Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Sat. Nov. 14th

11am-9pm, Mission Street Block Party

from Fair Oaks Pharmacy to City Hall

South Pasadena

FREE

Merchants to hold special open houses and hand out goody bags and discounts. Event to include strolling musicians and artists.

1-4pm, Fluxus Brentwood Opens

11677 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 109

Los Angeles

FREE

Meet head designer Jeffrey Sebelia, winner of Season 3 Project Runway and receive a 25% discount. Music and refreshments included.

Sun. Nov. 15th

9am-5pm, Eastside Metro Extension Grand Opening Party

East LA

FREE rides (for the Gold Line only)

Eight new metro rail stations from Downtown to East LA open at once, each featuring its own party! To include Chicano rock, Mariachi music, tasty food booths, local artisans, karaoke, and more.

12:30-5pm, National Bundt Day

Kiss My Bundt

8104 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles

FREE

Sample slices of yummy cake, and get 15% off all purchases by mentioning YELP.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Oct. 23rd

5-7pm, FREE Pumpkin FroYo at Cefiore

Click here for participating locations.

Sat. Oct. 24th

All Day, Firenze Osteria Grand Opening

4212 Lankershim Blvd.

North Hollywood

I was fortunate enough to check out Fabio Viviani's (of Top Chef fame) new restaurant during last night's media preview. The complimentary risotto alla salsiccia e funghi (sausage and mushroom risotto) and malfatti burro e salvia (spinach and ricotta dumplings) - made specially for my vegetarian date - were delish...as was the red wine. Great date spot if you don't mind the TV at the bar.

7am-3pm, LF Warehouse Sale

5333 McConnell Ave.

Los Angeles

80-90% off. I go every year. So should you.

11am-1pm, The Charm of Korean Cuisine

Korean Cultural Center

5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles

FREE

Renowned Korean food expert and director of The Institute of Korean Food, Sook-Ja Yoon, will be giving a lecture and workshop on the nutritional value and taste of Korean cuisine followed by a tasting of a variety of delectable dishes.

Sun. Oct. 25th

9am-2:30pm, Toyota Farm to Table Tour

Brentwood Farmers' Market

FREE

The best local chefs will prepare complimentary tastings featuring fare from their favorite farmers.

2-6pm, Bedrocktoberfest

Echo Park

FREE

Celebrate the opening of 8 state-of-the-art hourly music studios with an afternoon of music, food and their own brewery’s beer. Expect surprise guests, sneak peeks, and full access to recording studios.

6pm, High on Mackenzie

Book Soup

8818 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

FREE

Mackenzie Phillips presents and signs High on Arrival.

Sat. Oct. 24th - Sun. Oct. 25th

11am-6pm, Brewery Art Walk

2100 N. Main St. Unit A10

Downtown

FREE

A biannual weekend at the world's largest art complex. Over 100 participating resident artists and the opportunity to purchase works directly from them at studio prices.

Thanks to FWJ readers Michael and Ami for the suggestion.

Get Your Shine (and Sign) On

Thurs. Oct. 15th

All Day, Infatuated Promotion

Sephora

Hollywood & Highland Center

6801 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Meet Kim Kardashian and have her sign your new Infatuation lip gloss ($29).

6-9pm, Penguin's 3rd Anniversary

8215 Melrose Ave.

Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, 25% off all purchases...gift bag with purchases over $75. RSVP at 323.655.0401 and bring this flyer.

7pm, Alicia Silverstone Book Signing

Book Soup

8818 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood

The actress will present copies of her new book The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Losing Weight, Looking Great, Saving Yourself, the Animals, and the Planet! If you stay long enough to hear the entire title, she'll even sign copies for you.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Thurs. Sept. 24th - Sun. Sept. 27th

Annette Benning in Medea. Perhaps the only time I wish I were a UCLA student ($20 tickets!).

Thurs. Sept. 24th

3-7pm, Carvel Customer Appreciation Day

Click here for your nearest location.

FREE Oreo ice cream sandwiches (called "Lil' Rounders"). Thx to LA Decostified for the find.

6-9pm, Fred Segal PreSale (up to 50% off)

8100 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

RSVP here.

Sun. Sept. 27th

7-9pm, Dexter LA Premiere Screening

W. Los Angeles

Whiskey Blue

930 Hilgard Ave.

Westwood

FREE

Catch the new season of Dexter while sipping complimentary "killer" cocktails.

Fri. Sept. 25th - Sun. Sept. 27th

10am-8pm, 7 for All Mankind Warehouse Sale

Los Angeles Convention Center

West Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Downtown

Click here to RSVP.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

For those not making the trip to Taste of Ojai:

Fri. Sept. 18th

10am-5pm, Maybelline Color Sensational Launch Tour

Hollywood & Highland Center

6801 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Stop by for lip shade matching & complimentary lip overs by New York makeup artists.

8:30pm, Dead Man's Bones

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

1345 W. 1st St. at Glendale Blvd.

Downtown

$20

Watch Ryan Gosling warm up his creepy goth/folk vocals before going on tour (accompanied by the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir).

Call 213.250.9995 to purchase tix.

Sat. Sept. 19th

10am-5pm, BCBG & Ella Moss Sample Sale

Residence Inn

1177 S. Beverly Dr.

FREE

Over 2,000 tops, dresses, and handbag up to 70% off (an additional 10% with cash purchases)!

7-9pm, Spaces Opening

WC Gallery

Food + Lab Cafe & Marketplace

7253 Santa Monica Blvd.

Clement Jolin's color photography exhibit will be featured in...this amazing restaurant's bathroom. If the event itself doesn't pique your interest, the food and beverages being served should. Food Lab is a hidden gem of West Hollywood. If you don't believe me, try their gorgonzola dolce sandwich.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Aug. 14th

7pm, Book Signing

Book Soup

8818 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

Elaine Madsen, mother of actors Matthew and Virginia Madsen (of Sideways fame), will be on hand to sign copies of her new book Crayola Can't Make These Colors.  Virginia will be present to introduce her mom.

Sat. Aug. 15th

11am-8pm, Bleu Sale

454 S. La Brea

As if 30%-75% isn't enough, the store will be offering cocktails and hors d'oeuvres during a shopping spree that is sure to make you anything but blue :D

4pm, Lingerie & Sugar Blues

S Factor

5225 Wilshire Blvd.  #222

For women who have never tried S Factor, the original pole dancing and striptease workout, you are missing out.  I did so last month and was pleasantly surprised.  Not only did I learn my first (and so far only!) pole trick, but I also woke up the next morning feeling it in my thighs.

Normally classes are pretty steep; however today you can test the new workout for FREE.  RSVP to 323.965.9685 and hurry.  Classes fill up faster than you can say, "teach me to lap dance!"

Thx to FWJ reader Megan for the heads up!

8-10pm, Readymade Film Festival

316 W. 2nd St.

Downtown

$10

2 hours of amazing shorts focused on social consciousness, directed by emerging talent (including FWJ reader Flor).

8pm-2am, Ghettogloss Grand Opening

6109 Melrose Ave.

FREE

The beloved Silverlake art gallery and boutique has officially moved, and they want to celebrate with you.  Bring your favorite shirt or article of clothing, and have it transformed by one of their silk screeners.  Cocktails and live music included.

*The above suggestions are for those who did not RSVP to LA's Sake Fest!

Sun. Aug. 16th

2-7pm, Vegan BBQ

Verdugo Bar

3408 Verdugo Rd.

Glassel Park

cash only

Hosted by Hot Knives, this "BBQ, booze, and beats" event features vegan food ranging from curry seitan banh mi to beer popsicles.

I Love You, You Love Barney's

Thurs. Aug. 13th + Fri. Aug. 14th, 8am-9pm

Sat. Aug. 15th, 9am-7pm

Sun. Aug. 16th, 10am-7pm

(thru Sun. Aug. 23rd)

Barney's Warehouse Sale

The LA Convention Center, South Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Downtown

Normally the only Barney this recession-friendly blogger would reference is a large purple dinosaur; however beginning this weekend, the NY-based department store will be slashing its prices 50%-75%. Yes, we can probably only afford a nice pair of socks, but gosh darn it, they will be the most comfortable pair we own!

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. Aug. 7th

2-3pm, FREE Peet's Coffee

It's time for another Freddo...this time a coffee one!  What better way to get energized for the remainder of your work week?

5:30pm, Wax Unveiling

Madame Tussaud's

6933 Hollywood Blvd.

FREE

Quentin Tarantino attends the unveiling of his own wax figure.  You are invited to watch, but try not to melt.

Sat. Aug. 8th

10am-4pm, Designer Tag Sale

2500 Grandview Ave.

Venice

$10 admission fee (cash only)

With prices as low as $5, this huge high end interior designer yard sale is certainly worth checking out (especially for me now that I've moved).  Gift bags for the first 30 attendees.  I know I'll be one of them!

12-8pm, Korean BBQ Festival

(cook off to start at 5pm)

3223 6th St.

For $10-$15 a plate, you can sample all food from the competition, which is set to feature ten local Korean restaurants.

2-7pm, Fred Segal Makeover Party

8118 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

RSVP to rsvp@caromarketing.com and reserve an appointment for a courtesy makeover (to be followed by styling tips, a fashion shoot, cocktails, and in store discounts).  Thx to Caroline on Crack for the find.  Maybe I'll see you there.

3-5pm, Gourmet Ding Dong Tasting

Essential Chocolate Desserts

10868 Washington Blvd.

Culver City

$10

Not into Korean food?  No worries.  Another tasting event today - this one on the sweeter side. For a minimal fee, you can feast on up to 10 gourmet ding dongs.  Flavors range from white chocolate raspberry & banana peanut butter to espresso & carrot cake.  Call 310.287.0699 to reserve a spot.

9:15pm, Syesha Mercado Performance

City Walk

If you aren't too full from the BBQ and ding dong death wish, or all shopped out at the interior design yard sale and Fred Segal, check out this former American Idol.  I know I'll be wiped from today, but if anyone's voice can pick me up, it's hers!

WeHeart WeHo

West Hollywood shops and eateries have combined powers to save the planet.  Well, technically to save our wallets, but in this economy...what's the difference?

My favorite deals are listed below:

Entertainment

- FREE admission to the Comedy Store

Shopping

- Up to 75% off Le Bra

- 50% off Just Cavalli

- 60% off Catherine Malandrino

Dining

- 2 courses for $22 at Taste

- 2 courses for $25 at Lucques

- 15% off Le Pain Quotidien

- 4 courses for $35 at Katana

- 2 courses for $20 at Comme Ca

For a complete list of discounts, click here.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Fri. July 10th

2-3pm, Stop by and grab a FREE Tea Freddo from Peet's Coffee.

6:30-10pm, Dance Downtown - West Coast Swing

135 N. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles

Sat. July 11th

***12-5pm, Swap-O-Rama-Rama

California Market Center

110 E. 9th St.

$5-$10

This could be incredible or completely disgusting.  Show up and decide for yourself, as this will be my first swap-o-rama.  The concept: exchange your unwanted clothes for as many FREE clothes as you can carry out to your car.

The Renegade Craft Fair will be in the same building at the same time, where over 200 artists will be selling handmade clothes and accessories.

Click here for details.

Also, on your way to the event, why not grab a FREE slurpee at 7-Eleven in honor of 7/11's National Slurpee Day?

Fri. July 10th - Sat. July 11th

Old Pasadena Film Festival

The largest FREE outdoor film festival in Southern California will be screening movies every Friday and Saturday through July 25th.  This weekend, enjoy Notting Hill, The King and I, Daddy Long-Legs, and Footloose.

Special treats include a live orchestra performing the Daddy Long-Legs' soundtrack, and Alfred Newman's kids discussing their father's prolific scoring career.

For the full list of screenings, click here.

Sun. July 12th

Ketchup

8590 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood

Every Sunday this season, take 50% your bill by mentioning the "Sunset Strip Summer" promotion.

Jaydi's Weekend Jems

Sat. June 20th

10am-5pm, BCBG Sample Sale

Residence Inn

1177 S. Beverly Dr.

Up to 70% off over 2,000 pieces of merchandise (an additional 10% off for cash purchases).

11am-3pm, USC Alumni Day at the Beach

Santa Monica Beach (just N. of Ocean Park)

$5 in advance, $10 upon arrival

Fight on! Click here to buy tickets to the 2nd annual beach day to raise money for the USC scholarship fund. Volleyball and surfing expected.

Sat. June 20th - Sun, June 21st

9am-5pm, International Makeup Artists Trade Show (IMATS)

Pasadena Convention Center

300 E. Green St.

$10 and up

Makeup demonstrations and FREE product samples upon arrival.  Click here to purchase tickets.

10am-7pm, Pasadena Chalk Festival

280 E. Colorado Blvd.

The largest street painting festival in the world is back again.

Sun. June 21st

9am-4pm, Open Casting Call

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

7000 Hollywood Blvd.

TLC & Kelly Ripa are inviting female inventors to audition for their new show. If you have a "brilliant product and working prototype," they want to help you manufacture and market it. For more information on how to apply, click here.

7pm, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days

(every Sun. through Sept. 27th)

The W Hotel

930 Hilgard Ave.

Westwood

That's right. The FREE rooftop screenings have returned! This summer, all films screened will be Paramount ones.

500 Days of Summer - Giveaways

Be one of the first 500 people to show up to any of the following locations, and receive FREE goodies (to promote the aforementioned flick):

- 9am Juice It Up (Chase Bank parking lot in Studio City)

- 11am Fiji water (on Santa Monica beach)

- 1pm Kogi Korean BBQ truck (1097 Glendon Ave.)

- 1pm Red Bull (on 3rd St.)

- 2pm Pink's hot dogs (8433 W. Sunset Blvd.)

- 2:30pm Cool Haus Ice Cream truck (1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd.) 

- 3pm Sprinkles (at The Grove)

Thx to Caroline on Crack for the heads up.

all weekend long

The Los Angeles Film Festival!!! Be sure to check out Paper Heart, the mockumentary starring Charlyne Yi!!! I saw it at Sundance and gave it lots of FWJ stars!!!

Cirque Berzerk!

UnderWhere?

Thx to LA Decostified, today is your last chance to pick up FREE undies from Victoria's Secret.

Buy Levi's Products

Levi's supports gay marriage, so we should support Levi's.

Ed Easy

8335 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

An Ed Hardy outlet has officially opened at the corner of Melrose and N. Kings Rd., offering 50-70% off all merchandise.

American Appare(l)NTLY Cheap

Sun. Dec. 14th, 9am-6pm
Downtown

If you are not planning on going to this one (and even if you are), American Apparel's downtown warehouse sale is a stupendous way to spend your Sunday. Or rather...spend your $$ on a Sunday. According to Angelinic, the employee parking lot will transform into a "bargain hunter's dream" with some prices as low as $1.

Check it out today!

Dress Like a Star, Pay Like a Pauper

According to FWJ reader Florencia and other sources, Raleigh Studios will be having a studio lot sale in Manhattan Beach. Every couple years, studios try to clean out their wardrobe by offering top designer clothes worn on their TV shows or film sets at crazy discounted prices.

Part of the proceeds will go toward the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and this particular sale will feature over 50,000 pieces from Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, and more. 2 days only, and everything must go...which means 90% off retail prices! I can't wait -- this Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm: 1600 Rosecrans Ave. Hope to see you in line!

Call 310.322.7767 with questions.

***I attended this event, and it is a complete waste of time. All the clothes are business-y and for people over 40. Florencia did find 4 dresses in the bridesmaid section, but hey -- we can't all be that lucky.

Hey There, Deliah - And All Other Plain White T's Fans

Mon. Dec. 8th, 8pm

The Roxy Theatre

Love The Plain White T's?  Then pick up FREE concert tickets at participating Puma stores in honor of their 60th Anniversary.

Locations include:

10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

712 Americana Way

6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

1350 3rd St. Promenade

Get Sassy This Sunday

Attend Sassy City Chicks' "Fashion Bash" this Sunday from 10am to 3pm in a super awesome 2-for-1 VIP ticket sale. Designer discounts up to 80% off and a gift bag valued at $40 - all for a $20 entry fee (for you AND a friend). $3 cash for general admission at the door, although keep in mind you will be ushered in 1 hr. after the VIP.

Discount Bloomies

Awesome discount at Bloomingdale's!

Larchmont Village Sidewalk Sale

Fri. Sept. 5th - Sun. Sept. 7th

on Larchmont Blvd. btwn Beverly and West 3rd St.

All Larchmont Village boutiques (Pickett Fences, Petticoats, Little Seed, etc.) will be offering 50%-75% off.