The drugstore of today is more a mini department store then a simple pharmacy. Though if you need help with over the counter treatments, rest assured there is a kindly and sometimes quite attractive professional to help. As always join the club at CVS and get further discounts and coupons.

When did they start to carry good wine? And at a discount? With great sales, you know that you are getting the finest  quality for drinking or gift giving. Buy a bottle of wine, some chocolates or cookies, a gift bag, and you have the makings of a lovely present for coworkers, neighbors, or friends.

Need a quick toy for a tot and don’t want to brave the big box stores. CVS has quite the respectable toy section. Good to know that Play-Do never goes out of style. Check out the paper goods for fun pens or get some great hair accessories. Put together some things that are more fun then one big item.

And they have food, not fresh organic produce but cereals, soups, and odd things that you might want on a Saturday afternoon when a snack attack strikes. Mixed nuts for company. Ice cream for sundaes.

One could roam forever in a drugstore. The shampoo aisle alone is good for an afternoon. Curly, straight, dyed, more volume, and every other permutation of hair cleanser is there. Me, I am an Aussie Miracle with voluminizing kind of gal. For less then $10, I can be pouffed to the max. For another few dollars, you can try the three minute conditioner. Soft, shiny, and luxurious hair is on the way.

Backpacks, vitamins for you and your pet, lip gloss, cotton swabs. In a pinch, the drugstore solves all problems.

The Frugal Diva knows how hard it is to remember all the various discounts, coupons, and special offers that are out there. They come through the mail, on line, in newspapers and magazines. What is a diva to do?

In the email realm, open a dedicated email address just to register for online discounts.  Your own internet provider usually gives you that option or you can sign up for free at gmail or hotmail. Use this address when registering for sites that send you coupons and alert you to sales.

Quickly skim over the offers, jump on the ones you want, and be on your way.  Chico’s sends a $10 off coupon on your birthday and it can be used with another offer or on sale items.  Celebrate with new clothes that are on sale, use one of their coupons, and add in your B Day gift. Now we’re talking a real deal.  Sephora sends some free goodies your way on your B-Day. Origins has a discount birthday offer.

Your personal main email address will remain easily readable for your personal or business correspondence that needs to be answered.

Before going shopping or ordering  or eating out just type in the name of the store, restaurant, or service with the word sale or promo code. It is very likely that a deal will pop up on the first page of the google search.

For the paper coupons, there are several serious organizers for food coupons. For others, buy yourself a pretty wallet size organizer about the size of a checkbook. There are lovely ones to be found in Chinatown. They hold the millions of Bed, Bath, and Beyond discounts, restaurants specials, and other one of kind discounts. Remember to go through them and throw out expired offers.

After all being frugal is a life enhancer not a life clutterer.

Travel is a luxury and we all need a little down time. Californians have the distinct advantage of living in a state where there are national parks, sophisticated cities, deserts, Disneyland, and everything in between. For flying Southwest Airlines is my favorite, great fares, egalitarian seating, and for most fares you can make changes without a penalty.

They have several destinations in Southern and Northern California and a stop in Reno for the Lake Tahoe area. Lake Tahoe is a bargain during the spring and summers when non skiers can enjoy the beautiful lake, bike and hike the mountains.  Take the North Lake Express into town or if you wish rent a car (try fatwallet.com for good rates).

Now for the trains. Amtrak has great routes and prices throughout the state.  They have all kinds of specials so look for deals on their site. And remember, you can board a train with your shampoo and not have to go through security. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, pack a lunch, and arrive refreshed. There are bus connections from most stations.  While train travel does take longer, remember at the airport you have to arrive 2 hours early, wait in line, and sit on the tarmac while your plane waits for clearance. Train travel takes the same amount of time and you can relax the whole way.

Now as a Los Angelena, it is hard to separate me from my car. And what could be better then knowing you can leave anytime, stop anywhere, and come home anytime. With music or a book on CD (get them from your library), even four hour stretches on the freeway become pleasurable. This is the type of vacation where you can follow your whims, make reservations from the road, and check out yard sales, festivals, and diners. Find the lowest gas prices with GasBuddy.com, pack snacks and water, make sure your phone is charged, and your car is ready for the road.

Travel divas, let me know your favorite California destinations, deals on hotels, spas, and attractions.

We all need to eat out occasionally – celebrations, business appointments, and meeting friends. There are new quality fast food places opening in Los Angeles that share a common theme. Counter service, good food, and the feeling that you are in a relaxing space make these places way above average.

Those of you in Culver City are familiar with Tender Greens. Could anything be better than their salads. Fresh tuna nicoise, chicken cobb, grilled veggie are just a few that are priced at $10.50 plus tax. Or get a hot entree with mashed potatoes and a side salad also priced at $10.50 plus tax. The place is beautiful with both indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll never mind standing in line again. If you wish to indulge, they serve wine, coffee and sweets besides these great tasting and nutritional entrees. And more good news, they are opening a West Hollywood branch at 8957 Santa Monica Blvd.

Pitfire Pizza, great pizza, great pasta, great salads, and all for about $10 per person. How about pasta bolognese in a divine sauce for $9.95. And we are talking a dish similar to one at an upscale Italian restaurant for twenty some dollars plus tip. The place is spacious, big booths you can sink into. And they have cupcakes for dessert.

Another great resource is Damon & Pythias in Westwood Village. They have a variety of salads and entrees with prices ranging in the $10 to $12 area with half portions available on many items. These guys sure can cook. Ribs, turkey, steak, and salmon with specials and choices on sides. Or go vegetarian with just a side sampler. They don’t skimp on the portions, so ladies you might want to share a big salad and leave room for dessert.

One of my favorites is Chutneys on Pico and Barrington. A chicken tikka to die for. It’s cooked in the tandoori oven, served with naan, rice, and carrot & corn salad. And, oh yes, costs about $7 plus tax. They have excellent chicken, lamb, and vegetarian food. It’s great to pick up something on the way home.

Lemonade is counter service with a choice of market fresh salads (2 selections for $7.50), sandwiches, soups, and pot roasts ($9 for a generous portion with rice pilaf or salad). You can get tastes of any pot roast before you buy. The Frugal Dude went for lamb tagine which was fantastic with great spices and sauce to pour over the rice pilaf. The Frugal Diva stayed with the vegetable salads-delicious farro and spaghetti squash plus yummy beets. They are located at 1661 Abbott Kinney, Los Angeles, CA 90291, (310) 452-6200 and have other locations on Beverly Blvd.,  downtown, and at MOCA. And of course the lemonade is divine.

If you have to take someone out for business consider ethnic restaurants with their fabulous lunch specials. Great multi-course meals that will make everyone feel indulged and receptive to your ideas. If you need to entertain several potential clients, call ahead and they will usually accommodate you with a separate room or out of the way table. Set up a menu with a selection of entrees and no prices, you look good and no one is the wiser to your frugality.

Sometimes when we’re running around town, we need to stop and refuel, gather our thoughts, make phone calls, and take a deep breath before moving on to our next appointment. Starbucks has gone a long way to meet our needs, better sandwiches, yogurt with fruit, and cheese trays.

Those novels you read on vacation, the shirt you haven’t worn for five years, the toys your college bound student won’t need, and the sheets for a single bed that you don’t own anymore. Sound familiar. We all put things away for a rainy day or because they remind us of a favorite time. 

This is a great time of year to reorganize, declutter, donate, and stash stuff  in boxes for a future yard sale.

In fairness to yourself before selling or donating anything that you feel might be worth something check the ebay price of the same or similar item.

If you feel something is very valuable check with a professional auction house. Bonhams Auction House opens its doors once a month so that they can assist you in appraising your property. Is it treasure or trash?  They are a neutral party who can provide an auction value estimate. They limit you to five items and the service is free. In Los Angeles they are located at 7601 Sunset Blvd or call 800 223 2854 for more information.  This is a fun experience regardless of the value. They treat you well and let you know if there is any historical information about your item.

If you decide to go forward witha yard sale here are some good rules to follow:

Put a price on all items! You can have individual prices or grab bags where everything in the bag goes for a set price. Put stickers on everything and you can also segregate areas for different prices. All fifty cent items on one table. Remember nobody comes to yard sale to send big bucks. Everything you sell is one thing you don’t have to carry back into the house.

Don’t let early arrivers throw you off. Post a sign that says when you start and don’t let anyone into your home. You want good coverage so if you don’t have enough family members, invite friends to help out or sell stuff along with you. If you can get your neighbors to join in – all the better.  Everyone has a unique inventory so the more the merrier.

Get change the day before and post that you will only give change up to $10.  Most yard sale shoppers know the drill and will come with appropriate coinage.  Since many items will be $.10 or $.25, get a few packs of quarters, dimes, and nickels plus twenty to  fifty in singles. Keep your cash on you or with a helper who is designated the cashier. 

Feel free to sell sodas or lemonade for a modest price. This is a great learning experience for small children. Let them set up a stand and feel they are part of the experience.

Now to let people know about your sale.  Many local papers have free listings, put it up on bulletin boards at your grocery store, school, church, and gym, and post signs at all major intersections in your neighborhood. Many people still drive around looking for yard sales and a neon colored paper will attract attention.

And the most important thing about a yard sale, have fun, watch your stuff enhance another person’s life, and make a few dollars in the process.

Yes, there are many places to spend big bucks in Malibu however enjoy this beautiful town for an afternoon and spend less then $20 for a day vacation. The Adamson House Tour  is a guided tour through the house which contains its original furnishings and is decorated with the renowned Malibu Potteries tile. Trained volunteer docents relate the history of the house, details of its architecture and furnishings, and the history of the family that lived in and created this distinctive home. And what does this all cost -$5.00 per person includes a house tour. 

The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the Adamson House and contains a collection of artifacts, rare photographs and documents depicting the colorful history of Malibu. The museum tour takes the visitor from the early Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture. Here is an excellent opportunity to relive the genteel and romantic ranching days of the famed Rindge and Adamson families. Learn about dramatic episodes in Malibu’s rich history: the Malibu Railroad; the 17-year legal battle over a Malibu highway; the Malibu movie colony; the Malibu Dam, and much, much more. Admission to the Museum is free.

Take a walk through the Cross Creek Malibu Country Mart outdoor shopping center (the parking is free). Now there are a lot of upscale places in Malibu however there are many great choices for the Frugal Divas among us. Malibu Howdy’s Taqueria in Cross Creek village has counter service and most items on the menu are under $10 and they are fantastic. Great tacos, great salads, and great breakfasts if you get there before eleven thirty.  There is a Starbucks for those just in the mood for caffeine and a snack. 

Travel about a mile and a half further up the coast and try Malibu Seafood Company  (they have a free parking lot) on PCH. Counter service with most items around $10 (I had an out of this world ahi tuna burger with fries for $8.95), grilled seafood dinners around $15. They have their own parking lot. Fabulous location across the street from the beach. Go to the upper deck seating for the best ocean view.

Beautiful museum, enjoy the laid back atmosphere, walk where the stars really shop, and great food all make Malibu a fun day away for Los Angelenos in need of an ocean view and a relaxed atmosphere.

The AMC Theaters have made some changes to the AMC MovieWatcher Club,you will have to decide if their new loyalty program AMC Stubs is worth $12 a year ($6 dollars is the one time incentive for Movie Watcher card holders). Rewards will now be decided on purchase price and equal $10 for every $100 you spend on tickets and concessions.  The other changes include upgraded popcorn and fountain drinks for free every time you come in and no online ticketing fees on movietickets.com and fandango.com. The $10 rewards are redeemable for anything you like including gift cards.

As many of you have realized, going to the movies is an expensive propostion. The break at AMC is that tickets before noon on the weekends are around $6 or $7 so if you are taking the kids for a treat get them up early. It will save you $2 to $2.50 per head, and for adults the savings are almost $5 per ticket. The senior discount for the after matinee hours is $1. Really is that what someone gets for living to sixty plus years.  They give seniors a bigger break on Tuesdays when their tickets are $6 or $7 all day.  Students get a discounted day on Thursdays (prices vary around $8.50 and $9.50). 

If you are still going out to the movies and getting tickets online, the $100 will add up quickly. However with the annual fee, you have to wait until the $200 mark before you get a real reward.

Shoes have many good qualities. They are loyal. Gain a few pounds and your jeans will turn on you.  However you have to gain a lot of weight to out grow your favorite pair of pumps.  They wait quietly at the back of the closet until that perfect occasion when only red heels with white polka dots will do.  And you can try on endless pairs without taking off your clothes.

The best place to spend countless hours looking, trying on and maybe even buying – DSW. So much more than those three letters. It’s a place to hang out and meet other people. If only they served beverages and light snacks, one could easily spend the entire day there. I don’t know whether it’s the sheer choice of all those aisles or the friendly salespeople or the unbelievable prices that make this a such a great destination.

And like everywhere else, it’s more fun if you join the club. It costs nothing and you start getting little notices. Before you know it, points start accumulating, coupons are in the mail, and you are on your way to even greater savings.

This is the type of hunting that I’m talking about. They send me a $10 coupon good for any purchase over $10, I buy a $55 pair of Anne Klein loafers (listed at $79 on the AK website), that are reduced another 50% on clearance to $27 and use the coupon – bringing the grand total to$17 dollars and change plus tax.    

Tell them your birth date and they send you a $5 coupon good for that month. Hey, it may not seem like a lot but it’s more then the other stores are doing for me. DSW, a company that helps you look good without spending too much money.

And this is a great place to buy gifts items-socks, bags, slippers, and gift cards.

The Gap is back!  They have made some great choices and gone back to basics this season and it is a pleasure. Good cuts, interesting little details, and friendly salespeople make this a fun experience.  And the store sales make this a great place for the whole family. Kids, babies, men, and women shop the great offers for savings. 

Now their loyalty program is tied into getting a GapCard and I only endorse the idea if you are going to pay it off every month.  They give you 20% off your first purchase and subsequent offers including free shipping off the website.  Please check with the website since offers are usually time limited.  You can also try the outlets for further reductions.

Now what did I find on sale at The Gap. Two lovely knit tops suitable for work that were half off and reduced to $24.99.  A great shirred T-shirt that concealed instead of revealing for $29. You can always wait for the next sale.  This was at the Marina Marketplace store, 13455 Maxella Ave in Marina del Rey, CA. Jessie helped me in the dressing room, giving expert advice on sizes and styles and Mark helped me at the counter telling me about all the deals – present and future. 

After years of not being in the shopping mode, I am rediscovering that looking good is part of feeling good.