The Annenberg Space for Photography is a great destination for those interested in the art of the photo. They have set up an intimate space at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City.  With a design inspired by the photo lens, the space allows viewing each photo without crowding.  This is a very user friendly space with areas for watching videos related to the exhibit and reading photography books.

And this resource is free. How much better could this be? You can also park at the Century City shopping mall for three hours for free or validated self-parking is $3.50 for three hours in the garage directly beneath the building, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Weekdays after 4:30PM and on Saturday and Sunday, parking is a flat rate of $1.00 with validation.

And even better, they have a free lecture series on Thursdays (reservations are required).

Even though the Frugal Diva is not a sports aficionado, the current exhibit of iconic sports photography by Iooss and Liefer (which has been extended to March 14th) is fabulous.  Along with the photos isa  digital presentation about the featured photographers that gives you insight into their process.  The next show will feature National Geographic photos around the theme of water. And don’t forget about the lectures that illuminate the exhibits.

Where have you been all my life?  While everyone else has been aware of Michaels it has taken me this long to go into a store. And immediately sign up on their website for bargains.

Now I am not particularly good at crafts. Maybe that’s why it never seemed like a place for me to shop. Was I ever wrong! Even The Frugal Diva can put a picture in a picture frame. And a very stylish one at that. Or pick out accessories to organize my desk, closet, or photos. Yes, now my magazines are stored in pretty baskets, candles grace my table tops, and plants have been moved to matching containers.

They have great invitations you can run on a home printer. Now I know where all those cute cards originate. Kids birthday parties are a snap with postcards.  Brides this is a great place to find save the date cards, invites, thank you notes, and response cards. Make them formal or keep them modern, there are so many choices.

And they give you tons of ideas on making things fancy for a shower or fun for a kids party. It took me hours to leave and the first thing I did at home was…you guessed it!  Signed up for their email discounts.  Now the coupons are coming and I’m planning my next trip with them in hand.  That’s my kind of crafty.

 The Getty Museums are  free all the time and everyday of the week. They ask only that you pay to park. That means when you bring a carload of guests from out of town, you can take them to see the beautiful Getty, the collections, and the smashing view all for $15 (as of the last time I went and free after 5:00 PM on Saturdays). The more guests, the cheaper the visit, so carpool with four and enter for less then  $4 apiece.  They will be impressed and amazed.  Another great trick is to drop them off, enjoy a few hours of peace at home, wait for the phone call, and pick them up - with no charge at all. They have a fabulous day and you can run errands guilt free.

All the pertinent information is on their visitors page however it does not tell you that this is a spectacular experience.

The Brentwood Getty affords you a view of the city that is unparalled. On a clear day you can see forever and since they are open until 9 PM on Saturdays you can see the city light up at night.  Walk the interesting garden path, see some art, eat at the reasonable cafeteria or coffee kiosks or the more upscale restaurant or bring your own sandwich - they are user friendly to the point of putting out umbrellas for visitors when it’s raining.  They have free talks and tours about the exhibits. They have fee hands on workshops for kids. The one this week end is  Family Drawing Hour: Exploring Color! Saturday February 20, 2010 3:30 PM geared for families with children ages 7 and up.

Saturday Nights at the Getty (formerly Friday Nights at the Getty) is a free, contemporary performance series featuring an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, and spoken word events in the auditorium. Only reservations are needed. In the summer they have free outdoor concerts and dancing.  And remember parking is free after 5:00 p.m. and the galleries are open.

The Getty Villa  in Malibu is a museum of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. You can view antiquities, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities -plus inspired architecture and gardens with a view of the ocean. There are tours and family activities here also. They also have evening activities with play readings and talks. Parking after 5 PM is free for cultural events.

Did I use the word free too many times? These places are so fabulous it’s amazing they and all the activities are free. Give yourself a treat and enjoy them this weekend!

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.

Spread the love on Valentine’s Day weekend by helping others. Do it as a couple, alone, or get a group of friends together.

Heal the Bay Help clean up our beaches. We all need the ocean to survive.

Disney Give A Day Get A Day Volunteer one day and get a free day at Disney.

Meals On Wheels Change lives daily by making sure they get a meal every day.

Make A Wish Help this organization grant wishes to children with illnesses.

Adult Literacy Teach reading to adults through the LA public library.

Downtown Women’s Center Helping women get back on their feet.

Lange Foundation Saving homeless and impounded animals.

If you want to check out a major charity in your area, use the Charity Navigator. They rate charities so you know who runs efficiently and makes sure the money goes to help people.

If you want to stay local - most hospitals, museums, schools, and soup kitchens need volunteers.

Valentine’s Day has so many possibilities this year. Since it falls on a Sunday you can celebrate love for the weekend or even three days if you have President’s Day off.  Or it’s one miserable day when you are reminded that you are not part of a couple. Don’t worry, the Frugal Diva has suggestions for all.

For those in the mood for a terrific French meal this place is lovely.  Saint Amour in Culver City Dinner will be served from 5pm to 11pm
Regular Menu + 3 course prix fixe @ $49.00 and a Valentine’s Day Brunch

For those who love the out doors commune with nature at these events.

FREE Chinese New Year Celebration
Sat, Feb 13, 5:30 - Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades
Come celebrate the Chinese New Year early , and learn more about the traditions that are steeped in animals and nature. Traditional Chinese treats served. Meet in the front parking lot. 1.5 hrs. Program Free, parking $7. Capture a Nature Moment

FREE Meditation in the Mountains
Sun, Feb 14, 5 pm - 6:30 - Franklin Canyon, Sooky Goldman Nature Center, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills
Connect with the spirit of this canyon on this peaceful guided meditation. Bring water. Picnic with your Valentine afterward. Program Free, parking $7.

ALMOST FREE For a family Valentine’s Day enjoy the Santa Monica pier and learn about whales on Sat & Sun, Feb 13 & 14, 12:30 - 5 pm - Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Beach level, Santa Monica Pier
Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will express its love of the Pacific gray whale by celebrating Whale of a Weekend. Inside the Aquarium, guests can make a variety of whale related arts and crafts - some with a Valentine’s Day theme. Both days will be packed with activities, including: story time, face painting, film screenings and a 2:30 p.m. staff presentation on changing ocean temperatures and how they affect whales, presented in a game show style that will be fun for the whole family. Be sure to stop by to show your love for this magnificent migratory marine mammal. Admission $2, Children under 12 FREE.

FREE Crafters enjoy the Vintage Paper Fair
Sat, Feb 13, 10 - 6 & Sun, Feb 14, 10-4 - Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale
Under a Paper Moon you can celebrate Valentine’s at The West Coasts’ biggest antique paper show featuring postcards, photography, labels, local history, prints, Victorian, trade cards, and more vintage paper. Admission free.

FREE Concert at the Getty Center-Mythili Prakash. Parking is FREE after 5:00 p.m. for the Getty Center’s evening hours on Saturdays when they are open until 9:00.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Saturday Feb. 13 - 7:30 p.m. - Getty Center - Reservations required. Visit getty.edu or call (310) 400-7300.
As one of the leading young exponents of Bharata Natyam, the classical dance of southern India, Mythili Prakash brings an intrepid dynamism to the form. In a special program celebrating the connections between music and dance, Prakash performs with an outstanding group of musicians from India and the United States.

LA Street Food Fest on Saturday, February 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., over 35 food trucks and vendors, including some from Breed Street, will gather at LA Center Studios on 500 S. Beaudry Ave. in downtown L.A.  

FREE Day at LACMA
Mon, Feb 15, All Day - Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.  A free day at the museum (all day!) and enjoy the Goin’ South Band’s performance of diverse American folk music at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to a free day at the museum thanks to Target.

My idea of a great Valentine’s Day is a movie before noon at the AMC Theaters for $7 and dim sum in Chinatown afterwards. 

Divas let me know what is your ideal Valentine’s Day outing. What you do indoors is your business.

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.