Recently in Holidays & Occasions Category

Hope everyone has a fantastic holiday. I'm taking the day off too, so no daily digest today. See you Monday! ~Julia

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!

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."

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!

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.

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!

Spending for Father's Day gifts is going to decline this year, according to a retail group called the National Retail Federation. The average spending will be $94.54, down from $98.34 last year.

Is it me or does that seem awfully high?

I think a card or a phone call is a good gift. If you are compelled to buy something consider a gas card or gift certificate to a food store. Gifts like cologne or a silk tie are more sexy, but a gas/food card will definitely get used. And if you are worried about your budget, chances are he is too.

You can always pair the utilitarian gift with a joke about the unusual gift. I was going to write one but I couldn't think of any!

Keep it simple this Memorial Day instead of busting your butt (and wallet) serving up fancy dishes and pricey cuts of meat. The blog Yum Sugar suggests a low-key menu that includes Chipotle Deviled Eggs, Sticky BBQ wings, a BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing and Herb Potato Salad. Yum! I'm hungry already.

Another idea to keep expenses in check is to invite guests to bring a dish, drink, or dessert to share. It's not rude if you ask nicely and a lot of times folks enjoy contributing something.

Cancel it, that's how. Then get outside this summer for your workout! This long weekend is the perfect time for getting the ultimate in free workouts. Just put on some shoes and run around for an hour. For free!

Don't have that kind of motivation? Then adopt a dog from the East Valley Animal Shelter this weekend. The economic downturn means there's lots of Fidos and Fluffys being dropped off (per this Daily News article.) Believe me, it's the ultimate motivation. And talk about a bargain. It's less than $100 to get the animal with shots, license, microchip.

I haven't used my membership for the Woodland Hills Gold's membership since I adopted Bella, my energetic yellow lab in September and Beastie, my even more energetic Newfoundland/border collie in November when he was still a pup -- a BIG pup. Now my workout is all about tiring out the doggies so they don't destroy the house when I'm gone. That gets me out of bed like not even my muffin top can. I run with them an hour on weekday mornings around the neighborhood (early, to avoid the heat) and then hike with them on the weekends. (I like the Angeles National forest trails via Tujunga or Alta Dena, and the Verdugo Mountains in Burbank/Glendale. Lots of excellent trails where dogs are allowed, and not too many people.) I've saved money and got in good shape. It's all good.

And now I have extra money to spend on outdoor gear, yay! See how it's all related? And there's few things better than perusing through the REI outlet online. So many great deals! And you can avoid shipping fees by ordering your stuff and having it sent to the Northridge REI on Devonshire (in that mall at Reseda with the Albertsons) for free pickup _ or the Santa Monica one, if you're on that side of the hills. They e-mail when it's ready. I got a mondo sized dog backpack for big Beastie for only $29.99 (that's him at right in his old, puny sized backpack). Now he's my Beast of burden on the trail. Water please, Mr. Beast!

So many great deals from the site. Like this cute fitness top that's half off. I like it in quasar, whatever that is. Or these Wright socks for $3.93. I looove me some Wrightsocks and highly recommend them for any runner. I will only run in these socks. They are double layered to keep the blisters away. It works.

If REI isn't your thing and want to get all reusable (it's green!), check out Play it Again Sports, the store for reused sports gear. There's one right down Reseda at Nordhoff in that mall on the northwest corner of that intersection, with the McDonalds.

-- Post by Mariel

Here are links to the deals I mentioned in my Sunday story in the Daily News and Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Cheap tickets to Magic Mountain:
http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/tickets/index.aspx

Costco Disneyland tickets:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11241415&ec=BC-EC19107-ProdID11248536&pos=0F&lang=en-US

More Costco options at:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC3125-Cat21124&pos=1&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=29676&eCat=BC|21124|29676&lang=en-US

TSA list of discount tickets:
http://www.tsaspecialservices.com/entertainment.htm

San Diego hotel deals (click on the deals tab):
http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

Deals at Mammoth:
http://www.mammothmountain.com/plan/deals/index.cfm?seg=1

CityPass Southern California:
http://www.citypass.com/city/socal.html?id=2Qx3na2a

This did not make it into the story but the Web site Vacation Rental By Owner (vrbo.com) often has a wide price range for lodging. Here is the link for the mammoth lake listings:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/california/gold-country-high-sierra/mammoth-mountain/mammoth-lakes

I asked around and mothers resoundingly said the gifts that squeezed their hearts most were homemade drawings, art pieces, and cards. One mom said "art projects from my little girl are always my favorite! They cost a few dollars- if that- but they can really make a girl cry :)." Another suggested going "to one of those places where you paint ceramics and can get them fired. Do a hand print on a plate, etc., to remember how small their hands are."

One mom said a few hours of free time all to herself topped her list of desired gifts. My own Mom asked for a visit, phone call, card, and a meal together or some other event on another day. I think pictures make a great present, too. You can get a nice frame for under $15 at Aaron Brothers, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and many other stores. Any other ideas, folks? Leave a comment by clicking on the tiny "comments" button underneath this post so everyone can benefit. Thanks!

Here's one more source for discount flowers to show your Mom how much you appreciate her. She may not wipe your butt anymore, but it takes a lifetime to repay her for all she has done. At least, that's the case when you have a Mom like mine.

Look for flowers at LA's flower district, which boasts prices up to 50% off retail. Sure, you have to trek down there, create your own bouquet and refrigerate your them until you see your Mom, but you will likely save moolah. (If you don't know how to arrange the flowers flip through a magazine or do a Google image search until you see a combination you like. Rip it out or take notes and bring it to the flower shop so you know what to buy. I like putting together two different types of flowers with similar coloring for a bold look, like the image above.)

The flower district is in the fashion district, roughly bound by 7th Street on the north, 8th Street on the south, San Pedro Street to the east and Wall Street to the west. Click here for specific locations.

Check here for hours. Scroll down to see the special hours for the public leading up to Mother's Day. Note, it costs $1 to get in Saturday and $2 Monday through Friday. Closed Sunday.

Sending flowers to your Mom to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday? Here are a few promo codes that will lighten your tab. At 1-800-flowers.com get $10 off your tab of $50 or more with code PAYMOM. I'm told you can get $20 off $100 if you pay with Paypal and use code PAYMOM4. Unclear when the codes expire.

Get 50% off your order at BloomsToday when you sign up for their $9.95/month membership plan. Get $10 off an order of $50 or more at JustFlowers.com with code JF2008. Offer expires May 11. ProFlowers has marked down select bouquets by $10, like this collection of potted roses. Get $10 off your purchase at Teleflora with code PSGG10D.

Get 15% off your Jockey bill online with coupon code SMARTSHOPPER. A semi-reliable source says it is good until May 31, but if you know you need new underwear or socks I would not wait. Sale and regular priced items are eligible for the discount. You can enter the code early in the checkout process to make sure the coupon works.

A pair of mesh capri pants that look great for yoga or a walk on the beach are $25.50 (orig $30). A microfleece robe, above, is $17 (orig $60). Perfect for Mother's Day!

Mervyns has a 20% off coupon with very few exclusions that is good for an entire week! Hint, hint, they want you to use the coupon for Mother's Day, which is Sunday, May 11. Print the coupon here. It is valid Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Caveats: not valid on gift cards, past purchases, mail or phone orders, Levis, Hallmark or Guess brands. Limit one per transaction. Find a Mervyns near you.

Here are two tips to save money at your wedding, courtesy of cheap chic weddings.

+ Cut back on the number of attendants you have to save on flowers, boutonnières and gifts. Also, less stress from coordinating with fewer folks!

+ Decorate with ribbons. They are loads cheaper than flowers and still look great on sanctuary pews, tablecloths, reception chairs, your cake, and the head table. One way to dress up a room with ribbons is pictured at right.

More tips from CCW and a site where you can buy preowned wedding dresses.

Find a designer wedding gown at the Glamour Closet sample sale this weekend (in Orange County, unfortunately). The press release
says they have hundreds of dresses by designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Amsale that are marked down by up to 80%. And no dress is more than $999. Bring the bra and shoes you plan to wear on your big day to find the best fit.

Caveats: dresses come in size 8 or 10. Communal dressing rooms.

The sale is at the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 540-2500. Hours are Saturday, April 5th from 10 to 5 and Sunday, April 6th from 10 to 3.

If you are still looking for a prom dress, check out eDressme.com. They have a ton of pricey dresses in the $300s, but also a huge selection of dresses under $99. Many are final sale (not returnable), but not all. A long white gown with turquoise accents around the bust by Faviana, above, is $99 (orig $218).

Show some skin in a black mini with a plunging V-neck and bubble skirt, also for $99. Comes in xs and m only. Browse all their prom dresses on sale.

Get 10% off all the cookies and treats at Good Fortunes now until May 1, 2008. No minimum required. To get the discount order use code DN8. The Canoga Park company has been hand making sweets since 1995. To avoid shipping charges, pick up your order at their shop.

Check out their Mother's Day items, including a gigantic caramel toffee cookie with chocolate drizzle, for $28.50. It measures 11-inches across and weighs just under a pound. You can personalize a message up to 10 sentences or send Good Fortunes a message, check or gift certificate and they will insert it into the cookie. Imagine the surprise!

Get 30% off all the faux retro greetings cards from Paper Relics for an unknown amount of time. Buy online and use code CANDY at checkout. I may have to get a set for my sisters, who send me the most beautiful cards. I like this whimsical Let It Snow card, which is $4 for one, $12 for 4, or $20 for 8. That's before the discount.

A card that has a little fairy standing on a tree limb with an egg in her hands brings home the message "you're a good egg." Perfect for a birthday, graduation, or other congratulatory occassions, with similar pricing. A proper lady decorates a fun "eat cake" card, above.

Still haven't found a dress to wear to prom? Consider checking out a small boutique in Tarzana called Dressed Up! They are putting about 300 dresses for prom, cocktail parties and formals on sale all for $99 each this Saturday. (Sale may start Friday after 1 pm but owner is not sure when he will open that day. Call if you want to get a head start.) Look for dresses by Sue Wong, Morell Maxie, Jessica McClintock, Terani, and Jovani. Sale lasts 10 days but the best stuff will go quickly. Browse their online selection of prom dresses. A sparkly number in gold and silver hues from Sheri Hill, above, is $298.

Here's a video showing some of the dresses for $99.

If you can't find anything on the sale racks, don't despair. Prices through the store are already below retail. I stopped by in January and was surprised to find many snazzy dresses in the $100s and $200s. Many more are higher priced. Owner Michael Weintraub keeps prices below retail by limiting his advertising and operating on smaller profit margins than mass retailers. Weintraub likes to think of himself as "the Costco of better designers" because he sells so many dresses at the store and to movie and TV studios.

Here are some more suggestions for where to find a prom dress.

Visit Dressed Up! at 6000 Reseda Blvd. at Oxnard, hidden in the "Alley in the Valley" strip mall on the SE corner. (818) 708-7238. Hours are Mon to Sat 10 to 6 and Sun 11 to 4:30.

Easter is this Sunday and that means time to eat ham (jellybeans and chocolate are just foreplay). Here's a survey of prices so you can get the best deal.

Ralphs has a Farmer John half ham for $.89/lb and a spiral sliced half ham for $1.29/lb. Vons has the Farmer John whole or half ham for a bit less - $.67/lb and the spiral cut for about the same price, $1.27/lb. Albertsons has the spiral cut ham for $1.29/lb and Smart & Final has the Farmer John spiral cut ham for $.179/lb, the worst deal of the bunch. If you want the spiral cut any of the three chains will do. If you do your own cutting, head to Vons.

Costco has a high end Niman Ranch 6.5lb ham for $70 (that $10.77/lb). No idea if they also sell regular hams. Anybody seen ham prices at Food 4 Less or Trader Joe's?

Caveats: grocery prices come with loyalty cards, which are free and easy to sign up for.

The upscale kitchen store Williams-Sonoma has decent sales online with plenty of Easter items. Mini Easter totes that look like a chick, bunny or pink tulip, above, are $9 for a pair (orig $12). Perfect for holding a few treats. Six chocolate carrots for decoration and eating are $10 (orig $15).

Non-Easter sale items include a set of three earthenware canisters with a blue and white wine pattern are $40 (orig $100). Not bad at all. A stainless steel wine bucket is $29 (orig $49). Thanks, Sarah!

Looking for an Easter outfit? The price comparison Web site Shopzilla.com lays out an assortment of Easter dresses for girls with many options under $15. A white sleeveless dress with a long pleated skirt is $11.50 at Target. Opps, it's sold out, as are all of the Target dresses on the page. Grrrr. A yellow seersucker dress from Sears is $12. Search Shopzilla's assortment of boy's dress shoes and boy's dress pants. Browse all their Easter apparel categories.

Going straight to the retailers, Kohl's marks down dresses and dressy apparel by 40%, including an adorable white dress with eyelet embroidery at the neckline and hem and a yellow daisy tied to the front, above, for $13 (orig $22). A dress from JCPenney has polka dots in three shades of blue for $25 (orig $50). Macy's has many dresses and a few slacks and shirts for boys, but higher prices. One item on sale is a baby girl's dress with contrasting patterns, for $18 (orig $26).

Easter is March 23 so you have two weekends plus the Saturday before the holiday to shop.

Do I know where to get limo deals? A reader named Caryn asked so I looked and found LimoDeals.com, a Web site that lists limo rental companies. You have to call each company to get a quote, unfortunately. But the site does have helpful tips on what to ask before you rent, like if the company provide beverages or if you can bring your own. If possible, go and look at the limo so there are no surprises. Here are tips just for prom rentals.

Before you start calling companies know what type of limo you want and the number of people that will be riding along. Take notes so you can compare afterwards. Many companies will give you a discount when you mention LimoDeals.com, the site says. Here is a list of limo companies in California by city. You can also search by zip code.

Started my hunt for prom dresses yesterday in the Topanga mall in Canoga Park. I was surprised that many retailers, like Macy's and Sears, had very few dresses at relatively high prices. The majority of the dresses I saw were polyester - even at Nordstrom's - so quality is not a great concern, apparently. Makes sense for a garment you only wear once.

The best selection and prices by far were at Windsor's, which had a whole dress boutique at the back of the store. A sales rack had many dresses under $50, and there were plenty of others - short and long - under $100. The bunched aqua dress, above, is $60.

Cache also had many prom dresses, especially in BRIGHT colors, but many were in the $200s and $300s. A classic black satiny halter top with eye-catching bunched lines across the middle was $178. An over the top floor-length dress with a black and white animal print skirt and a daring slit was $238. The best part of the dress was a hot pink band under the black bust. The floor-length black gown, below, is $148.

Chez Marie (no Web site, unfortunately) had a decent selection with long gowns 20% off and all other dresses 50% off. Many were distinctive...

The candle seller Illuminations has a coupon code for $15 off a purchase of $60 or more, good in stores, online, or over the phone. It doesn't expire until March 31, 2008. Use code 999201346.

For Easter they have egg-shaped candles. A set of 6 is $13 and each burns up to 7 hours. Find a store near you.

One place to look for a prom dress is in the LA Fashion District. Christine Silvestri, founder of Urban Shopping Adventures, leads guided tours of the area and has a special tour March 8 just for finding the perfect prom dress. The tour boasts visits to spots that sell "the hottest new dresses of the season at half the price of department stores."

The two and a half hour tour costs $36 per person. Call (213) 683-9715 for more details or to sign up. I blogged about Silvestri once before after she was written up in LA.com.

Other tours include Dress for Success: Women’s Fashion on the Job on March 29, Find Your Colors: VIP Color Lab for Women on April 12, Sample Sale Strategic Shopping on April 25 and August 29, Mom: Flowers, Gifts & Fashion on May 3, Men in Suits: Successful Suit Shopping for Less on May 17, Do-It-Yourself Bridal Planning: Floral, Textiles & Crafts on June 7, Bridal Wear: Beautiful Brides & More on June 14, and Back-to-School Shopping, Moms & Teens on August 23.

Thanks, Greg!

Trim a few hundred dollars off your wedding budget by purchasing a used gown from PreownedWeddingDresses.com. Dresses for sale are listed by "street size" not the size on the label because they vary so much from on designer to the next. Within each size you can search by price (above or below $500).

Here's a simple strapless dress with a full skirt and beautiful criss cross lace back, for $375 (originally paid $650). Seems to be more options in the plus $500 sizes, like this custom made dress from Clio Designs of Beverly Hills. Check out the skirt. It looks like meringue pie! Makes me hungry. Browse all their dresses.

Want to clear out some closet space and sell your own dress? Here's how it works. Sellers pay $25 to sell their dress and get to keep all of the sale price. The listing last for 12 months until they sell the dress. Sellers can upload up to five photos per listing.

Today get 50% off your order at BloomsToday. Teleflora offers $10 off all products with coupon code PSGG10D. Select bouquets are 40% off at ProFlowers. Get 10% off purchases at FTD - no coupon needed. At
1800Flowers.com get 20% off certain flowers with coupon code CUPID14. Take $10 off your purchase at JustFlowers with coupon code JF2008.

Some of the above sites ask if you heard about them on the radio. I recently blogged about a code to get a radio discount for ProFlowers. Wonder if it will work for the others. Thanks Bargainist!

The upscale chocolatier Godiva is offering 10% off online orders of $50 to $600 now thru Sunday, Feb 10. Standard shipping will get your treats delivered by Valentine's day if you order by 8 pm PST Sunday. Use code TRUFFLETEN when checking out for the discount.

A heart shaped box with 29 chocolates is $58 (orig $65) and a truffle assortment with 36 pieces is also $58 (orig $65). A slender box with 6 truffles is $12 (orig $13.50).

Search all their V-day themed gifts.

Get $2 off a tab of $25 or more at See's Candies with a coupon in today's Daily News. Even if you are not in LA, there's a good chance the same coupon may be tucked into your local paper. The coupon is good thru Feb 14, 2008. You can also enter their contest to win a year's worth of See's!

I'm very fond of the small heart box of assorted chocolates for $10 because it's the one my Mom gave me every Valentine's Day as a kid. Also, it has a lot of caramels in it. I certainly wouldn't refuse a bag of dark chocolate hearts, for $5.25. Browse all their Valentine's gifts here. Find a See's near you.

Came across jewelry maker Maya Brenner thru Jen's list and I really like her stuff. It's pricey but not out of control, especially if you find a special piece that will last. Get 25% off until Feb 29 when you enter code VDAY at checkout.

Prices BEFORE the discount: A long necklace with a yellow stone, a small medallion and a few other trinkets is $120. A 14k gold filigree medallion on an 18-inch chain is $230. A pair of curved fan earrings with fine gold filigree work, above, is $130. Also a