Monday, December 6, 2010

This month I am not quite on time with my blog updates. In fact, my lateness probably contributed to some of you missing out on events like the Ski & Snow Expo and the free Holiday Concert & Tree Lighting at LA Live (feat. Stevie Wonder, Willow Smith, and many others), plus the Belmont Shore Holiday parade. Until I find a moment to bring you updates of my top picks, please check out the links on the right page of my blog page.

Below is a summary of two of my main goals this winter.

My # 1 goal this Winter:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!



Goal #2: Time to party!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!
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Monday, November 1, 2010

I'm Thankful for....

[NEWS UPDATE: Event POSTPONED!!]
Event Highlight: November 5 - 7, 2010

The Los Angeles Taste of the World Festival gives attendees the opportunity to travel the world in a single day. Five continents were built over a 22-acre movie studio in downtown L.A. to showcase the food, wine, music, and dance of Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. Your ticket gets you inside; upon entering, receive your Event Passport and then begin your world tour, purchasing samples of participating restaurants' best menu items.

More details here: http://www.tasteoftheworldfestival.com/

Want to get comp tickets or discounted tickets?
Search "Taste of the World" on this site:

https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F1243705RP


Post-Halloween Fun

Creative Uses for Leftover Pumpkins

Edible Pumpkin Pinhole Camera- the making of from BARKS on Vimeo.


International Education Week
CSULB's Calendar of Events

More details about this event and ideas from across the nation can be found here.

Highlight: Mon - Thu 3 - 5 PM, Brotman Hall 201
"Meet an Exchange Student" - Connect with current international exchange students and recent study abroad alumni in a casual environment with light refreshments. Here's your chance to explore the globe at the Center for International Education.


Other Top Picks for November (aside from above):
  • Ongoing: Free Yoga in the Park! Join the Downtown residential community for free yoga in the newly completed Promenade Square Park (1st Street and The Promenade) every Thursday evening at 6PM and every Saturday morning at 9AM. There are no fees and no experience necessary! Just come out and have a good time! (Weather permitting.)
  • November 11 - MEXICO 68 experiments by fusing Afro-Latin rhythms, soundz & culture all in one. From Afro-Beat to Reggae, Rock or Rumba, Mexico68 is gonna have you asking for mas y mas! FREE BEFORE 11pm with RSVP to: tumbe.los.angeles@gmail.com, $5 Afterwards
  • November 16 - The GRAMMY Museum's Latin Showcase: Perrozompopo
More coming soon!
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Friday, October 22, 2010

Let the Halloween Countdown Begin!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!


Where's the party at?
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party - Thursday night, October 28. Ihe CSULB International Student Association will be hosting their party on campus at the Soroptimist House. Enjoy creepy snacks, pumpkin carving, a costume contest and dancing. Fun for the whole family!
  • Halloween on Pine in Downtown Long Beach - free, close, easily accessible by public transit. What's not to like?
  • Salsaween @ The Shore Ultra Lounge
  • West Hollywood Halloween Carnival - a place to see and be seen, or perhaps even to make a scene.
  • Private parties (at homes) - If you are part of a MeetUp group, there are plenty of gatherings in the mix. CouchSurfers also tend to get together for goulishly good fun.
  • More Halloween Fun: Long Beach | LA Area | OC Area
For more options search "Halloween" in the resource links listed to the right on this blog page.

Need a costume? Check out the following locations
I'm still working out my costume ideas for 2010. My costume for the year 2020 will be inspired by Storm of the X-Men. In a perfect world, I would find someone to dress up as Blade, the Vampire Hunter, and we would hit the town the the ultimate pair.

Storm Pictures, Images and Photos
Source: http://media.photobucket.com/image/storm%20xmen/kittypride1998/Xmen/storm-3.jpg?o=1


Source: http://www.flixster.com/actor/wesley-snipes-photos
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Monday, September 27, 2010

Halloween is Right Around the Corner - Costume Time!



Unique Events of the Month:

Cylclone Coaster Sunday Ride - Oct 2

Long Beach Food Truck Festival - Oct 9 - 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM



Let's take a look at what else October has to offer in the Long Beach, LA, and OC areas:
Many people who know me are aware that I love Halloween! I enjoy dressing up in costumes and my tradition is now to try to compile a different Halloween outfit for each day of the week just prior to the big day. I like some of the styles from earlier decades, so you may find me dressing work-appropriate, for the most part, but perhaps representing a different decade. Are you preparing for Halloween? Not sure where to shop for a costume? Where to go out for fun? Maybe you're not sure what the excitement is all about. See links below for help in all the above aforementioned areas.
Halloween Fun in: Long Beach | LA Area | OC Area
For more options search "Halloween" in the resource links listed to the right on this blog.

Clip of the Week:



Music Video Pick of the Week:



Hulu Magic:

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Monday, September 6, 2010

September Catch Up

I was behind schedule posting this month, but I hope you enjoy a few of the fun activities listed below.

Ongoing Fun this Month:
Specific Dates:
My splurge of the month:
Thu, Sep 16 - Tickets to see Les Nubians at the Conga Room in Downtown LA. $25



Save these Dates! October 2010 Event Preview.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Falling into August

The end of summer is near. I can feel fall breathing softly on the back of my neck, which is probably how I got sick. It seems like summer never fully broke through the dreaded June gloom phase this year. There is still hope that a true summer will emerge, so let's take a look at what's happening this month.

My Top Picks for August (as of this week):
  • Fri, Aug 13 & Sat, Aug 14 - Classical Beats - Summer and Music 2010 - Free (So excited!)

  • Aug 27 - Long Beach Salsa Club's T.G.I.F. Salsa Party @ Recreation Park Club House, $5 (Finally something near my place.)

Last minute fun:

Friday, August 13 - Dance Downtown @ the Music Center Plaza - Free
  • 6:30 to 10:00 PM - Shake your groove thing to the disco beat! Complementary lessons at 6:30 PM and throughout the evening. Learn the hustle and other disco favorites. No experience or partner necessary.
  • More Dance Downtown fun on August 27 - Throwback Night - 60's Dances.
  • Get there on the LA Metro Red Line stop: Civic Center
Alternate option: Saturday, August 14, IndiaFest 2010 - $10 to $25. Celebrate India's independence day 7 pm to 2 am.


Sat & Sun, August 14 & 15, 77th Annual Long Beach Sand Sculpting Fest - Free
  • One of the oldest sand castle contests in the U.S.A. makes another appearance in 2010 and keeps the spirit of friendly competition alive. Free to spectators. Contest entrants pay a fee. Enjoy live music, arts & crafts vendors, a BBQ option, kid's zone and more!

Saturday , August 14 - Outdoor Cinema Food Fest - $8
  • Imagine a rotation of over 60 gourmet food trucks over an 8-week period throughout three parks: Exposition Park (near USC), Grand Hope Park (Downtown) and La Cienega Park (Beverly Hills). This is what I call a genius idea.
  • Featured Films: 8/14 - The Breakfast Club, 8/21 - The Princess Bride.
Alternate options:
Movies at the Park, Movies at the Beach, Movies at the Cemetery, etc.
See my other blog for more details. Click here.

Wednesday August 18 & 25 - Delta Nove (and guests) @ Alex's Bar - $7
  • Did you miss the Long Beach FunkFest and you just need something good to groove to in Long Beach? Check out the talents of Delta Nove each Wednesday night this month.
Thursday, Aug 19, 2010 - En La Noche - $10 (Date Corrected!)
Destination: Columbia @ MoLAA - Experience Colombian art, music, and jewelry over a four-day period.
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm -Tours of the current MOLAA exhibition. Tours begin at 6:30, 7:00pm.
  • En la noche 8:00 - 10:00pm - Enjoy the beats of the musical group Very Be Careful, a vallenato band with a sound rooted in the coastal northeast of Colombia.


  • 6:00 - 9:00pm- Café Viva - Want some food with that music? Drinks and appetizers will be available at a “Happy Hour” at 6:00pm and there will also be a prix-fixe dinner from 6:00 - 9:00pm.
  • Complimentary Colombian Rum Tasting from 6:30 - 8:00pm
Alternate option: La Excelencia at the Skirball Cultural Center - 8 PM - Free, $5 Parking. This is part of the Sunset Concerts at the Skirball series celebrating the best in world music.

Unique Activities:
  • Saturday, August 14 - 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Drum Downtown - Active Arts

Not so cheap, but fun or unique options that might be worth the extra cash (alternate options listed):

  • Friday, August 21, 2010 - BeerFest, Redondo Beach, $40. I don't particularly like beer unless it is mixed with lemon-lime soda to make a Radler (aka Shandy in many parts of the U.S.). However, this is probably some of my friend's dreams come true and I can see the intrigue: Unlimited tastings from 45+ local and national breweries, live music, and great local food. My only tip? Be safe, take public transit or assign a designated driver.
Alternate options:

Sneak Peak at September:

My Favorite DISCOUNTS

Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more.
I'm already a member! https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F1243705RB

Join Zipcar and get $25 in free driving! Join Zipcar and get $25 in free driving!


On a very random note, I thought I'd also post my latest musical favorites or finds for the month when the mood strikes me. I'll try to post the "clean" versions if they are decent, but I'm sure some originals may slip through now and again. See below for my latest favorites.

"Your Hand In Mine" by Explosions in the Sky (Because sometimes I don't need any words.)



Songs by Sarah McLaclan - revisiting old favorites - "Fear", " I Will Remember You", "Angel", "I Love You" and many more. She is an amazing vocalist.

Songs by Kid Cudi (Explicit) - I decided not to post videos on this blog, but I am enjoying his music. I've never heard hip-hop/rap quite like this! I think what surprised me most was the content of his lyrics. Enter his psyche for for a few minutes and wonder what part of this life he's tapping into to get these songs. I've got two favorites right now and listening to more.

"Brown Sugar" by Mos Def (I just really enjoy this song.)



"Magic Perfume" by Charlyne Yi (Quirky, yet satisfying. Bonus - free guitar lesson.)



There is so much more going on that I did not post. Perhaps you can use this blog as a basic catalyst. Get up and get out! Take advantage of many of these activities and more.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Staycation Weekend

Sometimes the best vacations are the ones where you don't go anywhere and you just lounge around your home and neighborhood. These are the vacations that you don't require a recovery week to recalibrate yourself. There's no jet lag, no budget bending spending (at least for those with will power), and the benefit of enjoying things you might never take note of otherwise. That said, let me tell you about some fun events for the final days of July and the start of August. Perhaps you could use a few tips about how to enjoy time right here in the LA/LGB/OC areas.




My Picks this week:




Other Events this weekend:

Free in August

Spend-a-little August

Film-related Events:

My Wishlist for upcoming events:
K-OS


SHAD


ASTRONAUTALIS (feat. POD)


Money Already Spent
  • Les Nubians @ The Conga Room - Thursday, September 16 @ 8 PM
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Lovin' Long Beach

Typically I try to post a balance of events across LA and OC counties, but I'm feeling lots of love for Long Beach this week. Considering I both live and work in Long Beach, it's where I spend most of my time. Check out the events below and you can see why I love living in the LGB.

JULY 2010

  • Saturday, July 24 - Gourmet Food Trucks meet up for Long Beach Street Food Festival - Long Beach’s first street food festival will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $6 in advance, $8 at the door.
  • Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Les Jolis Trésors Gallery Presents French Accent, French Touch, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The artists’ Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Les Jolis Trésors, 3226 East Broadway in Long Beach. Free.
  • Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Summer and Music Festival - Jump Up - 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Worldly rhythms meet at the Harbor for an evening of Funk and Soul at the Waterfront Amphitheatre: Rainbow Harbor.

AUGUST 2010 There is much, much more going on around town so I'll try to update the list as I hear about things. check out earlier posts for possible options as well.


Need wheels for a quick errand or to visit a local attraction?
Check out ZipCar and get a car rental only for as long as you need it. (I average about 2 hours per rental.) CSULB students and employees get a discount. See the section via the link "Are there other ways to join?"

Zipcar: wheels when you want them. Learn more.
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Free Fun this Weekend, Plus More!

Too much fun this weekend and most of it for free!!! Here's what I'll be trying to check out, aside from lawn bowling, bon voyage parties, and cleaning my apartment.

LONG BEACH

Free Summer and Music (SAM) Double-Dose Weekend!

  • July 1oth: Swing Saturday ::: 5 - 9 p.m. ::: East Village Arts District : MAP
    Jump, Jive, & Wail with Eddie Nichols and other members of Royal Crown Revue. Located on the future site of the new Art Exchange, this swinging night of music will also feature free swing dance lessons and a dance contest!
  • July 11th: Battle of the Tribute Bands at Waterfront ::: 1 – 6 p.m. ::: Rainbow Harbor
    One of last year's SAM highlights returns! Five of So Cal's best tribute bands face off, head to head, for cash & and bragging rights. Includes bands paying tribute to Van Halen, Depeche Mode, INXS, Def Leppard, & Blondie.

LOS ANGELES

LA is famous for film and the film festival circuit is alive and well in July.
  • Outfest 2010 (July 8 - 18) features 143 films and videos from 25 countries (including for the first time, Nepal) in 6 different venues across Los Angeles over 11 days. 81 separate public programs, 4 galas, 64 features, 12 short film programs and 12 panels and special events and countless parties and receptions! 3 Free screenings listed in digital program. Most others are $13.
Explore one of the best views in LA.
  • Griffith Observatory - Get ride via Long Beach Transit's Museum Express. Alternate LA transport options: Bus 180, 181, 380, then a long walk/I-5, exit Los Feliz Boulevard west. Observatory Admission is free. Planetarium $7. Parking free.

Keep up fun suggestions from the last blog post here.

More free fun with a complete focus on films: http://www.askinemovies.blogspot.com

* * * * *
Need wheels for a quick errand or to visit a local attraction? Check out ZipCar and get a car rental only for as long as you need it. (I average about 2 hours per rental.) CSULB students and employees get a discount. See the section via the link "Are there other ways to join?"

Zipcar: wheels when you want them. Learn more.
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Saturday, June 26, 2010

It's almost July! Summer is in full gear.

July is right around the corner. Keep your eyes open for many great activities and events.

My top 10 picks:
  1. Long Beach - Aquarium of the Pacific - Discounted Sunday Late Nights - $11.95 after 5 pm
  2. San Pedro - Shakespeare by the Sea - Free
  3. Long Beach Museum of Art After Dark - July 15 - $10 admission; Happy Hour prices for food & drinks.
  4. Los Angeles - Active Arts - Dance Downtown - July 2 - Bollywood/Bhangra - 6:30 to 1 0PM
  5. Long Beach - Stroll & Savor - July 21 & 22 - Savor food samples from over 30 restaurants in Belmont Shore on 2nd St. - $10 for a booklet of 12 tickets.
  6. U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Nothing says CA like surfing. Skating and BMX info available too. The fun begins July 31, 2010.
  7. Book Booth in Highland Park - A Literary Exchange - details here
  8. Events sponsored by the Long Beach Salsa Club
  9. Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more. I'm already a member!
  10. Long Beach Transit's 2010 Museum Express routes.

4th of July Festivities
  • 106th Fourth of July Parade - Huntington Beach - Considered to be the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi, featuring more than 300 entries including bands, floats, celebrities, local dignitaries, equestrians and community groups.
  • Many other options: 1 | 2 |

Celebrations of Culture
  • LA County Museum of Art - Latin Sounds - Every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September. Relax in Hancock Park as world-renowned artists play the hottest sounds from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and Los Angeles. FREE - no tickets of reservations required. Other music series and events: Jazz @ LACMA | Sundays Live | Lectures
  • South Bay Greek Festival: Fri - Sun, Jul 9 - 11 - St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue, Redondo Beach. Join in for three days of live music, dancing, homemade food, arts & crafts, kids games & entertainment, cooking demonstrations and the best Greek Food around! General admission only $2 and kids under 12 are FREE. A South Bay Tradition Since 1964, Opa!
  • Bowers Museum - July 18 - Free Family Festival

Exploring Cities & Neighborhoods:
Outdoor Summer Fun in Long Beach
Need wheels for a quick errand or to visit a local attraction?
Check out ZipCar and get a car rental only for as long as you need it. (I average about 2 hours per rental.) CSULB students and employees get a discount. See the section via the link "Are there other ways to join?"

Zipcar: wheels when you want them. Learn more.


Get ready for August and save these dates
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Sunday, June 6, 2010

Back in Long Beach and Ready for Summer!

I'm back! Sorry for the absence of news. I had a bit of time away in Kansas City, MO. I had the good fortune of having a great Couchsurfing host, so I feel like I really got to know parts of the city and I had a great time. If you ever head out that way, I could give you some tips, just let me know.

Now that I have returned to Long Beach I'm looking forward to the start of the summer freebies and more. My best bets for free fun in Long Beach:
More great news! The 2nd Annual Funk Fest is coming this August 7th!! Save the date. It was great and free fun last year. Can Downtown Long Beach do it again? Yes, yes, yes!

Not free or as cheap as I'd like, but definitely worth it:
As a side note, my friend, Dr. Ahuva Gamliel is auditioning for Oprah's search for the next TV star. Check out her video and vote for her! Free fun that helps someone. ;-) Click here.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Commencement Week @ CSULB

Talk about free fun! Meet up with friends and check out the action at CSULB. If you are lucky enough to know someone graduating this year, or even if you don't, stop by the campus and revel in the natural high called graduation. Students, staff, faculty, friends, and family are emitting a constant energy of pride, happiness and relief. I started to have the urge to study again just watching the madness.

Now for the great news.....
After you've screamed you lungs out trying to get a graduate to hear your "war cry" of support for all of their great accomplishments, you get a chance to chow down, for free. The reception area has simple, yet fairly satisfying array of treats to sample: veggies, chips & salsa, meatballs, fudge brownies and lemon bars. There are at least two types of beverages as well, with lemonade as the crowd favorite. If you could not find your favorite graduate in the massive crowds of the commencement area, head on down to the West Terrace and you are bound to run into them enjoying a quick snack or beverage before heading out for the big celebratory meal.

Enjoy the moment!
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

On CSULB Campus & Close to Campus

CSULB's USU Finals Week Freebies!
  • Get into the Finals Zone - The University Student Union is extending its hours and offering free massages, free bowling, henna tattoos, free food and more during finals week! The USU is open 7a.m.-2a.m. Monday-Wednesday and 7a.m.-12a.m. on Thursday -Saturday. The 49er Textbook Buyback program has joined the USU on the 2nd floor this week from 7a.m.-7p.m. No lines or shorter lines. Check it out!

Rancho Los Alamitos Adventures:

  • Long Beach Chorale at the Rancho - Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. - The Choral Creature Feature - Tickets $15 and $12 with student ID. Parking for this event will be at CSULB with free shuttle to the Rancho. Lions, tigers, and bears? Well, more like dogs, cats, birds, horses, and bunnies! We're celebrating our love of animals in song, and returning to our favorite outdoor venue, the idyllic Rancho Los Alamitos. Bring the family and a picnic, and we'll set your tail to wagging with this program of the serious and the silly! Tickets are on sale NOW. Click here for ticket sales and information
  • Come Home to Povuu’ngna at Rancho Los Alamitos - Sunday, June 13, 2010 - Noon – 4:30, Free Admission. Parking for this event will be at CSULB with free shuttle to the Rancho. Click here for details
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Free Films this Summer: Long Beach, LA, & OC.

Want to get outside for bit of free movie viewing fun.
Check out the May 15th posting in my Confessions of a Netflix Addict blog.
Outdoor Movie Fun this Summer!
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Friday, May 14, 2010

Need Something to Do? My Picks for May 14 - 23

The fun never ends when summer is near!! Below are my picks for free or cheap activities throughout the next week.

Saturday, May 15 - Sunday, May 16
Honorable Mention: La Lupa Italian Cultural Arts Festival

Monday, May 17
Tuesday, May 18
Wednesday, May 19 to Thursday, May 20
Friday, May 21
  • In Progress
Saturday, May 22
  • Belmont Shore Stroll & Shop 11 Am - 8 PM
  • Soundsuits After Dark - 8 PM to 11 PM - the Fowler Museum @ UCLA & Wilson Plaza
Sunday, May 23
  • In Progress
Looking forward to the following events this SUMMER:
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Thursday, April 29, 2010

My Picks for the first week in May 2010:

Choice #1 Friday May 7th from 6:30 - 9 PM

The countdown begins people! 9 days until the International Student Associations's 44th Annual Cultural Show! A great program, including delicious appetizers from around the world. Beverages & desserts too! Student tickets are only $10, faculty & staff $20, all others $25. Come join the fun on Friday May 7th from 6:30 - 9 PM. Tickets Available in BH-201 @ CSULB.

$10 is an inexpensive treat these days. Even a movie costs more than $10 at most theaters in L.A. How's a person suppose to keep to a furlough budget without a few deals? The ISA's show is one of those deals, especially for anyone who is a student with a valid student I.D. The $10 even includes appetizers, beverages, and dessert!


See video promo for the show below.




Choice #2 Saturday May 8th from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Learn lawn bowling at the Long Beach Lawn Bowling Club: Free lessons are available on May 8th from morning to afternoon. The Club's annual open house is on Saturday, May 8th @ 1109 Federation Drive, between 7th and Anaheim Streets near Wilson High School. The open house also includes free pizza and beverages, as well as door prizes. You might want to check out this free event right here in the Long Beach Recreation Park area.
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Sunday, April 18, 2010

CSULB: Monday, April 19 - Saturday, April 24, 2010

I'm sure I am not even touching the surface of all the fun that's out there, but I'll still try. Here are my top picks for event this week at CSULB:
  1. Illustration - BFA Show @ the Gatov Gallery from April 18 to 22. I attended opening night and was bowled over by the amount of talent in that gallery. It was amazing, so don't miss this. The are will be displayed all week long.
  2. India Week - April 19 & 20 at the Southwest Terrance. Contact the CSULB Indian Student Association for more details. Email:
  3. South East Asia Night - Enjoy an evening "night market" right here at CSULB. Explore the various booths for your chance to engage in activities and test out unique culinary creations
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Okay people.... Lots to do and little money to do it, what with furloughs, paying myself first, and finding multiple excuses to visit Yogurtland. Time to get serious about my quest for big fun on a small budget. April is a great month in Southern California. Not only does my birthday occur toward the end of this month, but it is also the beginning of an exciting start to more available free events throughout the summer. I've chosen some of my So Cal favorites below.
  1. National Park Week, April 17-25 - Free Access to 392 National Parks incl. Grand Canyon! Click here for details. Go straight to the source fore more details: www.nps.gov
  2. Active Arts the Music Center - Los Angeles - Sing, dance, play music, tell stories and just have fun! These opportunities never cease to amaze me. Some events are already in progress. Details here or watch this video.
  3. Shark Lagoon Nights - Long Beach. Feeling brave? Nothing beats hanging out on a Friday night in downtown Long Beach to "pet" a bunch of sharks. Get up close and personal with bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Snacks and beverages are available for sale, plus there is often a live band playing. A nice, relaxing Friday adventure. Click here for more details.
  4. The Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) - Long Beach. A calendar of events helps you navigate free or inexpensive performances, family fun, adults only nights, and fundraisers. My favorite new addition? En La Noche - Explore a region of Latin America though music, wine and art. A beautiful combination and only $10 for a full evening of fun. Check it out: MoLAA Events.
  5. 30-Minute Beach Cleanup - Long Beach - Who knew you could feel so great after spending 30 minutes picking up trash! Granted, it is on the beach in Belmont Shore, but this activity helps maintain the beauty of the area. This Sat., April 17, 10 a.m. will be the 130th consecutive monthly cleanup All cleanups are at 1 Granada Ave., Belmont Shore in Long Beach, 90803. Free parking when you enter the beachfront parking lot from the end of Granada Ave. Check it out! Details here.
  6. Hollywood Bowl - Visit the the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States! People gather each summer to picnic and enjoy outstanding music under the stars. A wide range of genres and featured arts means you can continue to come back for more and never get bored. Want to learn more? Check out the calendar and get some helpful tips. Go with a group to get some nice group discounts.
  7. LA Metro Day Pass Adventure on the Blue Line. For $5 you can purchase a day pass and enjoy an entire day of fun exploring from Long Beach to LA. With the Tap card travel is more easy than ever. Not sure how to make the most of your day? Check out these great options: 1 | 2 | 3| 4|
  8. Free Downloadable Audiobooks - Long Beach Public Library website. Read a book or have it read to you! Download to your computer or your portable device. Learn more here.
  9. Long Beach Sea Festival & Parks and Recreation - Summer in Long Beach is full of free concerts, movies at the beach, the Dragon Boat Festival, and much more. Keep your eyes open for details coming soon. Examples: Sea Festival | Municipal Band
  10. Food, Music, Activity & Cultural Festivals throughout the area: LA Tofu Festival, Lobster Festival, Pride Parades, Long Beach Shakespeare in the Park, Bicycle Festival, Long Beach Blues Festival, etc. My favorite series from 2009 was probably the Long Beach Summer and Music Series (SAM), whcih ended with the Funkfest. See last year's SAM events here. I am hoping summer 2010 will be full of similar fun.
This is my short list of favorites. Many of these events may be familiar to you, but when's the last time to took advantage of what this area has to offer? Get out the house and out of your car and explore! There are so many things to enjoy and discover. Let me know if you have anything you want to share and I can pass it along the blog waves and connect people to big fun on a small budget.
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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Big Fun, Small Budget: My mantra for life!

I'll be using this blog to post activities that meet my standards for having big fun on a small budget. Below is a short list of things I'll explore:
  • Performance Art
  • Cultural Events
  • Live Music
  • Museums & Art
  • Sporting Events
  • Film
  • CSULB & Neighborhood Events
  • Etc.
Let me be clear. I am not afraid to spend money and I do not always desire to be frugal; however, when you grow up in the SF Bay Area, you are surrounded by a plethora of free or cheap activities throughout the year. An amazing array of diverse opportunities that fit every budget is a nice bonus to Bay Area living. I miss that bonus immensely.

Now that I live in So Cal, without a car I might add, I want to find out what's going on in Los Angeles and Orange County. There are plenty of fun things to do here too, they are just a bit more difficult to get to without a car, especially if you stray away from downtown areas. It's not that it is impossible, just horribly spread out and without a fast method of transportation to get you there. For example, it takes 2 hrs + to get to Santa Monica. I could travel to San Diego in that time. The worst part is the lack of 24-hour transit, which I am sure is partially because of money, but I can imagine other reasons or excuses. I don't even go to L.A. proper unless I know the time for the final L.A. Metro train to Long Beach or I have a ride.

I hope that any of you reading this will enjoy the posts. Feel free to comment and suggest ideas for events in the area if you don't see them on my list.

Ine
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