The Frugal Diva knows that getting older sucks.  Sure people say age is just a number but did you notice that no one under fifty ever says that – unless they are trying to comfort a senior citizen.  The number that really counts is how many dollars you save by embracing the discounts offers and reduced fees.  Proudly declare you want that senior fare, ticket, or meal for yourself or your parents or grandparents.

Save on restaurants with the national  AARP Restaurant Discount Center and the age for joining AARP is 50.  Flash that card proudly at Budget Rent a Car, Walgreens, Golds Gym and other vendors on the AARP Benefits List.  They even give you a discount on some  technology.

The National Parks offers the Senior pass (one time fee of $10) –  a lifetime admission and discount pass for citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are age 62 or older. The Senior pass admits the pass owner and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Senior pass admits the pass owner, and three adults. Plus there is a 50% discount on camping and other activities.

And think about getting to that National Park with an Amtrak Senior Discount. Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.

Ross Dress For Less gives everyone over 55 a 10% discount on Tuesdays at all their stores. You’ll find more up to date discounts and coupons at Senior Discounts. It is a membership site however you may perform preliminary searches for the over 150,000 discounts on their web site, receive their weekly e-mail newsletter and utilize many other features on their web site for free.

Thumbs up to the Laemmle Chain for embracing seniors with reduced prices everyday and extra reductions for matinees on Wednesdays. Popcorn and a drink are $4 for seniors all the time. Another great reason to take your parents or grandparents to the movies. Some theaters are more generous than others so check out your local chains.

When ordering anything don’t be shy.  Ask if there is a senior discount. At museums, hotels, amusement parks, and many other venues, the answer will often be “yes.”

Check out the Gift Card Granny for more specific regional discounts.

This is a charming town with a fun main street, beaches, and outdoor activities.  And free parking.  There is something here for a day trip, one night, or two nights. Hotels are in every price range so check your favorite site for the best prices.

On Main Street you can browse through both thrift shops and upscale boutiques. And don’t miss the beautiful beaux arts city hall and the Mission San Bueanventura’s lovely garden. This area is completely walkable with restaurants that include 50s era burger places, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and cafes for a coffee break.

Eleven miles off shore are the Channel Islands National Park .  As you know about the Frugal Diva, walking on the beach is enough of a hike.  However for those who need to explore trips can be arranged through Island Packers, prices vary per season and type of excursion. This is a low-impact adventure and a chance to see sea lions and whales.

On the way home I wanted something fresh, interesting, and inexpensive. The perfect choice is Pho Saigon, 826 N Ventura Rd
Port Hueneme, CA 93041-2647, (805) 240-9334‎.  A fantastic soup loaded with the protein of your choice, rice noodles and gobs of fresh vegetables.  There are many great places in Oxnard so let me know your favorites.

Stop at the Camarillo Outlet Mall.  They have added stores and sales are everywhere.  Now that’s my kind of adventure.

Could there be anything more romantic then watching the Westminster Dog Show and cuddling with your sweetie, family, or animal companion? It starts on Monday and culminates on Tuesday night when they crown the doggie Miss (or Mr.) America.

If you feel like spreading the love, volunteer at a local organization.  If you are single, try serving dinner at a soup kitchen. After the first few minutes, you’ll forget about being dateless. Or better yet, get some friends together and go as a group.

Since it’s a Tuesday night, it might be more fun to rent a romantic movie, pick up some salmon and make this great recipe at home.

Fresh & Easy has a dozen roses for $11.99 ,  lobster ravioli for dinner, and some fresh strawberries along with chocolate truffles for dessert.

For those who love the environmentally conscious, a big thank you to Max Goldberg for putting together this list of organic chocolates and treats.

If you do wish to indulge, many restaurants are serving their specials all weekend long. Check out Open Table for the places in your area.

Take the time to explore any number of museums that are free this weekend. MuseumsLA.org has the complete list. This would be a great time to find out about LA’s Chinese heritage with a trip to the Chinese American Museum.  Current exhibits Breaking Ground: Chinese American Architects in Los Angeles (1945-1980) showcasing the architectural achievements of four pioneering Chinese American architects whose contributions were between 1945 and 1980.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Yang Chow’s in Chinatown. Try to get there early as the lines can get quite long after six.

When it’s time to go out with friends, try one of these great happy hours at restaurants that are too pricey for dining.

Flemings, an upscale steak house has 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers. $6 each, served at the bar until 7 PM.

The Yardhouse wins the appetizer selection with half price pizzas, chicken lettuce wraps, and Pastrami, Turkey Burger or Veggie sliders for $6.95.

While McCormick & Schmick’s wins for the best burgers during a happy hour featuring a half-pound cheeseburger along with steamed mussels and more.

Even Mortons gets into the act with bar bites starting at $6 with a newly added smoked salmon pizza.

If you like independent and foreign films, you will love the Laemmle Theaters. Now they have decided to return your affections. They offer a bulk package of 25 tickets for $150 on their website At $6 apiece, this is a great deal!  Split them up and slip two or more  into a Birthday card for a great gift or use them for holiday stocking stuffers.

Now since this is a big upfront price, maybe share it with a fellow movie fan or fans.  Or use the tickets a nice surprise for someone special.

You can form a movie club – five people can go five times and meet for coffee afterwards to discuss the films.  Since the tickets don’t expire, you can set the pace – once a week or once a month.  See “Margin Call” and “The Ides of March” to discuss social issues.   See “J.Edgar” and discuss the moral aspects of decision making.  Since this is Los Angeles, discuss the screenplays and how they can be improved. Catch up on Oscar selections, learn why other people like films that you hate or hate films that you love, and have fun.  This would be a $30 dollar per person investment for five movies, intellectual stimulation, and social activity.

Laemmles Frequent Movie Goer Tickets save you $100 off the admission charge, are good at any Laemmle Theatre, are good on any day, and never expire. There are a few restrictions so please read the web page before buying.

Check out their website for other savings and if you are eligible go for Student Sundays, all shows that start after 6pm on Sundays, Students with ID are $7 AND popcorn: $1 for Small, $1.50 for Medium and $2.00 for Large: (Students with ID only),   Senior Wednesdays or join the Sneak Preview club for free advance screenings.

The Frugal Diva loves to keep up on all the latest news for saving money and saving the planet. Many times these two coincide and what better place to find out then this weekend’s Green Festival LA on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Convention Center. When scrolling down the tickets page, there is a category for FREE tickets in LA. Even if you don’t qualify for any of the criteria, you can still get free tickets from any local Ford dealership.

Youth 18 and under

Students with student ID

Seniors

Bicyclist who park with Green Festival’s complimentary bike valet

LA Metro Pass/TAP Card Holders

Green America Members

Global Exchange Members

Union members with cards

Ford Drive One – Visit your local Los Angeles Ford dealership for complementary Tickets (I’m heading out to Buerge Ford)

Sierra Club – Free Admission to all Sierra Club members with valid membership card

Recycle your old, used electronics at Green Festival Acceptable electronics include: computers, televisions, microwaves and cell phones

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles members with valid membership ID

These festivals are also taking place in NYC and SF. Check out the criteria for free tickets in your city.

Parking can be pricy at the Convention Center so check out the lots a few blocks away. Walking is a very green way to exercise.  See you at the veggie food demo and free yoga classes!

Those who live in Los Angeles know that we have plenty of cultural events besides touring Universal Studios. Pacific Standard Time is a collaboration of cultural institutions celebrating the birth of the L.A. art scene. In October 2011, over 60 cultural institutions will make their contributions to depicting the L.A. art movement from 1945 to 1980. To start off these exhibits and events, there will be a free museum day on October 2nd for those listed on the PST website.

If you can’t make it this Sunday, check out Free Museum Day devoted to showing you how to get in free everywhere in the world. The Frugal Diva always checks this site before going out of town. Why pay when you can just play?

Now Divas occasionally we may have to pay for tickets however there are websites for theaters that make is easy to save on entertainment.

Goldstar has an amazing selection of tickets to theater, sporting events, wine tastings, and even some trade shows. They are in several cities so plan ahead when you are traveling.  I have used this website many times and always got good seats in the promised section and they keep a record of your transactions in case you want to recommend a production.

Theater tickets for a year with a subscription to Theater Extras

Gift Certificates to these sites also make wonderful presents for birthdays and the upcoming holidays. You pick the amount and send it in a Holiday card.  All the time avoiding traffic and parking hassles. That’s how divas do it.

When The Frugal Dude suggested going to Yosemite, The Frugal Diva replied that it was just a bunch of trees.  I could not have been more incorrect. The magnificent vistas, the fresh air, the beautiful meadows of wild flowers, and spectacular waterfalls made me realize that there was a whole world that awaited outside of urban areas. And the other good news, it did not involve any camping. I also believed that you had to pitch a tent and gather berries for sustenance.  Many National Parks have food and accommodations that are reasonable and don’t involve building your own fire. Of course for those who enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors there are numerous camp sites.

Just to make this more fun, these are the 2012 dates when entrance fees are waived.

January 14-16

Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

April 21-29

National Park Week

June 9

Get Outdoors Day

September 29

National Public Lands Day

November 10-12

Veterans Day weekend

Many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start planning your visit!

And if you are over 62 get a Senior Pass for a one time $10 fee.  This is for a lifetime of free admissions.  The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

If you plan to visit several national parks in one year, consider the $80 one year pass.

The Frugal Dude was right, the national parks are a fabulous vacation and we have since been to the Grand Tetons, Glacier, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon (the north and south rims), Bryce, Zion and many others.  It is a great reminder what a vast and beautiful country we live in.

Let me know your favorites!