June 2008 Archives

Get a $10 credit to buy online music at Rhapsody.com if you are one of the first 100,000 people to create an account with them. The credit is good through July 4, 2008 and requires you to register a credit card. Create an account here.

Rhapsody plans to start selling music a la carte (99-cents per track or $10 per album, just like rival iTunes). But unlike iTunes, once you download an MP3 from Rhapsody you can copy it as many times as your ears desire.

The site started as a music subscription service that charged $15 per month to download an unlimited amount of music onto your MP3 player. For $13 a month you can listen to an unlimited amount of music from your computer but not put it on your MP3 player. I believe they will still sell the subscription service in addition to a la carte pricing.

Want to take your sweet stuff out on the town but lack the dough to finance a big excursion? Consider these 50 frugal date ideas from The Money and Fitness blog. Some of the ideas are old hat - going for a walk, ice skating - so I'm listing just the best ideas below.

+ Cook dinner together for someone else
+ Volunteer together
+ Go to a minor league sporting event
+ Take him or her to happy hour
+ Watch the stars at night (print a free star map here.)
+ Give each other massages
+ Visit a historical site
+ Go out just for dessert
+ Rent a new Wii game (if you have a Wii)
+ Fly a kite
+ Rent a rowboat
+ Go to an art show

Thanks, Frugal Dad!

Many retailers are announcing sales as part of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend. Yay, we get Friday off!

At Sears, appliances and vacuums are 15% off and many tools are on sale. Garden items and Kenmore grills are also marked down. The sale ends Tuesday, but I'm guessing another one will pop up for the holiday.

Get your grill on with a three-burner Kenmore grill that has 767 square inches of cooking space, above, for $250 (orig $330).

Find a Sears near you.

Get 20% off nearly everything at Babystyle now until July 6. Some brands are excluded, see below.Use code FIREWORKS20 to get the discount.

A black dress with white embroidery around the neck for little girls is $26 before the discount. A pair of navy blue board shorts with submarines, above, is $25 (orig $32) before the discount.

Caveats: Online only. Costumes and gift cards not eligible for discount. Cannot be combined with other promos or discounts and no more than one coupon can used per order. Not valid on the following brands: Baby Jogger Company, Britax, Bugaboo, Citizens of Humanity, Eberjey, Habitual, J Brand, James Jeans, Juicy Couture, Maclaren, Maxi-Cosi, Mustela, Medela, Nest, Oeuf, Orbit, Paige Premium Denim, Peg Perego, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Quinny, Stokke, Storksak and Timi & Leslie.

TopButton.com is all about high fashion, which often means high prices. But the site highlights sample sales and other special events where designer threads are slightly more affordable for regular folks like me and you.

The shopping events tab from their home page lists sales inLos Angeles, New York and San Fran.

For LA, the site lists a Beverly Hills liquidation sale for very high end handbags like Gucci and Prada. Cash only. Oh my.

You can also search for sales by zip code and type of sale. Most of the listings are for sales that have already started.

A MapQuest survey of 1,001 Internet users found people have dramatically changed their behavior and lifestyles because of high gas prices. Some of the changes people are making are drastic!

- Due to soaring gas prices, 94% of consumers have made lifestyle changes

- More than 80% of respondents are forfeiting day-to-day activities and changing their spending habits

- Nearly one out of ten consumers are stopping or cutting back on medications

- 19% are giving up heating and air conditioning

- 18% are resorting to paying the minimum balance on credit cards and delaying bill payment

- 66% of consumers say gas prices have caused them to alter vacation plans

- 34% have canceled vacation plans altogether

- 24% of consumers are turning to the Internet to search for cheap gas prices

- More than half of respondents intend to utilize websites to determine the cost difference between driving and flying when planning their next trip

- 78% of those surveyed feel that the Federal government should step in and set limits on gas prices

- 27% of consumers believe oil companies are to blame for continually rising prices

MapQuest worked with the online marketing agency DMS Research, which interviewed 1,001 Internet users age 18 and up between June 5 - 11, on the survey.

Here are links to all the deals in Monday's column.

Disney deals

$10 dinners

Salon 35% off

Eats 60% off

Bargain Hunter daily digest (plug your email into the upper left hand corner)

Free outdoor movies

Free hands-free device

Thrift store in Oxnard

Double trouble

Closet cash

Amazon has various pet beds on sale, with prices ranging from a few dollars off to significantly reduced. A fuzzy grey pet bed that doubles as a carrier liner is $4.60 (orig $18). A colorful bone-shaped puffy bed is $7 (orig $25).

Kitties will find a cozy place to nap and hide in this bed carved out of a football, above, for $29 (orig $35). This is so cute it makes me want to get a cat!

There are many more beds, pillows, and resting places for big and small four footed friends. Unclear when the sale ends.

Get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more at Walgreens Friday, June 27 only. Some caveats. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: excludes alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, prescription co-pays, gift cards and pre-paid cards. One per customer. Sales tax does not count towards the $20.

Find a Walgreens near you.

A colleague at the Daily News recently highlighted venues that show outdoor movies and many of them are free! Here's the list, minus the ones that cost moolah:

Big Free Outdoor Movie Night, Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. (818) 622-1111.

"The flick is free even if the parking isn't. This being Universal, expect mostly family fare and some characters to show up as well. The Thursday night shows start at 8 p.m."

The line up includes "Horton Hears a Who" (July 3), "Hairspray" (July 10), "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie," (July 17), "The Simpsons Movie" (July 24), "Transformers" (July 31), "Shrek the Third" (Aug. 7), "Annie" (Aug. 14), "Curious George" (Aug. 21), "Grease" (Aug. 28).

Movies in the Park, Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 704-1358.

"An addition to its cousin, the popular Concerts in the Park, the Saturday night movie series gets under way with preshow at 7 p.m. and screenings as dusk."

The line up includes "Hairspray" (July 19), "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (July 26), "Sleepless in Seattle" (Aug. 2), "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (Aug. 9), "Field of Dreams" (Aug. 16), "Enchanted" (Aug. 23), "The Lion King" (Sept. 6).

Old Pasadena Film Festival, One Colorado Plaza and various venues throughout Old Pasadena. (626) 564-1066.

"While the annual One Colorado Plaza does its salute to Audrey...

It seems more and more important these days to calculate the cost of a trip down to the last penny. AAA has a fuel cost calculator that takes into account your car's make, model and mpg, but none of the other associated costs of driving, like insurance, wear and tear, which adds up to about $.50 per mile.

I created this chart to help you figure out which travel method is cheapest. Print the chart here (requires Adobe).

Cost of Flying
Ticket(s):
Cab or bus to get to the airport:
Driving to the airport (miles x $.50/mile):
Car rental, if needed:
Airport parking fees:
Drinks/snacks on plane:
Total:

Cost of Driving:
Miles to drive x $.50/mile:
Hotel stays, if needed:
Meals on road:
Tolls:
Total:

Remember to consider the travel time each method takes. Start from when you leave your house until you reach your final destination. For some travelers, taking the bus may be the cheapest and best option.

A Burbank hair stylist is offering new customers 35% off all hair treatments now until July 22, 2008. Make an appointment with Sossie at Dream Beauty Supply, Salon, and Spa and mention the Bargain Hunter to get the discount.

Take 35% off these prices: haircuts are $35+ and includes shampoo and conditioner but not blow dry, color (roots only) is $45 and includes shampoo and conditioner but not blow dry. Color (single process) is $55+, a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment is $20+, a blow dry is $15+ depending on hair length.

Sunkist highlights are $45 for 6 to 8 foils but the blow dry is not included, partial highlights are $65 and the blow dry is not included, full highlights are $110 and the blow dry is included, relaxer (roots) is $65 and blow dry is not included, relaxer (whole head) is $110+, Japanese and European straightening is $300+, body waves and perms are $65+, hairloc hair extensions are $200+, updos are $65+.

Whenever a deal sounds too good to be true I always like to confirm the discounted price over the phone and then in the salon before the process begins so everyone is on the same page.

Visit Dream Beauty at 3001 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. (818) 913-2793. Monday to Saturday 10 to 6. If Sossie does not pick up remember to leave your number clearly on her voice mail so she can get back to you.

LA's Best Coupons is a site that has scanned copies of coupons from weekly mailers and local flyers. They have deals in a wide range of categories, from hair salons to restaurants and laser hair removal, but unfortunately a lot of them are disappointing. I'm also wondering if retailers will accept the coupons because they are scanned.

A link promising a "99-cent breakfast" at Joseph's Delicatessen in Tarzana is actually a buy one get one for 99-centsdeal. A link to "Target coupons" just takes me to the retailer's homepage.

On the other hand, if you have time to sift through the site and are patronizing these businesses already, I would think you could make the coupons work for you.

The Design Within Reach summer sale has tables, umbrellas, planters, lighting, chairs and other outdoor furniture up to 75% off. Most of the discounts are much less, however, and given only when you buy multiples of the same item.

A coated steel Hee Chair in green or yellow, above, is $98 (orig $200).

DWR devotees should put July 28 on their calender. That is when when floor samples go on super sale - up to 50% off - to make room for new inventory. The best bargains will sell out quickly so don't delay. Find a DWR near you.

Soon after posting an item yesterday about discounted Disneyland tickets a reader wrote in to say she knew about an even better deal. Her secret? MouseSavers.com.

The site is devoted to everything Disneyland and it has a lot of information about buying cheap tickets. I like that they are upfront about letting you know that it's almost impossible to get one-day discounted tickets (unless you live in So Cal and have a work hook up). "Even with a discount, you're probably going to have to pay 92-95% of full price in most cases," they say. The savings do add up, however.

MouseSavers has a link ARES Travel, which sells 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for $179 for adult and $149 for children ages 3-9. That's cheaper than tickets through Disneyland.com ($184 for adults, $154 for kids). It is not as cheap as Costco, however ($139 for SoCal residents).

I haven't been to Disneyland since I was about 16 and I'm waiting until my sister comes to visit with her burly brood. Without kids I'm worried that the magic will be gone for me. The wildly over-priced food will disgust me, the river will seem nothing more than a glorified duck pond, and the sugary churros won't melt in my mouth (re-heated, fried-yesterday dough, anyone?). Worst of all, everything will seem so small.

But with my three nephews in tow, I'll see the park through their eyes and everything will be as magical as the marketers promise, err, just plain magical.

Thanks, Rein!

The Valley Village thrift store Lucky You Resale wants to help you clean out your closet. They are buying jewelry, silver and summery clothes bought within the last two years that are in good condition.

Bring your threads to their store or make an appointment for them to come to your house. House visits cost $50 an hour but you get a $50 store credit when you sell them at least that much. They schedule appointments before 10am or after 6pm everyday and all day Friday. Make it a quick visit by laying out all the clothes you are offering.

They pay about a third of what they will sell it for, says co-owner Gina. In the store jeans run $10 to $35, tank tops are $5 or $6 and better brand tops go up to about $15. They also sell shoes, purses, jewelery, belts and new samples of om girl yoga wear. "We don't have any thing really, really expensive," Gina said. "There's probably nothing over $50." That totally sounds like my kind of store!

Visit them at 12441 Magnolia Blvd. in Valley Village just east of Whitsett Ave. (818) 985-1115. The store is open Monday to Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday from 12 to 4. Returns are accepted within five days with tags and receipt. Thanks, Jen!

The latest issue of Shop Smart :) magazine from Consumer Reports recommends a few Web sites to help you pare down your suitcase.

Onebag.com says the three elements to light travel is knowing what to pack, what to pack it in and how to pack it.

Travellite.org suggests products that will lighten your load. To reduce your clothing needs, the site says plan your outfits ahead and color coordinate using neutrals as a base.

RickSteves.com covers everything from travel news to packing light and getting the best Eurail pass deal. For a multi-week trip, leave behind anything you are not going to wear at least three times.

The travel store Magellans.com sells travel gear and has numerous travel articles. Below they lay out second bag fees at major airlines.

Continental, Delta, Northwest, US Airways, and United charge $25. AirTran charges $10 and British Airways charges £20+.

Packing light takes longer than packing heavy, but with many airlines charging $15+ for a checked bag, fitting everything into a carry on will save you money. Not to mention that tossing a small bag over your shoulder is a lot easier than schlepping around multiple over-sized suitcases.

A Kate Spade sale has handbags, shoes, accessories and more marked down by up to 50%.

A blue and white striped Chattanooga Jocelyn bag with a big red handle, above, is $131 (orig $175). The accessories on sale also include a number of clutches and wallet items.

The sale shoe page has a pair of strappy medium-high heels in black or platinum for $119 (orig $325). They are an extra 25% off once you add them to your cart.

Baby items, luggage, home goods, and paper are also on sale. Unclear how long the sale lasts. Some shoe sizes/colors are limited.

All things Mac are on sale at MacMall, a site that claims to be the number one Mac reseller. Computer are up to 30% off, accessories are up to 42% off, iPods are up to 17% off. The sale ends at 6pm PST today.

For sale products MacMall shows upfront how its prices compare (favorably) to Apple. A 20-inch iMac Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz with 1GB memory and a 320GB hard drive is $1,214 after a $75 rebate. The site claims Apple sells it for $1,500.

I checked Apple and the same computer is $1,250. No rebate required. Hmmm, it's probably best to check all their prices against Apple and other retailers. In some cases they will come ahead and in others, they won't.

Read more about MacMall here.

The gals at Cheap Chic Weddings have this money saving tip for brides-to-be in the early planning stages.

"Planning your wedding off-season can save you up to 50% on venues and other services and goods," they say. "May through October are the most popular months to wed, while January through March are the least popular. The day you choose can also save you some green...Saturdays are most popular and most expensive. Try pricing your wedding for a Friday or Sunday."

I got married on a Sunday and found there was some leverage because many vendors did not have other gigs that day.

CCW also suggests checking out Isaac Mizrahi's wedding collection at Target, where pieces start at $25.

On the style front, platinum is the hot new accent color, booting brown from the top. "Platinum is elegant and goes with everything."

Get free shipping on orders over $75 at Starbucks today only. No code needed. The discount will appear on your receipt review page. It's a good time to stock up on coffee beans if you buy them from the green coffee giant.

Caveats: free standard shipping is for the 48 contiguous states and APO/FPO only. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Expires June 25, 2008.

Oxnard welcomes a new thrift store to town this Saturday, June 28. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a charity comprised of members who seek personal holiness through works of charity, is opening the store to help out folks during the downturn.

An opening ceremony begins at 10 am Saturday, followed by music and giveaways at noon. They are accepting donations of usable appliances, furniture, computers and clothing. Donations are tax deductible.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9 to 7 and Sunday from 9 to 6. The store is already open. Visit them at 1258 Saviers Rd. in Oxnard. (805) 487-1500

Get $15 off a $30 purchase or $30 off a $75 purchase at Express and Express Men now through Sunday, June 29. Print the coupon here.

In stores only. Their Web site does not sell their clothes but you can look at their current styles.

I found a really good pair of jeans at Express that cost about $35 a few months ago. They look and fit just like fancy denim and were marked down almost 40%. The trick with Express is to wait for a sale or good coupon (like the one above) because the starting prices can be high.

Caveats: One coupon per customer. Gotta have a printout of the original coupon. Not valid on redlined merchandise, previous purchases or with other offers. Copies of coupon will not be accepted.

Sign up for their e-mail list and you will get a coupon for 15% off. Find an Express near you.

A new policy at Ralphs limits the maximum savings from any one coupon to $1, according to a story in today's Daily News. Coupons for 50 cents or less will be doubled in full, but coupons for more than 50 cents will be limited to $1. The new policy begins today.

"That new program will include lower prices on thousands of items that customers buy most often," the story says. "It will also introduce a customer loyalty program that will use a "rewards card" to earn shoppers rebates of up to $1,000 a year." Read more about Ralphs reward program.

Vons still doubles coupons. Is it time to switch grocery stores? Depends on how many coupons you use.

Restaurant.com has a 60% off coupon code that cuts a $25 gift certificate to $4, plus you get a $10 certificate with every purchase. Apply code MEALS after adding a certificate to your cart. This step comes early in the process so you can check if the code is still valid. It's unclear when the code expires.

Caveats: each restaurant has different rules for how you can redeem the certificates so read the fine print. Some are only good for dinner, others do not cover drinks, tax and tip.

At Antojitos Latinos in Van Nuys the $25 certificate is good on a purchase of $50. In a tight economy the certificates are a good way to reduce your restaurant tab. So eat, drink and be merry!

Multi-day tickets to Disneyland are discounted on the theme park's Web site, though they are still more expensive than Costco. A four-day park hopper bonus ticket is $154 (orig $184) for kids and $184 for adults (orig $214) at Disneyland.com. A similar ticket is $139 at Costco for SoCal residents.

Both get your into the classic theme park or California Adventure. The pricier Disneyland ticket also gets you into one park early one morning and is not restricted to SoCal residents, like the Costco ticket. But the Costco ticket looks like it is good for any age.

Three- and five-day passes are also discounted at Disneyland.com. A kid's ticket covers ages 3 to 9 at Disneyland. Kids aged 10 and up need an adult ticket. Thanks, Barbara!

The folks at the Foundation for American Communications in Pasadena held a phone seminar today about gas prices with oil expert and Boston University professor Robert K. Kaufmann. Here are his answers to your burning questions about pump prices.

Q: Why do gas prices rise faster than they fall?

A: As demand declines, producers slow refining and sell from stocks, which slows the price drop. As demand rises, refinery capacity limits supply response. So it's a lose-lose situation? Yes. Take the bus.

Q: Have environmental regulations slowed the building of new refineries, which could increase the supply of gas?

A: No, there's very little evidence that environmental regulations have slowed refining capacity growth in the US. Reduced capacity has mirrored reduced demand.

Q: Why are gas prices so high?

A: Demand has grown significantly since 2003, but not so dramatically that it is the main culprit...

BargainsLA raves about discounted designer clothes available at the Warehouse Sale this weekend at the LA Convention Center. Downside is it costs $15 to get into the sale the first day if you RSVP. It is free on the second day of the sale if you RSVP.

"Designer Jeans are here at $49.99 to $119.99, that originally sold for $150 to $450, " according to BargainsLA. "Designer dresses are here at $69.99, instead of the original pricing of $200-$500. Sought after tees are just $14.99 to $29.99, that originally were priced at $35-$150."

The sale is Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4. If you do not RSVP Saturday it costs $25 at the door and Sunday it costs $5. Cash and credit cards only.

The Los Angeles Convention Center is at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Petree Hall in Los Angeles. Parking is in West Hall for $12.

(not my actual salad) My recent post with a recipe for a $10 dinner was so popular I thought I'd post another! This next one works well on hot days when you don't have an appetite and don't want to cook or clean much. It also has a lot of variations to suit what is in your fridge.

Chicken, bean, and corn salad
Your favorite lettuce ~$2
Can of black beans, drained, $.89
Can of yellow corn, drained, $1.19
1/2 chicken breast, ~$3
Salt and pepper, canola oil
Salad dressing of your choosing

Extras you can add: red onion, cucumber, carrots, walnuts, chopped cilantro, salsa, tortilla chips, mushrooms, tomato, avocado, etc.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken, dab it with canola oil, then grill or pan fry it until just cooked. Put the meat on a plate and cover it with tinfoil. This traps the steam and keeps the chicken moist and warm.

Wash the lettuce, put it in a bowl and add about half of the black beans and canned corn. Add other toppings as you wish. Slice the chicken into thin strips and put onto the salad. You're ready to eat!

Serves two with some leftovers.

This Thursday Jack in the Box will give you two free tacos (usually 99 cents for the pair) when you present them with a gas receipt. The fast food chain apparently feels bad that prices are going up and wants to inject some good news into your day.

The tacos are filled with Jack in the Box's mystery meat, which many swear by even if they don't know what is in them.

Caveats: No purchase necessary but you must bring an original gas receipt. Copies will not be accepted. One per person at participating restaurants only. Thanks, Greg!

The two-year cell phone plan Hubby and I have ends in a few weeks and I turned to MyRatePlan.com to find the best cell phone plan for us.

You enter your zip code and the features that you want and the site spits out a chart that compares prices by carriers and minutes. You can add or subtract features and the chart automatically updates the results.

Most plans offer some kind of free phone when you sign your life away for two years. AT&T is the only one that provides roll over minutes. If we want free text messages we have to go with Sprint or Verizon. If Hubby insists on getting the new iPhone our only choice is AT&T.

The AT&T $60 family plan sounds right up our alley. We get 550 rollover minutes (about what we use), two free Blackberry Pearl 8110 phones, unlimited nights and weekends, free calls between the two of us, and free long distance. Both our lines are included, unlike our Cingular plan where we pay $10 a month for the second line.

Adding 200 text messages is $5 per phone. The "free" phone deal also requires one of us add a $30+ per month data plan for six months. I wonder if Hubby upgrades to the iPhone if AT&T will waive that requirement.

LetsTalk.com also sorts through plans by price and features but the comparison is harder to digest. Keep in mind that these prices are for when you buy the plan and phone online. Prices may be higher in stores.

Check out the dresses at the Summer Dress Store, where all the frocks are $50 or less. The selection is not huge - there are six plus sized dresses, two caftans and 14 regular summer dresses - but they are colorful and unique.

I like this bold, retro A-line dress with geometric sprinkles of pink, green and white, for $40.50 (orig $45). This aqua dress with an abstract underwater print is also cute, above, for $35 (orig $39).

Caveats: returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days of receipt for items that have not been worn or washed and have all tags attached. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.

And now for the most pressing money-saving issue of the day. With the squeeze on your wallet do you sneak candy into the movies? Or do you fork over the $3 to $5 for boxes of Milk Duds and Jujubes?

Does sneaking treats makes one frugal or cheap, Frugal Dad asks. The question taps into how we judge how others spend their money.

I'm a sneaker. I mean, I'm already paying $10 for the ticket and perhaps a few dollars for parking. I could have waited for the movie to come out on DVD or found a sketchy copy online. So am I a tightwad for buying my movie candy at 7-Eleven beforehand - or a smart spender?

Through Thursday, June 26, a slew of products are buy one get one free at Rite Aid. Hubby returned with four bottles of sunscreen and a $15 bill (about $3.75 per). Certain Revlon, Garnier, Nature Made vitamins and Doritos products are also part of the sale.

The Revlon sale includes face makeup, lip color and nail enamel but excludes eye products, implements, trial sizes, pre-priced and clearance items.

Read the weekly sale flyer for your local store to find out exactly what is one sale. Find a Rite Aid near you.

This is a super quick freebie that may or may not be more trouble than it's worth, depending on how hot it gets tomorrow. Between 4 and 5pm Tuesday, June 24 only, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away free small blended yogurt ice drinks, a new drink they are launching. It comes in three flavors: mango, original and strawberry.

All company-owned stores (as opposed to franchises) are participating. Find a store near you. Franchises are marked by an asterisk.

Here are links to all the deals mentioned in today's column.

Top summer wines

Free WiFi

Loehmann's 20% off

$10 dinner

Free evening concerts

Road Runner discount

Shoes.com $20 off

Hi guys,
You may have noticed that the Monday business section - called Valley Inc - is no more. They decided to cut the section to two pages and fold it inside the main news section to save money.

Because of the change my column will no longer run on the Valley Inc cover but you can find it inside. Takes a little more looking but the deals will be just as good! ~Julia

Hey baby, what's your number? It's the question anybody thinking about retirement is asking. How many dollars do you need to quit your job and head for the beach. You didn't think I was trying to pick you up, did you?

To figure out your number, check out the calculator and eight worksheets the Dept of Labor has online. A recent story in the Wall Street Journal says "you can store and revise your data and calculations for as long as a year..." The process is "simple and engaging" the article says.

The online tool is primarily designed for folks about 10 years from retirement, but those younger or older will still find it useful. At the very least, it's a very good starting place. As soon as I get a handle on my household budget, this will be my next project. Find the guide here.

Hi folks,
My system is still out of whack so I'm taking the unusual step of not blogging two days in a row. I already miss you guys, but I'm too beat to do much. ~Julia

Get up to 75% off fancy lingerie at Faire Frou Frou during their summer sale, which starts this Saturday. I visited the Studio City store months ago and never had so much fun looking at lingerie. Frilly bras on satin hangers, delicate underoos that would always deliver, and plenty of cute, everyday under clothes.

Of course, it was all really expensive, but really beautiful too. If your budget allows, or if you think you can keep sale blinders on, check it out. They carry upscale brands like Carine Gilson, Vannina Vesperini, Fleur T, and La Perla.

The sale goes through August but it's likely the best deals will be snatched up early. Visit them at 13017A Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. Hours are Monday to Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday from 11 to 5:30.

Hi folks, I'm feeling a bit under the weather and am taking the day to rest and recuperate. That means no posts or digest, sorry! I hope to be back soon. ~Julia

Get $20 off an order of $100 or more at Shoes.com with a code that is good until the end of the month. When checking out online use promo code JUNE20OFF100.

A green leather pair of Teva sandals with a cushioning cork heel is $70. A Rampage red patent leather shoe with a low heel, above, is $40. It's not as crazy as what comes to mind when you see the words "red patent leather." Get both pairs for $90 with free shipping using the code.

Here's a free smoothie deal that requires just two things: driving to Valencia and wearing flip flops. No joke.

Tropical Smoothie Café is celebrating the first day of summer - June 21 - by giving out free 24-ounce Jetty Punch smoothies to the first 500 customers. The smoothies contain blended fresh strawberries and bananas.

Visit them at 28255 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia. (661) 702-1038.

I wrote about this deal once before but because many folks head to the nursery to buy plants this time of year I thought I would share this reminder. Lowe's has a fantastic plant return policy.

"If your trees, shrubs or perennials don't survive a year, we'll replace them free of charge. Just bring in the plant and the receipt," says a recent email I received from Lowe's. (Scroll down and look on the left.)

Their prices are decent and the quality is so so. Look for healthy, bug-free plants or, if you can track down a nursery attendant, ask them which of the plants you are considering are most healthy.

Keep the receipts in one spot - say an envelope on your desk marked "Lowe's plants." Find a Lowe's near you.

Looking for free Wi-Fi outside your home or office? Check out WifiFreeSpot.com to find out where you can pick up a free wireless Internet connection when you are out and about. You can search by state and city. Here is the list for the Golden State.

Most public libraries offer free wireless Internet or computers you can use and Starbucks also sells Internet service (free for frequent coffee drinkers).

It would be fun if the site featured Wifi spots near the beach. So many jobs these days can be done from a laptop!

UPDATE: It appears this deal has already expired because so many people downloaded it. Sorry!

PREVIOUSLY: Get a free Frutista Freeze today only at Taco Bell. Go to this page and click on the link on the lower right corner for the printable coupon, which you need to get the freebie.

Taco Bell is hoping to spread the word about their new line of tropical drinks with the freebie, according to Brand Week. The Frutista comes in strawberry or mango strawberry is topped with strawberries. It sells for about $2.

The drink contains fruit flavor no fruit juice, the Taco Bell web site says. But I bet it is cool and sweet!

Caveats: you must download the coupon printer to get the coupon. Find a Taco Bell near you.

Starting today Jiffy Lube is offering a free fuel efficiency check up and $10 gas card when you take your car in for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change.

The $10 gas card comes in the form of an American Express® prepaid fuel card and requires you to mail in a form. The offer ends July 31, 2008.

During the oil change Jiffy Lube changes your filter, oil and checks if your tires are inflated properly. Find a participating Jiffy Lube near you.

Caveats: I'm not sure how long it takes the gas card to come in the mail. Thanks, Rachel!

It's hard not to get thirsty with all this hot weather we've been having. And stress, these days who lacks stress? A glass of white wine may do the trick on both fronts - but oh - what to buy? Sip easy with these recommendations from the July issue of Consumer Reports. All are $15 or less.

Pinot Grigio/Gris
Talus Collection 2006 - $8
Yellow Tail 2007 - $8
Montevina 2006 - $10
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2006 - $11
Clos du Bois 2007 - $14
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 - $15

Caveats: prices may vary.

Buying clothing online seems like such a risk - you don't know if something fits you until it arrives in the mail (not to mention the hassle and cost of returning it).

Now there's a Web site that may change all that. MyShape.com aims to show you just the clothing that fits your body and style preferences. Using the site requires a lengthy registration (I'm talking 15 precious minutes, here) during which it asks about your style, if you like to show cleavage, how old you dress, how much you typically spend on an outfit, what fabrics you like and dislike, and more.

You also have to enter about two dozen body measurements, including one that requires you to thread the tape measurer between your legs and check the inch count from the middle of your back to the middle of your stomach. Who knows why that is useful?!

Once you do all that MyShape shows you two sets of clothes in your "personal shop." The first is supposed to fit your body and match your style and color preferences. The second fits your parameters, but a bit more loosely. You can also shop their "all shapes" store.

I liked a few things from the pages of clothing it showed me, including this linen safari jacket for $68. And I also liked a stretch-cotton cropped pants - aside from the price ($98). A lot of the tops were too floral and girly but many others appealed to me.

The prices, however, were way too high. I don't think I saw one thing under $50. When taking the initial survey I said I spend between $100 to $200 on an entire outfit (not including the shoes.) I think I will go back and change that to under $100. Maybe then shopping online will be easier than doing it the old fashioned way.

This sounds like a great coupon until you read all the exceptions. But I'm posting it because it still applies to summer clothing, lawn and garden tools and home fashions at Sears so some readers may find it useful. Print the $5 off $30 coupon here. Read the fine print for all the caveats because there are a lot of them.

The above link also has a coupon for 10% off regular priced appliances. Both expire January 31, 2009. Find a Sears near you.

La Forge Lighting in Woodland Hills is going out of business because of the crappy economy and is selling everything. June 27 is their last day in business. Prices are 60% to 80% off retail.

They mostly have table lamps left, plus a few chandeliers and sconces, an employee said. Not many floor lamps are left. Prices for table lamps range from $50 to $350 with most of them falling in the $100 to $150 range. All sales are final.

Visit them at 22201 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills one block west of Topanga. (818) 888-4914. Hours are 10 to 8 daily.

Get free shipping and 10% off your order with two new codes for RoadRunnerSports.com. Use code CX180112 to get free shipping and code CX180069 to get 10% off your order. The free shipping code expires July 31. I'm not sure when the 10% code expires.

Check out their selection of arch supports and foot inserts, from $7 to $26. The site helps you search for the perfect pair of running shoes with the shoe dog. The program asks your gender, what type of terrain you run on, your arch type, whether you roll your ankle much, if you have had injuries, and your weight category. I tired and it produced six results, one of which is very similar to the shoe that a running specialist at Phidippides in Encino outfitted me in (Saucony ProGrid Omni 6).

Get 20% off your entire purchase any one day from today to Wednesday, June 25, at Loehmann's. Print the coupon here. If the link does not work go to their home page and click on the "this week" link. The coupon should be under Tuesday.

Caveats: not valid on swim wear, prior purchases, or gift cards. Cannot be combined with Insider Rewards or Insider Points. One per customer. All sales are final.

The Reseda store is currently having a semi-annual sample sale with spring and summer shoes marked down 40% to 50% and certain handbags discounted 30% to 50%, according to a postcard I received from the store.

Find a Loehmann's near you.

The Supermarket Guru had a tip for a $10 meal you can cook at home and I was about to post the recipe before I realized I had my own. Hubby created this dish months ago and continues to experiment with it. Best of all, you can make it in one pot!

Sausage and broccoli pasta
1lb fusilli (corkscrew) pasta, $1.29
1-2 heads of broccoli, cut into bite size pieces, ~$2.50
2-3 uncooked sausage links, ~$3
16 oz can of diced tomatoes, $1.19
Diced garlic and spices
Total: $7.98

Boil pasta. Seven minutes before pasta is done add the broccoli. Open the sausage casing and break the meat into small pieces. Cook them in a pan on the stove. Push the meat aside and add the garlic, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes before stirring it into the meat. Add a few shakes of red pepper flakes, pepper, basil, and oregano.

When the pasta is done (it's okay if the broccoli is al dente), strain the food from the water, dump the water out, then put the food back into the hot pot. Add the sausage, tomatoes and stir. Salt to taste.

The free outdoor evening concert series at the Sherman Oaks Galleria is back now that it is summer time. In June they have music every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30pm, every Friday from 7 to 10pm and every Saturday from 7 to 10pm. To get the lineup click on "Events" from their Web site.

The salsa group Charangoa is playing this Wednesday. They've played a bunch of places in LA and opened for Cuba's most famous band, "Los Van Van."

Here are links to all the deals mentioned in today's Daily News column. I'm sorry it's late!

Museum Free Days

Kayak Free

MAC 15% off

LNT $5 off

Palm Springs Eats

Wicked Discount

United and US Airways announced they are going to charge $15 for the first checked bag starting soon, according to Airfare Watchdog. American Airlines started the trend last month with the same fee.

"For United passengers, the new rule applies to all tickets purchased (starting today) for travel on or after August 18, and for US Airways tickets on or after July 9. Also on the climb, United's fee for 3 or more checked bags has increased from $100 to $125, and oversized/heavy items from $200 to $250, " the story says..

Expect more folks trying to carry on their bags, which means a bigger rush for those overhead storage bins, and longer check-in lines while people wait for their credit cards to process the charge.

Caveats: if you are an elite level frequent flyer or flying in first class the rules are different. Surprise, surprise.

And if that is bad enough, some airlines are starting to charge for soda. "US Airways will start charging $2 for non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and juice, in August," the story says.

Get 20% off at J.Crew when you spend $175 or more online. Use coupon code PRIVATE. Expires Wednesday June 18, 2008.

I think this Deco-dot Zoey dress, above, is super cute and versatile. Perfect for the office, a summer party, or casual wedding. The loose cut will keep you cool and be forgiving. It is $70 (orig $88) but unfortunately not all colors are available in every size.

A bunched V-neck tissue T-shirt is $35 (orig $44) and comes in a fabulous mandarin color. If the $175 benchmark is too high try shopping with a sister or friend!

Caveats: I'm not sure if the coupon works on sale items.

Get a free small root beer float today only at A&W restaurants. Stop by between 2 and 8pm to get the freebie. The float has root beer and vanilla ice cream. I'm told no purchase is necessary.

I'm also quite fond of Coke floats, which my Mom used to let us have because we never had root beer around the house.

Find an A&W near you.

Discount Mags has some steep discounts on a handful of men's magazines but it is unclear how long these rates will last. The coupon codes drop the price to $3 for a year of Maxim (orig $15) and $3 for a year of Wired (orig $15). Pay $4 for Men's Journal (orig $12) or $4 for Car and Driver (orig $12). Men's Health is $15 (orig $25).

To get the discounted rates use coupon code FD-WIRED for Wired, FD-MAXIM for Maxim, FD-CD for Car and Driver, FD-MJ for Men's Journal and FD-MH for Men's Health. Get 20% other mag subscriptions with code FD-20OFF. Unclear how long the discount codes last.

Ties are nice, but let's face it, would you ever be excited to receive something that doubles as a noose? Here are some quick ideas for last-minute Father's Day gifts.

1. Buy him lunch. The quickest way to a man's heart is still through his stomach (though with Hubby it's a close tie with foot massages).

2. I read it for the articles. Buy him a magazine subscription at Magazine.com, which has competitive rates, then pick up the latest issue in a store. Give it to him with a card that let's him know a full year (or whatever the term is) is coming.

3. Channel his hobbies. Then buy a gift card that ties into his passion, be it golf, fishing, computers, sleeping, clothes, food, travel, sports, cooking, etc.

4. Work together. Call your mother and siblings and ask if anybody is buying him a big gift that you can contribute to. If you are not local you can put a check in the mail and not worry about shipping him something in time. Remember to call him Sunday, too.

5. Call him on Sunday (it's too late to send a card). When you talk to him say something about what he has taught you or what you admire about him. Often a simple compliment will resonate. This next example goes the other way but I think it still shows how saying something nice goes a long way.

The other day my Dad, who I talk to about once a month, called and left a message for me. He said he enjoyed reading my blog post about losing my wedding ring. Then he said something to the effect of "you really have your own way of telling stories." That is one of the biggest compliments you can give a writer and coming from a man who is very well read and who happens to be my Dad, it meant a whole lot. Thanks, Dad!

Kids aged 9 to 13 can get free kayaking lessons through the non-profit Kayaks 4 Kidz. The three-hour classes launch from Marina del Rey but you must register first. The philosophy of the program is to make exercising fun.

Each class gives a basic introduction to kayaking, water and boating safety, navigation rules, paddling techniques, gear safety and capsize recovery. They provide the kayaks, life vests and paddles. Read more about the classes and what you need to bring. I'm assume all kids who sign up need to be able to swim.

Classes are scheduled for Sundays, June 1 & 8, Sundays, July 6 & 13, Sundays, August 3 & 10, and Sundays, September 7 & 14 . Gay, one of the founders, says there is still room in the Aug 10, Sept 7 and Sept 14 classes. Register asap! All classes are taught by U.S. Coast Guard certified water sports and boating safety instructors, master swimmers and on-the-water spotters.

Thanks, Rein!

Get 15% off MAC Cosmetics now through June 16, 2008 during their friends and family sale. Coupon works at MAC stores but not at their booths in department stores. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: cannot be combined with other coupons, valid only on merchandise, not valid on Viva Glam products, gift cards, past purchases, pending purchases or out of stock items. Valid on items shipping to a single address.

The MAC Web site is having a family and friends sale online June 16 only. Look for a online coupon code that day.

Find a MAC store near you.

Think your finances are sound? Check how your numbers compare to these guidelines from the July issue of Consumer Reports.

How much does your monthly car payments, new credit card charges, and any other non-mortgage debt payments add up to? If it equals more than 20% of our gross monthly income you are spending too much.

Does your mortgage payment equal more than 28% of your gross monthly income? It shouldn't.

How much cash do you have saved up for emergencies like losing your job or falling seriously ill? Aim for six months.

How many months is your auto loan? Opt for one that is no more than 36 months or you may end up owing more than your car is worth.

If you are considering an adjustable rate mortgage check what the maximum amount of percentage points the interest rate can increase over the loan's lifetime. Standard is six points. Add six points to the initial interest rate and calculate the monthly payment - it is your worst nightmare. If the payment, plus taxes and insurance, exceeds 28 percent of your gross monthly income, look for another loan.

Get $5 off a $15 purchase at Linens -n- Things now until June 22. Valid in stores only. Print the coupon here. The coupon brings a wood carving knife and fork to $10 (sale $15, orig $20).

Or get 20% off a single item in stores until June 16, 2008 with this coupon. Good in stores only. A Kitchen Aid pro line espresso machine, above, is $539 (sale $674, orig $900).

Caveats: many brands excluded on both coupons. Cannot be combined with other offers, not valid on past purchases or with a LNT credit card first purchase offer. Find a LNT near you.

Get $95.50 center orchestra tickets to Wicked for $66.50 with a code from TravelZoo.
The discount is good for evening shows Tuesday through Friday and Sunday now through July 31. You must buy your tickets by June 22.

To get discounted ticket, under "Promotions and Special Offers" select the $95.50 ticket price, the number of tickets you want, and enter code TRAVELZOO. The discount should come up once you click "Look For Tickets." If it doesn't make sure you are looking on an eligible night or try another night.

Note, Ticketmaster charges a mind-numbing $10 per ticket "convenience charge" and a $2.50 per ticket "building facility" charge. So the discounted ticket is actually $79. I don't think the discount works at the box office.

Wicked is about the untold story of two witches from the Land of Oz in the pre-Dorothy days.

A reader was kind enough to share a long list of free days at dozens of museums and gardens across the region. A few of these you may recognize from last week's theme on free stuff to do around LA, but most of it is new. Thanks, Rein!

Arboretum of LA County: free admission on the third Tue of each month.

Autry National Center in LA: free admission on the second Tuesday each month.

California African American Museum: free admission daily.

California Science Center: free admission daily; some exhibits have a fee

Claremont Museum of Art: free admission on the first Friday of the month from 5 to 8:30 pm

Craft and Folk Art Museum: free on the first Wednesday of each month

Fowler Museum at UCLA: free admission daily

Getty Center and Getty Villa: free admission but parking costs $8

La Brea Tarpits Museum: free...

The discount garden store Pottery, Plants & Things in Valley Village is having a sale today through Wednesday, June 18. Glazed clay pots are $2.50 each and silk lanterns are 30% off.

There is a coupon for 20% off all live plants on page A19 of today's Daily News. The ad also has a coupon for 30% off one regular priced item under $100 and 10% off one regular priced item over $100.

Visit them at 12144 Magnolia Blvd in Valley Village. (818) 985-4499. Yelpers describe the store, which used to be called Mainly Seconds, as a cross between a Tuesday Morning and a florist.

Fathers get a free small cup or cone of frozen yogurt at TCBY this Sunday, June 15, which is Father's Day. A small serving is seven ounces, which is not too bad. I'm told all stores are participating, even though an employee at the Northridge store had no idea what I was talking about.

Find a TCBY near you.

Have no shame about taking your pops out for a free treat. You still gotta pay for yours - and that's where TCBY is making money. Just emphasize the time you spend with your Dad, not the dollars you spend.

Uh oh. The new "cheaper" iPhone actually costs more because of a higher monthly plan fee, according to a story by Yahoo. Here's their math:

"Old iPhone: $399 (for 8GB of storage), plus $60 per month for 450 voice minutes and unlimited data. Two-year total (since you'll be signing a two-year deal for either handset): $1,839.

New iPhone: $199 (for 8GB of storage), plus $70 per month for a basic voice plan (presumably the same 450 minutes) and unlimited data. Two-year total: $1,879."

Of course, the new iPhone is faster and probably looks different so everyone will know you are totally hip (until the next version comes out in about six minutes). That's gotta be worth the extra $40. Smirk smirk.

Despite the price increase Daily News blogger Steve Rosenberg predicts the iPhone 3G will "kill off what little is left of the Palm platform," start a war among cell carriers other than AT&T to offer plans compatible with the iPhone, and maybe even push Google to offer it's own branded-handset.

I'm just depressed that cell phone service costs so much. I did the math and the plan Hubby and I share costs $1,140 a year - and we got free phones!!

Tomorrow, June 13, from 5 to 8pm you can get a free dog from Hot Dog on a Stick. One per person. Valid Friday only. Find a HDOS near you.

There are HDOS' in the Westfield Topanga mall, Burbank, Glendale, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Valencia, Culver City and Santa Monica, among many others.
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Get $25 off a purchase of $75 or more at Staples today only!

The code seems to be good on most stuff in the store, but it is likely they are exceptions. Use code 60990 when checking out online or ordering over the phone (800-3-STAPLE). The code is not good in stores.

Their weekly online specials includes markdowns on a printer, office chair, and traveling laptop case. A faux leather chair, above, is $60 (orig $100). Shipping is free on most orders over $50.

The REI used gear sale starts at 10 am June 14 at the Northridge store and 7 am June 21 at the Santa Monica store.

Prices on all kinds of gear - tents, strollers, clothes, shoes, and bags - are typically at least 35% below retail and often they are 50% off. The condition of the items are anywhere from used once to slightly dusty.

The sale is open to members and it costs $20 for a lifetime membership.

At the Santa Monica used gear sale that I went to last year there were already about 40 people in line when I showed up at 6:30 a.m. I'm glad I went because I got an awesome sleeping bag and gym bag. Not sure if the Northridge sale will be as crowded. The Santa Monica sale did not last long - maybe an hour or two - so get there early before the best stuff is gone.

If you have the cash to get away there is no shortage of awesome beaches to soak up some R&R. The Travel Channel lays out the best of the best by region, season , families and romance.

The site also has an alphabetical list of top ranked beaches.

Locally, the site is fond of Carmel, "a unique stretch of California's coastal highway... the small town is packed with pricey shops, various restaurants, elegant inns and inspired art galleries. Somehow, despite all this activity, the town maintains a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. Establishments in town are identified by cross streets as opposed to street numbers and there are no traffic lights."

Sounds like it would be hard *not* to relax there.

For a more exotic beach vacation, consider Matira Beach in Bora Bora. "This lush little slipper of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by fine white sandy shores..." There is plenty to do on this little island but why not just "enjoy the most popular activity of all: lazing the day away on a secluded stretch of Matira Beach and watching a brilliant sunset over the bright turquoise water."

Most of us are eating out less or heading straight to the cheap spots. My colleague Natalie Haughton highlights more than a dozen places to get relatively inexpensive fare in today's LA.com section. Her picks and reviews are below.

Zankou Chicken, 5658 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys. (818) 781-0615.
1415 E. Colorado Blvd. Glendale
1001 N. San Fernando Blvd, Suite 100. Burbank (818) 238-0414.
Also locations in Pasadena, West LA., Hollywood, Anaheim.
Wonderful half rotisserie chicken or beef or tri-tip schwarma plates are $8.99 and include hummus or tahini, pickles, tomatoes and pita. Roasted chicken sandwiches (with garlic sauce and tomatoes) are $4.29. Be sure to get a side of the terrific moutabal (eggplant dip) with pita bread ($6.60). Also falafel, salads, tabouli salad and more.

Zanos Pizza Kitchen, 21604 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. (818) 719-0003.
Pizza, pasta, paninis, calzone and salads are available (in big portions) - ranging from $5.50 to $21. For $7, you can get a slice of pizza, a cold salad and a drink (with free refills).

Mandarin Deli, 9305 Reseda Blvd. Northridge. (818) 993-0122.
Mandarin Chinese cuisine featured. Try the noodle soups ($6.95), pot stickers ($5.95), scallion pancake ($3.75) along with...

Suuuuuummertiiiiiiime. And the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin'. And the cotton is high. Thank goodness for George Gershwin's classic ditty and thank goodness for beaches. It wouldn't be summer without them.

But where to plunk down your towel and umbrella? LA.com provides quickie reviews of nearby sand spots.

Manhattan Beach - This beach is popular with both locals and residents of neighboring cities, which gives it an in-your-own-backyard feeling--but it's not your backyard, so keep that top on...keep reading.

Surfrider County Beach - This exquisite, oft-crowded beach is perfect for catching a wave--for those able to find an open patch of water. Located at the Malibu pier...keep reading.

Zuma Beach - Surfers and sun-worshipers congregate on this quintessential LA beach.
Popular with Valley-fleeing teens and families...keep reading.

Will Rogers State Beach - Well known for its gay-friendly area cheekily nicknamed "Ginger Rogers Beach," this section of sand is a break from the mob scene...keep reading.

Dockweiler State Beach - This is where to combine two summer joys: the beach and the barbecue. One of the few fire-friendly beaches in LA...keep reading.

El Pescador State Beach - Fishing and surfing are favorites at this fantastic, yet relatively uncrowded beach...keep reading.

Not to be a downer, but LA County beaches are not the cleanest. Check a beach's bill of health at Heal the Bay.

A few fun books to read at the beach. Most are old enough that you can find cheap copies on eBay, Amazon, or at a used bookstore. And don't forget the LA Public Library!

1. "Into Thin Air" or "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. No interest in the great outdoors? You'll still read them as quick as you can.

2. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. Quirky, funny, sad.

3. "Audition: A Memoir" by Barbara Walters. Very dishy with lots of names. It will surprise you, a friend who read it says.

4. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. I had to purposely slow down so I could savor this humanizing tale of the lives of three Afghani women.

Want more suggestions? Check out Oprah's recommendations.

If you need a beach tote or casual bag for the summer you are in luck. Target has dozens of great bags for $10. One of my favorites is a white tote decorated with the sparest features of a pretty lady, above.

A crocheted bag made of straw and polyester liner comes in a few different earthy shades. A linen hobo with orange and tan stripes is subtle yet festive. A yellow bicycle climbs up the side of a tan bag.

Search all Target's beach bags.

First it was trendy to have Crocs. Then the faux-plastic shoes got so popular that it was almost embarrassing to be a late adopter. But the brand apparently has staying power and some cute new pairs, which makes, in my opinion, the original design somewhat of a classic.

You can pick a pair of women's Mambaz Crocs, above, for $10 at DSW. The colors are drab - navy, black, tan, faded pink and light green - except for the hot pink pair. They are comfy and great for the beach.

Caveats: I'm not sure if this is the exact original design that made Crocs famous, but it is pretty darn close.

DSW members get free shipping on any order through June 25, 2008. Use promo code MEMSHP when checking out.

It's Wednesday and that means theme day at the Bargain Hunter. I hope you find the posts useful. Please feel free to contribute ideas by leaving a comment. Suggest a topic for a future theme day by emailing me.

Get an extra 25% off all sale items at Shoes.com now until Friday, June 13. Use code SUMMERSALE08 at checkout. A super cute pair of Steve Madden platform slides with a gold ring at the toes is $48 (orig $80). A pair of Kenneth Cole 8Reaction flats with holes, above, come in black or brown and are $47 (orig $80).

You can also get $50 off orders of $200 or more on *most* items using code JUNE50OFF200 until June 13.

Caveats: many brands are excluded. Cannot use more than one coupon code at a time.

It's all I can think about - why are gasoline prices rising so dramatically? I've written stories about how folks are cutting back and shared tips to conserve gas and frankly, I've still got a lot of frustration to vent!

So I'm asking readers to share their most compelling conspiracy theories about why gasoline costs so friggin' much.

Here is one to get you started: Oil companies are in it for the profit. They care nothing about the little people. They will gouge drivers and lobby against fuel efficient cars until the last drop of crude has been squeezed from the planet. It's a for-profit industry, for crying out loud!

If you want to blame station owners read this LA Times' front page story from today. It may change your mind.

Leave your theory by clicking on the tiny "Comments" link above this post. Thanks for sharing!

First-time users of Pizza Hut's online ordering system can get 20% off their first order, excluding tax, tip and delivery charges. That puts the Pizza Mia at $4 when you order three pies with one topping each, according to MediaPost.

The Internet deals may vary by zip code. Find out what's being offered in your area by going to the Pizza Hut homepage and clicking on "Find Exclusive Deals Online!" Plug in your address and zip code and it will spit out the coupons. The site also gave me a coupon for a $6 P'Zone Pizza using code PZONE.

Caveats: the 20% off deal may end this Thursday, June 12.

If you happen to be in Palm Springs next week you can take advantage of their Restaurant Week, when almost a dozen eateries price three-course prix-fixe menus at $26 or $39. The deal runs June 15 to June 20, 2008. Prices do not include beverages, tax or tip.

Purple Palm Restaurant, The Falls Prime Steakhouse and Billie D's are participating, among others. Make a reservation now through Open Table.

Caveats: prix-fixe menu is for dinner, not lunch.

Get a $75 Shell gas card when you buy $100 worth of Dockers clothes and accessories at Sears by June 15, 2008. A mail-in rebate form is required to get the gas card. The card takes about six weeks to come so by then it will likely buy fewer gallons, but I'm not complaining.

This offer could make a decent Father's Day gift if you promise to throw in the gas card. (How many men get excited about clothes? I know only one, and guess what, it's not Hubby.)

Caveats: shoes do not count towards the $100. Purchase must be made by June 15, 2008 and rebate form mailed in with original receipt by June 28, 2008. Find a Sears near you.

You've probably heard that at midnight on February 17, 2009, television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting in digital. Translation: your old tube won't work - unless you get a converter box, which cost about $50 or $60.

Thanks to Congress you can defray most of the cost of a converter box with a $40 voucher. Get the voucher here. If you have multiple TVs you can get two coupons.

Getting the coupon will require me to jump through a bunch of hoops, you're probably thinking. Hubby says it's actually really easy and did it in about 10 minutes. You fill out the form, give them your address and answer a few questions about your TV. They send you a form in a few weeks and it's good at stores that accept the coupon.

The idea is that digital broadcasting will provide a "clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders," the converter program site says.

Do you need a converter box? "A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program," the site says. If you don't want to get the converter box you can buy cable, satellite or other pay service, or purchase a digital TV.

Caveats: not all sellers of converter boxes accept the coupons but many national chain stores do, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, and Sears. Find a retailer here.

Oh baby oh baby oh baby. The new 3G iPhone is $200. That's a lot of money, but not compared to how much the original gadget cost - $600. It comes out July 11 and I'm guessing plenty of folks will line up to buy it for themselves, unlike last time when half the people in line were going to sell theirs on eBay. (If you don't mind an older iPhone, this may be a great time for a bargain!)

Not that I'm getting the new iPhone, even though my cell phone plan expires next month. I usually opt for a freebie phone that comes with signing my life away for two years. And right now I'm saving for a bicycle. Hubby, on the other hand....

For starters we had bean and cheese taco wedges, which were slightly stale but hot. Next up were fried artichoke balls served with a dipping sauce. They were quite tasty and freshly made. Then came mini-pizza slices. I left before the last round of freebies, which is always shrimp, a veteran tells me.

The catch is that the drinks are not discounted. The Sam Adams draft I ordered was one of the best pints I had tasted in months. Yes, the crowd is a little older and the place is outfitted in blood-red furniture, but if you want to kick back with friends and eat enough so that you don't get sloshed, Monty's is not a bad spot.

They have valet parking but there is also street parking on Costanso Street. Yelpers gave Monty's mixed reviews. Visit them at 5371 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Woodland Hills.

Where is your favorite happy hour? Add it to the map, which you can see when you click on the post headline above. Then click the 'Add' button on the upper right corner of the map. Under title list the name of the bar/restaurant and include the address and other pertinent info. You can make notes by clicking on Details. Click 'Submit' and you're done. Thanks for sharing.

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Here's a new idea for a Father's day gift. A certificate for a four hour poker game between pops and nine of his best buds. The Poker Academy in Reseda provides the dealer, floorman, table and chips. You bring the drinks, decide the stakes, the choose the games.

The package costs $225 (plus tips) when you mention the Bargain Hunter (it's normally $275) and for $50 more you can hold it at your home or another off-site location. If your spouse or father is really into poker, this could be a great way for the family spend time doing something *he* enjoys. Minors are allowed because the Academy is not a casino.

Deal is good through November 30, 2008. Ask for Stuart Locascio when you call the Poker Academy at (818) 343.4626. Also ask for Stuart or another instructor to be the dealer at your event.

Caveats: some blackout dates apply, like Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Must be used by November 30, 2008. Visit them at 18334 Sherman Way in Reseda.

I almost had a heart attack driving into work today. I had just dropped Hubby off at his office and was a block away from the Daily News office when I saw the gas prices at Thrifty. It was $4.98 for premium, $4.88 for medium grade and $4.78 for regular, which can hardly be referred to as "the cheap stuff" any longer.

If prices at Thrifty are any indication, the Valley has higher gas prices than most everyone else. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report quotes these prices for a gallon of regular:

National average: $4.023
State average: $4.445
LA/Long Beach average: $4.430

The MSN fuel map found $4.35 in Reseda. What was Thrifty thinking? I have heard that $5 a gallon is coming, but this station is ahead of the curve.

To avoid going broke, Hubby and I are now carpooling everyday possible instead of just on a lark. I'm learning some new back roads (he hates the freeway) and getting used to his blow-by-blow accounts of traffic patterns. To survive I may have to borrow from the play book of our married friends Babara and Merlin and institute their "no traffic talk" rule. Similarly, Hubby will probably institute a "no backseat driving" rule.

Regular priced clothes in the misses section are marked down at Fashion Bug. Get 40% off capris and 30% off shorts, tops, and swim suits until June 21. Bras are buy two get two free and panties are buy three get three free. The sale is in stores until June 24.

A pair of lightweight capris with ties at the knees are $20 (orig $32). Many two pieces swim suits are $19 each piece, not a fantastic price but not bad, either. A white bikini top with green and blue polka dots is $19 and has a matching blue bottom with white and green polka dots, above.

Caveats: excludes Priced Just Right items. Valid on in-stock merchandise only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Additional exclusions may apply.

Not sure if this code works in combination, but you can get $10 off a purchase of $60 or more through June 29 with code 776208506. Online only.

To make your Friday the 13th a bit luckier, Crate & Barrel's summer sale starts on that date. Look for sales on indoor and outdoor furniture, upholstered sofas and chairs, sleepers, ottomans, sectionals and benches.

Some home dining and accent tables will be marked down along with decorative pillows, prints, mirrors and accessories. A few floor samples will also be on sale (and they can be fabulous bargains).

Sale is online too, but floor samples are only in the store. Find a Crate & Barrel near you.

Cheap is in, but home repair - that quintessential summer activity - is nowhere near a bargain. So how to freshen up your abode on a budget? Follow these basic principles.

Do it yourself. Buy it used. Update, not transform.

Now one more time with enthusiasm and details. First, focus on updating the rooms where you spend a lot of time - your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

In the kitchen, a new faucet and sink will provide an instant face-lift. Both can be replaced for about $800, and the task is one that even the power tool-challenged can handle.

"People don't automatically know what you did, but it looks a lot better," said Suzanne Horton, president and CEO of Be Jane, a Burbank company that empowers women to improve their homes. "It has a very visible impact to the eye."

In the bathroom...

I was supposed to be productive on my evening in Saturday but instead I went on Facebook, where a friend pointed me to ManBabies.com. What can I say, I was in the mood for cheap entertainment. And the images below certainly delivered.



There's more, I promise...

Get 20% off one item from the REI Outlet now until June 12. Not valid at regular REI stores or at REI.com. The discount will automatically be applied to the highest-price item in your cart.

A lot of clothes and gear are already 50% off. Tents are on marked down, too. And don't forget shoes and socks. A pair of snazzy red and grey Ahnu Bodega water shoes, above, are $32 (orig $85).

Caveats: not valid on special orders, prior purchases, package discounts, REI gift cards or E-gift certificates, gift boxes, memberships, shop services or rentals, bicycles, boats, GPS receivers, two-way radios, phones or personal locator beacons. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.

Shop online or over the phone (800-426-4840).

Ug. Nothing good to report on the gasoline front. In my neighborhood I saw prices jump 16 cents in one day, from $4.19 in the morning when I drove in and $4.35 on my way home. Statewide the average price of a gallon of regular is $4.39, according to AAA, and it's only the beginning of the summer, when pump prices typically rise.

We're in for a long, hard summer folks. Thank goodness the folks at Consumer Reports sent me their July mag, which features reviews of gas-saving cars and fuel-saving tips. Here's the skinny.

They calculated the price per mpg to create this ranking of cars that deliver the best fuel economy for your buck. Honda Fit sport (above), Honda Fit base model, Toyota Prius, Mazda3 i, Toyota Prius touring, Nissan Versa 1.8 SL, Honda Civic hybrid, Honda Civic EX, Hyundai Elantra GLS and Scion tC. If you are buying a used car, many of these models top their list.

Other quick tips...

My posts Wednesday about free events around Los Angeles covered a lot of ground but a story in yesterday's LA.com section had even more listings. Here are the ones I missed.

Levitt Pavilion, Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St in Pasadena (626) 683-3230. June 21-Aug. 31. Children's performances are Wednesday night, Thursday is American music theme, Friday is world beat, Saturday is Musica Latina and Sunday is devoted to jazz, the story says.

Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, 2230 W. Sixth St., L.A. "An offshoot of the Pasadena Festival now in its second summer."

Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. (310) 440-4500, Thursdays, July 17-Aug. 28. "Unlike other music programing that requires...

This sale isn't until next week but I wanted to let you know about it now. Bloomingdale's is having a secret sale Tuesday June 10 to Thursday June 12 on so much stuff they sent me a little booklet!

Warning, a lot of the discounts are for bulk purchases so shop with a friend! Select regular priced swimwear and coverups are 30% off and certain regular priced handbags are 15% to 40% off. Shoes are 20% off when you buy two pairs and 30% off when you buy three or more pairs. Sale shoes are an extra 20% off.

A collection of already reduced fine jewelry is 15% off, excluding designer jewelry and fine watches. A "large selection" of regular priced kids clothing is 25% off, and much of the men's clothing department is 15% to 30% off depending on how much you spend.

Linens for the home are 15% off when you spend more than $100 and all table linens are 20% off. A selection of...

Got a flyer in the mail that I could almost eat! It was full of bouquets of fruit on sticks, which may be a little hard to image if not for the picture at left. Edible Arrangements, the company that makes these tasty centerpieces, will be happy to sell you one for $59 to $200, but I bet making your own would not be difficult.

Choose an arrangement on their Web site to re-create. The one I have my eye on requires strawberries, slices of pineapple, grapes, apples dipped in chocolate. Skewer the fruit and stick them into a head of iceberg lettuce, which you can cut to fit the bottom of the vase or basket you are using.

If you want it to look fancy cover the iceberg head with tissue paper (before sticking the fruit in) and let the ends hang over the edge. Use different length skewers to create layers, with most of the fruit poking out to the side and a few on top.

Wow, this sounds really cool. I may try it at our next BBQ instead of making brownies. For more detailed directions click here.

If you order through EA my flyer says you can get $3 off when you mention the ad and code CCSM4000, which should be good until August 31, 2008. Happy eating!

Get 20% off a purchase of $100 or more at Ann Taylor Loft now through July 6, 2008. Shipping is free on tabs over $100. Use code 86200046 during checkout.

Dresses and skirts are 30% off this week only. A blue stretch knit dress with a V-neck and clever draped knot that melts into the skirt, above, is $50 (orig $69). The site also has a page just for summer work outfits. Their swim collection is tres cute, but not cheap.

Caveats: purchase of gift cards, taxes, shipping, and gift boxes do not count towards $100. Not valid at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory or AnnTaylor.com. Code can only be used once.
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Designer women's shoes are on sale this weekend as part of a fundraiser for Family Matters @ Work, a non-profit project that helps low wage workers balance work and family demands. 20% of proceeds will be donated to Family Matters @ Work.

The sale is Saturday, June 7 from noon to 4 at Joe Berger & Sons, a wholesale shoe distributor that only sells to the public for charity events. "It's a funky, old dusty "hole-in-the-wall" store that is not open to the public," an organizer told me.

The last time there was a sale at Joe Berger they accepted cash and major credit cards only and charged $2 to $4 for paying with your credit card. Not sure if this rule still applies but be prepared.

Visit Joe Berger & Sons at 403. E. Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Directions: From the 10 east, exit on Maple. Turn RIGHT on Maple once you...

Get a three course dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House for two for $89 as part of their summertime deal, which is available for a limited time. The meal includes a soup or salad, side dish, dessert and one of five entrees, including their "signature" filet, fresh fish, or chicken. I'm not sure if you have to make a reservation online or can show up and get the deal.

To spend $89 to feed two with such fine food is a great deal, though in these trying economic times it is still a big stretch for me. Plus there are tax, tip and drink to think of. I wonder if the deal is in response to the Morton Steakhouse twofer $99 (which is good until June 30, mind you hungry readers.)

Ruth's Chris has steak houses in Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, Irvine, San Diego and other cities. Find one near you. And eat well!

I'm testing out the Grocery Game as part of my attempt to rein in my household budget and spend less on food. So far, so good. I paid $1 to join for 4 weeks and have gotten some good tips.

For instance, the chain grocery stores put out their weekly sale flyers in Tuesday's newspaper. The best grocery prices are generally Sunday to Tuesday and Vons has lowest *sale* prices, according to Teri, who runs the Grocery Game.

Here's how the Grocery Game works: you clip your own coupons (from the paper and online) and she does the math. Each list notes items that are free in green, items that are a great deal in blue, and items that you should hold off on in black. A sample list is above. The list assumes you have coupons.

As part of the trial I get access to Teri's lists for as many stores as I want - Vons/Pavillions, Ralphs, Stater Bros, Whole Foods, Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens. After the 30-day trial ends it costs $10 for one list for 8 weeks and $5 for each additional list. If you sign up use my email as a reference, please.

The process is arduous to set up - there is a long list of directions and tips to maximize your savings - but I think once I get into the swing of things it won't be hard to maintain. First trip to the grocery store with the list will be this weekend and I have my fingers crossed. Come on, baby, work for me!

Angelenos are TV crazy. Period. There's even a company called On-Camera Audiences in Burbank that is devoted to lining up studio audiences for more than a dozen shows.

"For over 20 years, OCA has been responsible for procuring, casting and coordinating studio audiences for television's hottest shows all across the country," their Web site says.

They list ticket availability by date with spots available on "Chelsea Lately," "Family Feud," and "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling Championship." A few other shows are wait list only ("So You Think You can Dance," and "American Idol").

For certain shows if you go with a group of 10 as a fundraiser they will donate to your cause. Thanks, Marian!

Here's a deal that will please your heart and your wallet. SilverJewelryClub.com is a site where a Los Angeles jewelry maker sells earrings, necklaces and rings for free. All you pay is the $7 shipping and handling. They say the jewelry features real gemstones and normally sells for $50 to $80.

The pieces are Sterling Silver (92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other alloys, where other alloys mean nickel, copper, aluminum, etc), according to their FAQ. They also give their jewelry a Rhodium coating.

The site does have a few tricks, however. Only four items are available to choose from at a time and you can only order one at a time. Sales are final and you cannot change your order after submitting it. Each item is only on the site for 15 minutes. You can look ahead at what is coming up and get an email when that items is on sale. A recent item included a blue Topaz pendant, above.

I'm guessing the pieces are overstock, seconds, or were used as models. They only sell online but if you are curious their factory is at 510 W. 6th Street, Suite 910 in Los Angeles.

Thanks, Carol!

Finally, my Lincoln Lunch concept is catching on! Rubio's recently introduced five $5 "beach shack" specials, including a taco combo and churro, a half salad and fountain drink, a two street taco combo, a bean and cheese burrito, churro and fountain drink, and a fish burrito and fountain drink.

I have not eaten at Rubio's but my wallet is impressed with these $5 options. I hope my stomach will feel the same way!

Rubio's has locations in Universal City (if it didn't get burned down), Northridge, Thousand Oaks, Simi, and many more places. Find one near you. Thanks, Kay!

American Apparel has a newish concept called California Vintage that features "hand-picked vintage clothing from the 1950's through the 1990's alongside American Apparel pieces that you might not find at our regular stores," their site says.

The new store is in in Echo Park but they also have an eBay store, where many bold dresses and tops have not been bid above $20. A few items are for sale on their home page.

A peach mini-dress with a pleated skirt, thin belt, and broad collar is currently bidding for $36. A black and white dress with a thick black belt, above, is stylish without being hard to pull off. It is bidding for $15.50.

Visit the Echo Park store at 2111 West Sunset Blvd. Hours are Mon to Sat 11 to 9 and Sun from 11 to 8.

Hope you enjoy today's theme - things to do in LA for free (or almost free). Surely I have missed a lot of activities so please share your tips by leaving a comment. It's good karma!

Up next week: the beach. What does that mean? I have no idea. Share yours by emailing me.

This is not super local but such a good deal I wanted to mention it. Kids and adults can get $1 movie tickets as part of AMC 's Summer MovieCamp. Shows are every Wednesday at 10 am and you can purchase tickets up to one week in advance. All movies are PG or G rated.

Here the bad part. The nearest theaters are in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Covina, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and Montebello, unfortunately. To see all the participating theaters click here.

The lineup includes Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium June 25, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep July 2, Alvin & The Chipmunks July 9, Shrek The Third July 16, Bee Movie July 23, Surf's Up July 30, and TMNT August 6.

The Valley Cultural Center hosts free concerts every Sunday, June through August, in Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. Check out all the details here.

Grand Performances offers dozens of free concerts through the summer. Check out their line up here. Concerts are held at California Plaza in Los Angeles on the Watercourt stage or the Marina Pavilion. It is okay to bring food but not red wine.

Visit the Griffith Observatory, which has free admission. Or stop by the Getty just on the other side of the hill. Admission is free but parking is $8.

Get tickets to the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno by writing a letter with four dates you'd like to see the show. You can request up to 4 tickets. Gotta be at least 16. Tickets are on a first-come first serve basis. Mail request six weeks in advance to 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91523. Tickets will be mailed to you if you are chosen. A limited number of tickets are given out when the NBC Ticket Box opens at 8:00am the day of the show. Read all the details here.

Pershing Square is rumored to have free concerts but the two events listed on their Web site are in the past! An employee tells me there are free outdoor concerts Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2 and every Wednesday night starting July 30 from 8 to 10pm. The Wednesday night series ends August 20. Call (213) 847-4970 for more info.

I was hiking a trail above the Santa Monica Bay on the night of the last full moon when I met a guy named Dan. He scouts locations for movies and knows quite a lot of hot spots. When I asked him his favorite places for bargains he immediately said Diddy Riese, a Westwood sweets shops known for jaw dropping prices.

Get this: 35-cent cookies, 45-cent brownies, a scoop of ice cream for $1, ice cream sandwiches for $1.50. What is it, like, 1982? In the store and online you can build your own ice cream sandwich with 12 ice cream flavors and 10 cookie types to choose from. The top cookie can be different than the bottom cookie!

Sounds like I'll have to make a few visits to nail the perfect combination. Visit them at 926 Broxton Ave in Los Angeles. (310) 208-0448. Read what CitySearch says about Diddy Riese. Thanks, Dan!

Get a 1.25 ounce bag of Flat Earth baked veggie crisps free at Subway with this printable coupon. Doesn't look like you have to buy a sandwich or drink, but I'm sure that is encouraged.

If they are out of Flat Earth chips you can get a single serving bag of another Frito-Lay chips. Expires June 15.

Caveats: one per visit. Find a Subway near you.
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Get free admission to the Huntington Library, art collections and botanical gardens on the first Thursday of every month.

Tickets are already gone for June Free Day (June 5), unfortunately, but plan ahead and get tickets for July Free Day (July 3). Reserve your tickets over the phone at 800-838-3006 or reserve them online. You cannot get Free Day tickets in person. Choose between two time periods, 10:30am to noon or 1:30pm to 3pm. One person can reserve up to 5 tickets.

The Huntington has a lot of rules so read all the details here. Admission is normally $20 for adults on weekends and holiday Mondays and $15 on weekdays. Cheaper rates for seniors, students, and youth.

Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals (Lakers v. Celtics, baby!) are in Boston but you can watch the action on the big screen at the Staples Center for a lot less than a plane ticket to the northeast. Adult tickets to see the "home court advantage" are $15, kids aged 3 to 13 are $10, parking is $10. If nothing else, it's a cheap way to see the Laker Girls, who will perform during timeouts.

Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. at the Staples Center box office or on this Ticketmaster page. Proceeds go to the Lakers Youth Foundation and the Staples Center Foundation.

Parking is in Lot 5 at Figueroa and 12th or at the Cherry Parking Garage on Cherry between Pico and 11th.

The last time the Lakers and Celtics played each other in the finals was in the 80s. Can't you tell from this picture of Larry and Magic?

How to have fun without spending a wad? It's a major dilemma, especially in the summer when you want to get out and enjoy the good weather. Ha! That was for non-Angelenos who don't enjoy sunny skies 350 days of the year.

Anywho, here are a few ideas for where to have fun for free (or almost free). Many of my ideas can be adapted for any town!

Check the events page at your local library to see if they have a special story time, teen get together, or lecture series for adults. Bookstores like Storyopolis in Studio City regularly have free events for children and adults.

The school year is not quite over, which means sports teams still have games going on. Find out what teams are playing near you by checking the Web site of your local high school or middle school. Watching teens run around may not be as awe inspiring as seeing Kobe slam dunk, but you may meet a neighbor and have fun supporting your local school.

Take a bike ride. Find maps with bike paths across the city here.

With all the hemming and hawing about gas prices I thought a comparison to other commodities was in order. Below are prices I routinely pay for items, converted to their per gallon cost. Items more expensive than gas are in bold.

Regular unleaded gasoline: $4.19
Milk: $3
Organic milk: $6.50
Starbucks house brew: $14.80 ($1.85 for 16 oz)
Gatorade: $3.60 ($.90/32 oz)
Bottled water: $11.30 ($1.50 for 17 oz)
Dishwaster detergent: $5.97 ($3.50 for 75 oz)
Olive oil: $28 ($7 for 32 oz)
Soda: $1.89 ($1/2 liters)
Beer: $8.50 ($24 for 30 12-oz bottles of Bud Light)
Orange Juice: $6 ($3/64 oz)

Maybe gas isn't so expensive after all! Especially after you compare how much we pay to pump prices in other countries. $9.58 a gallon in Eritera! Who knew?

Marie Callender's advertises another 60th anniversary pie sale but offers few details, unfortunately. The Web site says prices vary by location and not all stores are participating. The sale is through the month of June on take home whole pie orders but does not include Cheesecakes or fresh fruit pies.

I called the Sherman Oaks store to get the scoop. The sale price is $7 plus the 50-cent tin, an employee said. Normally pies are $10 to $14. Call a Marie Callender's near you to confirm prices. Read their pie menu here. Thanks, Tracy!

I finally opened up my New York Times Sunday paper from May 18 last night and found a story with new online resources for discount airline tickets.

Airfarewatchdog.com monitors deals from various airlines and posts promo codes. You can sign up for deal alerts on certain routes and check their list of top 50 flight prices.

Farecompare.com shows you low prices by month and how prices have fluctuated over the past 9 months.

The story also suggests checking prices directly with the airlines, many of which are trying to avoid third party fees by offering lower prices than Travelocity, Expedia, and Kayak. Delta, American, United and Continental "are offering compensations like a $50 or $100 voucher for a future flight if passengers find an online fare lower than the one they are offering on their own sites for that flight," the story says.

Most travel sites let you set up a deal alert if the price for a route you fly slips. Sign up now and save later.

Checked out Sabroso in Winnetka recently because reader Marion told me I could find a Lincoln Lunch there. The set up is casual - the menu is spread over three large plastic panels that are tacked onto the wall. You order at and pay the cashier, then get your own drinks and seat yourself. When your food is ready they call your number and you fetch it.

The restaurant stuck me as very clean. There were booths inside and a covered tile patio with tables and piped in music that is occasionally drowned out by traffic on Vanowen St.

I ordered a $5.25 chicken burrito, which came with refried black beans, rice, cheese and a tasty enchilada sauce. The sizable burrito was packed with moist chicken that had a pleasant, if mild, flavor. My order came with a bowl of warm chips that I ate with two delicious salsas from the fresh salsa bar.

Many other burritos were $5.25. The bean and cheese option was $3.25. I've heard the tacos ($2.25 a la carte or $4.95 with rice, beans and tortillas), are excellent. Few menu choices were priced above $7. One that was tempting was a salmon filet with rice and beans for $8.

I was tempted by the rock bottom beer prices - $3.25 for imported bottles, $2.50 for domestic bottles, and $2.50 to $2.95 for beer on tap - but decided to return for happy hour another day. Visit Sabroso at 19714 Vanowen St. just west of Corbin on the south side of the street. (818) 346-4700. Small parking lot. Yelpers gave it a big thumbs up.

Get $29 tickets to The Boychick Affair, an interactive comedy show about the bar mitzvah of Harry Boychick, above, who shows up late to his own party. LA Weekly said "The wait for Harry allows the audience to mix freely with the actors in Lord's hilarious interactive comedy about a dysfunctional family. When the bar mitzvah boy finally arrives, we're treated to a rendition of Hebrew prayers set to a rap beat."

The discount is good for every show in June (except the 8th, which is sold out). Tickets are normally $36. The show is every Sunday at 2pm at the The Hayworth theater and includes dinner.

To get the discount, buy tickets over the phone at (800) 838-3006 and mention the Bargain Hunter discount or buy them online and use code BHD. Amy Lord, who wrote and performs in the show, is a regular reader. Thanks, Amy!

The Hayworth is at 2511 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Just another reason newspapers have to reinvent themselves or die - WalMart has entered the field of free online classifieds, competing with giant Craigslist and newbie Kijiji, according to TechCrunch. (Classifieds were a big source of income for papers before free options online came along.)

Wal-Mart is working with the Silicon Valley startup Oodle to offer the listings service. The free listings will generate more hits, which will contribute to advertising revenue. So will it be a success?

"Walmart has a mixed history of success with Web businesses, but Walmart.com attracts 26 million visitors a month in the.U.S., according to comScore. Amazon attracts 47 million," the story says. Kijiji got 2 million unique visitors in April and Craigslist got 30 million unique visitors that month while Oodle got 1.3 million, TechCrunch reports.

Starbucks is rolling out its plan to offer free Wi-Fi for "frequent customers" starting tomorrow, June 3. Not sure if it will be at all stores immediately.

There are a few strings attached, however. You have to register your Starbucks Card online (basically a gift card) and use it at least twice a month. If you do you will get two consecutive hours of free Wi-Fi everyday. Not enough to make the green machine your home office, but enough to get a little work done.

Read all the details here. You can also buy two consecutive hours of Wi-Fi for $4. Find a Starbucks near you.

I was taking my rings off to wash my face last night when my gold wedding band bounced off the tile counter, plopped into the toilet and sunk out of sight. GASP!

I paused for a second - luckily Hubby had cleaned the toilet bowl a day ago - before sticking my finger into the trenches. Ewwww. I could feel the ring at the bottom of the bowl in the tiny space where water rushes in to flush waste. But each attempt pushed it farther back into the hole. Hubby tried a few times with similar results.

Plan B: Hubby bent a pipe cleaner into a hook and tried luring the ring out. The hole was too small and the risk too great. Without being able to feel where the ring was it would be easy to accidentally push it into oblivion.

Plan C: Call a plumber. At 10:30 on a Sunday night Hubby got somebody on the phone. It would be $150 for a guy to show up that night or $60 Monday morning. Plus whatever the job fee was. How much was the job fee? The operator conveniently did not have the "job book" in front of him to refer to. Riiiiiight. Was I so cheap that I would risk losing my sentimental $500 wedding band to avoid a $250 plumber bill? Yes. Even though the price of gold has gone up so much that replacing the ring would probably cost $600? Still yes.

Plan D: Sleep on it.

Plan E: Pee in the shower.

Plan F: Use a suction device to suck the ring back into the tiny space where Hubby's fingers could grab it. Not strong enough.

Plan G: Use the neighbor's toilet.

Plan H: Try my luck with the pipe cleaner again. I had already dropped my ring into the toilet. Did I want to be responsible for losing it forever to the department of water and power?

Plan I: Flush the toilet with half a tank of water to create a gentle flow to push the ring out while blocking the drain with a sponge. The sponge blocked so much water there was no flow, so we tried it again with a full tank. Nothing.

Plan J: Block the drain with fingers to allow greater water flow and flush with full force. Grab ring after it bounces into my hand!!!

"I got it! I got my ring!" I yelled to Hubby, who was fetching his tool bag. He ran into the bathroom, dropped his tool bag, and gave me a hug. All at once my regret for not putting down the toilet seat, my anger at being clumsy, and my sadness about almost losing a little piece of gold that was the only thing of mine that matches something of Hubby's (I'm opposed to identical clothing) spilled into tears on Hubby's shoulder.

I felt terrible that I had almost lost something that was so important. Especially because right now many of my friends and family members are getting divorced, contemplating breaking up, or struggling with their relationships. If losing my ring was a sign that we too, had problems, working together to get it back was a sign that Hubby and I were still going strong.

I put the wet, dirty ring on my finger. It was shiny and etched with a dozen tiny dents from wear and tear over the past five years of marriage. I had my ring and I saved $600.

Get 20% off sale and clearance items at Loehmann's but don't wait because the coupon expires today. Valid in stores only.

Print it here. Look for items with a red or yellow sticker, which both work with the coupon. Shop with great restraint at Loehann's. The tab can add up quick!

Find a Loehmann's near you.

Get 20% off full-priced items at J. Jill now until June 8. Sale items not eligible for the discount. Online or over the phone (800-642-9989) use code HBB925. For in store shopping print out this email. If you aren't familiar with J. Jill, their clothes are casual, fairly conservative but a tad more daring than Coldwater Creek. A floral skirt is $69 or $79 depending on the size

Caveats: not valid in J. Jill outlets, one coupon per person for one-time use only, cannot be combined with any other offers except Take 5, not valid on previous orders or purchases, gift card purchases, gift services, sales tax, shipping and processing fees or J. Jill credit card payments. .

The Agoura Hills running store Future Track is having a quick sale on bras, clothes, and shoes Thursday, June 5 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm as part of a women's fitness event. In addition to sales, there will be raffle prizes, a sports bra fitting, and wine and cheese. During the sale bras and clothes are 15% to 50% off and shoes are 10% off.

The whole thing starts at 6:30pm with a bra fitting clinic. Women only!

Hubby bought running shoes at Future Track last week and said the employees watch how you walk and run on a treadmill before recommending a pair. Hubby has 30 days to return the Brooks running shoes he bought, even if he uses them outside!

Visit Future Track at 30125 Agoura Road Suite A in Agoura Hills. (818) 991-4786. Thanks, Hubby!

Get 20% off regular and sale-priced clothing and bath items from JC Penney online. When shopping use coupon code YOUR20. Expires June 12, 2008.

The Web site lets you enter the coupon code early in the process so you can tell right away whether the coupon works on your items. If it does apply the order summary page will list the discount amount in parenthesis or say 'discount does not apply.'

A ton of stuff is on sale - swim suits, father's day items, bath towels, etc.

Caveats: excludes furniture, housewares, jewelry and a few other items. Exp. 6/12/08

Follows are links to every deal mentioned in today's Daily News column. If you still can't find something, try using the search box in the upper right corner of this site. Thanks for reading!

Dodger tickets: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/dodgers-tickets-4.html

Free cell phone ear piece: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/free-cell-phone-ear-piece.html

Soles for souls: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/soles-for-souls.html

Laemmle discounts for seniors: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/laemmle-discount-for-seniors.html

Home Depot $5 off: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/get-5-off-a-50.html

Gifts for Father's Day: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/gifts-for-dads-day.html