by Brandi Savitt – September 2, 2010

How to Save from City to Sea

When I told people I was going to Norway, everyone joked about meatballs, H&M and Ikea, and two minutes into their rant they’d stop and say “oh wait- that’s Sweden”!

Sad but true, most of us have no real understanding of the borders and history that differentiate the Scandinavian people who are tied together by their Viking blood and northern lights.  But let it be known, one of the most important things they share in common is the great pride they have in their individual Danish, Swedish, Finnish, or Norwegian nationalities.  And after having the pleasure of spending ten thrilling days in one of most beautiful places on earth, I must say– if you’re looking for adventure, stunning land & seascapes filled with fjords, glaciers, quaint countrysides, and bustling cites nestled up to the North Sea– look no further – Norway is a nature lovers paradise that is one of a kind!

Fab & Fru Norway?

It is no secret that Scandinavia, in general, is a pricey place to visit, and Norway may be at the top of the list when it comes to the exchange rate between the Norwegian krone and the US dollar.  This once poor country, with a small population of 4.6 million people, struck it rich when they discovered oil in the 1970′s.

The Norwegian standard of living is considered one of the highest in the world!  This is not to say the Norwegians are flashy people who flaunt their wealth, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.  Norwegians believe in living humbly, and culturally, they have a tremendous connection to nature (even in the cities), valuing the natural wonder and beauty of their nation as a major factor in their quality of life.  And it is because of this belief that the Norwegian government has made it easy for natives and foreigners alike to explore this vast country for much less than it would seem- considering the exchange rate! You just need to know where to look…

Weather & When to Travel

Because Norway’s northern most tip reaches, literally, the North Pole, the country is known as the land of the midnight sun and polar nights.  Norway defines its seasons more by the hours of day light rather than temperature.  Days are longest mid May through July and shortest mid November through January.

As with most European countries, traveling to Norway in July & August is the most popular vacation time.  However, as the days start to get longer in mid May through the peak at the summer solstice on June 21st, this is actually a gorgeous & perfect time to visit Norway- plus it’s still considered the shoulder season and airfares have yet to peak! Likewise, if you’re looking to experience the North Pole at Christmas or a winter sky vacation, you will also enjoy great prices during Norway’s dark days.

What to Do, What to See!

Don’t let it’s small population fool you, Norway is a big place.  I spent ten days in constant travel mode and saw endless sites, yet we never even made it close to the Arctic Circle!

Unless you’re going to visit with one activity in mind like base jumping over Lysefjord or going on a polar bear safari, Visit Norway is a great place to start researching all the country has to offer.  The site lists everything from accommodations, budget travel tips, car rental companies, train and ferry information, suggested scenic driving routes, tours, biking, fishing, sites and more.  The Norwegians are extremely organized and friendly, as are their online resources!

Talk to a Travel Agent!

If you don’t like the idea of researching everything on your own and piecing together you’re own adventure, call a travel agent who specializes in Norwegian or Scandinavian travel.  We never think of using a travel agent anymore, but one who specializes in this region can actually help you find package deals and save you a ton of money!

by Brandi Savitt – August 2, 2010

All Aboard a Commute to Adventure

In metro areas across the country, thousands of commuters take the train to get in and out of the city, but how many of us use our local and regional train systems as a cheap & traffic free way to get out and explore? You’d be surprised how commuter trains can easily transport you to somewhere unexpectedly beautiful and fun! So if you’re looking for an inexpensive and different way to spend the day, ditch your car and pick a stop way out on the train line that you’ve always wanted to visit.  Gather up the kids, your boyfriend, or go alone – your task is to have a stress free Fab & Fru adventure!

As a longtime New Yorker, I am extremely experienced in relying on public transportation to not just get around the city, but also to leave it.  Getting away for the weekend when you live in the city is common practice- especially in the summer. Whether it’s taking the Long Island Railroad to the beach, or the bus to go up to the Catskills mountains for a long weekend, you name it, I’ve done it – or so I thought….

This past weekend I experienced the glory of the Metro North train line – a commuter line that leaves from Grand Central station and traverses up the gorgeous Hudson River, stopping at all the historical little towns that line its banks. After four years of wanting to visit the Dia: Beacon, a modern art museum set in a old Nabisco factory in the river town of Beacon, I finally got around to making it happen!

My friend and I jumped on the train at Grand Central Station and rode 85 minutes up the scenic river until we reached Beacon.  No car, no traffic, no getting lost, no fuss! A five minute walk to the left was adorable Main Street (with the mountains as its back drop), and a five minute walk up the winding road to the right was the museum. I couldn’t believe it – why had I never come to this oasis so close to the city before?

Best Way to Take a Day Trip By Train

For less than the price of a tank of gas, taking a day trip via train is the perfect way to explore the sites, food, shopping and natural beauty of area not too far from home -  headache FREE.

Pick Your Destination

The first thing to do is to look at your local train schedule and find a point of interest that is  far enough away, but not too far that you’ll spend the entire day traveling. Research the town online, and make sure you can easily walk or take a cheap taxi to where you want to go.

Check the Schedule

What’s great about so many of these commuter lines is that a train leaves every hour or two in both directions.  Having such flexibility makes going for the day super easy!

Kids Love Trains

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, riding on the train alone may be exciting enough.  Think about what an adventure it could be to also explore somewhere new!

Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been

It’s always so surprising how many cool places are near by that – as a local – we never explore.  Whether you’re into history, art, nature or food, it’s fun and affordable to play tourist close to home!

Get S’more Bang for Your Vacation Buck

It’s no secret that camping is one of the least expensive vacations you can take with friends or family.  Typically easy to plan, you can camp close to home for the weekend, or go BIG and explore the parks across the country.  Whether it’s the ghost stories around the campfire, a breathtaking vista, or the surprise storm that keeps you snuggled in your tent playing Gin Rummy for hours, camping trips are always fantastic memory makers and a great way to get back in touch with old mother nature. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the wimpy side when it comes to roughing it, or you’re an avid outdoor adventurist, there IS a campsite for everyone out there!

Get Ready, Set, GO!

If you have the itch for a last minute summer weekend trip, you can usually find a nearby campground with an open spot.  However, you’d be surprised to find that if you don’t want to pitch your tent right next to the bathroom, or if you’re interested in going to a popular park, planning well in advance is essential! Do your homework, account for any special permits you may need (like a fishing permit), and make sure you have all the necessary gear to make your trip a success – kids or no kids!

Budget

If you already own basic camping supplies or you’re headed into the wild with an experienced camper, your trip may just cost you the site fees, food and gas.  However, if you can’t borrow equipment or need to buy the proper clothing and supplies, plan to spend a good chunk of dough on necessary gear.  If you DO choose to make the investment to purchase a tent, backpack, cooking supplies and special attire, plan to LOVE camping and go often!  Initial costs are not cheap, but they will pay off down the line! -With purchasing modest gear & site rental fees-figure $600-$1,000 for a family of four & up to $300-$400 for an individual.

A Place to Pitch Your Tent

If you’re looking to go car camping (meaning pitching your tent next to the car- NOT hiking 2 miles into the woods to set up camp), commercial campgrounds are great for families and do provide some amenities like electricity, running water, and bathrooms.  These sites typically range from about $20 to  $40 per car, per night.  If you’re looking for a more rustic experience and plan to hike into the woods with your gear on your back, park fees range from $5 to $15 per person, per night.

Gear & Supplies

A tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food, water and the proper clothing & footwear are the basic essentials of any outdoor adventure.  If you don’t already have what you need, first try borrowing from your friends.  If you become a member of your local REI store, you can get deals up to half off the regular prices, and you’ll have a heads up on ALL of their store and online sales. 

The Basic Gear You Need

A Tent

All tents are not created equal! To avoid overspending, consider the season you will be using your tent the most, how often you’ll use it, and how many people you need to sleep (a 4 person tents start at about $150 new).

There are basically five types of tents to choose from.  Each type comes in a variety of sizes, weights, and prices:

• Car-camping tents
• Summer tents
• Three-season tents
• Convertible tents

• Mountaineering (winter) tents.

Contributed by LearnVest

Sure, airlines are feeling the pinch in these economic times, but we’ve lately been getting the distinct impression that we’re being scammed: We were almost tricked into spending $100 on an upgrade we didn’t want, snacks we could have brought ourselves, water bottles, and even blankets (which now cost $8 on American Airlines).

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Dodge The Hidden Upgrade.

The last time we flew we screeched to a halt in front of the self check-in kiosk.

Are you carrying any illegal items? No.

Has anyone else had access to your baggage? No.

Do you want to upgrade your reservation? Yes.

The ‘yes’ button was in line with all of the ‘no’ buttons – before you ‘no’ it, you could be a hundred dollars poorer.

2. BYOB (Blanket)

We shuffle onto the plane, which clearly came from the Arctic, since it was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  But, we were told that blankets cost $8.  Making the cabin freezing felt like extortion.  If you aren’t a frequent enough flyer to invest in a small blanket or travel pillow, at least remember to bring a sweater.

3. Come With Snacks

Once you’re on the plane, even basic food can cost a fortune.  We’ve seen a mini package of Pringles sell for as much as $4.  Instead, before traveling, pop into  your local grocery store and buy travel snacks at a reasonable price.  You can probably buy healthier fare, too.

To read the rest of the Tips, go to LearnVest!

Follow LearnVest on Twitter @LearnVest! Follow Fab & Fru on Twitter@FabandFrugal!

by Brandi Savitt – June 21, 2010

Fly High but Not Quite as Free as a Bird

Whether you realize it or not, you may have been racking up frequent flyer miles and accumulating credit card points that could help you save some significant cash on your next vacation! Airlines introduced traveler incentive programs in the 80’s to help foster customer loyalty by offering award points that could be redeemed and applied to airline tickets, hotel discounts, dining and ground transportation.  And although it is not quite the hassle free and fee free experience it once was, you should NOT let your hard earned perks go to waste!

Check Your Accounts, Consolidate & Double Your Miles

People who travel a ton for their job know how to work the system.  They fly almost exclusively with one company and their sister airlines in order to receive priority when boarding, upgrading, and getting into the lounge.  However, if you’re like me, I typically shop for the cheapest flights leaving me with unused miles scattered across three different reward programs plus all of my unused Amex points (which can only be used on Continental affiliated airlines).

• The first thing to do is to check all of your accounts and see if you have enough miles in any of them to redeem a ticket.
• If you want to take full advantage of any rewards program, PICK A FAVORITE AIRLINE and try to fly it whenever you travel.  One option is to choose the fleet of airlines associated with your credit card.  This way you can apply your credit card points to an airline where you are also accumulating points every time you fly.  This will DOUBLE your opportunity to take full advantage of the relationships between your preferred airline, their sister airlines and the perks offered by your credit card company.

Plan Ahead

• To ensure redeeming a seat on a flight using miles, you MUST plan as far in advance as possible to get seats for the least amount of points possible-or any rewards seat at all.  This holds especially true if you’re trying to book multiple reward seats on the same flight.
• Remember that there are black out dates when booking flights.  You cannot book a rewards ticket during any major holiday or the days surrounding.
• Keep in mind, that these days there are very few super saver reward seats available at all, let alone to favorite destination spots during peak season.  Airlines tend to jack up the rewards miles needed during peak travel times as well.
• If you book a flight more than 21 days in advance, you WILL ALSO avoid even more additional fees!

How Many Miles Does It Take?

Obviously this depends on the airline, where you’re traveling to and what time of year you are planning your trip.  You can check online to get an idea of what’s available and for how many points, but it is always best to call the airline to check availability- ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY! The ticket agents typically have more seating options available to them, plus they can more easily get creative when checking nearby airports and times.  They will also know if you can get a better deal on seat if you make a stop over -which may make your trip even better!

Domestic Flights- Economy Seats

One Way: 12,500-30,000 miles

Round Trip: 25,000-60,000 miles

International Flights- Economy Seats

One Way: 50,000-75,000 miles

Round Trip: 90,000-140,000 miles

*These numbers can range significantly depending on the airline.  NOT ALL AIRLINES offer a one way reward redemption option.  In such cases, you may be able to book a one way ticket, but the airline will charge you the same number of miles as  if it were a round trip fare.

by Brandi Savitt – June 10, 2010

Save Cash by Doing Your Homework

This week I flew to Los Angeles for some face to face work time with Steph.  I needed to rent a car, and I found an utterly amazing deal through Oribtz for Fox Car Rental ($112 total for 7 days including tax)!  However, just like every time I rent a car, I walked up to the counter, completely confused about what my Amex covered and if I needed to buy any additional coverage.  Like always, the customer service person rattled off ten packages so quickly I thought I was at an auction.  There were so many choices being offered for the economy car that I rented, I panicked and I walked away – having purchased extra coverage just to be safe (which cost almost as much as I spent on the car for the week)!

It can get frustrating when you’re up at that counter trying to figure out what extras you need to buy. The additional coverage always seems like a scam – just another way for them to make more money off of you…  So in an effort to figure it out once and for all, here’s the rental car insurance info you need to know BEFORE you rent your next vehicle so you are properly insured WITHOUT spending more than you have too!

What Do the Basic Coverages Offered Actually Mean?

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance protects drivers in the case of accidents involving other vehicles, objects, people and the surface of the road. Collision insurance covers the driver whether or not he or she is at fault for the accident. It also provides for towing, storage, and salvage if the car has been badly damaged. Collision insurance will cover the cost of repairs to the vehicle (depending on the value of the car) or replacement of the vehicle if badly damaged.  *Keep in mind, coverage is always limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.

Rental Liability Coverage

This is primary insurance offered to protect you against claims made by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained while operating the rental vehicle, up to the required financial responsibility limits of the state in which the vehicle is rented. It typically does not cover all situations that may arise while operating a rental vehicle.  Bodily Injury Liability does NOT cover you or other people on your policy (but collision does). *Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy. It is mandatory in most states.

Other Insurance Commonly Offered

These extra options are not mandatory by law and are typically covered by your credit card or personal insurance.  Do check with your credit card company and insurance provider, but unless you are renting a special vehicle that is not covered by other means, or you are driving somewhere you feel more at risk, these extra policies are rarely worth the expense!

• Supplemental Rental Insurance
  
• Personal Property/Personal Accident Coverage
• Loss Damage Waiver

How To Save On Your Next Adventure

by Brandi Savitt- March 5, 2010

Do you dream of exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica, or seeing the Great Migration of wildebeests across the Serengeti?  Maybe you’d prefer the beaches of Thailand or sipping wine under the Tuscan sun? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I have always loved to travel. When I began to explore the world in college, traveling on less than a dime was my only option, and the no-frills only seemed to add to the excitement and sense of adventure of each trip. However, after spending a bathless month wilderness training in the Cascade Mountains, sleeping in the pouring rain on the livestock deck of an over night ferry from Greece to Turkey, and getting kidnapped for hours and locked in a carpet store in Morocco,  I no longer have the time or the gumption to travel ‘no budget’ renegade style.

But, if you’re like me, daydreaming about how to find the time and money to go on your next adventure without cutting the wrong corners and sacrificing EVERY luxury, read on for tips from travel expert Gregor Gomory of Global Basecamps on how to TRAVEL SMARTER and save so you can enjoy a Fab & Fru trip of a lifetime!

Timing Is Everything

When most people plan a big trip, they first decide where they want to go and then they figure out when they can take vacation.  Gregor says to avoid outrageously expensive airfare and overpriced accommodations, do the opposite!  First figure out when you can go, and then research the most affordable places to travel to that time of year.

Remember, places like Australia, much of South America and parts of Africa are in the southern hemisphere so our summer is their winter. Of course you don’t want to travel somewhere during monsoon season just to get a cheap flight, but you’ll be surprised that when you really DO YOUR HOMEWORK and get the right advice, you’ll discover the hidden gems.

For example: Summer is the MOST expensive time to go Europe or Southeast Asia.  However, Gregor’s favorite (and the most affordable) time to travel to Costa Rica is in June – their ‘green’ or rainy season.  He says that the truth is that it does rain everyday, but typically only in the morning and then the rest of the day is absolutely beautiful and the country is not crowded with tourists!

Check For Big Events

It’s not just about avoiding the high season and holidays when it comes to saving on airfare and hotels, you must also be aware of any special events. For example, June is typically the perfect time to get great airfares to South Africa, but this year, South Africa is hosting the World Cup which has made ticket prices and hotel rates soar!

Save Some Green in the Emerald City

When I think of Seattle, I think of the music that defined our generation, strong coffee and the lush forests that surround this stunning city on the Sound.  There is nowhere more fabulously understated than Seattle, where fine dining and exquisite taste are appreciated without pretension.  We’ve had a fantastic time discovering the Fab & Fru side of Seattle!

In addition to our Fab & Fru Seattle finds and deals, we have FIVE Fabulous Freebies to giveaway to you Seattleites! Just Sign Up Now for our mailing list and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win!

Hotel Max: One night stay inclusive of parking, plus Hotel Max shopping tote and art book!

Ace Hotel – One Night in a Deluxe Room! (based on availability)

Banya 5 Urban Spa – Quick Fix For Two! Includes: 20 min salt scrub, plus either 30 minute massage or 30 minute facial – a $250 value!

The Big Picture Show – Drinks, Bucket of their Famous Cheddar Popcorn, and a Movie for Two!

Osteria La Spiga – Dinner for Two at this exclusive Italian Eatery!

———————————————————————————————————

CHECK OUT ALL OUR FAB & FRU SEATTLE FINDS & DEALS!

Citizen Coffee

706 Taylor Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109-4221
(206) 284-1015

A Seattle favorite, Citizen’s Coffee features locally roasted Lighthouse Coffee, Remedy Teas, and Morning Glory Chai – and in addition to coffee and tea they have a variety of beer, wine and food.

Deal: January 1, 2010, Citizen is launching a VIP Card. Receive a 20% discount for January & February by just signing up for free online!

Banya 5 Urban Spa

217 9th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 262-1234

Offering a unique blend of old world wellness rituals in a contemporary environment, Banya 5 offers every spa experience from massage and facials to their signature serene, detoxifying and invigorating baths and pools.

Deal: Arrive before 2pm Wednesday-Friday and pay ½ price to enter and enjoy the baths!  Or FREE entry with a qualifying service!

Big Picture

2505 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121-1302
(206) 256-0566

The Big Picture is Seattle’s movie theater and event space with a fun Fab & Fru twist. On evenings that they’re not booked for meetings and events, they show first run movies to the public. Enjoy cocktails in the lounge before the show, and at show time settle into the first-ever TempurPedic theatre seats and enjoy the ultimate indulgence of a cocktail delivered to your seat. Top it off with a bucket of  award – winning heavenly white cheddar Champagne popcorn!

Deal: Mondays & Tuesdays movie tix are reduced to $7. Which means you can have a Fab & Fru night of watching a great movie, sipping a cocktail, and munching on cheddar popcorn for $20 bucks!

Sunny Deals For The Finest City By The Sea

Steph and I are off to discover the Fab & Fru side of San Diego. This luxe city on the sea is usually not the first thing people think of when they think frugal!  As you may have heard, San Diego is one of the top 10 most expensive U.S. cities to live in!  That’s why we were surprised to learn that San Diego was also voted as one of this year’s Top 5 most frugal cities – meaning that the residents spend less than they earn and have cut back on spending considerably over the past year.  Good for you, San Diego!

We searched this sunny city to find hidden deals and giveaways for locals and vacationers alike, and came up with some sensational Fab & Fru Finds!

For Hotel Guests & Locals!

Hotel Solamar www.hotelsolamar.com

435 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA  92101
Tel: 619.819.9500

This luxurious pet & eco friendly hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp District embraces the sun, the sea and the city with its fabulous deals for tourists and locals alike.  Check it out!

-Complimentary wine hour from 5-6 daily for guests

-Complimentary rooftop Pilates for guests and a discount rate of just $10 for locals

-Half price overnight guest parking if you have a hybrid vehicle

-Also be sure to sign up online for their free loyalty program to receive tons of Fab & Fru deals.

JSix & LOUNGEsix (at the Hotel Solamar) www.jsixsandiego.com

616 J Street at the corner of 6th Ave.
San Diego, CA  92101
Tel: 619.531.8744

JSix is one of the hottest restaurants in San Diego- thanks to chef Christian Graves innovative recipes- many made with locally grown food.  It’s rare that “in” spots also offer great deals, but this one does!

-Free valet parking during lunch

-Speaking of lunch, locals with 92101 on their license or biz card get 10% off their lunch!

-JSix lunch club –- your seventh lunch is free!

-NO CORKAGE FEE Monday- Thursday – usually costs $25 to BYO!

-Meatball Monday – 10 bucks for a homemade meatball and pasta bowl and glass of wine!

San Diego Spas

The Undercarriage www.theundercarriage.com

1951 4TH Avenue (first floor)
San Diego, CA. 92101

619-525-9929

Waxing & wine?  Hair removal is not the most calming experience.  However, The Undercarriage has found a way to make it much more enjoyable by offering a “Happy Hour” for your body every Wednesday!

Wednesdays from 2-7 pm enjoy:

-Complimentary wine and snacks!

-20% off waxing services

-20% off 30 minutes pumpkin skin peel

-20% off sugaring body treatments

-10% off products

Next week tell your girlfriends to meet you for waxing and wine and multitask like never before!

SK Sanctuary Spa – La Jolla www.sk-sanctuary.com

6919 La Jolla Blvd
(between Nautilus St & North Lane)
La Jolla, CA 92037

858-459-2400

Nestled in the stunning coastline just 12 miles north of downtown San Diego, La Jolla’s famous resort community is known for all things fabulous. Dare we find anything remotely frugal? Yes!  There’s no better place to rejuvenate the soul than at SK Sanctuary with this Fab & Fru deal that is too good to be true.

-Spa pedicures here run a wallet whopping $80 for 60 minutes, but we got the inside scoop – you can ask for one of their “sports pedicures” for just $30 you’ll get a Fab pedicure at a much more Fru price!  A perfect way to experience luxury for less.

-Massage Specials:  Wed-Fri after 4 pm get 20% off 1 hour or 90 minute massages and…

- 40% off Thai massage – all the time!  For those of you who have never experienced a Thai massage before, it’s so enjoyable you would pay full price and then some – but what a stress reducer that you don’t have to!

Thai Food Delight!

Saffron www.saffronsandiego.com

3731-B India Street
San Diego, CA 92103

619-574-7737

If you’re looking for gourmet taste to go, look no further! Restaurants with famous chefs aren’t often known for famously low prices – but Saffron is! Locals love owner/chef Su-Mei Yu’s healthy, quick serve Thai cuisine.  This Bangkok native brings the authentic flavors and recipes from her homeland right to you – just big flavor, not big prices. We love their picnic basket for 4 – and if you bring the basket and the reusable containers back you’ll receive 10% off your next order!

Fab & Fru Groceries!

Golden Share Food Co-Op www.goldensharefoods.com

619-590-1692

*Check out the website for pick up points & delivery schedule.

How Fab & Fru is this: Golden Share’s goal is to help you save up to 50% off your monthly food bill!  In addition to saving you money, Golden Share also focuses on building relationships within your community.  Their monthly food pick-up sites are like social hours – you get to reconnect with friends, check in on one another and pick up your food at an incredible discount! Because Golden Share places large orders directly with farmers, they receive extremely low prices and pass the savings to you.  If you are interested in community building and savings up to half on your grocery bills (and who isn’t??) then Golden Share is a golden opportunity for you!

Seafood & Sunsets!

Pacifica Del Mar Restaurant- Del Mar www.pacificadelmar.com

1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

858-792-0476

Just 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego with a commanding view of the Pacific, Pacifica Del Mar’s striking setting is a sensual canvas for Chef Chris Idso’s highly acclaimed Creative Coastal Cuisine! Awarded the prestigious Gold Medallion for “Best Seafood Dining in San Diego,” and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence”, this restaurant and bar sounds way too fabulous too ever be Fru, right?  Wrong!

Leave work early and experience fine dining for less by indulging in Pacifica’s Six Sensations Before Six for $21.75. Choose from six entrees and a signature soup or salad while watching the winter sun set over the Sea. It gets even better… If you go on Thursday, you’ll save even more!  Every Thursday all year long, all Pacifica’s bottles of wine are half-priced, including half bottles.

Urban Entertainment!

Move Night at the Pearl Hotel www.thepearlsd.com

The Pearl Hotel
1410 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106

877-PEARL-SD

FREE weekly “cinema social” at their poolside lounge and theater!  What could be better than watching a film outdoors, overlooking their vintage, oyster shaped swimming pool? Showtime is 8 pm, food served until 10 pm and bar open until 11 pm!  Seating is first come, first serve, except for parties of 6 or more. Pool is open to hotel guests for free and to others with a drink purchase.  Swimming, cocktails and an outdoor film – sounds like the perfect So Cal night to us!

Fab & Fru San Diego GiveAways!

Sign Up for the Fab & Fru mailing list and AUTOMATICALLY enter to win one of our FIVE San Diego GiveAways!  If you have a favorite, let us know by writing us at comments@fabandfru.com!

1. Win dinner for 2 at JSix plus a $99 rate for one night in Hotel Solamar’s Corner Spa Guest Room!
2. Win the Cookbook The Elements of Life from Saffron’s famed Thai Chef Su-Mei Yu!
3. Win a Basic Grocery Box from Golden Share Foods filled with fruit, veggies & meats!
4. Win Dinner for 2 at Pacifica Del Mar!
5. Win a Sports Pedicure AND a 1 hour Massage at SK Sanctuary!

Live It Up For Less

When most people think of Las Vegas, lots of FABULOUS  things come to mind: glowing lights, 24-hour parties, scantily clad women, slot machines, endless buffets, extravagant shows, spas and SPENDING LOADS OF CASH! I have never once associated Las Vegas with the word FRUGAL, but Steph & I are headed to there this week – determined to find the Fab & Fru side of Sin City!

No Time Like the Present

Like the rest of cities dependent on tourism, Vegas has been hit hard by the recession.  This is not great news for the casino capital of the world, but it is for those who can take advantage of the amazing airfare & hotel deals available right now. If you’re looking for a fun weekend away with your friends or your honey, there has never been a better time to experience Las Vegas!

A Fab & Fru Gamble

Remember, Vegas is not ALL about gambling!  The amazing shows, endless choices of decadent food and the spectacle of just walking around are just as much a part of Vegas as gambling.  But a little taste of the casinos doesn’t have to be out of the question for the budget conscious.  The key to ensuring a Fab & Fru time in Sin City is to budget yourself a limited amount of ‘play money’ that you’re willing to lose.  Think of it as part of your entertainment funds and adhere strictly to the amount set.  If you’re going to lose your shirt in Vegas- let it be by choice!

Travel  & Hotel Deals

The following websites all offer package deals on airfare, hotels, and shows.  And right now, there are even killer last minute deals at some of the finest hotels. Many deals are online only, but it never hurts if you find a hotel deal online to call and to see if there is an even better deal or extra perks that you can get if you book your room directly from the reservation desk.

• Orbitz.com
• Travelzoo.com
• Vegas.com
• Visitlasvegas.com

Join Hotel Mailing Lists

Our Vegas pals tell us if you are planning a trip, be sure to get on the individual hotels email lists – they usually have the best promotional deals!

Free Shows

Every hotel in Vegas has it’s theme, and just walking along the strip and visiting hotel lobbies will give you hours of FREE Fab & Fru fun.

The Fountain Show at the Bellagio and the Talking Statues at Caesers are two of our favorite freebies!

Cheap Show Tickets

Check out tix4tonight.com – they offer half price, day-of discounts on Las Vegas shows.  They have several convenient locations on the strip – you have to go in person and of course be flexible on what you are willing to see!  But, if you are open to a variety of shows, and waiting until the day-of to see what is available, you could score half price tix!  Added bonus, this website also offers day-of promotions for discount dinners and golf as well!

FAB & FRU VEGAS FOOD FINDS

Of course Las Vegas has become known for its ultra-high end restaurants and endless gourmet buffets.  Rather than blowing tons of money on meals, we asked some local friends to tell us about the hidden inexpensive culinary treasures of Vegas.  Of course you may want to treat yourselves to one glamorous Vegas dining experience, but you can save a lot of cash by jumping off the beaten track and checking out these local gems: