My life & my foot

I find that a huge amount of pain in a small region of the foot kills the urge to do anything but sit, for the most part. For the first time ever, I'm kind of fearing going to the doctor. I know it's going to hurt really bad to be treated and it is inevitable that I make the treatment happen. *sigh* (cue violins)

Let's get my mind off of the drama of life for a while and check out some free fun in the area this month.

My favorite event this week:

•  Friday, November 18 from 12 PM to 3 PM at the CSULB Soroptimist House - The International Thanksgiving Potluck at the CSULB Soroptimist House.
• Out office provides the turkey and sides, the masses provide a dish of their choice that serves about 4 - 6 people.  It can be cooked or bought. I'm thinking about cooking red beans and rice, corn bread and maybe a sweet potato pie. Yummy! I love to cook, so here is my chance. The point is to share a meal together and enjoy a co-mingling of many

My splurge of choice:

• Sunday, November 20 @ 2 PM - MOMIX: Botanica - gravity defying dance performance at the Carpenter Center. Not cheap ($45) but there are often student discounts or group discounts. I think my recent experience with limited movement makes this all the more exciting for me. 

Find more to do using the links posted on the right. I'll try to update with my picks for the Thanksgiving weekend. I'll probably be on crutches again by then.

Out on the Town in October

Photo Booth Fun on my mac computer - It's all about EXPRESSION!

Halloween is right around the corner and that means everyone can get out and express different parts of their personality. For one night you can let go of your inhibitions and just have a good time. 

I have to plan my weekly countdown to Halloween with a new outfit each day of the work week up to the big night. Too much fun! I might go with the retro theme again since it is work- appropriate attire. Time to pull out the wigs, get my nails done, put on some heels (practice walking in them) and strut my stuff at the office. Until then, see below for free and cheap fun this October.

For fun in film, check out my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict

A leftover gem from September: Ooh LA L.A. Festival: 3rd Edition  French Music Festival in L.A.

• Thu, Sep 29 @ 6 PM - Free preview at Amoeba Records & free download: Tinarawen

Some of my favorite free events of the year start first thing this month.

• October 1 -  Soundwalk 2011 - An Evening of Indoor /Outdoor Sound Installations 
• October 1  - BONUS: Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory - FREE - 2  to 9:45 PM

Other events to start the month:

• October 1 & 2 - 25th Annual Los Angeles Lithuanian Fair
• October 1: Found L.A. Tour - Free tours of L.A. Neighborhoods

On a side note, the singing competition being featured at The Pike in downtown Long Beach finally has a group of semi-finalists. Check them out during live performances at KDB.

• October 1 & 8  - Sing 2011  | The Pike at Rainbow Harbor - Downtown Long Beach

Another favorite allows you to experience all of the fantastic things happening in the art community in Long Beach this month. Take advantage of this monthly guide to the arts and dive into the fun. 

• October 1 - 31 | Global Arts Long Beach Arts Month - GLOBAL Arts is your guide to arts and culture in Long Beach, California during the month of October.

Head out to LA for a diverse music festival. Many of the events are free and hosted in LA venues with easy access by LA Metro. This might be a great opportunity to carpool as well or take your cycle out for adventure. Post and/or search for carpool options on Zimride and perhaps you can go with some new friends.

• October 1 - 16  |  World Festival of Sacred Music 

Looking for cultural fun in Long Beach? Look no more! Come on out to this 2nd Annual event and enjoy multiple days of Chinese film and culture: music, film, art, fashion, performance and more!

• October 20 - 26 | Chinese Film & Culture Festival @ CSULB

Preparing for Halloween? Find an inexpensive option in one of the many thrift or consignment stores in the Long Beach area or your own neighborhood. Here are some of my favorites:

• The consignment shops & other stores in the Retro Row areas on 4th Street (prices vary)
• Goodwill
• Out of the Closet
• Buffalo Exchange 

Need alternate shopping options and want to look for non-Halloween items as well?

• October 16 & 30 - Long Beach Antique Collectible Market - 8 am to 2 pm

What's the Halloween event of the year in the LA area?

• Saturday, October 22, 2011 - Dia de Los Muertos - Hollywood Forever Cemetery

• West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival - One of the largest Halloween celebrations and events in the US. Hollywood knows how to party at this event which combines amazing costumes, candy and live music. 

• Another great idea - host your own intimate party, join in a friends event or go to a large house party with new and/or old friends. 

• College fun - Join the ISA for their free on-campus pumpkin carving & costume contest event at CSULB.

Other Great Activities

• October 8 & 22  (Nov & Dec too) - Free Landscaping Classes  -  LB Water Department

Watch here for more updates. Also, check out the links in the menu on the right side of this blog.

Sneak Peaks for future cultural events coming up in the 2011-12 academic cycle:

February 2011 - Long Beach Scottish Festival at the Queen Mary

Sublime September

CSULB's Fall 2011 term officially started on August 22 and then the people actually began to emerge on August 29 with the first day of instruction. It is amazing to see the campus roar back to life after a less populated summer. I can't say that summer was peaceful or that there was less work, but it was a bit more quiet and less chaotic and rushed. Welcome back to the norm of the academic year and all the crowds and lines that come with it.
So, what does September have in store for everyone? Below are a few of my picks for this month listed by date and organized by city of Long Beach events, campus events, film-related and other areas.  I'm not always able to attend everything on my own list, but just having it there helps me navigate though a busy week and have something fun, besides work, to look forward to each month.

September is looking to be a great month for big fun on a small budget. I will probably end up updating this posting each week as I discover new events.  Enjoy my picks!

ONGOING EVENTS

Each Friday in September from 12 noon - 2 PM, Promenade & 1st St.

• Out to Lunch Concert Series - Bring you own lunch and enjoy the free concert or check out lunch specials from nearby participating restaurants downtown.

Wednesdays in September (& beyond)

• Blue Buddha -  a weekly Long Beach party celebrating the best in 80's & 90's hip hop and variations of soul, breaks and funk.  RSVP at bluebuddhalbc@gmail.com - Free with RSVP all night for 21+, Free with RSVP before 10:30pm for 18+, $5 after
• Lunch Truck It - hat's for Lunch? Try a fun lunch experience each Wednesday afternoon by trying food from a variety of pupular lunch trucks. Looking for a unique dinner and a movie experience on a Saturday night? Try it LTI After Dark style! Check the website for dates.

AROUND TOWN - LONG BEACH


Thursday, September 1 - Monday, September 5, 2011 - 5 PM to 9 PM, $12.95

• Discounted Late Nights at the LB Aquarium of the Pacific

Saturday, Sunday, Monday: September 3, 4, & 5, 2011 - Noon to 9 PM each day, FREE - $3

• 62nd Annual Long Beach Greek Festival & Cultural Event - Labor Day Weekend - $3 for adults (see free admission coupon on Fest site; Monday 12 noon to 5 PM- free admission for all.

Wednesday, September 7 - 8 PM to 12/1 AM, Only $5, free parking, 18+

• End of the Summer Salsa Jam - Free Salsa Class at 8:15 PM

Saturday, September 10 from 3 PM to 9:30 PM [Parade starts at 3 PM] - FREE!

• 3rd Annual Latin American Parade & Festival - Live music, vendor fair, Latin American Cuisine, dance lessons, etc. 

Saturday, September 10 from 12 pm to 6 pm - FREE!

• Join the Consulate General of Brazil for their annual Brazilian Day in L.A.

Sunday, September 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM - FREE!

• 22nd Annual Belmont Shore Care Show - Up to 700 of the coolest classic American cars on display. Even if you are not a car buff, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of these cars as you walk down 2nd St in Belmont Shore. Over 50,000 guests visit this event each year.

Wednesday, September 14 from 5 PM to 7 PM - FREE! (Multiple lectures, films, events....)

• Visiting Artist Lecture Series: 'Censorship of Political Art' with Daniel J. Martinez and Carol Wells (Part of the B-Word Project). 

  • Banned, Blacklisted and Boycotted: Censorship and the Response to It (The B-Word Project) is an 18-month campus-wide initiative, running from September 2011 through December 2012, at California State University, Long Beach and some off-site venues.

Thursday, September 15 from 6 PM to 10 PM - $10

• En La Noche - Enjoy a lowrider car showcase by Antiques Car Club in anticipation of the upcoming exhibition MEX/LA: Mexican Modernism(s) in Los Angeles 1930-1985.
• 6:30 – 8:00pm - Live music by DJ Cornejo and Mariachi Fina Estampa.
• 7:00pm - Join Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia in a tour given by Associate VP of Education, Gabriela Martinez, curator of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly?: Selections from the MOLAA Permanent Collection.
• 8:00pm - Nortec Collective Presents: Clorofila
• 6:00 – 9:00pm - Enjoy Café Viva’s $3.00 bar menu or a prix-fixe dinner accompanied by live music.

September 21 - 22 from  6 PM to 9 PM [ Final Downtown tasting event in 2011] - $10

• A Taste of Downtown -  Try sample-sized portions of popular menu items from various local restaurants. A fun way to dine out! Tickets are $1 each or you can get a booklet of 12 for only $10. Buy two booklets and you can get a free ticket to the LB Aquarium of the Pacific, while supplies last. 

Saturday, September 24 - Get outdoors or indoors for a days and nights of fun!

• Free Entrance into many National Parks - Public Lands Day  & Worldwide Day of Play
• Museum Day - Free Entrance with free ticket - I'm going to The GRAMMY Museum. 
• Space Roller Disco Party - 10 PM to 2 AM  - Disco/Funk style - It's like clubbing on wheels!

Additional Event Dates in Progress....


ON CAMPUS @ CSULB

Save money at many of the USU businesses - Coupons typically available at the Information Desk

Thursday, September 1, 2011 - 4 PM - 11 PM - FREE!

• SRWC One Year Anniversary Event - CSULB Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC)
• Also check out the Owen's Condition for Tuition Financial Aid Scholarship.

Friday, September 2, 2011 - 8:30 PM - FREE!

• 4 the Camera Outdoor Film Festival

Sunday, September 4 from 4 PM to 8PM - FREE!

• Opening Reception for GLAMFA Exhibit & CSULB MFA Open Studios - best graduate art work from schools all over LA. Features 55 artists from 13 different programs. 

• The GLAMFA exhibition runs from August 29 - September 8, 2011. General gallery hours are Monday through Friday 12 - 5 p.m. and Wednesday 12 - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 6  - Friday, September 8 - FREE!

• Week of Welcome Fall 2011 - Organization Fairs featuring over 300 clubs and ending with the ever popular Smorgasport.

Wednesday, September 14  from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - FREE!

• Have a bike?  Need to get it checked out? Visit the Bike Check In the Quad. Every 2nd Wednesday of each month 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Quad - Bicycle mechanics from JAX BIKES on site. 

Links of the week for CSULB students:

• Bigwords.com - Buy, Rent or Sell Textbooks OR go to www.amazon.com/textbooks
• FACES - Financial Advising, Counseling & Educational Services - Free!

ALL THINGS FILM-RELATED

For film-related events, please visit my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict

• Featured in my other blog:  4 the Camera Outdoor Film Festival, Pop Fresh Flicks (free popcorn, movie and fun by the pool at CSULB SRWC),  Long Beach Q Film Festival, Movies in the Park (final film viewing of the summer), plus more. 

• TV: I'm watching my favorite TV shows with Hulu Plus and thought you'd enjoy it. Sign up & get 2 weeks free! 

Deals & Discounts:

• Join the email club for Robeks and Get a FREE 12oz Tropical or Berry Smoothie with the purchase of a 24oz drink coupon in your inbox in minutes.  Click on the link to join their email club. http://www.thatsbiz.com/573

• Catalina Express is celebrating their 30th Anniversary by giving a Free Pass to anyone who wants to go to Catalina on their birthday. Travel to Catalina Island for free on your birthday! Must register in advance.  http://www.catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.php

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

• Zipcar - Get $25 credit.

• 

SPLURGES OF THE MONTH
(yes, they are food-related)

Friday - Sunday, September 9 - 11

• The 15th Annual Original Long Beach Lobster Festival 
• Friday, September 9th — 5 PM - 11 PM
• Saturday, September 10th — 12 NOON - 11 PM
• Sunday, September 11th — 12 NOON - 10 PM

Saturday, September 24

•  $25/person - Chocolate Festival and Pastry Show - includes all the chocolate, pastries, wines, champagnes, foods, and spirits served. 

Absolutely Awesome August!

August is a very busy month for me at work, so I definitely want to make time for all the fun I can get after hours, but also share the fun with colleagues, new arrivals to Long Beach, and even locals who need a few tips. Now that I have recovered from paying my (sometmes outrageous) monthly bills, I need time to make time to enjoy everything SoCal has to offer. The area is more that just sun and beach, though I love that as well.

Once again, I am glad not to have the expense of owning a car. Love my bike, ZipCar, and Zimride options.

My picks this month:

• Aug 5 - Cowboy Country - No cover 6 - 7 PM. My chance to finally try line dancing in LB!

• Aug 6 - Grand Performances - Watcha Clan and Yemen Blues - Free! 8 PM
  

• Aug 6 & 7 - U.S. Open of Surfing - FINAL WEEKEND!

• Aug 7 - Bowers Museum - International Family Festival - 12 PM to 3:30 PMAug 12 - Dance Downtown - 60s Night - 6:30 PM to 10 PM - Free.

• Aug 8 - FINAL DAY - Art in the Streets @ the MOCA. Free through 5 pm on Mon, Aug 8. [On Saturday, August 6, The Geffen Contemporary will be open late, until 9pm, courtesy of Ovation. $10]

• Aug 13 - Drum Downtown - Household items - 10AM to 11:30 AM - Free.
  

• Aug 18 - MoLAA - En La Noche - DJ Anthony Valadez - Free for members + 1 guest or $10 (Includes Drifter Car Show & some complementary tastings - Cafe Viva also has $3 menu)

• Aug 18 - Indian Ink Theater Company presents The Guru of Chai - Free!

• Aug 19 - Friday Night Sing-Alongs - FREE Admission, tickets required - 6:30 PM to 8 PM
  

• Aug 20 - 1 PM to 11 PM - 3rd Annual Long Beach FunkFest - Free, free, free!

• Aug 21 - Rose Park Bluegrass Festival - Noon to 5 PM - Free

• Aug 21 - 23 - LACMA - Lecture: Islamic & Indian Arts of the Book - Free
  

• Aug 27 - 5 PM to 11 PM - Buskerfest - FREE! - First & Linden - East Village Arts District

• Aug 27 - 10:15 PM to 2 AM - Space is the Place Roller Disco Party
  

• Through the end of August - Unique way to explore LA: Time/Trip LA - "a time travel themed multimedia experience that takes you through eight local shops in the Hollywood area." | article/quote source
  

• Anytime, anywhere - Temescal Canyon - Get outdoors and get moving.
  

• For fun in film, see my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict
  

My search for comp and discounted tickets continues:

• 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

Not Free, or necessarily cheap, but perhaps worth the extra dough you'll cough up:

• Aug 11 - OC Fair - Michael Jackson Tribute Concert $15 - 8:30 PM + Food Truck Fair
  

• Aug 15 - The Grammy Museum - 8 pm | Reel to Reel with Tyler Bates - $15

• Aug 17 - The Grammy Museum - An Evening with Christopher Cross - $20
  

Out-of-town experience that I am drooling over, but that conflicts with another great event:

• Aug 20 - SF Sketchfest - 25th Anniversary of Labyrinth
  

Juicy July - True Summer Finally Arrives!

Finally, the June Gloom is behind us and the smoke from Independence Day pyromaniacs has cleared. It's the summer of 2011 and I am ready to get out there (smothered in sunblock) and enjoy living in a city with multiple beaches. Below are some of the things that are on my "must do" list(s) for this month. You may note more LA events than usual and that is because the promotion I posted in last month's blog, LA Metro's "Dump the Pump" promo, means I have free 3-day TAP card.



***Deal Alerts***

• Free Ride to Catalina on your birthday Valid between May 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012. Free registration required.
• Starting on July 5, OCTA will offer the new Metrolink Weekend pass - $10. Valid from 7 pm Friday to 11:59 pm Sunday.
  

Because I've never participated:

• 7-Eleven® Day - Sunday, July 11 - Time for my free Slurpee (at participating stores).

Get more art & performance art into my life:

• Through August 8 - "Art in the Streets" @ the MOCA
• Through October 31 - "Tim Burton" @ LACMA (reserve tickets in advance for best viewing)
• Through July 30 - Long Beach Playhouse - check student and group prices or discount sites such as Goldstar.com for deals.
  
• July 7 - LBMA After Dark - 7 PM to 10 PM $10 (Ride your bike to the event and receive a voucher good for one complimentary appetizer or beverage.)
• July 10 - 3rd Annual Homeland Cultural Center "Dance Fest"
• July 17 - Annual Music Festival at MoLAA
• July 21 - En la Noche at MoLAA - music, bike show, complementary tequila tasting. Free for members (+1 free guest), $10 for all others.
  

Get more food into my stomach:

• Saturday, July 9 - Long Beach Street Food Fest - $7 pre-paid, $9 at door. Live music too!
• Wed. & Thu. July 20 & 21 - Belmont Shore Savor & Stroll - $10 for 12 tickets
• July 30 & 31 - Long Beach Crawfish Festival - Louisiana comes to Long Beach!
  

Get my feet moving and my rump shaking:

• Thursday, July 7th - Salsa & Bachata Party at the PCH Club (Long Beach)
  
• Saturday, July 9 - One Night, One World, One Stage - Grand Performances - more
  
• July 15 - Active Arts - Dance Downtown - Argentine Tango - other dates available
  
• Saturday, July 25 - Space is the Place Roller Disco Party @ World on Wheels (every month)
• Jul 21 - Aug 25 Sunset Concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center
  

Find an excuse to treat myself to a Mexican Mocha:

• Friday, July 8th @ 8 pm - David Aguilar: Concierto en Long Beach at Viento y Agua.
  
• (Do I really need an excuse...? Not even close! I love this place.)

Become one with nature:

• Saturday, July 9 LA Mountains Hike & Event Calendar - e.g. "Transit to Trails"
• Monday, July 11 - Discounted Summer Late Nights @ the LB Aquarium of the Pacific
• Plan ahead - U.S. National Parks Free Entry Days
  

Check out some sports:

• Free tickets to WNBA games via Goldstar.com ($4.75 fee for "free"tix, so not exactly free.)
  

Fulfill my film Obsession:

• See my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict
  

Other Misc. Fun:

• Long beach Sea Festival - movies, car shows, etc.
• Sundays in the Park with S.A.M.(LGB)
• Sunday, July 17 - Origami Festival @ CSULB Japanese Garden
  
• Those without a job or school, i.e. a real summer - Regal Summer Movie Express Pass
• Active Arts: Friday Night Sing-Alongs OR Drum Downtown - multiple dates (LA)
  
• July 15 - Aug 14 - Orange County Fair
• July 16 - 17 Renegade Craft Fair (LA)
  
• July 21 opening date - Iris: A Journey Through the World of Cinema - Cirque du Soleil
  
• July 28 -31 International Quilt Festival - Preview Night + 1 day = $10 (LGB)
  
• July 28 - 31 X Games (Downtown LA)
  
• July 30 - National Dance Day
  
• July 30 - 31 Dragon Boat Festival (LGB)
  

Places I want to visit this summer:

• Coolhaus

How I'm gonna get everywhere:

LBT | LA Metro | OCTA | Metrolink | Amtrak | ZipCar (see link below) | Bicycle



Song Sample of the Week:

Feist - "One Evening" [for my favorite version of this song see VV remix]

Just June: The Official Start of Summer

I exited the never-ending wave of Canuck Fever in Vancouver, Canada and followed the trail of excitement all the way back to California where we await the final outcome of the playoffs. I miss the loyal (and loud) fans in Vancouver. When hockey fever abates it will be time to indulge in some outdoor activities that Southern Californians enjoy as they bask in the glory of a life dedicated to flip-flops. It's time to plan out some fun so we can forget the gloom and concentrate on June. Take a look at some of the options listed below.

My Picks for June
Complete List & Links Coming Shortly!

• June 18, Battle of the Tribute Bands - Summer and Music (SAM) Festival
  
• On-going - Active Arts - Storytelling, Drum Circles, Community Dance Lessons, etc.
  
• Space is the Place - Roller Disco Party @ World of Wheels, $12 (includes skate rental, 18 +
• Port of Long Beach's 100th Year Birthday Party - June 26 - 2:30 to 8:30 PM
• On-Going - Free Harbor Cruise with Port of Long Beach

Long Beach Parks & Recreation is preparing for the 100 days of summer and doing it well with their full array of free, family-friendly activities all summer long.

• Free Music
  
• Free Movies @ the Beach and/or Park - Classics, Action & Adventure, Animated....
  
• Long Beach Sea Festival

June 16 - 26, 2011

The LA Film Festival is in full swing. Ticket Prices too steep? Check out the Community Screenings for FREE outdoor film viewings or the Conversations & Panels & series for more free activities. There are also discounts associated with the Festival: see here.


Looking forward:

• July 18 - DanceFest 2011 @ Homeland Cultural Center - Free Admission
• July 27 -31 - X Games 17 - LA Live Area. Also X Fest @ LA Live (free)
  

No car? No problem. Use Zipcar!

I think I smell summer!

Right around the corner is the start of June gloom, the official weather change in Long Beach that signals that summer is here! Long Beach Parks and Recreation starts to host great outdoor events, the Hollywood Bowl showcases amazing artists and performances, people head outdoors to enjoy the beach, etc. Life if good and the gloom only acts as a reminder of the great weather that breaks through by mid-day. I want to make it even better for you by providing some great opportunities to explore fun locations and activities in Long Beach.

Picks of the Week:

SPORTS
Long Beach Lawn Bowling Club
10 am - 3 pm, Saturday, May 7th - Open House

ART & MUSEUMS
Tuesday, May 10 from 12 noon - 8 pm
Free Day at LACMA

Through August 8, 2011
MOCA’s Art in the Streets
@ the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
152 North Central Ave Los Angeles CA 90013

Through August 14
Jam Session: American's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World

MUSIC

UCLA Hammer Museum

• Saturday, May 7 at 2 PM - Spring Festival of World Music
• Thursday, May 12 at 6 pm - Women in Jazz: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Thursday, May 19 MoLAA - En la Noche - $10

• ¡aparato! - 8 PM
• La Santa Cecilia @ - 9PM

My Music Wishlist: 1 | 2 | 3

FOOD & FESTIVALS
May 21 & 22

• Long Beach Pride Festival & Parade
• Strawberry Festival - See the Park & Ride options

OUTDOORS & ACTIVITIES
May 13 - 14th
Long Beach Bike Festival

VOLUNTEER
May 14 and/or May 15
Big Sunday Weekend 2011 Projects

DEALS, DISCOUNTS & OFFERS

• Dump the Pump - Free three day Metro pass (TAP card)

My Favorite Month: April - Taurus nation!

April is my favorite month for one reason only - it's my birthday month! One year older and hopefully much, much wiser.

This year, in addition to my birthday, I will once again have the pleasure of attending the Annual Multicultural Show hosted by the CSULB International Students Association. Just the fact that this show has been running for 45 consecutive years is impressive, but if you need another reason to consider attending, check out this video below:



If you like what you see, or you are just interested in being part of this fun and historical annual event, save the date - Friday, April 8 from 6 to 9 pm - and buy your ticket now before the event sells out. The video provides all the details. This will be my birthday gift to myself and a great way to spend a night around the world right here in Long Beach. Hope to see you there!

**UPDATE** Students can get group ticket discounts for purchasing 8 or more tickets at once. That will come to only $10 per ticket for a night of great entertainment and food.

I'll update my blog with more great events in April once I return. You can be sure to see information about the LB Grand Prix, Savor & Stroll events in Belmont Shore, and much, much more. Updates coming soon.

March madness begins!

Next month is my birthday and I still have no idea how I'm going to celebrate. I've started to review all of the things to do in the area and come across some interesting deals. March will act as my sample platter to help me create the ultimate celebration in April.

• Ongoing: Free Admission Thursdays & Claire's Happy Hour | Long Beach Museum of Art
• March 5: Mardi Gras Parade |Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach | FREE
• March 11: Night Dive | LB Aquarium of the Pacific | 7 - 11 PM
• March 19 -20: Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show | LA Convention Center
  
• March 20: Vivan Las Mujeres! | Museum of Latin American Art | 12 - 4 PM | FREE
• March 23-24 | A Taste of Downtown | 6 - 9 PM
  
• March 25: Long Beach Roller Derby Competition | Queen Mary Dome | 8 - 11 pm

Honorary Mention:

• En La Noche or Night in the Caribbean @ the MoLAA

Reminder - FIND DISCOUNTS HERE!

• 

• Get Groupon! Check your email, Facebook or Twitter feeds for daily deals on cool local businesses. http://www.groupon.com/r/uu7681704

• 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

Did you know your bank can save you money? Check out some benefits of being a customer of some of the typical banks or credit unions in the area:

• Wells Fargo | Bank of America | Chase

Venues I want to explore further:

• The Cellar
• The Blue Cafe
• Mai Tai Bar
  

Check out these Long Beach Neighborhoods:

• Downtown | East Village Arts District | 4th St/Retro Row
• Belmont Shore | Bixby Knolls

Other cities or regions of interest:

• Downtown Los Angeles | Area Highlight - LA Live
• Pasadena & Old Pasadena | Anaheim
• Huntington Beach | Costa Mesa
  

Getting Involved + Exploring By Bike

• My Meet Up Groups: Over 30 | Spanish Speakers | LA Metro Adventures

• Bike Long Beach - This months one of my main goals is to get more active by riding around on my new bike and enjoying many of the bike-friendly areas.

March Event Wish List: Avenue Q | Maya Angelou

For notes on my film interests see my other blog: Confessions of a Netflix Addict

Fabulous February!

February brings us the opportunity to celebrate

• Black/African-American History Month
• Chinese New Year, and
  
• Valentine's Day all in one package.

Ine's Picks for February

• Feb 3 @ CSULB - 12:30 to 1:30 PM - Dr. Cornel West: "Does America really want change?"

• Feb 5 from 1 to 4 PM- Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival - Share your love for chocolate!

• Feb 5 & 6 - Golden Dragon Parade and Festival - Celebrating the Chinese New Year in LA!

• Opens Feb 5 - The GRAMMY Museum | Special Programs | Black History Highlights

• Feb 10 @ CSULB - 12 to 1 PM in USU Ballrooms - MLK Celebration

• Feb 12 @ CSULB Soroptimist House - Poet's Lounge

• Feb 14th - Valentine's Day! Events for: The Romantic [ 1| 2| 3 ] or Non-Romantic

• Feb 20th - 12 - 4 PM - Afro-Latino Festival @ the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA)
  

• February 26 & 27 - Aquarium of the Pacific | African American Festival

I find many great deals from the sites below every month. Here are my favorites sources:

• Groupon - Discount coupons for everything from fitness campus, foods, shopping & more!

• Goldstar - Want to get out but for less? Huge discounts on popular performances.

• TravelZoo Top 20 - Plus more! Travel deals: flight, hotels, events....

• ZipCar - Share a car and only use it when you need it. Click icon below and save $25!
  

DVDs/Films for February - See my other blog for film suggestions:

• [update in progress] Confessions of a Netflix Addict

Getting in Gear for 2011

I'm back and I've been thinking that I should try something new this year. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I can begin by combing through my resources for a new activity. Don't worry, I'll still have some of the staples, but I need to put myself out there this year and dig deeper into my well of fun, especially in the arts & performance areas & the great outdoors.

TOP DEALS & EVENT DISCOUNTS for January:

• Discover the Arts in L.A. | Jan 5 - Apr 30, 2011 | Save up to 50% off at over 30 LA attractions. Print coupons and save!
  

• Special Discounts for Metro Riders | Ongoing

• National Parks Free Days | Jan 15 - 17, 2011 | alternate dates available | Parks by state
  

• Museums Free-For-All | Jan 29 & 30, 2011 | FREE Entry to select museums

• Discounts via referal: Goldstar.com

• Join Zipcar and get $25 in free driving!
  

OTHER FREE or CHEAP Events

• Sunday, January 16, 2011 | 1 PM– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration @ CAAM. Museum Opens at 11 AM and the live program begins at 1pm. Doors will also be open for the only Monday of the year for "Cake for King" on Monday, January 17 to remember Dr. King's birthday. This event is FREE! Parking is at 39th and Figueroa Streets and is $8 per vehicle.
  

• Sunday, January 16 | 5:00-8:00 pm | NBC Television (view at home/hotel) | FREE
  

  The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards - For all of you Movie & TV buffs. Print a ballot.
  

• Monday, January 17 | 12–8 pm | Free, tickets required - Los Angeles Country Free Museum Day - Join LACMA for a free day at the museum (all day!) and enjoy a live performance with the legendary jazz group the Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra. Performances at 12:30 pm and 2:45 pm.

• Thursday, January 20th | 7-9 pm - A BOLD MOVE Artist reception & exhibition opening @ the Long Beach Playhouse Gallery - 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. Public Transit to Event:

• Thursday, January 20TH | 9 pm - 1:30 am: Salsa Dance Club Grand Opening!! $5 cover, 18 & over @ PCH CLUB THURSDAYS @ 6285 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach 90803.

• Thursday, January 20th | 6 PM - 10 PM | En La Noche: Los Hollywood's. Enjoy an evening of tours, music, and chocolate tasting! Sample Los Hollywood music: click here.
  

• Sat, Jan 22 | 12 noon| Chen Kuai Le Puppet Theater | Free Tickets - All tickets are free and are distributed on Grand Avenue at 2nd Street. Tickets for 11:00am performance distributed beginning at 10:00am. Tickets for 12:30pm performance distributed beginning at 11:00am. All performances subject to change.

• Sat, Jan 22 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Long Beach Animal Care Services Open House The animal shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815. No RSVP is necessary.

• Mon, Jan 24 | 9 PM - 1 AM| SIGNAL FLOW LIVE | Free
  2nd ST Jazz Club. 366 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

• Fri Jan 28 & Sat Jan 29 | Annual Goodwill Sale: 2 Days for $2 | Doors open at 9 AM Need clothes or other items. Everything is $2! Find a location near you
  

• Sat, Jan 29 | 11 am - 5 pm - Pacific Asia Museum | 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena
  
  The Lunar New Year celebration will be a FREE, fun-filled day for the entire community. Held throughout the Museum including a fully tented parking lot, all the galleries will be open to enjoy along with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities, food and gift vendors, plus live music, dance, martial arts' acrobatics, magic and more onstage. A great cance to enjoy China Modern before it closes February 6. Come help welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. Free and fun for all ages!

• Sat, Jan 29 & Sun, Jan 30 | 9 AM - 5 PM | Festival of Human Abilities @ LB Aquarium
  

My January Wishlist:

• Itzhak Perlman in Recital | Tue. Jan 25 @ 8 PM

• Grupo Corpo | Jan 28 - 30 | Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
  

Coming Up in February:

Thu - Sat, Feb 3 - 5, 2011 | Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo

Sat, Feb 5 | 1 - 4 PM | Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival

Happy New Year!!

I haven't been around to enjoy the activities in Long Beach and the LA Area, hence my lack of information on my blog. Shame on me! Time to catch up so I can keep everyone informed for 2011. I celebrated the start of the new year in India, so everything was ahead of schedule a bit. I'm looking forward to sending out new updates over the weekend. As a bonus, I'll add some tips on places to visit in India.