:30. (323) 832-8900 x1144. Thanks, Sid!

Today only! Walgreens has a printable coupon for $5 off $20 good in stores only. Find a store near you.

Caveats: excludes alcohol, prescriptions, tobacco, and gift cards.

The Sports Chalet Outlet in Montclair is closing by March and has some great deals, reports BargainsLA. "All merchandise that is already discounted is now drastically reduced even more!" Look for sales on sleeping bags, tents, sportswear and gear of all kinds. The store carries irregular items, factory overruns, and discontinued stuff.

It's not a bad idea to stock up on gear for summer adventures. Visit them at 5057 S. Plaza Lane in Montclair. (909) 624-1372. Hours are Mon to Fri 10 to 7, Sat 9 to 6 and Sun from 10 to 6.

Get $10 off a purchase of $20 or get $20 off a purchase of $75 with this printable coupon for the Express. Expires Sunday, Feb 3, 2008. Also good at the men's store. Find a store near you.

Caveats: excludes jewelry, accessories, gift cards, and redlined merch.

Guess what happens when a famous musician in plainclothes performs during rush hour in a D.C. subway stop? In a beautifully written story about violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, Gene Weingarten of the Washington Post waxes on about this question:

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

-- from "Leisure," by W.H. Davies

Weingarten writes: "Do you hurry past with a blend of guilt and irritation, aware of your cupidity but annoyed by the unbidden demand on your time and your wallet? Do you throw in a buck, just to be polite? Does your decision change if he's really bad? What if he's really good? Do you have time for beauty? Shouldn't you? What's the moral mathematics of the moment......No one knew it, but the fiddler...

Thanks to all the readers who have left a comment on the Bargain Hunter blog. A lot of folks are still emailing me directly with comments, which I enjoy, but that means other readers cannot benefit from your insight! Please consider sharing your two cents on any blog post by clicking on the tiny "Comments" link that appears above each post (but beneath the headline).

If you register I will see the information you provide but only your name will go on the site (unless you want your url to be public). Or you can comment anonymously and only I will see your email address. If you want to email me directly, I'm at julia.scott@dailynews.com.

I'm already craving pizza in preparation for the Superbowl this Sunday, Feb 3. Here's a rundown of pizza deals at local restaurants and major chains. Stay tuned for beer deals!

Domino's has an $11 BFD (Big Fantastic Deal) pizza that includes unlimited toppings on a large pie. You can order online now for Sunday. Menu here. Pizza Hut has 1-topping medium pizzas for $5 each when you order at least 3 pies. They also have online ordering. Menu here.

In Woodland Hills Zanos Pizza, which used to have one of my favorite Lincoln Lunches (it's now $6), has a large 16" cheese pizza for $9. Don't forget to order garlic knots. They are killer. Menu here.

The $14 large Meat Pizza at Papa Johns has bacon, pepporoni, ham, and sausage. Online ordering, check. Menu here. Pies at California Pizza Kitchen...

Newhall Hardware is going out of business and liquidators are clearing out the store, according to a front page story in today's Daily News. The super sale started yesterday, so don't wait too long if you are in need of tools. They are at 24322 Main St in Newhall. Hours are 10 to 6 weekdays, 10 to 5 Sat, and 10 to 3 Sun. Unclear how long the sale will last.

Owner Victor Feany said the store wasn't profitable anymore. He bought it 33 years ago from the original owner, Don Guglielmino. Feany always wanted to run a hardware store. "My dream came true," Feany said. "I had a good 30 years here. I can't complain." Keep reading the story.

Kristin Nelson's kids consignment sale is eight weeks away, but registration to sell your stuff is open, and spots always fill up. If you are thinking of selling your stuff start by reading her consignor guidelines. There are 275 consignors spots. Consignors keep 65 to 70% of their sales depending on whether they volunteer for three hours or not.

The sale is three days, March 28 to 30, 2008. I wrote about her last sale for the Daily News and it was massive, highly organized, and full of great deals. There will over 20,000 items on sale, including clothes, toys, baby equipment, outdoor/sports equipment, furniture, books, videos/DVDs, games, shoes, socks, strollers and maternity clothes, Nelson writes.

The sale is Fri and Sat, March 28 and 29 from 9 to 5 and Sun, March 30 from 9 to 2, when most items are 50% off. The sale is at Seville Hall, 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys, CA 91402. Entrance is free. Cash only.

To get on an email list with updates about the sale email Nelson at lakidsconsignment@earthlink.net and say “add me to the email list.”

Burbank photographer Harvey Branman is taking free artistic portraits of couples that have been together for 40 or more years. He plans to turn the shots into a book with the couple's philosophies of why they’ve stayed married while so many others have not.

If you have been married 40 plus years, Harvey is offering a free portrait session (normally $100) and one 8 x 10 print (normally $75 to $100). If you want more prints you have to pay for them. Prints run from $35 for four wallet size photos to $1,850 for a mounted 40" x 50" portrait. By participating you agree to sign a release that your photo can be used in the book.

Harvey may be able to squeeze you in before V-day, though I don't know if the print will be ready for the holiday. Call to make sure. Check out his other family portraits.

Visit Photography As An Art at 1307 N. San Fernando Blvd. in Burbank. (818) 954-9294. Harvey offers some free tips on improving the outcome of your photos.

There is a massive sale going on at Steve and Barry's in Burbank, a reader writes. The store carries sporty clothes, polos, dresses, the Bitten line by Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker, plus lines by Amanda Bynes and Venus Williams.

Everything is $8.98, apparently! Michelle, who spotted the sale and was awesome enough to let me know about it, emailed that when they mean everything is $8.98 "that means everything, nothing excluded." The sale will end unannounced. There's also a Steve and Barry's at Beverly Hills, but no word on whether they have the same sale. Find a store near you.

Thanks, Michelle!

The furniture chain Levitz is going out of business and prices are really marked down. This is a good thing for Californians because 32 of the chain's 76 stores are in the Golden State.

At the Northridge store prices were up to 80% off, according to reader Christine, who called from the store! She saw dinnerware, dish butlers, armoires, silk pillows, chairs, and down comforters on super sale. A queen sized Pacific Coast down comforter was $66 (orig $219). An "alternative down" comforter was $24 (orig $80). Power strips were $7 (orig ~$20). Online, I spotted the four-piece San Paolo bedroom set, made of dark cherry, above, for $1,500. Wonder how much it would be in the store?

Everything is final sale, no returns. Find a Levitz near you. The Northridge store is at 9301 Tampa Ave. (818) 993-1310. Hours are Mon to Sat 10 to 9 and Sun from 11 to 7. Thanks, Christine!

Get 25% off select bras at Victoria Secret thru Jan 31 with code 25OFF. Not sure if it's case sensitive. Bras in the Body by Victoria, Very Sexy, and Angels line are on sale. A black lace Angels bra is $34 (orig $45). An even sexier bra made of tan lace is also $34 (orig $45). D and DD sizes are a few bucks more.

Free shipping on tabs of $100 or more with code VSHIP100. Browse all the sale bras. Unclear if the sale is also happening in stores. I'm guessing it is. Find a store near you.

A friend in the newsroom mentioned she is trying to plan her wedding on a tight budget, which got me thinking. Who's not on a budget these days? Especially when it comes to parties that can quickly get out of hand, pricewise.

Cheap Chic Weddings has lots of tips for how to save on gowns (sew it yourself or check eBay*), flowers (buy from a wholesaler, arrange yourself), and invitations (use postcards to RSVP and save on postage, do them yourself, nix the outer envelope).

Another great way to save is to tap the manpower and talents of your friends and family. Our friend Benedetti learned a few songs from Amelie (one of my favorite movies) and played them on his accordian during our wedding ceremony. My cousin did our wedding invitations as her gift to us (and them some) and another cousin paid for the postage as her gift. My uncle married us while wearing red hi-top...

(not my actual lunch) A reader named Lisa tipped me off to a Lincoln Lunch at Vallarta Supermarket. Through tomorrow a beef or ham quesadilla with rice, beans, rice and chips is $5 (orig $6). I stopped by the Canoga Park store to check it out and was set on the quesadilla combo when the pupusas called out. Eat me! At $2.50 each I couldn't help the bargain. Plus, I looooove pupusas. I got one with pork, beans and cheese. It is thick and about 5-6 inches in diameter, so pretty big. It came with a generous container of the semi-spicy cabbage/carrot mix that is a delicious pupusa topping.

For another $1.29 I got a *real* Coke, the kind from Mexico made with sugar, not corn syrup. Then for 40-cents I got a custard-filled, powder sugar-covered treat from the bakery, which I have not eaten yet. But I am very optimistic. The line was a tad slow owing to lunch hour rush.

Prices in the rest of the store were a toss up. Granny Smith and Fugi apples were 99-cents per pound (very good), but milk was $3.69 a gallon, fresh squeezed OJ was $4.19 for 64-ounces (high). Spaghetti was 89-cents a package (good) and Cup a Noodle's went for 4 for $1. Find a store near you. Thanks, Lisa!

My hip still hurts when I run. Hubby's car is in $hop. Sigh. The only redeeming thing about my day so far is that the cute swimsuits at Target distracted me for a few minutes. Lots of stripes and string ties and bright colors. I can see the summer light at the end of this rainy tunnel!

Two pieces run $15 to $18 per piece, one pieces are $35. An embrodiered red Mossimo top, above, is $18. A white halter top with black dots is also $18. Haven't made up my mind about the mini-skort bottoms, like this one in hot pink for $18. Great if you don't want to fight the bikini-line battle, but would it come off as too girly? Is it possible to dress too girly? Hmmm. Time for a poll.

Browse Target's one pieces, tankini's but skip the monokinis. Even for LA they are too tacky.

Find a store near you.

Get 40% off the list price of one book that is $20 or more at Borders with this printable coupon. Need to be a member, but joining is free. For some reason, you can only join in stores. I joined and it's painless. They send 1 or 2 emails a week at most. Coupon good today and tomorrow only. Also good at Waldenbooks. Find a store near you.

Caveats: excludes previous and online purchases, gift cards, periodicals, comics, non-stock special orders, coupon books, eBooks, digital downloads, Rosetta Stone® software, shipping, and all electronics, including the Sony® Reader and the Zune™

Find Valentine's Day gifts at up to 40% off at Drugstore.com. Here are some gifts under $25, mostly for women but some for men. An edible chocolate set with three flavors and a brush, above, is $30. The Kama Sutra game sounds like fun or - if you don't need as much help - go for the Kama Sutra weekend kit, which includes Love Liquid, Spearmint Pleasure Balm, Mint Tree Bathing Gel, Wild Clove Bathing Gel, and Honey Dust. Spicy! Both are $20.

They have more traditional gift ideas for her, for him, chocolates and gift baskets, and sensual gifts.

One last tidbit from my birthday Friday. Hubby took me out to see trumpeter Jeremy Pelt at the Jazz Bakery Friday night and the music was fantastic. The band - drums, bass, Hammond B3/piano - was young and Pelt was the only one wearing a suit and tie (with jeans, at that!) But they played like they went way back.

My favorite tunes were Pelt's ballads. He has great ideas and knows how to use space to leave you hanging on his notes. Plus he's got a breathy tone that can caress like an interested lover. I hope he records an album of ballads.

The tickets were not cheap - $30 buck a pop - but because of the rain we got to stay for the second set free. The real deal, however, was the drinks. Microbrew bottles were $3 and $4 each. Each! Even if you are not interested in seeing a show, it's not a bad spot for a happy hour if you brings friends (everyone else is there for the music). The lobby has a few counter stools and parking is free. The club is in the Helms Bakery complex between National and La Cienega on Washington.

If you stay for a show (I'd recommend Brazilian singer Luciana Souza Feb 2) remember that the Jazz Bakery does not have table service - the room seats 150 theater style - but you can bring in as many drinks as you like. No drink minimum, which is unusual for jazz clubs. One note, the room itself it not very polished so don't except the ambience of Yoshi's in Oakland, a top notch jazz club.

BONUS: Students can get half price rush tickets.

Loehmann's, the department store known for its designer discounts, is opening it's first ever men's store on March 4. The 18,000 square foot store is going to be across the street from Loehmann's original Beverly Hills store in the Beverly Connection complex. It will have one very different feature from the women's stores - private changing rooms (normally it's one big mirrored room). I guess Loehmann's thinks men are more self conscious than women. Ha!

Now if only I could get Hubby to go shopping for new clothes! Visit them at at 100 North La Cienega Blvd (2nd floor, Building C). Store hours will be Mon to Sat, 10 to 9, and Sun 11 to 7.

Get a 20% off printable coupon at Big Lots. If you can't see the coupon on the above link, sign up for to be a buzz club member (it's free). Coupon expires Feb 3, 2008. Find a store near you.

Caveats: does not apply to fireplaces or giftcards. Okay then! If you're not familiar with Big Lots, they sell overstock and random stuff, from toys to shampoo to tools. It's always hit or miss.

The deal of the day at Circuit City is a 47-inch Olevia flatscreen HDTV for $1100 (orig $1,600). SImilar TVs but with *different* brand names sell for $1,900 to $2,300 at Circuit City. Since they call it a deal of the day, I'm guessing it's not going to last for more than a few hours.

See what's for sale in the Fashion Bug clearance. A baby doll swing jacket with short sleeves is $15 (orig $37). A lace-trimmed V-neck top is $19 (orig $25). Belted twill pants in black and brown are $11 (orig $37). A satin black and white dress, below with a high waist and spaghetti straps is $18 (orig $50).

Browse all sale items.

Don't forget that Restaurant Week starts today. I still haven't made any reservations but I'd like to eat at Daily Grill, Minx, or Pinot Bistro. My wallet can't handle all three! For those who need a recap on the deal: during Restaurant Week you get a three-course lunch for $15 to $22, depending on whether the restaurant is considered "deluxe" or "premier." Three-course dinners are $25 and $34, respectively. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.

Participating San Fernando Valley restaurants include: AMARANTA COCINA MEXICANA, BUON GUSTO RISTORANTE, CAROUSEL RESTAURANT, DAILY GRILL - STUDIO CITY, MAX RESTAURANT, MINX, PINOT BISTRO, ROY’S RESTAURANT WOODLAND HILLS. In the San Gabriel Valley participating restaurants include: 750ML, BARN BURNER BBQ, EL CHOLO CAFE PASADENA, NEOMEZE, SUSHI ROKU PASADENA, and TWIN PALMS. You can also search for restaurants alphabetically.

Click on the restaurant you are interested in to make a reservation. The deal runs from Jan 27 to Feb 1, and then from Feb 3 to Feb 8 (so, skipping Saturday). Call 877.dineLA1 (877.346.3521) for more details.

A Web site by the National Motorist Association lists speed traps across the country. You can search by state and then by city. In Woodland Hills there is one late night trap just before Topanga Canyon, according to the site. Check if there are any speed traps on your common routes. Thanks, Jen!

Get a buy one get one free buffet meal at Home Town Buffet or one of four restaurants in the chain (Country Buffet, Fire Mountain, Ryan's, Old Country Buffet, ) when you sign up for their email list. Requires you to give your full name, email address, dob, wedding anniversary, and zip code. I'm told they later email you a coupon. Thanks, C!

Women's, kid's and men's shoes are on sale at Payless Shoesource thru Feb 11, 2008. I like this American Eagle hidden wedge heel with a peep toe in brown, teal for $16 (orig $23). A black peep toe heel with floral perforations is $20 (orig $23).

Browse all the women's sale pairs, and what's on sale in men's, girl's and boy's. Find a store near you.

I say it's my BIRTHday! It's my birthday too YEAH!! I turn 30 today. Getting older is not easy, despite the distractions of gifts and hugs and well wishes. Changing two digits is definitely harder than a quick switchero of one. Who even notices the difference between 28 and 29?

Going into my birthday I fortified myself by pointing out that I've never been in such great shape (tho I'm still not wise enough to figure out how I got hooked on running. It's literally just going in circles). But physical benchmarcks - my ass is still tighter than so and so's, I have fewer gray hairs than you know who - don't get you anywhere. Because there is always going to be someone who is just as old as you and has an even flatter stomach or fewer wrinkles. Plus, basing your sense of self on how you look isn't very healthy, yada yada yada.

Instead of hedging my bets on physiognomy, I think back to what my mother said when I asked her at 7 or 8 why were were all here. What's the point of it all? She paused for a second. "To make happiness." You can interpret that a lot of ways, like helping the needy, loving God, or getting toasted. I prefer some combination of all three. And certainly every day I live I learn more about how to be happy. Not just pursue it. That's a pretty cool perk of aging.

BDAY BONUS: I got carded at lunch today! No joke. I squealed to the waiter than it was my birthday and gave him a high five. The cosmo was one of the best I ever drank.

Get half price tickets to Wicked when you buy orchestra seats ($57 to $175) for a weeknight in Jan or Feb. Use code 7WINTER. I'm told code 5WINTER will also work but I did not test that one. Unfortunately, the discount does not apply to all the fees Ticketmaster tacks on. Not sure if the code works over the phone (213-365-3500).

Caveats: discount not good on Feb 14. Thanks, Tina!

UPDATE: A reader wrote with Wicked news: "I tried to buy Wicked tickets with the bargain code ---- on line they only allow you to enter a promo code for tickets costing $95 or less. I tried calling in & they had the $175 seats available but couldn't sell them with the discount code. The code only worked for cheap seats in the rear orchestra." Thanks for the details!

Golden Scissors Family Salon (Tijeras De Oro) in Reseda is offering new clients 25% off all their services, including cuts, color and highlights, hair straightening services, and spa services like nails and facials. To get the discount mention the anniversary special (it's their third year in business) when making a reservation. Expires Feb 29, 2008.

Caveats: Gotta be a new customer. Discount not valid on gift certificates. Note, I have not been to this salon so I can't vouch for it's services. But you can get a feel for the salon by checking out their Web site or by dropping in. They are open Mon to Fri 10 to 8, Sat 9 to 7 and Sun 10 to 3. Visit them at 7325 Reseda Blvd. in Reseda. (818) 609-9999. Thanks, Mark!

Get $25 off your purchase of $100 of winter wear at American Apparel with code WINTER08. Browse all the items in the sale. A long cut sheer T-shirt with 3/4 sleeve and a steep V-neck is $34. Gray winter leggings are $38 and a fine jersey scarf, above, with gray and white stripes is $18. Online only. Expires Feb 6, 2008.

Get 20% off select items, at Leapfrog.com plus free shipping with code WT8VFS. Get 70% off permanently reduced LeapPad, My Little LeapPad and Little Touch LeapPad books. "A gift from big sister" Dora the Explorer book is $4 (orig $13). A Fridge Phonics magnetic set is $16 (orig $20). Sale ends Feb 14, 2008.

Caffinated bargain hunters rejoice. Word on the street is that Starbucks is trying to brighten lackluster sales by selling a cuppa Joe for $1. Of course, it is a smaller cup. But they are countering that with free refills on brewed drinks. If I save my cup from yesterday and bring it in today can I swing a free drink?

But don't rush out to Starbucks just yet. The coffee giant is testing out the new pricing at select stores in its hometown of Seattle. Cross your fingers it comes to LA soon! Or at least before my Christmas gift card runs out.

The entire Jenni Kayne line is 60% off until Feb 8, 2008. The West Hollywood boutique is making room for its spring line and needs to clear the space. Her no fuss collection is full of simple pieces with really long or really short cuts. Note: the vintage and new jewelry sold at the store is NOT on sale. Open Mon to Sat 11 to 7.

Visit them at 614 N. Almont Dr., between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. (310-860-0123).

Pottery Barn's winter clearance sale has lots of discounts on furniture and linens. I like this white and blue floral vase sheet set. Depending on size the duvet is $60 to $90 (orig $80 to $130) and the shams are $18 to $25 (orig $25 to $35). A Montego small bar is $300 (orig $600) and holds 10 wine bottles and at least 10 pieces of stemware, plus it has a small drawer. A red and white striped cosmetic bag is $10 (orig $20). Also many throw pillows, lamps, and holiday stuff on sale. Browse all the sale items.

Caveats: all sales final.

UPDATE: This link broke sometime between when I posted it and when I checked it again today. But this link DOES work. Ignore the one below.

PREVIOUSLY: If you need an excuse to pause - to take a minute for yourself, destress, laugh a little - then don't watch this 30-second video. Just kidding. You should watch it. What is it about? That would ruin the surprise, but I will give you a clue: it has nothing to do with the Lucy picture but it does involve a very cute tongue. Click here!. Note, it takes a minute to load. Thanks, Scottie!

Just checked out the Alley in the Valley, a small collection of mid to upscale discount shops in Tarzana. The Valley Alley recalls the LA Fashion District magnet Santee Alley only in name. Alley in the Valley is much smaller, nowhere near as crowded, and the merchandise is not sketchy. Sulma's Handbags and Accessories had a large table of leather purses between 50% and 70% off, including a small carmel-colored leather satchel priced at $130 before the discount. Bejeweled evening purses were half off. (818) 344-0442.

Next door at My Fair Lady brightly colored cotton pullovers were $12, thick wool sweaters perfect for this crummy weather were $44 (orig $178), and Spanx tops (tanks and strapless) were $38. Leather jackets, the kind with ribbed cotton in the back, were $39 to $89. (818) 881-1651.

Across the alley was Dressed Up!, a dress shop with all kinds of styles, cuts, lengths and sizes. A golden brown taffeta strapless dress by Jessica McClintock was $112.50 (orig $225). A strapless Sue Wong dress with a cream-colored silk underlayer and a black lace out was $160 (orig $320). Fuzzy chinchilla wraps were $247 (orig $330) and so soft I would have dug my face into it had the sales lady not been at my side touting its charms. Seriously, I am still thinking about how the fur seemed to melt on my skin. I may have to take the budget route and buy a chinchilla. All sales are final. (818) 708-7238.

Visit them at 6000 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana, on the east side of the street just south of Oxnard and the Orange line. Call individual stores for hours.

Radio talk show host Craig Crossman endorses a product called the Magic Jack. It lets you make free local and long distance calls to anywhere in the US and Canada for the first year. You can make the calls through your landline or your computer but not your cell phone. The gadget costs $40 and service after the first year costs $20. Magic Jack includes free voicemail, call waiting, three-way calling, and directory assistance. You can try the device free through their 30-day trial.

Read about what phone and Internet connections Magic Jack is compatible with. It doesn't with all area codes or with cell phones. A simple way to determine if this device could save you money is to multiply your monthly landline bill by 12 so you have the yearly cost.

Still seem sketchy? A lot of TV stations and newspapers have reported on the Magic Jack.

Get 10% off an online purchase at Circuit City when you choose to pickup your item in the store. Ends Sat, Jan 26, 2008. Use coupon code FKAR57YAQH. There are so many exclusions it seems they want you to use the discount just for buying a new television set for the Superbowl, Sunday Feb 3.

Lots of caveats: excludes all laptops, desktops, game hardware...

Cool Web site! Rentometer.com will tell you if that monthly check you grudgingly send your landlord is higher or lower than similar apartments in your hood. Enter your address, the number of bedrooms, your rent, and how many apartments are in the building and it creates a map comparing your apartment with others nearby. A plus sign means they pay more than you, a minus sign means they pay less, an equal sign means they pay the same. Click on each sign to see how much your neighbors are paying.

The map it created for me did not list the other apartments in my building, however. The farthest apartment it listed was .63 miles away. Now I'm trying to remember the address for all my apartments going back to college! If I was getting a deal, gosh dang it I want to know about it.

A new Trader Joe'sis opening Feb 29, 2008 in Woodland Hills - where Long's Drugs on Ventura Blvd. between Canoga Ave and De Soto Ave used to be. An employee is taking job applications in the front space, which smells terrible because they are laying the floor in the back. The store is going to occupy the back part of the building and will be a little bigger than the store in Encino. Get ready for more traffic on that stretch of Ventura and stay tuned for opening specials!

My favorite bargain at Trader Joe's is the $3 canvas bags. Great for hauling groceries, beach stuff, packing for a trip, or carrying anything else. Plus every time you use your own bags or reuse paper bags and spend $25 at TJ's you are entered into a grocery giveaway. Sadly, I'm still waiting to win. I find butter, organic milk, yogurt, and a few other items are almost always cheaper than the traditional supermarkets. But watch out for their juice prices and produce. It can add up.

Ate a lemon chicken pita sandwich at California Pita in Woodland Hills for lunch and am fully pleased (no Web site, tho). Unfortunately, I was so hungry I ordered the first thing I saw and didn't notice three Lincoln Lunch options until it was too late.

My pita was $5.99 and totally worth it. It came hot and wrapped in a tinfoil cone. Chunks of lightly grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes spilled out the end. A layer in I ran into a yellow mustard-based sauce. Normally, nothing repels me as quickly as mustard does. Gross! But this sauce grew on me and by the last bite I was glad it was there. The pita was warm, chewy, thick and pocketless. Perfect for a rainy day. Only complaint: chicken wasn't lemony. If the quality of the Lincoln Lunches (falafel, falafel burger, and dolma) rival the chicken pita, I would recommend them.

The scenery is not as good as the food, however. The dining room is bland and very open. But the tables were clean and well stocked with napkins. Once I ordered the wait for a server to bring my food was minimal. Service was eh.

Visit them at 21753 Ventura Blvd. (818) 999-1118. Locations in Sherman Oaks (15053 Ventura Blvd), LA and Brentwood. The eatery got four positive reviews on Yelp. What is a Lincoln Lunch? Answer.

The Budget Fashionista found five pairs of heels worthy of prom for less than $30.

A pair of black lace pumps with undertones of pink or silver are $15 at Target. A pair of strappy birdcage heels, above, are $23 at Payless. Patent stilletos in black, silver, white and turquoise are $25.50 at Alloy.com. For a little more support there's a lowish black strappy heel from Rampage for $30. A tall gold heel is $30 at JCPenny.

Listen up guys! Valentine's day is just around the corner and there's a good chance you have been blissfully unaware of the hints your sweetie has been dropping. In case you really are hard of hearing, here are some tips for giving a gift that says 'I adore you' without breaking the bank.

TIP 1: Write, gosh dang it! I had one high school boyfriend who wrote me letters - long rambling ones that he hand wrote - and for that a small part of me will always love him. (Of course, he did break my heart by not showing up at 2 a.m. on the agreed upon night for a joy ride in my Mom's Jetta, but let's stay on message.) A few simple sentences can go a long way. If you are word challenged search PoemHunter.com for the ode that says it all. (The keyword search "romance" produced 176 results.) Another option is to use the lyrics to your favorite love song. Tell your girl this poem by Insert Name Here reminded you of her. Note: not noting the source borders on plagarism, which does NOT lead to sex.

TIP 2: If you're already getting into her panties, or near them, underwear is a gift that can get you there (again). Just remember not to buy anything way out of her league. If she only wears plain white cotton full coverage undies, a skanky red thong may not sit well with her. You can push the envelope, just don't...

Linens -n- Things has a selection of towels, shower curtains, and bath accessories on clearance. A 20-piece bath set includes two big towels, two medium towels, and two small towels, a matching shower curtain and plastic liner, plus 12 hooks, for $50 (orig $100). White ceramic bath accessories are $8 to $20 (orig $12 to $40), including a soap dish, toothbrush holder, lotion dispenser, tissue cover, tumbler and trash can. A cheerful shower curtain with green, blue, and white horizontal stripes is $15 (orig $30).

Browse all clearance items. Unclear when the sale ends. Find a store near you.

Amazon.com has a decent selection of Sci-fi movies that are half off. Planet of the Apes - the Legacy Collection is $25 (orig $50) and includes four DVDs. Predator is $10 (orig $20). Hmmm, some of these DVDs are awfully old and I'm wondering if the original prices aren't inflated to make the discount impressive. A quick check at Tower.com shows the same Apes set selling for $44 and Predator is $10. Judging on those two, the Amazon prices are good to standard.

Get 25% off one item at Barnes & Noble with this printable coupon. Online use coupon code D8H8E4H. Expires Jan 27, 2008. Find a store near you.

Caveats: not good at their college bookstores, or for buying gift cards, gift wrapping, or a few other things. Read the fine print by scrolling down.

Actually, what I did last weekend: played in LeiOut 2008, the three-day Santa Monica beach Ultimate Frisbee tournament (hence my absense Monday). Here are action shots of me laying out for the disc. It's definitely as fun as it looks!

Awesome pics, Dan!

Get free shipping at Sephora with a tab of $25 or more using code BEAUTY25. Usually you have to spend $75 to get free standard shipping. You also get three free samples of creams, perfumes, and other beauty aids with every order. Free returns up to 60 days after purchase.

Get a free two-week pass to Bally Total Fitness, which includes access to their classes, online weight loss program and a one-on-one session with a personal trainer. Requires you to give them your name, address, email and phone number. Not sure when offer ends. Find a Bally's near you.

Caveats: must be 18 years old. Only one free pass per year.

Through Jan 26 JC Penny's optical sale offers 70% off frames (25% off brand name frames) and 25% off all lenses and lens options. Buy any kid's frames and get the lenses free for kids under age 16. Advance Acuvue and Oasys brands of contact lenses are buy three get one free. Check the vision plans they accept and find an optical center near you. Print the coupons here.

Think Netflix for audio books and you have Simply Audiobooks. Get a free 30-day trial at the lending service, which has more than 22,000 titles, using code DAILYCANDY. Not sure if it's case sensitive. Choose the “1 at a time, unlimited” option at checkout for the freebie. They only lend you one audio book at a time so listen fast! Search their catalog. I'm currently reading "One Thousand Splendid Suns" by the guy who wrote "The Kite Runner" and it goes by quite fast.

Pottery Barn Kids is having a sale through Jan 31, 2008 on bedding, toys and accessories, furniture, Christmas and seasonal stuff, baby clothes and curtains. A sea themed crib mobile is $19 (orig $59), kid-sized rocking chairs are $99 (orig $139) and come in honey or red, and the retro sock monkeys making a comeback are $19 (orig $39). They also have sock lions and sock elephants.

Find a store near you.

Today only, Sizzler celebrates it's 50th anniversary with a buy one get one for 1-cent sale on its 8-ounce steaks. Find a restaurant near you. Nuff said!

Caveats: offer available for dine in only, and is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Available at participating Sizzler locations in the US only, while supplies last. Offer not available in Utah or Puerto Rico.

Get 20% off one item already marked down as part of the Final Sale at Banana Republic, which has markdowns up to 70% on clothes and accessories. Use coupon code SHOPSPRING at checkout to get the extra discount. For free shipping use code WELCOME, though I'm not sure if there is a minimum purchase required. Unclear when either expires. When I tried to test the codes the site kept saying I didn't have anything in my basket after I added a pair of cordoroys, so be warned that the site is acting wonky. Hope the codes work for you!

A faux animal-print shrug is $80 (orig $268). Red polka dot satin slippers are $20 (orig $68).

I'm taking Monday off - Martin Luther King Day - to play the greatest sport on earth. Not baseball, not football, not foosball. Ultimate Frisbee. It's the last day of a three-day tournament where dozens of teams from around the country play Ultimate in the sand just north of the Santa Monica pier. I'm going to swallow a few Ibuprohen horse pills for my ailing hip and cross my fingers.

The beach version of Ultimate Frisbee is simple (and does not involve dogs): co-ed teams play five on five on a field that resembles a football field with an endzone at either end. A team gets one point when one of their players catches the disc in the endzone. Games are usually played to 15, but that can vary. Players can throw the disc anywhere within bounds but have to stop moving when they catch the disc. It's a fast, non-contact sport that is great fun on the beach because laying out (when you dive in the air to catch the Frisbee) does not hurt much in the sand. At least, not nearly as much as it does on grass, like in the picture.

I'll try to post Monday morning, but no daily digest that day. Be back bright and early Tuesday.

Just in time for Valentine's day Frederick's of Hollywood is having a clearance sale. Lingerie starts at $5, gowns, robes and jammies are $10 to $45, sexy tops start at $10, misc closeouts start at $2! Browse all their categories.

Their Anywhere Cami is $10 for purple and $13 for red (orig $24). A shorty silk robe in lots of colors is $15 (orig $43). Free shipping on tabs $95 and up.

Title Nine, the clothing and gear catalog for sporty women, has some super cute threads in the most recent catalog. Often their stuff leans towards plain and bulky, but this time I spotted two adorable items. A pair of orange city slip ons are $75 and also come in stone. An organic cotton and spandex halter dress is $55 and has a built in shelf bra. Comes in dusk blue or an impressionistic flower print with shades of blue, brown and orange. The dress looks like it would work for an outdoor party, date, day at the beach, or for work (with a cardigan or shoulder wrap). If I had the rack to pull a halter off I would totally buy it. $55! Note: the print looks a lot cuter up close in the catalog than online.

Get 10% off a purchase of $199 or more at Circuit City through Saturday. Note there are a LOT of exceptions. In store use coupon code 70Y44C010211876326. I'm not sure if the 0's are zeros are "o's." Online or over the phone (800-593-4361) use coupon code PUA6J27A7U.
Some online deals for iPods and laptops.
Find a store near you.

Caveats: excludes GPS navigation units, Bose, Polk, Infinity, Velodyne, Kicker, MTX Thunder, KEF, Denon, Polaroid, Olevia, Element, Vizio, Apple, Zune, Verizon Wireless, cable and DIRECTV services, notebooks, desktops, PC software, outlet, music, movie, game hardware, Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3 instrument bundles, City Price products, Clearance products, pre-paid cards and Circuit City gift card purchases.

Have you heard about the American Apparel Community Store? It's basically an outlet, and a very pink one, according to BargainsLA.

"Their outlet store or aptly named Community Store is right on the factory premises. Savings here average 30%-40% with a few items up at 60%-70%off and one or two made especially for the store. The bulk of the store is factory overruns and remaining product. Most items are first quality but they also carry factory seconds, irregulars and damages." Stuff marked orange is slightly damage product and about 25% off, a red mark means the item is more seriously damaged. A green or white tag means the quality is equivalent to what's in stores.

Visit them at 747 Warehouse St. in Los Angeles. (213) 488-0226. They are open Mon thru Fri 9 to 7, Sat 10 to 2. Lots of parking.

The folks at Marvin's Vacuum in Canoga Park are offering 10% off bags, belts, cleaning products, and repairs just for Bargain Hunter readers. Mention the column to get the discount, said general sale manager Greg Helm. The company has been in business for nearly 40 years and carries a variety of cleaning supplies and service built-in vacuum systems, Helm said. They also rent rug cleaners and floor polishers, sharpen scissors and knives, and make keys.

Visit them at 8342 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Canoga Park. They are open Mon thru Fri 9 to 6, Sat 9 to 5, and are closed Sundays. (818) 340-1181.

To celebrate it's first birthday, the online gaming company Kabillion is giving away five Wiis. It's open to anybody who registers on their site (requires you to create a username, password, give your dob, gender, email, first name, city, state) and choose one of nine online characters, called an avatar. No purchase is necessary. They send you an email, you click on the link, and bingo, you are entered into the giveaway. The chance to enter ends Jan 31, 2008. Drawing is in Feb. Wiii comes with the game Code Lyoko: Quest For Infinity.

Toys are the last thing your kid needs so soon after Christmas, but why not buy toys ahead of their birthday or stock up for future parties your kid will be invited to? With markdowns up to 60% during the KB Toys clearance sale, the hardest part will be finding a place to hide them. A 100-piece Yukon Express train set is $17 (orig $80), a Little Tykes junior quad bike that goes up to 1.5 mph is $50 (orig $100), and a Change 'n Go bag is $30 (orig $50). There's also a good selection of soft football helmet hats for $15 (orig $25) and tons more toys. Prices good through Feb 4, 2008.

Through Jan 19, 2008 get 15% off furniture orders of $125 or more at Target.com. Check out their furniture selection. I like this Sweden bed made of cherry veneer for $178 (orig $210). A tall media shelf is $119 (orig $140). Sale is online only.

Caveats: excludes gift cards, gift wrap, tax, or shipping and handling charges, does not apply to partner businesses or Amazon.com product purchases.

You can also get free shipping on tabs of $50 or more thru Jan 29, 2008 when you make a purchase in these categories: apparel, shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, bedding, rugs, slipcovers, window coverings, home décor, lighting, baby gear. Look for the “free shipping with minimum purchase” logo on qualifying items.

Dee called up to recommend her longtime jeweler, Denny Lesser Jewelers in Chatsworth (no Web site unfortunately). He charges $4 for a new watch battery, much lower than the $10 standard. Lesser sells "very unusual" pieces, creates custom pieces and sizes rings. Dee said his prices are very low and when I called to chat with Denny he confirmed that his shop sells wholesale to the public as a way to stay competitive with the big chains. His prices are 1/3 to 1/2 lower than what you will find at chains, he claims. Lesser has been in business 38 years.

The store got two glowing reviews on Yahoo. Visit them at 9927 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth. (818) 772-4278.

Get 25% off at Footlocker, Lady Footlocker or Kids Footlocker online with no minimum purchase. Use coupon code EMCP8F3L when checking out. Expires Jan 21, 2008. Check out their shoes, clothing, and accessories.

Find a store near you. Thanks Nolemon!

Time to update the list from Consumer Reports magazine about when is the best time to make certain purchases. Here's what they recommend for January and February:
Beddings, CDs and DVDs, cookcare, houses and condos, linens, swimwear, toys, treadmills, TVs, winter clothing, humidifiers, indoor furniture, and small consumer electronics.

March and April: Humidifiers, TVs, winter coats, winter sports gear, digital cameras and spring clothing.

Enjoy the "low" gas prices while they last, says oil expert Tom Kloza. He predicts pump prices will keep falling until Superbowl Sunday. "But like my beloved Giants, I would urge you to enjoy the run while it lasts. The pleasant times could persist for weeks, but I fear it will end badly." Expect the crap to hit the fan in February or March. Last year we hit the bottom on Jan 29, at $2.143/gallon, then steadily fattened up by 50% to hit a high of $3.21/gallon by Memorial Day weekend, Kloza said.

There is hope, if only in the short term. We may see prices fall below $3/gallon if we shop around and buy from off-brands. My Momma told me...to check LosAngelesGasPrices.com to find cheap gas.

Just to be safe, Kloza throws in this caveat: "I’m not an economist (although I occasionally play one on TV) but as far as fuel prices go, I’m pretty confident. We’ll be back on the up ramp later this quarter, thanks to the typical manifestation of petronoia."

Some people think of everything. Christine Silvestri thought of the solution to when shopping is overwhelming. Too many stores to choose from! She leads shopping tours of LA and Pasadena, according to a story in Tuesday's LA.com. Silvestri points her clients to a mix of boutiques, bargain basements, and high end stores that have the best merchandise, even if they don't look appealing from the outside. She tailors groups for girlfriends, men looking to buy something for their sweetie, and mother-daughter duos.

Silvestri has a neat trick when the group is starting to stray. "All I have to do is yell 'shoes' really loud and it brings everyone to focus on me in no time at all," she said. She charges $36 to $54 per person depending on the lunch spot. Visit her Web site to make a reservation or call (213) 683-9715.

Puttin' the caveats right up top on this one. I have not been to this salon so I cannot vouch for the quality of its services. That said, a free hair color is a free hair color and Yossi's Salon in Woodland Hills is offering them to new clients until March 3, 2008. Yossi said he got 1,000 packages of dye from Wella and is passing on the savings to new customers. Normally he charges $65 to $75 for a hair color. Of course, once you go into the salon they are likely to try and sell you other services. If you've been to Yossi's let us know what you think by leaving a comment (a tiny "comments" link appears beneath each post).

Visit them at 5349 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills. (818) 227-9667.

All the jewelry at Gabriela de la Vega is 25% off with code dc0108, but prices are up there to start. However a splurge may be in order because it is getting close to Valentine's Day. BEFORE the discount, a pair of garnet baby drop earrings are $130. A simple but striking red coral necklace on a 22-inch chain is $480. They also have necklaces with a tiny key pendant in sterling silver ($150) or gold ($550 and up). Note, the pages load slowly. Unclear how long code is good for.

Choose one of four free trios of skincare samples with a $25 purchase at Estee Lauder online. They include anti-wrinkle, prevention, even skintone, and lifting/firming "solutions." All include a 10-day sample of the coveted Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex. Use code WRINKLE08, PREVENT08, EVENTONE08, or LIFTING08 depending on which one you want. Expires Jan 31, 2008.

A story from Bankrate.com via Yahoo says no. Phew. Here's why: "The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, mandates that all gasoline meet certain standards for detergent additives that combat potential deposits on an engine's valves. In addition, gasoline is periodically tested at the pump to make sure it meets minimum octane ratings for regular, mid-range and premium levels."

So the cheap stuff meets EPA standards, but it may differ from what's coming out of the pump at Chevron or Shell. "At the fuel depot, where gasoline from the refiner is dispensed, a lot of brands mix in their own formula of additives that they say goes beyond what the federal government requires...Gas companies that meet these standards include QuikTrip, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, MFA Oil Company, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, The Somerset Refinery Inc., Aloha Petroleum, Tri-Par Oil Co., Texaco, Petro-Canada and Sunoco-Canada." Makers of cars like Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen suggest drivers use gas that meets standards above those set by the EPA.

You can also buy gas additive for a few bucks. Bankrate does the math: "So, a 20-gallon fill-up at a Chevron or another Top Tier station that costs 10 cents a gallon more than the rate at Joe's bargain gas means a driver would pay $2 more to get those additional additives. Assuming one such fill-up a week, a driver would save $104 a year by buying at Joe's, a savings that would more than cover a twice-a-year purchase of a bottle of detergent additive."

It's that time of year again when Staples *really* appreciates your business and has a printable coupon for 12% off "almost everything" in its store Jan 20 to 26, 2008.

Caveats: excludes personal computers, laptops, phone cards, gift cards, and stamps. Good on in stock items only, no price matching, and cannot be combined with Staples Rewards programs. Find a store near you.

Check out the lastest issue of ShopSmart magazine (think of it as the cuter sister to Consumer Reports magazine, more fun but still *really* informatative). It lists a few companies you can feel good about buying from. Most of them you've already heard of: Ben & Jerry's, Tom's of Maine, Kettle Chips, Cliff Bar, Stonyfield Farms, Timberland, Seventh Generation, Burt's Bees, Patagonia and Ikea.

For each company the mag lists a few reasons why they are eco-friendly. For instance, employees of Seventh Generation can get $5,000 to help them pay for a hybrid car or to make energy efficient home improvements. Stonyfield Farms gives more than 10% of its profits - more than $10 million last year - to environmental causes and has saved enough energy to power 4,500 homes. Cool! A few smaller businesses are also listed: Frog's Leap wine (the vineyard uses organic grapes and is 100% solar powered), and EcoFish.com which only buys and sells sustainable seafood that is free of additives and chemicals. Guilt free shopping. Now if only they could take care of buyer's remorse.

A whole bunch of linens and home goods are marked down during the Linens -n- Things' sale, going on thru Jan 23, 2008. All pillows are buy one get one half off, Preston bath towels are two for $10, and two shoe racks are $20 after a $10 rebate. One is a four-tier wood shelf, the other is a 10 racks high and holds 30 pairs. Three Yankee Candle fragrances are 25% off, including sage & citrus, buttercream, and home sweet home. Lots of other home deals. Look for a 20% off coupon in your local paper (usually on Sundays). Find a store near you.

Hehe. Hehe. This $11.40 shirt is cool. At least, that's what Hubby and all the other computer geeks in the world will think when they see this shirt for sale on ShirtADay.com. The deal is that a lot of Web sites are known not by letters but numbers. The combination 127.0.0.1 takes you back to your own homepage, according to Tech-Faq.com. So it's like clicking your red sequined heels together three times and going...hoooooomme.

SmartBargains.com, online seller of overruns and goods from last season, is having a $100 suit sale. All suits are $100! Consider a pin dot black crepe skirt suit by Kasper (orig $280). It's basic making it perfect for work, but made of polyester and rayon (not as good as wool). I also like this silk-blend taffeta blazer with matching black taffeta skirt from ABS by Allen B. Schwartz (orig $250). It has a slight frill around the hem and a silvery blue blazer that spices things up. Can pass at work or out on the town, perhaps even a wedding. There's also a good number of pantsuits, including this three-piece number from Nine West that has pinstripes (orig $250).

Doesn't look like there are any men's suits. Unclear how long the sale lasts.

Driving up La Brea Avenue to get to the Grauman's Chinese Theater the other day, I spotted this license plate on a silver Lexus ES 350: IL SUE U. A proud lawyer driving, eh? But a cheap one, apparently. My evidence: said driver has not fixed the front fender on his fancy wheels, leaving me to conclude that he/she is both money grubbing and cheap. You must make your Mom so proud. Okay, enough whinying about lawyers!

I ate the most incredible thing last night, a mochi from Trader Joe's. It's basically the Japanese version of a bon bon: a ball of ice cream with a coating. But here's where the creators of the mochi totally outdid the creators of the bon bon. A mochi is covered in a soft, chewey rice-based dough, making it not very cold to hold while you nibble away. The chocolate coating in a bon bon starts to melt *and* it makes your fingers white with cold. Not fun. A six pack of mochi's sells for $3 and they come in chocolate, strawberry, and green tea. Eating one made me feel almost as good as being able to run again after two depressing long weeks of not running. I have to thank a friend of Hubby's cousin Maggie for introducing me to the mochi while eating dinner at Hama Sushi.

So here's a poll. What do you prefer, traditional bon bons, mochi's, or plain ice cream? Vote for mochis!!!

Hanes. If you are only thinking of underwear right now it's time to expand your horizons. The company famous for their underoos also sells T-shirts for men and kids, plus tops and dresses for women. Bras, too. Which means a 50% off one item code good at Hanes.com means more than just a dollar or two off. I like this scoop neck peasant top for $10 (orig $20), great for the beach, a lazy weekend, or layering.

Use code 50OFF1 when checking out. The code may be case sensitive and it's unclear when it expires. Get free shipping on tabs of $50 or more. Note the Hanes Web site is super slow now, so give it time to load.

I am currently guilty of carrying around...let me count...nine gift cards, plus an extra Starbucks card at home. I'm guessing you are only slightly less guilty than me. But watch out for stores that slowly chip away at your gift card balance, warns a story from Stateline.org. "...some cards come with expiration dates or maintenance fees that make using them a hassle. For example: Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s gift cards expire two years after they were last used. Shell’s gas cards impose a fee of $1.75 each month after a year of non-use. The All-Access Visa Gift Card charges a processing fee, a $4.95 monthly fee after the first year, and 50 cents just to check the balance of the gift by phone."

But not all is lost. The story continues "...30 states have some sort of limitation on expiration dates or fees, while another seven require that fees and expirations be disclosed." Stores such as Barnes & Noble, Blockbuster, Kmart and Toys “R” Us have dropped their expiration dates and service fees.

Pay special attention to prepaid cards like those from Visa and American Express. They can be used at any store but have the highest processing fees, monthly service fees, and expiration dates, the story says. "Even without card fees, retailers are still raking in money because many gift cards never get used. Nationally, about 10 percent of the value of gift cards is never spent, and in 2006, that added up to $8 billion."

A friend told me Express is having a major sale. A pair of jeans she paid $55 for a few months was marked down to $21! Racks of discounted shirts and pants were on sale even more than the tags reflected. Prices online don't reflect the sale so you have to shop in stores. Their site is doubly lame because you can't actually shop on it, just look at the goods. Find a store near you by clicking on the upper right hand corner of their site. Get 15% off when you sign up for their email (link is at the bottom center of their site.) Unclear how long the sale lasts. Thanks, Karena!

Restaurant Week in LA starts Jan 27 - soon! During Restaurant Week you get a three-course lunch for $15 to $22, depending on whether the restaurant is considered "deluxe" or "premier." Three-course dinners are $25 and $34, respectively. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. Participating San Fernando Valley restaurants include:
AMARANTA COCINA MEXICANA, BUON GUSTO RISTORANTE, CAROUSEL RESTAURANT, DAILY GRILL - STUDIO CITY, MAX RESTAURANT, MINX, PINOT BISTRO, ROY’S RESTAURANT WOODLAND HILLS. In the San Gabriel Valley participating restaurants include: 750ML, BARN BURNER BBQ, EL CHOLO CAFE PASADENA, NEOMEZE, SUSHI ROKU PASADENA, and TWIN PALMS. You can also search for restaurants alphabetically.

Click on the restaurant you are interested in to make a reservation. The deal runs from Jan 27 to Feb 1, and then from Feb 3 to Feb 8 (so, skipping Saturday). Call 877.dineLA1 (877.346.3521) for more details.

Hold the presses. Netflix is now offering unlimited movie downloads for all but one of its membership plans, according to a story by the Seattle Times. It used to be that movie downloads were tied to how much you paid for DVDs in the mail each month (the more expensive the plan, the more hours you could download). Now, just as Apple is about to start selling movie downloads for $4 a pop, Netflix is offering this massive cherry on top of its already sweet prices. I'm totally signing up, despite the four-week free trial code for Blockbuster. At the top of my list is the HBO series Six Feet Under. I'm so out of the TV loop because I've never seen it.

Caveats: Netflix's $5/month plan for one DVD at a time, limit two per month, still only includes two hours of downloads. Darn, that's about as many movies as I have time to watch each month.

Check out the Barnes & Noble after holiday clearance sale. Books are 50% to 90% off, including classics like Wuthering Heights ($3, org $6), the Odyssey, and Aesop's Fables. The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary is $13.50 (orig $30). Calendars are 50% off. One by Georgia O'Keefe is $6.60 (orig $13) and a "Bad Cat a Day" calendar is $6 (orig $12).

Some discounts on music,DVDs, home and office stuff, and toys. But the best deals are in books and calendars. Believe it lasts through Feb 4, 2008. Find a store near you.

Their sale on all sorts of electronics ends Tuesday, so don't delay if you still have your eye on some gadget. Save up to $200 on HD DVD and Blu-Ray players, and get up to half off on home audio systems. Save also on HDTV's, gaming system accessories, home theater projectors, digital cameras, MP3 accessories, gaming software and computer accessories. Ipods are on sale, including a refurbished 2GB Nano for $110. Looks like the sale is only online.

Imagine Eileen Fisher but more woodsy, homey. That's Garnet Hill, a New Hampshire company that sells home goods and clothes with an emphasis on comfort fabrics like linen and wool blends. Their sale and clearance offers 25% off sheets, plus discounted women's clothes, and a decent selection of discounted Eileen Fisher threads. A versatile cropped linen cardigan is $106 (orig $168). Also check out their cashmere sale, which includes cashmere gloves for $24 (orig $40). A belted sweater vest is $24 (orig $88)

Home Depot has select orchids half off Jan 18 to Feb 7, 2008 with this printable coupon. The only two orchids on the Home Depot Web site are both $50 but I bet there are lower-priced options in the store. Find a store near you.

Caveats: one per person and only certain plants are part of the sale.

If there's one thing I wish I could change about my apartment it would be the lack of framed artwork. I step into our neighbor's pad and a few framed prints make a world of difference. We already have decent couches (brown leather, from Macy's) and the place isn't too cluttered so it could benefit from art. (Even I'm tiring of the three small oil paintings I made in a class years ago. A canvas of two-dimensional yarn - how did I convince myself to put that on the wall?)

The Web site Ezine articles suggests looking for cheap framed art at estate sales, auctions, consignment stores, and Internet sites. I visited TheFind.com, a site that list all sorts of items - not just art - according to unbiased and objective product rankings. I.e. not by how much retailers have paid to get a high ranking. Dozens of pages of results for a "framed art" search included a variety of traditional, modern and abstract pieces by known and lesser known artists. A lot of it seemed cliched, but then again, this is not the place to find original art.

I think I could look at Andy Warhol's piece, "Portrait of Maurice," or a black lab, for a long while. It is $199. A print of Farbstudie Quadrate, 1913 by Wassily Kandinsky, is $195. So how do you know if you should buy a piece of art? My friend Rachelle said her Dad told her that you should only buy a piece of art if you want to look at it everyday for the rest of your life. Of course, lower prices give you more leeway. I think that pooch poster is worth five years, at least.

UPDATE: This coupon has expired. If anybody still has a link to it that works, let me know and I will post it.

PREVIOUSLY: Get $10 off any houseplant at Lowe's until Jan 31, 2008 with this printable coupon. Coupon is intended for folks who sign up for Learn2Grow, an online gardener's resource club with emails about products and growing tips. Signing up requires sharing your name, email, phone number (I use a fake one - there's no garden tip so urgent I need to be phoned), and password. You can opt in for their newsletter and choose which gardening topics interest you. Find a store near you.

Get 20% off your tab of $100 or more at the online dance supply store Danskin. Their clothes have appeal for the yoga, gym, and sporty set. They have a small selection of triathlon gear. Danskin also sells leggings, which seem to be making a comeback. Use code NEWYEAR8 when checking out. Not sure if code is case sensitive and it's unclear how long it is good.

A "backless" bra with light support and clear plastic straps goes for $26. I like this wicking skort for $46, in pink, black and white that would be good for lots of sports. A wrap mesh skirt to slip on over a swim suit is $40 and comes in hot pink, aqua blue, and black.

UPDATE: The REI clearance sale has some decent deals. Look hard for bargains because some of the stuff is not marked down all that much.

A pair of women's Merrell cross training shoes that look good for light hikes are $70 (orig $100). A sharp sporty jacket with a high-collar from Clive is $160 (orig $225). Also a lot of camping gear on sale, cycling gear, and snow stuff. Browse all their sale categories here.

REI's January clearance begins Friday with prices 25 to 50% off on winter footwear and slippers, outerwear, cycling and fitness clothes and blankets. Scant details on the Web site but I will keep you posted. Sale is in stores and online. Find a store near you.

Get $10 off a $40 purchase at Aeropostale stores with this printable coupon. Not good online. Expires Jan 31, 2008. I've not shopped much at Aeropostale but I get the feeling the clothes are about as cheap as Old Navy but cuter. Kind of like a preppie version of Charlotte Ruse or Hot Topic. Great for basic pieces and teens who want to get the latest. Aeropostale is currently having a "bulldog" sale with pajama tops and bottoms from $7 to $10. Sweaters are $10, camis are $6 to $10. Trousers are $10 to $15. Browse all their sale categories.

Find a store near you.

I blogged about this in late October but seeing how a lot of folks buy new computers and electronic gizmos for the holidays, it's high time for a reminder about Costco's trade in program for consumer electronics. They take digital cameras, computer monitors, fax machines, printers, desktops, MP3 players, camcorders, laptops, game systems and PDAs. Online you can get an estimate for how much your stuff is worth by entering the manufacturer and gadget-specific info like size/year/computing capacity. They verify the value when you bring it in, then mail you a Costco Cash Card, which takes four weeks to get. The card can be used towards membership fees or merchandise. Even if your old machine ain't worth nothing they will still recycle it for free. But where does your old crap go? Not a landfill, according to their policy. Thanks Marie-Helene!

Caveats: gotta be a Costco member.

Get a free flatbread sammie (normally $2) at Quiznos when you buy a fountain drink and chips. The sammies are taco-sized and come in four variations: sonoma turkey with pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo, bistro steak melt with thinly-sliced black angus steak, mozzarella and mild peppercorn sauce, alpine chicken with bacon, swiss and ranch dressing, and the Italiano with Genoa salami, pepperoni, capicola, mozzarella and basil pesto. Check out their sammie menu. Unclear when the deal expires. Remember to bring in the coupon. Find a store near you.

(not my actual lunch but very close) The all you can eat pancakes meal is back at IHOP. A Lincoln fiver gets you five large pancakes, hot and fluffy and smothered in butter. Just what the doctor ordered. I made it three-and-a-half pancakes through my stack and all were delicious. The waitress asked if I wanted more (could have brought them home in a to go bag) but I decided not to test IHOP pancake longevity.

Normally a five-stack is $6. Upgrades are available if you crave cheap, fried meat. (An odd, meaty flavor lingered after eating a strip of bacon off a friend's plate. Perhaps it had just been sitting around too long.) My esteemed colleagues, perhaps envious of my full belly, inquired how much individual pancakes would have cost. A three-stack is $4.50, which comes out to $1.50 per pancake. So ordering five pancakes for $5 only makes sense if you eat 3.333 of them. Thank god I had that last bite, pushing me to a consumption total of 3.5 pancakes! Some quick math: 3.5 pancakes x $1.5 per = $5.25. I saved a quarter.

Few other Lincoln Lunch options on the menu, however. An order of onion rings will run you $4, a small house salad is $3.29, and a bowl of soup is about $3.60. Not exactly filling choices. For six dollars you can get two pancakes, scrambled eggs and hash browns, tabasco included. Read their menu here. Find a location near you.

Today until Sunday, Jan 13 get an extra 30% off stuff that's already marked down at Bloomingdale's online and in stores. The 30% off is automatically taken off the discounted price you see when you add it to your cart. Browse the selection of sale women's clothes, shoes, handbags (limited selection), accessories, men, and kids.

A Sutton stretch velveteen jacket that goes perfectly with dark jeans, above, is $92 (orig $181). A pair of Frye button flats look comfortable enough to walk a mile in and are $60 (orig $128). A three-piece zebra print makeup bag is $14 (orig $20 and makes a great gift for a gal pal.

Caveats: not valid on Bloomingdales.weddingchannel.com, excludes gift cards, beauty, gifts, electronics, cosmetics, fragrances, and home (including furniture and mattresses). Certain designer and brand exclusions.

The Budget Fashionista has a list of five things every woman should have in her lingerie drawer. The list is very basic to the point it misses one item, which I've added to the list.

"1. A pair of Assets. Fact: Even the most slender of us women can benefit from a little “packaging” (ask Jennifer Love Hewitt). Assets, sold at Target and made by the same folks who make spanx, hold you in at about half the price of the more expensive brand.

2. A half slip. Here’s why you need a half slip: manufacturers are not lining dresses anymore, which means there’s little protecting you from an unfortunate mooning incident on a windy day. Also, don’t underestimate the effect of lighting conditions in different locales. The slip doesn’t need to be pricey (pick one up for next to nothing at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx)—it just needs to be the right length. Too long and you’ll look like you don’t just shop in the bargain basement, you actually live there.

3. A basic black (or flesh colored) bra. White bras are great, but we all know that sometimes they show, and that’s not a good look on any one. A simple flesh colored bra is a necessity and if you’re unable to find one that is close to your skin tone, then try a basic black bra.

4. A camisole that can double as a bra. This means a camisole with some reinforcement—lyrca-type fabric and/or a built in shelf bra. These bras are a great alternative on days you don’t want to wear a bra and/or when you want to have a little extra covering underneath a low cut sweater.

5. A pair of basic flesh-colored nylons. Yes, we know your Granny has these too, but they do come in handy from time to time, especially if a) it’s kind of chilly, b) you haven’t shaved, c) for more conservative environments like a job interview and/or church."

6. Something that lets you know you still got it. The importance of having an item in your dresser drawer that puts a spring in your step can't be underestimated. Whatever it is, it should make you feel bada BING!

Now that my new computer has arrived (the old one was broken in so many ways, both screen hinges cracked, the DVD player never worked, it couldn't print...) and it has a working DVD player, I'm desperately seeking a free, extended Netflix trial. Two weeks is standard, I want more!

Hubby suggested I check Fatwallet.com and browse their forums "because there are people with nothing better to do." Um, Hubby, I am one of those people. Perks of being a blogger!

Turns out he checked their site before I did and found nothing extended for Netflix but a code for a four week free trial at rival Blockbuster. Promo code 90430 works but the extension is only reflected in your next bill date, so it's a little sneaky. Unclear how long the code is good for. Blockbuster also lets you return a limited number of the receive-in-the-mail DVDs to the store if you pay extra.

Note a few differences between Netflix and Blockbuster should you choose to keep going after the trial ends. Netflix plans range from $5/mo to $24 and include hours you can download a movie directly to your computer without waiting for one to arrive in the mail. Blockbuster plans range from $4 to $35 with upgrades to exchange movies in the store, i.e. instant gratification. Think about your movie watching habits before you choose a plan.

Look for mondo deals at Talbot's and Pacific Sunwear of California in coming months. A USA Today story reported that Talbot’s will close its 78 kid’s and men’s stores by September 2008 to focus on its core customer, women 35 and older. Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. is planning on closing its remaining 154 demo stores "as soon as practical." Look for going out of business sales at both chains. Find a Talbot's near you. Find a Pacific Sunwear near you.

While gathering quotes at the Citadel Outlets in LA I spotted Da-Nang, an unfamiliar store with cute, trendy clothes. Da-Nang describes their threads as surplus indo-chine and it couldn't be more accurate. I saw lots of army green fabric with frayed edges and super soft worn-in textures.

A faded green skirt with a hint of pleats and two inches of red embroidery around the waist band was $49. A cotton jacket in black, purple-gray, cream, and army green with a short collar, a tight column of metal buttons and delicate Asian embroidery was $79. Then the sales girl informed me that everything was half off. Cha-ching! Sadly, the jacket didn't fit where it needed to. There was a great selection of cargo pants for $25 and up, including some so soft I wondered it they were made of silk. The prices in the store were drastically lower than the retail tags.

Shopping at Da-Nang was really...

Seems there's no shortage of outerwear sales going on. EMS has a winter sale going on now thru Jan 22, 2008. EMS brand fleece jackets are 50% off, sweaters, insulated footwear and EMS glov es and hats are 30% off, and there are also discounts on cold weather sleeping bags and snowshoes, goggles, and helmets. This women's sleeveless hoodie fleece is $30 (orig $60). Tempting, very very tempting.

CityMommy.com posts this notice of a free talk/workshop on "Finding the Right Kindergarten for Your Child" this Thursday at Wicati, a children's clothing boutique in Los Angeles. "The Speakers are Christy Bergin and Tanya Anton and they are experts in both public and private school options in Los Angeles." The session is from 6:30 to 9pm. All merchandise is 10% off the night of the event, except for the large number of sale items still available from 50-75% off. Snacks and wine will be served. Read a little more about the event or RSVP by emailing eve@wicati.com.

Visit them at 2318 Westwood Blvd. in Los Angeles.

I've heard there are wildly cheap prices for prescription glasses online so I decided to investigate. I won't be buying for myself as my current pair has a relatively new prescription (yes, my eyes are still changing) but I am considering getting contacts. As much as I like my current pair for everyday stuff, when I get dressed up to go out on the town they make me look like a lawyer! Not my goal.

Anywho, 39DollarGlasses.com has dozens of pairs for - surprise - $39. The NY company says they have such low prices because they save a ton of money operating only online. A plastic pair similar to mine are $39 (I paid about $130 for them), and with my light prescription the total came to $64, including an extra $25 for anti-reflective coating. Single vision reading glasses also start at $39, bifocals with a line start at $79, bifocals without the line starts at $89. Once you choose the type of lenses, there are these optional add-ons: high-index lenses are $50, tints run $10 to $60, polarization is $50 and polycarbonate polarization is $89. Glasses come with a hard case.

My last bill from Lenscrafters for the prescription only was $128 (complete pair about $250). Yowza! For your next pair I'd recommend browsing in stores to get a good idea of what you want, perhaps even take pictures of the frames you like with a digital camera, then check online to see if you can find something similar. No brand names here, but a decent selection. Sunglasses too!

At the bottom of their home page you can read about their return policy: "We unconditionally guarantee all our frames and lenses to be delivered exactly as they were ordered and free of defects." Read about the eyeglass materials.

No publicity is bad publicity, right? So I'm stating the obvious. I have a new blog photo! In the old one nobody could tell I was looking through a storefront window for a bargain - most people thought I was a peeping tom. Riiiiiight. What happened was that when I was getting my picture taken (never fun) you couldn't tell I was behind a window because it was plain glass - there was no contrast. So we used the sunburst pane. Some bargain hunter trivia for ya. I hope the new photo is a little more obvious. Me + money = savings! The new pic will also run with Monday's column.

A few coupons at the home furnishing store Restoration Hardware. Get 10% off of previously reduced merchandise online with coupon code H08AGS10 until Jan 13, 2008. Or get $100 off a $400 purchase online or over the phone thru Jan 14, 2008 with coupon code HEMJP801. Coupons may not work with items already marked down during their bath sale, when everything for the bath is 20% off (until Feb 3, 2008).

Both coupons had high rates of success on retailmenot.com, where you plug in a store name and see if they have any appropriate coupons. Find a RH store near you.

Magazine.com has an offer for $5 off Women's Health ($10), Highlights for Kids ($25) and Time ($11). Plus, using eBates you will get 25% back on your purchase. Read more about eBates here. If you haven't already signed up for eBates use my email as a referal, julia.scott@dailynews.com, and we both get a bonus. $5 discount ends Mar 31, 2008.

Some tips from MSNBC on paying off that horrendous credit card bill you racked up last month! 1) Lock up your credit cards. That way you eliminate impulse buys and force yourself to part with cash every time you buy. Keep the cards stashed until you've got your bill under control. 2) Just buy what you need. Duh. We all *wish* we could do this, but with a loaded bill double your will power by asking yourself if you truly need the item up for consideration. Give yourself a fighting chance by avoiding stores in the first place. 3) Lower your interest rates. If you pay your bills mostly ontime you probably get a million credit card offers. Check their teaser rates for balance transfers but be careful about the conditions that could jack up your rate. 4) Pay it off! Just paying the minimums is not a good strategy. The MSNBC article crunches the numbers - and they are scary! "Say you owe $8,000 on your credit cards at an interest rate of 19 percent (many people with significant debt owe much more and are being charged interest rates in the 25 percent to 30 percent range). If you pay the minimum...

Ends today. Get free shipping from Eddie Bauer with no minimum purchase. Use code JANFS8. Not sure if it's case sensitive so try all caps. A lot of their gear is on sale, including women's outerwear, men's gear, bags and gear, and bedding. I like these twill cargo pants for him in brown, light brown, and dark brown, for $40 (orig $60).

Get big savings on your purchase at Lane Bryant with this printable coupon, good thru Jan 13, 2008. In stores the coupon gets you $15 off a purchase of $15 or more, $25 off $75, $50 off $150, or $75 off $225 or more. The same discounts work online - except the $15 off $15 - with coupon code 025007343. Can be used once per customer. Find a store near you. See if you can use this coupon during LB's big sale.

Caveats: excludes outlet purchases, Perfect price Everyday Items, 5 for $25 panties, and the brands Right Fit, Goddess, Fantasie, Le Mystere, Natori, Bravado, Gloamorise and Spanx.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Fo shizzle. There's no ifs, ands, or butts about it. And it's not too early to think about buying one for your favorite gal. V-day is 5.5 weeks away. Look now, find a sale and you will have plenty of time for the slow cheapo shipping.

A quick guide to buying a diamond is available at BlueNile.com, online seller of baubbles. Pay special attention to color (D is best and the scale goes down to Z, with anything worse than J being considered low quality). And clarity (how many scratches or trace minerals a stone has, which reduces its sparkle). The other "c's" are cut and and carats, plus you should consider certification and shape (round, oval, pear, etc).

SmartBargains.com is having a sale on their diamond stud earrings (mostly in the H to J color range). At BlueNile.com you can build your own ring, earrings or pendant. Jewlery.com has a good selection of pendants under $100. A 10k gold tinkerbell pendant with diamond accents, above, is $99.

Get a free sample of Vera Wang's Princess perfume by filling out this quick questionaire. Requires name, address, email, dob, and asks you a few questions about the perfume and cosmetics you buy.

Caveats: Must be 14 year old, limit one per household, takes 4 to 6 weeks to get to you.

Lane Bryant's "have is all" sale is on, with much of their clothing 50% to 80% off. A vibrant pink button down top with black sash is $16 (orig $40) and also comes in red, blue and green. An a-line velvet dress with beading on the neckline is $28 (orig $70). Sleepwear is 60% off. Cacique bras are buy two get two free and Cacique panties are 5 for $25. Find a store near you.

See if you can stack coupon code 000209168 when checking out for an extra 20% off.

The educational toymaker Discovery Toys is celebrating its 30th birthday with markdowns up to 60% off thru Feb 19, 2008. The company sells its toys online or you can make an appointment with a consultant to see the toys in person. In the sale brochure I spotted a monster truck rocker for 18-months up to 100 pounds for $40 (orig $80), on page four. A girl's ladybug costume with skirt and wand was $15 (orig $30), on page five. Many more books, games, and craft projects on sale.

Discovery also sells toys for autistic kids. Read about the company.

Toys R Us has a buy one get one free on a small but good selection of Blu-Ray DVDs. High School Musical 2 is $30, Pirate's of the Caribbean: At World's End is $33, Simpson's Movie is $36. Other titles include Spiderman 3, Hairspray, Fantastic 4, and Surf's Up. Prices good to Jan 12, 2008. Find a store near you.

Much of their furniture is marked down up to 50%, like a three-piece bedroom set that includes a queen-sized canopy bed, dresser and nightstand for $699 (orig $1,497). The Morgan Chair, a modern upholstered seat with clean lines, is $199 (orig $249). A two-door glass cabinet, good for displaying dishes or books, is $399 (orig $499). Also a lot of end tables, bookshelves, plus a few sofas, entertainment shelving, and wine displays.
See all their sale furniture.

Visit stores early for best selection. Find a store near you. Furniture prices good to Feb 2, 2008. They are happy to give you a line of credit and no payments until Jan 2009 if you spend more than $699.

Victoria's Secret online has a few swimsuit for $10 to $25, including this two piece string bikini for $10. A red floral two piece is $12 and a sunburst floral bikini that ties in the middle is $14. Straight forward single-color bikinis are $19 and come in 11 colors. Browse all their bikinis (sale mixed in with full priced). Get free shipping on clearance swimsuits with code SP89253.

Search for bras and underwear during their semi-annual sale, when bras are $13 and up and underwear is $4 and up.

Here's a cool coupon for $10 at Eddie Bauer online. Looks like there's no minimum purchase. I tried coupon code NPSTRCLS on a pink pajama top that rang up for $22 (orig $30) and the coupon shaved $10 off. Try combining the code with items marked down as part of their winter sale. Unclear when it expires, but don't wait because really good discounts like this do NOT last.

(no relation to post, just a cool drawing) Vicky's Deals is a small deal site with household coupons and freebies. One cool feature is that she lets readers post coupons, but that means there's a lot of unnecessary rambling. Not like Slickdeals.net, which gets nearly all its coupons from readers but presents them in a neat, concise fashion. Also, without photos her site tires quickly. Vicky's forums page lets readers react to her deals and post their own sales. They put the most recent comments on top so scroll down to find the coupon. I tried to sign up for her daily email but the system wouldn't accept it. Her coupons today are a free rubber stamp at iPrint, ShoeBuy coupons, and a Baby Gap coupon for $15 off $75. Can you tell I'm lukewarm about this site? There are others that are much better.

For once Woot is not sold out when I check their site. But each day's item is only for sale for one day and they go fast. At midnight they start selling a new product. Today's item is the Honeywell ceramic space heater with remote for $26 +$5 shipping. Amazon has it for $50. Woot.com's pitch for their product is funny enough to post here:
"How many times has THIS happened to YOU???

Your spouse: Time to go to my aunt’s house for dinner.
You: Eh, I’d rather not. It’s too cold over there.
Your spouse: I want a divorce.

We all know people who just won’t turn up their thermostats – although we WISH we DIDN’T! Now there’s a SOLUTION - a solution called the Honeywell SureSet Ceramic Heater! Take it along when you visit that chilly cheapskate in your life, use it to warm up your billiard room, or keep it in your cubicle! Then watch what happens as your life gets a whole lot WARMER!

Your boss: Did you finish those reports?
You: No, I was too busy setting up my new Honeywell SureSet Ceramic Heater.
Your boss: Well, don’t get too comfortable – I’m making you my new vice-president! You’ll need that heater in your corner office!

But that’s ONLY the BEGINNING! The remote control lets you adjust, readjust, and threeadjust the temperature from ACROSS THE ROOM, while the programmable thermostat, auto shut-off timer, and oscillating sweep work together to keep you WARM! Heat up your home, your office, and your LIFE with the Honeywell SureSet Ceramic Heater!

Your child: My therapist has really helped me realize how horrible my childhood was, and how it’s mainly your fault.
You: Maybe this Honeywell SureSet Ceramic Heater will help.
Your child: I love you, Daddy or Mommy!"

Read the mostly positive comments about this heater on Woot forums.

Found a few things worth noting in the Pottery Barn catalog that arrived yesterday. Two types of bar shelving, one that holds 6 bottles of wine and one that has wire racks to hang glasses, are $40 each (orig $55 each). They come in black, brown, or white. A bronzed tree that holds cards or photos in its leaves (like a fancy French memory board) is $30 (orig $89), and measures 27 x 3 x 34 inches. I think the 3 inches depth is mostly at the bottom where the trunk sticks out. I don't see the exact tree online (try ordering over the phone at 800-922-5507, product 23-9243528) but there is a similar one for $35 (orig $39). For those Christmas fiends, a set of 4 twig reindeer place card holders are $14 (orig $29). It comes with 20 cards that you write someone's name on then the reindeer holds it in its antlers. Search all their sale stuff.

Reader Dee sent in this glowing recommendation for Guido's Pizza & Pasta. "One of my favorite neighborhood eateries in Sherman Oaks has been remodeled to accommodate indoor seating and offers several coupon specials, including a Dinner for 6 for only $22.86 and a pasta dinner for 2 for only $13.86 - they make the BEST pizza in the Valley." Guido's specials do indeed include a dinner under $23 (scroll down to the bottom right) that claims to feed 6 with a large, one topping pizza, any pasta order, a large dinner salad, a calzone, bread, and one garlic bread. Gotta print the coupon from the above link. Expires Feb 6, 2008.

Read the whole menu. Free delivery in limited area with $10 tab. Visit them at 14056 Burbank Blvd. (818) 787-7070 in Sherman Oaks/E Van Nuys. Many more locations around the Valley.

The trendy clothing boutique Rumor is having a massive sale. Haven't been to it but called to confirm these details: everything in the store is 50% off including shoes, handbags and jewelry, and four racks of threads are up to 70% off. Rumor is making way for spring merchandise. They carry brands like LaRok, Walter, Karen Zambos, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce Vita, and Andarei. Sale ends Sunday. These double good hoops are $56 before the sale.

Parking in back. Open 10 am to 7 pm. Visit them at 13325 Ventura Blvd., b/t Fulton & Dixie Canyon Aves., Sherman Oaks. (818-981-4762).

The fancy schmancy kitchen store Sur la Table is having their annual winter sale with select kitchen equipment marked down 20 to 50 percent. These categories are 20% off: white ware, gadgets, and placemats. See all the sale categories. A set of 4 oval ramekins great for creme brulee or snacks are $5.56 (orig $7). An elegant crystal lead-free decander is $24 (orig $30). A set of 8 south of the border Mexican spices comes in neat little tins, above, for $10 (orig $40). Spices include Achiote Seed (2.5 oz), Epazote (.85 oz), Canella (.40 oz), Chipotle Chili Flakes (1.4 oz), Ancho Chili Powder (2 oz), Mexican Blast (.80 oz), Fajita Seasoning (2.5 oz.) and Adobo (4.0 oz).

Unclear when sale ends. Find a store near you.

He is sick as a dog but still a hard core bargain hunter. While filling two prescriptions yesterday, Hubby noticed a sign at the entrance to CVS offering a $25 giftcard for each new prescription filled there there. He waited for his meds then asked about the discount while being rung up. An employee told him it had already expired so he paid his bill and asked to see the manager. Hubby explained to the manager that the sign still advertised the gift cards and showed his receipt. The manager said they would take down the sign and gave him a $50 gift card. Score!

A lot of chain pharmacies are offering specials to attract customers away from the remaining independent pharmacies. Rite Aid will give you a $20 gift card for transferring a prescription. Look in the Sunday newspaper ads for more offers. I feel like I see them almost every week.

None of the ads tell you what coupons are actually *in* the 2008 San Fernando Valley coupon book, so I'm spilling the beans.

Shalimar Cuisine of India - buy one lunch or dinner entree and get one free up to $13
Tarzana Hand Car Wash - hand wash, tire dressing and polish was for $10 (save $9).
The Stand - 2 for 1 Stand Dogs
Auntie Anne's - buy one pretzel get one free
Baja Fresh - $5 off a tab of $15 or more
Subway - buy one get one free 6-inch sub
Fatburger - buy one get one free with any item on the menu (freebie is cheaper of the two)
Cavaretta's Italian Deli - same deal as Fatburger
Maggie Moo's - same as Fatburger
Movie tickets at the Mann - $7 each (some limitations)
Movie tickets at Regal Theaters - $6 with limitations, $7.50 each no limitations
Dodgers - buy one get one free for an infield or lower level ticket
Footlocker chains or Champs or Footaction - $10 off a $50 purchase
50 free prints at Snapfish, 30 free prints at Shutterfly
Ace Hardware -$5 off an $25 purchase
Harbor Freight Tools - 15% off any single item
Longs Drugs - $5 off an purchase of $25

A reader reminded me to check out their online deals, which include even more restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. I also got 3 mags free for 3 months for registering my card, which gets me deals at certain locations. The SFV book is still $15 with free shipping.

If you're not within driving distance of the $4 calendar sale (3 for $10) at Pegasus bookstores in Berkeley, I know you are burning up with desire to get a cheap 2008 calendar.

You could try a 99-cent store. Hubby went by one yesterday and found the selection limited to black labs, those old fashioned black and white pics of little kids where one has a daisy and a yellow hat, and girly calendars. He happily replaced last year's black lab calendar with a new black lab calendar. Poses include closeups, side profiles, running dogs, and leaping dogs. All black. All labs. That calendar goes in the study.

Judy Zwolak, a blogger for Suite101, also has a few suggestions. Overstock.com has a good selection of wall calendars mostly in the $8 to $10 range with a few exceptions. Office depot has a $10 monthly wall calendar and Vista Print has a wall calendar you can customize with your own photo for each month that goes for $13 plus shipping. Great for grandparents!

UPDATE: Calendars.comhas some 2008 calendars half off. Use code CSDOWN8 for an additional 20%. Get free shipping with code CCUSFS27. Slickdeals.net lists some additional codes which you may be able to stack:
MS815 for 15% off
EM157 for 15% off
TFFS8 for 10% off AND free shipping
FS9358 for free shipping
Hope it works for you!

If you are a member of 24 Hour Fitness, the smoothie chain Jamba Juice will give you a free Fit 'N Fruitful or Protein Berry Workout smoothie when you sign up for Jamba's email list. Print out the coupon they give you after signing up and bring it into Jamba with your 24 Hour gym membership card. Find a Jamba Juice near you.

Have you noticed stores are tightening their return policies? Costco changed their liberal return policy to 90 days for electronics, and many others have followed suit, according to a story from the Associated Press. "Sears, Roebuck and Co. maintains a broad 15 percent restocking fee, introduced in 2005 on select items including home appliances, electronics, and sporting good not returned unused with full packaging. Plenty of stores also track customers' returns, blacklisting "serial returners." Dworksy noted that bucking the trend was the nation's leading consumer electronics chain Best Buy Co., which liberalized its holiday returns policy this year. It now allows returns on all goods until Jan. 31. Previously, computers were excluded, some other items needed to be returned by Jan. 8 and still others by Jan. 24"

There are many exceptions. REI has an incredible "100% satisfaction" return policy that I fear will one day go the way of the dodo. My sister tested their committment to this policy by returning a pair of 10-year old hiking boots. One boot had a hole in the sole and so she was no longer satisfied, she told the cashier. The fact that she had put hundreds of miles on these boots didn't stop her from taking them back, or the cashier from giving her a full refund!

I know where I'm going to spend my lunch break. Designer shoes are up 33% off during the Nordstrom winter sale. A pair of Keds' skimmers (those flimsy flats so popular with teens) are $26 (orig $40), a pair of brown leather Facade Paige boots with creases, above, are $87 (orig $130), also in black. These funky pumps by Irregular Choice add pizazz to the standard jeans and top combo, below, for $55 (orig $110). Tons more good shoes on sale online and in stores. Find a store near you.

Get 15% off with this link to a printable coupon for one 'baby item' at Babies R Us thru Jan 13, 2008. You can only print it once so be ready when you click through the link. Caveats: some exclusions apply, see coupon for details. Find a store near you.

Alaska Airlines has a discount code for 20 percent off a few routes, including Burbank to Vancouver, BC, Orange County to Oakland or Seattle, and from Los Angeles to Cancun, Guadalajara, La Paz, or San Francisco. Gotta travel between January 15 and February 28, 2008 and book by Jan 6, 2008. Book online and use code EC00108.

Caveats: blackout dates are January 18, 21-22; February 15, 18-19, 2008. Code cannot be applied to your home airport. (How bizarre is that?)

You can also stretch your frequent flier miles for trips before Feb 14, 2008. Certain routes between California and Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Canada require 15,000 miles for a round-trip ticket (normally requires 20,000 miles) or 7,500 miles for one way (normally 10,000 miles).

With this burst of warm, dry weather it's hard to think about needing warm clothes, but we are due for a storm Thur night so keep this sale at Eddie Bauer in mind. Winter gear is discounted up to 50 percent. A women's embroidered jacket in black, brown or white is $80 (orig $118). Browse the women's sale, men's sale, the bags and gear that are marked down, and sale bedding. Unclear when the sale ends. Find a store near you.

A story yesterday in La.com had tips from Barbara Dally, an image consultant who makes up stars for TV. She has some vaguely useful tips for doing your own makeup (always keep foundation neutral: Load on mascara or color on lips, but keep your makeup soft). Soft? I guess you need to know a little bit about makeup to start. What caught my eye was her tip for buying makeup on a budget. The story reads "Dally recommends these drugstore finds: Loreal lipsticks; any of the facial products, especially serum, from Boots Botanics, a U.K. line; and Chanel or Prescriptives foundation or mineral powder."

if you are already familiar with eBates.com, which has automatic rebate deals of 1 to 25 percent with hundreds of stores, Cashbaq.com will be easy to digest. At Cashbaq you register for free, click on one of the 500 stores they have rebate deals with (like 3 percent at Banana Republic), then four to five months later you get a check in the mail - a verrrry long wait. (eBates is 3 months). Cashbaq gives you $5 just for signing up while eBates gives you a $10 gift card once you sign up and make a purchase through their site. (Use my email, julia.scott@dailynews.com, in the "Anyone referred you?" box, and we both get a bonus!)

So who has the better deals? A quick comparison of a few stores with the eBates rebate listed first, following by the rebate at Cashbaq:

Target 4% ..... 5%
Home Depot 4% ..... 2%
Best Buy 1% ...... 1%
Gap 3% ..... 3%
Amazon.com coupons only ..... coupons only

So in some cases it might make sense to shop at one versus the other. But it would be nice to have all your checks coming from one place so they are easier to remember. See what works for you.

Through Jan 27, 2008 buy one frame at Aaron Brothers and get a second frame for a penny. The second frame doesn't have to be the same as the first. The sale is in stores only, not online, and applies only to the frames in stock, on sale or at full price. This sale may be the one I need to finally get my wedding pictures developed and up on the wall! Find a store near you.

Caveats: does not include custom frames or digital photo frames.