This is the great thing, you never have to stop learning.  At Santa Monica College  you can try a new  language, improve your writing skill, or get a handle on Microsoft Excel. At Pasadena City College you can take self defense, history of Asian art, or beginning tap dance. The catalogs have many choices and different opportunities are available every semester.  And continuing education classes are given on nights and weekends.  There are also other community colleges in the LA area with preferred pricing for residents .

Imagine two or three hours a week where you can put away all your other concerns and concentrate on something interesting, interact with others, and come away with knowledge.  We are always looking for something new to do, trying to meet  people, and find networking opportunities. What could be better then a class where you have stimulating conversations, excitement over a topic, and new information.  Many classes are under $90 and when divided by the number of hours become a $10 per hour bargain.

Divas want more out of life and this is a fantastic way to get it.

The Frugal Diva loves LA. There are so many things to do and so many of them are free. This site has turned me on to areas that let you take a day vacation in the city.  Want to know all the museum free days, just click here  ExperienceLA . Want to wander through some interesting neighborhoods, just click on their adventures page. You’ll be eating at the Thai Town food court, roaming through the Broadway Corridor, and strolling  the Ports of Call village in San Pedro.

This site is so useful when you have guests who have been here multiple times.  First trip is great - the beaches, Olvera Street, LACMA, Beverly Hills. The second trip is good - Malibu, MOCA, Chinatown, Hollywood and Vine. The third trip and they start getting fussy.  Those entrance fees start adding up.  With this site, you can enjoy finding new areas to explore or maybe just buy them an all day metro pass for $5. 

Who knew there were so many beautiful Arts and Crafts houses in Pasadena or that  California Science Center with over 100 exhibits is free everyday?  Pretend you are seeing LA for the first time and rediscover your city.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a great place to visit, shop, and explore an interesting area of downtown LA. Now for the Diva it’s always more fun if there is some discount shopping involved and FIDM has a wonderful Scholarship Store with some of the best deals in town.

All the merchandise sold in the Scholarship Store is donated by over 400 successful manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, many of whom employ FIDM Alumni.  They send overstock and end of season items at great prices.  All the money you spend goes to scholarships so feel good about splurging.  There is even a video on the site to show you what great finds they have.

Now they also have exhibits of movie and television costumes plus a gallery devoted to perfume. The FIDM Los Angeles campus houses a Permanent and Study Collection of over 12,000 costumes, accessories, and textiles from the 18th century through the present day, including film and theatre costume. It is one of the largest such collections in the United States, and top designer holdings include Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Lacroix.

Check it out and watch Project Runway like a fashion insider.

Don’t you love the farmer’s markets? All that fresh produce with infinite possibilities for meals, great food stalls, and local products.  My only problem was figuring out where and when.  This site solved all my problems. With Farmer Net you can keep up with changes, find out what’s fresh that day, and plan your weekly produce shopping.

All the markets are listed on one page and you can sort by location, day, or time. In Culver City on a Tuesday afternoon, pick up some clementines. In Studio City on a Sunday morning, pick up some sweet potatoes.  In midtown on Wednesday afternoon try the Farmers’ Market at Barnsdall Art Park for Meyer lemons. Plus when you click on the market, it takes you to a page with the specific location, events, and specialities.

In addition to the freshest in-season produce, many also offer flowers, cheeses, baked goods, local artisans’ products, free-range chicken, and even seafood. Each market is unique and produce varies. Many of the vendors offer organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  The Santa Monica market at Arizona and 3rd on Saturday morning is mostly organic. Look for the certified organic sign to be sure.

Divas, enjoy fresh air shopping, meet local farmers, and stay healthy with more produce in your diet.  And send this article to your Frugal Dude so he can pick up some great flowers on Valentine’s Day.

It can be a little pricey here so now is the time to shop at the Brentwood Country Mart at San Vicente and 26th. They are having a semi annual sale that lasts until January 31 and items are up to fifty percent off.  Parking is free, they have a little food court including Barney’s Burgers, Frida’s Mexican Food and Reddi Chick Rotissarie Chicken.

They have some great little boutiques including James Pearse of the super soft t shirts, Jigsaw an established London designer with an eclectic mix, Calypso for clothes and accessories from around the world, and many more. There is a Diesel Book Store where they have free author readings and talks. There is also an adorable little post office that is generally uncrowded. 

Now the hours during the week are only till seven for the food court and six for most of the stores so you might want to check out the sale on Saturday or Sunday. It’s out doors, the food is good - so even if you don’t buy it’s a fun day.

It’s fast and it’s fresh and on Wednesdays Whole Foods gives us a break- the salad and hot food bars are reduced from $7.99 down to $5.99. This is wonderful if you want to make up your own combination.

If you are anywhere near Ocean Park and 29th pop into IlForno Caffe  and get dinner to go for $6. And I’m talking a entree size order of pasta, an entree size salad, or a pizza. Plus they all come with bread.  Now this is take out only, cash only and available from 5:30 to 6:30. Dinner for two for $12 and you didn’t have to turn on the stove.  Did I mention parking is free in the lot. And did I add that the food is fresh and fabulous.  Take a night off, dial 310.450.1241, and they will have your order waiting when you cruise by.

With multiple  locations Zankou Chicken is a life saver. Whose at home? One meat eater, one dieter, one vegan?  Order a steak kebob, roasted chicken wrap, falafel, and tabbouleh and everyone is covered.

In the mood for noodle soup, sushi, or dumplings. Try the Japanese Mitsuwa Marketplace, 3760 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066 , where they have a food court with all kinds of prepared meals.  Your kids are home from school and are now vegetarians - go to  Samosa House and Bharat Bazaar at 11510 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.  They cook only veggie meals ($7.99) and side dishes.

Portos Bakery in Burbank and Glendale has all kinds of Cuban sandwiches and appetizers for a light dinner. And as a bonus, you can pick up one of their yummy desserts. They are open till seven and only take cash.

What if you need an entire meal for a holiday?  Markets now have everything to make you look like the best home cook ever.  Gelsons has a meal for every occasion. How does 2 1/2 pounds Beef Brisket with Julienne Vegetables & Gravy, Chicken Broth & Matzo Balls, Chopped Beef Liver with Egg, Potato Kugel, Tzimmes, Gefilte Fish with straight Horseradish, Charoses, Macaroon Cookies sound for Passover?  How about Corned Beef, Boiled Cabbage, Boiled Carrots, Boiled Potatoes, Salad with Cilantro Dressing, Dinner Roll, Butter & Chocolate Mint for St. Patrick’s Day? These average about $10 to $15 per person for a multi course meal including dessert. And you get to keep the leftovers.

Let me know your favorites and I will add them to the list.

We used to call them foundation garments because you built your wardrobe over them. Now it’s a much more complex relationship. Underwear has become outerwear at times. Underwear has become your ally when you do sports. Underwear comes in more colors and styles that could ever be imagined.

Now I still think of it as a foundation because let’s face it - when your underwear doesn’t fit properly nothing else will go well. Riding up, straps slipping, this is not a way to go through life. Fitted but not binding, minimal pantie lines, comfortable but still on the job. Who knew that Target would be the answer to my dreams. Bras - basics for under t shirts, sports for when you’re bouncing around , fancy for nights when you want them to show, and everything in between - are their business. We all knew that Target was now designer central with fantastic clothes, shoes, and accessories however now we know that this is place to feel like you are truly supported. Let’s hear it for underpants - bikinis, hipsters, thongs (I still don’t get those but each to their own), and granny panties (sometimes you just want a wall of cotton between you and the world).

This is an area where the right size and fit matter - don’t ruin your day by having to tug and reach for areas better left alone. Figure out your favorite styles by going to the store and if they don’t always have your size - sit back on the internet and order without the distraction of having to plow through aisles and aisles. And if you are internet shopping look for a $5 off $50 at Target on couponcabin.com good till March 31, 2010. The discount will be taken at checkout (only online).

 Have fun and look forward showing off your assets.

As divas, we all need a night out and as we know live theater is an unparalleled experience - it is also an expensive experience. That is why I am going to tell you about a theater ticket service in Los Angeles and New York so amazing that no one even believes it exists. Theater Extras allows you unlimited access to a variety of small and large theaters, musical performances, and special events around town. Memberships may be used in either Los Angeles and New York, so if you travel back east, you can use it to see all that they offer there!

Theater Extras has two levels of membership. The Marquis Plan is $99 per year and entitles its subscribers to up to 2 tickets per event. That means you can bring a friend or spouse, return a social or business favor, or ask someone who is a person of interest romantically. Your guest thinks you shelled out big time for tickets while you smile graciously. The Premier Plan is $175 per year and this package includes up to 4 tickets per performance. Both are based on availability. There is a $4 per ticket processing fee, which is automatically charged to your credit card each time an order is placed.  They donate a portion of all processing fees to Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS.

After 2 or 3 shows you have paid for the membership! You check online for new shows and order any time of the day or night. These include plays at the smaller more intimate theaters and some larger venues too. And some weeks there are also musical events, films, and comedy at various sites around town. If something is booked before you have a chance to order just skip to another play on the list or wait and see if it is available on future dates. Print out a confirmation page and present it at the box office for your tickets.

Could this be simpler? You can go as often as you like, alone or with a guest, see one, two, three or four things in the same week. All for less then $9 per month for the Marquis Plan and $15 per month for the Premier Plan plus $4 per ticket. The best part is attending performances that you never would have even known about and being surprised with a spectacular show.

Go to Theater Extras or email manager Justin Okin ( justin@theaterextras.com)  in Los Angeles for more information. And remember this also includes shows in New York where you can reach them at info@theaterextras.com.  Ask about some of the available shows and prepare to be dazzled.

This is one Disney ride you should definitely take . They have a new program Give A Day Get A Disney Day where you volunteer at one of the listed organizations and redeem your good work for a free day at Disney.

Here are some of the basic rules from their website however please check to get all the details. This program began on January 1, 2010 and continues until tickets are distributed or until December 15, 2010, whichever occurs first. Your voucher for a free ticket must be redeemed by December 15, 2010, and used on the same day of redemption. You must be at least 18 to sign up and children must be at least six to participate. And it is one ticket per person regardless of how many times your volunteer.

Now this is the kind of opportunity that works for everyone. Worthy causes have a great way to get volunteers and you feel great helping others. In the Los Angeles area there are over a 1000 organizations listed. Check your zip code and see what is needed in your area.

Now divas, I know what you are thinking. Do I really want a free day at Disney? Well you have the opportunity to be generous twice. Your free day can be donated to a charity.

How to discribe Tuesday Morning?

The most interesting yard sale in the world, going through the home of an eclectic shopper, or a surprise every time you shop. All of the above applies. There are not many places that have Chantal cookware, a pet stroller for your puppy, electric patio heater, and an iPod music system for your listening pleasure.  And at a sizable discount. They shop the world for discontinued brands, colors, and styles so that  you can wander among the goodies and find what you need. 

This is truly treasure hunting. One time you might find a vortex heater, a telescope, and diamond earrings. The next time none of these however there would be a gorgeous rug, a men’s Lucien Picard watch, and a great blender. They usually have selections in kitchenware, bed and bath, home furnishings, children’s toys, luggage, stationary and all manners of small gifts. 

They are a 700 store national chain so check them out for unusual items you might not see at a discount any where else. My favorite local one is at 901 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401, (310) 899-1569.