The Frugal Diva cannot tell Two Buck Chuck from Chateau Lafite-Rothschild so it was up to my friends to inform me of this new policy at many restaurants – free corkage. You bring the wine and they provide the glasses, you sip and they serve, you pay nothing and they stand by at your service. In an effort to brave the new realities of consumer spending, many restaurants allow patrons to bring in their own wine at no fee. 

This is a great perk for those who have an extensive collection and for those who stop by a market and pick up a decent bottle for $12. Twelve dollars is just about what a  glass of wine goes for in many places and you will be getting four full glasses for the same price. When choosing restaurants for a night out this usually leads to a minimal savings of at least $50. 

Opentable.com is a great place to check out which restaurants are letting you bring wine at no charge. Some like the Daily Grill only allow it on Tuesdays, others such as Roys are continuing it every day on a month to month basis, and I Cugini in Santa Monica allows it anytime. On the Open Table left hand side they have free corkage and BYOB listing for restaurants in every city.

Policies change quickly so always call to verify before making a reservation.

Frugal Divas need their coffee and it better be good and fresh. Now we don’t need all that expensive equipment. A blender and a coffee maker will get you to the same place as a $2000 super duper coffee making machine. Frankly my car isn’t even worth that much.

Jennifer Moss of Babynames.com, gave me this great tip on becoming a coffee diva with home ground beans.  Maybe you don’t have counter space for a grinder and don’t want to shell out the money for it.  Jennifer says “Then use your blender!”  Most coffee grinders are mini-blenders with the same kind of blades at the bottom of them. Fill the blender half way with coffee beans and choose the setting, just like you would on a grinder: for example chop=course grind, frappe = fine grind. Don’t fill it more then half way, or it won’t grind all the beans. And here’s an added benefit: you won’t get all that “coffee dust” that you get with a grinder!

Cleanup: just run hot water in the blender carafe until there are no more coffee grounds. Make your coffee in any drip or press and you will have the best for the least amount of money.

And how about a little something to start your day, make fresh oatmeal or an egg on a muffin. Take a small microwave safe container and crack a raw egg into it. Place a paper towel over the container. Microwave anywhere from 25 to 50 seconds depending on your microwave and the degree of firmness that you prefer. At the same time slip an English muffin in the toaster. When it pops up, slip the egg into muffin, add a piece of cheese if you like and you have a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.

You have all the choice and save about $4 a day. Multiply the savings, subtract the extra calories and you have a great financial and nutritious benefit to being a Frugal Diva.

Now this is my kind of holiday, National Lasagna Day on Thursday, July 29th. Buca di Beppo celebrates with a free lunch size portion when you purchase a large or small size entree or pasta. One of my favorite places for getting together when you have a crowd and want to dine without breaking the bank.  Birthdays, wedding showers, and office parties are more fun when the dinner is family style.

The menu contains Italian favorites such as Caesar salad, chicken Marsala, and spaghetti marinara.  Everything comes in small or large size. For example the apple Gorgonzola salad in the small size which feeds three is $12.45, the large feeds six for $19.95.  Pizzas are in the same price range.  Pastas and entrees average from $15 to $18 for the small and $22 to $32 for the large.  And it’s always better to under order here since the portions are big.

Let’s do the math. A family of four orders a small Caesar salad for $10.45, a small penne arrabiata for $17.95, and a small oven roasted salmon for $21.95. Before tax and tip, it will come out to about $13 per person and probably enough left over for lunch the next day. If you sign up for emails they will send coupons that usually give you a $10 discount on a specified amount or a free dessert. Yes, desserts are huge so order with caution. 

The quality of the food is very good for the price point.  Flavorful sauces, pasta al dente, tender chicken, and innovative new dishes make this a true deal for The Frugal Diva.

The freshest fruits and vegetables,  the easiest meals, and the coldest beverages are what summer is all about.  While The Frugal Diva sips her Fresh & Easy  Ginseng and Honey Green Ice Tea , she notices the almost instant meals that can be made from this weeks specials.  Just throw the asparagus and already marinated chicken or pork on the grill, turn over, toss on a plate, and dinner is served. 

1.99/lb fresh&easy asparagus
2 for $8 fresh&easy Marinated Chicken or Pork (when you buy multiples of 2)

And here are my lunches to pack for work. 

2 for $5 fresh&easy BBQ Pasta Salad (when you buy multiples of 2)

And a few quick dinners.
20% off on assorted easy dinners and frozen treats 

For dessert add some organic strawberries for $2.99 or maybe some cherries for $2.99 a pound.  They also have all the ingredients for Smores, you can wrap them in foil and leave them on top of the grill for a gooey nostalgic sweet.

Try some of their every day specials like over 4 lbs of mixed grill for $9.99 including sausages, beef patties, and chicken. 

My favorite thing about Fresh & Easy, last year they donated $450,000 to California schools.  Shop for Schools and Donations to Neighborhood Groups are two ways they give back to their customers. And that makes them even more of a bargain.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy sends The Frugal Diva occasional samples and gift cards plus her stepson works there as a buyer.

In life we have little luxuries that make all the difference -  the fabulous soap that transforms your bath into a day spa experience,  a T shirt so soft it is just a whisper on your skin, and a salad dressing that makes a leap past oil and vinegar. 

Organicville is an all organic line that qualifies as a little luxury that gives you a big return.  The Frugal Diva wants to eat salads all the time however The Frugal Dude wants them to be different and interesting.  Enter Organicville Miso Ginger Vinaigrette – organic, gluten free, and sweetened with agave.  At $3.69 this gives you the opportunity to turn 8 salads into superstars.   Part of Frugal Diva thinking is that the whole is cheaper then the sum of its parts. In other words, if I had to buy miso which I rarely use, ginger that has to be pealed and pureed, and agave sweetener this salad dressing would cost a whole more more. 

Miso Ginger adds a shot of flavor turning a salad into an Asian entree.  With either some left over chicken or cubed tofu, this qualifies as a quick, light meal on a hot summer night. 

California Dreamin’ Salad 

• 4 cups Organic Spring Mix Salad Greens
• 2 cups chopped Napa cabbage
• 3 medium carrots, shredded
• 1 small jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 1 cup boiled edamame beans
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
• Organicville Miso Ginger Vinaigrette to taste 

Toss everything together and enjoy.
Makes about 6 servings. 

Disclaimer: The Frugal Diva received a sample of this dressing from Organicville and her step-daughter-in-law (life is so complicated these days) works there as Marketing Director.

If a health food store and big box store had a child it would be called Sprouts.  This is a full service market that combines a fabulous produce department (about 40% of the store) with a natural food store’s selection of everything else at great prices.  What does that mean to the average shopper?  If your shopping list includes fresh produce,  organic cereal, whole wheat baguettes, eco friendly cleaning products, grass fed beef, and a teaspoon of rosemary this is the place for you.  And with their low shelving, you can find everything you need quickly plus there are no mainstream brands to impede your search.

Let’s start with the fresh produce. The weekly specials were California grown avocados for 49 cents each, beefsteak tomatoes for 49 cents a pound, and cute little golden pineapples for $1 each.  These are the specials however all produce prices were low and the selection was huge.  There is a very small section of organic produce however that is not the reason to shop here. This is for families who want more fresh food in their diet at the best prices.

Now organic products can be found everywhere else in the store.  Organic eggs, yogurt, and milk in the dairy case. Bottled organic juices, organic honey, and even organic breads under the Sprouts label. They carry all the brands you would expect to see in any of the other health food chains however most of the prices are better and with weekly specials you can stock up when prices are really fantastic.  Especially on their own Sprouts brand of vitamins. 

About that teaspoon of rosemary, I mentioned. This is something new for me, spices in bulk.  How many recipes do we pass up that have an unusual herb or use a bottle that has been there since we moved in? This is an opportunity to try out something new without wasting money.

Bulk buying is also possible for nuts, chips, and candies (better to buy a little then gorge on a lot).  

Still wondering why shop there on a Wednesday?  The weekly specials overlap on that day and you will have twice as many opportunituies to save. Wednesday might be hump day to some people, for The Frugal Diva Wednesday is shop at Sprouts day.

The Frugal Diva has to admit it unnerved her to think that Jamba Juice was 20 years old. It seemed just the other day that this novel concept with the cute logo had opened. There are college students who have only know a world with blended drinks as a meal option.

Jamba now has a deal for every day of the week.  Monday, Ideal Meals 12 oz for $3, Buy 2 Tuesday check your local store for the deal, Wake up Wednesday Steel Cut Oatmeal for $2, Tasty Thursday $1 baked good with a menu drink, and $3 all fruit 16 oz. smoothies on Fridays.

Make this day special with choices tailored to your mom.

Art Lover Mom reads the arts section first, collects catalogs, and thought your first grade drawings were infuenced by Kandinsky. Go to the Getty in Brentwood. There are three choices – splurge on The Restaurant at the Getty, enjoy the cafeteria with a wide variety of entrees and views of the city, or get a sandwich and eat out on the terrace. Currently on view Leonardo da Vinci and the Art of Sculpture: Inspiration and Invention.

American History Buff Mom knows the name of every U.S. President, fact checked your homework, and easily quotes what happened on this day fifty years ago.   The Autry Museum is doing a Mother’s Day brunch and then take her to tour How Women Made the West.  Museum teachers will be available for gallery tours at 1:00 p.m.

Environmental Mom recycles everything, knows global warming is not a hot flash, and uses both sides of the printer paper.  The Annenberg Center for Photography is free and just next door to the best food court in town at Century City featuring Lawry’s roast beef and the Breadbar. The exhibit is on the precarious state of the world’s water.

Design Mom knows what is the new black this year,  how to use Photoshop to make your holiday pictures more interesting, and only sees art films.  Try one of the most interesting places in Culver City, The Royal T.  With servers in maids outfits, this combination cafe, art space, and store will be sure to surprise mom. The menu includes Japanese/French cuisine and a great selection of teas.

Dodgers Mom loves Los Angeles, went to everyone of your little league games, and knows that Manny always saves the day. Sunday will be Mother’s Appreciation Day  at Dodger’s stadium for a day game against the Colorado Rockies.

Yoga Mom stays flexible, eats vegetarian, and believes that meditation will solve all your problems. Take here to BryanKest’s Power Yoga  Santa Monica Studio for a donation only class and then to Real Food Daily for lunch.  Sit on the beach afterwards and chant OM.

Let me know if you have interesting ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.

The Frugal Diva was surprised to see so many places expanding their happy hour offerings. This is a fun way to try out a new place, have dinner for less, and you don’t even have to drink to enjoy the benefits.  This is wonderful if you have out of town guests who are touring during the week days.  Take them for a happy hour and still be home in time to get to sleep for work the next day.

Napa Valley Grill at 1100 Glendon Avenue in Westwood has a lovely menu with everything from beef sliders to small pizettes. Enjoy the outdoor patio and sip a glass of wine at the end of the day from 3 to 7 PM & 9 to midnight Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 PM.

Nic’s Martini Lounge  in Beverly Hills on 453 North Canon Drive has their happy hour from 3:30 to 6:30 so it could also be a late lunch. On Monday nights they do $7 appitizers and martinis all night long.

La Boheme  at 8400 Santa Monica Blvd. has happy hour 7 days a week from 5 to 7:30 PM.  On a Saturday explore Roberston Blvd, Melrose Ave, and then drop in for a $5 glass of wine or $7 Martini and half off fun bites and sandwiches including a burger served with fries or a salad.

Vinoteca Farfalla at 1968 Hillhurst has a lovely selection of wine and beers with reduced price appetizers for their 5 to 7 PM weekday happy hour. This place is charming-dark and cozy for an end of the day respite.

Casa Cocina Y Cantina located at 350 S. Grand it’s close to the Disney Center, MOCA, and the Ahmanson.  Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM get here in time and enjoy drinks and a fantastic selection of gourmet tacos wrapped in house made tortillas before the theater.

Since restaurants change their policies frequently please call before going. And try some of the happy hours from my previous post.

Disclaimer: Freah and Easy invited The Frugal Diva to a tasting party for the new Eat Well line in stores today (April 7th) and there were party favors including a $25 gift card, $5 coupon, and a bottle of wine. And her stepson works there as a buyer.  Having said that my opinion is based on taste relative to cost and calories.

It would be lovely if The Frugal Diva could eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. However watching calories, making sure that I get the proper nutrition, and trying to get in a reasonable amount of exercise is the reality of life after forty.  Now I have the Eat Well option.  Fresh and Easy has taken a giant step forward in low calorie cuisine. And I mean cusine in that it tastes good. Add that to the fact that it’s portable and has no artificial ingredients and we have a winner.

Each serving package contains less then 25% of daily caloric intake which means lower calories with great flavor, less fat, and less salt.  The packages are transparent and what you see is what you get.  One item stood out for me – the Spicy Tuna Sushi Square with layers of brown rice, roasted edamame, gingered carrots and spice tuna on top. What a yummy quick lunch with protein, carbs, veggie, and a bit of heat for $3.99. 

Another great choice is the Bruschetta Chicken with whole wheat pasta, chicken breast, tomato sauce,  and Parmesan cheese for $3.99.  This is so nice to take to work. It’s important to know that you have a tasty lunch stashed in the fridge to get you through the morning.  At least that’s how The Frugal Diva plans her day.  Always thinking about the possibilities of the  next meal.

For vegans there was a Veggie Hummus Wrap for $2.99 with veggies and red pepper hummus wrapped in a sun-dried tomato tortilla.  This is a salad in a wrap-just perfect for a spring day lunch outside. For the same price as a latte you can get a nutritious lunch!

When buying packaged meals, the question is always could these be made cheaper at home.  The answer here is not really. The time, the list of ingredients, and figuring out the calorie count make this a bargain for those who watch their calorie intake as a lifestyle.  One of the ways eating sensibly goes awry is when you get bored or don’t feel like cooking.   That’s when the siren song of french fries and nuggets starts whispering in your ear.  It’s time to yell back that you could have a tasty, healthy meal at a similar price.

Now tastes differ so there are over fifteen choices at this time.  Start getting ready for summer with these fresh, easy, and low cal Eat Well meals.