Freeloader L.A.

Get Thee to Griffith Park!

2010-08-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the Independent Shakespeare Company's opening night performance of "Much Ado About Nothing." Not only is this event entertaining and completely free, but attending means getting to hang out in one of Griffith Park's coolest areas-- the site of the Old L.A. Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90027.

The performances, happening every Thursday - Sunday, from August 5th - 29th, begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and include free parking and free admission. If you have little ones, Sunday, August 22nd, is a special "Family Night" performance, where your kids can join ISC artists for a pre-show workshop based on "Much Ado About Nothing." The workshop begins at 5 p.m. and reservations are required.

I recommend getting there around 6 p.m. because there's a little bit of a walk between the parking lot (Lot 2) and the stage, and as with any free event, the parking and seating fill-up quickly. Also, be sure to pack a yummy picnic and bring a blanket or low-back chair to sit on. Warning: alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. However, I witnessed plenty of peeps opening a wine bottle or two before/during the performance. My advice? Keep it classy and on the down-low. Meaning, if you only bring wine I'm sure you'll be fine (also, that rhymed).

Lastly, it gets rather cold after the sun goes down-- so in addition to wearing comfortable shoes for the short-walk, make sure you bring an extra layer of clothing and a freeloading friend to get cozy with. For directions and more information about this free event and the ISC, check out their website: www.iscla.org.

Short Stop: A Tooth-Cracking Good Time

2010-08-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to the Short Stop in what feels like F-O-R-E-V-E-R (see: The Sand Lot). Maybe this has something to do with my last coherent memory there, which was somewhere around two years ago and involves my sister and I getting a little too excited about the DJ playing "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 (if that's even possible).

After frantically pulling me out onto the dance floor, my sister instantly started dancing like Elaine Benas (see: Sienfield), and just as MJ hit his first high-note my sister's vodka tonic collided with my mouth! The "TING!" sound that resulted in her glass clinking into my two front-teeth sounded like someone trying to quiet down a room for a toast at a wedding. Positive my teeth were chipped, I yelled at my sister for being such a spaz and exited the dance floor. Although, in my sister's defense, my front teeth are somewhat large and when grinning like an idiot during one of my favorite songs they make a pretty good target.

Gorey details aside, this incident resulted in my very first visit to the dentist in Los Angeles, which was expensive and unpleasant. Moral of the story: keep your mouth shut while dancing, or better yet, don't dance within a three-feet radius of my drunk sister.

Annnnnnnnyhow, speaking of the Short Stop, from the good people behind Cinespia, comes the "ALL DANCEFLOOR" party to end all dance parties!

You can attend "FREE," (creative title, eh?) this Thursday, August 5th from 8:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 1455 Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park. The evening's soundtrack will be supplied by Turquoise Wisdom, Mahssa, Boss Harmony, Dina J and DJ Hair, who will be spinning “hits from every genre, be it cumbias or soul, new wave or samba, glam or 80s soul.” For more info, check out the event on Facebook.

Free Fun on the Venice Boardwalk

2010-07-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

A word of caution my little freeloaders, for better or for worse, you will always remember your first trip to the Venice Boardwalk. Don't believe me? Well check out the video below and read about my first experience in dogtown.

It was spring-break 2001 and my very first trip to Los Angeles. I was a mere 18-years-old and completely dead-set on getting a tattoo. My friends, Maile and Angela, and I were staying with Maile's "cool" Aunt Barbera at her condo in West L.A. Over our 4-day stay she took us to every tourist hot-spot imaginable--the final stop, the Venice Boardwalk.

My friends and I decided that this would be the PERFECT location to get our coveted foot tattoos. Yes, you heard me right, foot tattoos. Meaning, I had decided a month prior to my visit that I was getting a very understated vine that would gently crawl up from the top of my toes towards my ankle. Maile, on the other hand-- I mean foot, was getting the same tattoos the Dixie Chicks had, which was a set of three little chicken feet on the top of her foot. Angela came up with the oh-so-original idea to get a small star tattoo on her foot.

As we walked along the boardwalk with her Aunt that fateful day, all of our eyes were glued to the store fronts. We passed bikini shops, hat shops, food vendors, even freak shows, but all we cared about was finding a tattoo shop. Suddenly the crowds parted and there it was like a shining beacon of hope, a large white building with a sign that read: TATTOOS. We sprinted towards the store and made it up the set of stairs in what felt like a single step. A familiar odor greeted us as we walked through the door, it was a scent I was used to as a college student, but the air would have turned green had the smell been any stronger. The walls of the shop were covered in tattoo designs to choose from, but since we came prepared I walked right up to the nearest tattoo artist, tapped him on the back and with all the confidence in the world I said,
"Excuse me sir, I would like to purchase a tattoo of a vine for the top of my foot please."

It wasn't until he turned to face me that I began to realize this was a very, very, very bad idea. He stood a solid 6 feet 3 inches tall and just about every inch of his skin, including his face, was covered in tattoos. On top of all the ink, this particular tattoo artist had piercings that seemed to be linked together by chains in various places. Needless to say, I was terrified. I took a few steps back and looked around to see if there were any other tattoo artists available that looked a little less scary. There weren't. The giant tattooed pin-cushion continued to stare down at me in my bright blue capri pants, breathing heavily with a confused look on his face.
"Never-mind, Sir. I just realized I forgot all my tattoo money," I managed to utter as my friends and I high-tailed it out of there.

In the end, none of us got our tattoos but we did get some super touristy t-shirts a few stores down. It wasn't until later that night at dinner that we realized Maile's Aunt had brought us to this particular tattoo joint on purpose--she said once we saw her friend Juan, she knew we'd think twice about our coveted foot tattoos.

How to Score New Clothes for Free

2010-06-10T14:22:00.001-07:00

WARNING: THIS POST IS QUITE GIRLY.
CAUTION: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS THE MUSICAL STYLINGS OF RU PAUL.

Ever stood in front of your closet full of clothes feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear? Or get that icky feeling you've been wearing the same pair of jeans for weeks due to lack of better options? Unemployment can have a nasty effect on your style if you're not careful, so I've come up with a few ways to insure you stay fashionable while freeloading your way through the recession.

First, go through your closet piece by piece, setting aside the items you no longer wear. Once you're done, separate that pile into two groups; items you'll never wear again, and items you'd like to wear but need repair.

Take the first pile and gather some other items that have been collecting around your house (i.e. old VHS tapes, CD's, DVD's, old furniture, etc.) and call some friends over to have a joint yard sale! I hosted one last week and between my friend and I, we made almost $500 in just one weekend. That's enough cash to buy a bunch of new duds, and help out with your rent too.

Next, take the pile of misfit clothes and find items you can alter to make them wearable again. For example, I took a pair of old jeans I liked but wasn't wearing because they were too baggy in the leg and turned them into cut-offs for the summer. I realize it's not exactly the most creative idea, but it's something I'll start wearing now as opposed to just sitting in my closet taking up space. I also turned a costume-like, 70's floral jumpsuit into a cute romper that I'm already rocking.

My next tip, after you've tried to sell your items in a yard sale (or if you don't have a yard to have a sale), take your bag of unwanted items into a recycled fashion store like Crossroads Trading Company, Buffalo Exchange, etc. These stores will buy your old clothes from you for cash, or trade with you for in-store credit. Make sure you call the numbers listed on their sites before you go; they only buy clothes that are in-season and are sometimes looking for specific items.

Lastly, you can host a clothes-swapping event I like to refer to as a "Switch n' Bitch" party. This involves calling up a group of your friends and having each of them bring items they no longer want from their own closets, and then switching with each other so that everyone leaves with "new" clothes. The "bitching" part of the title usually comes in while everyone is trying on each others' clothes (i.e. "Ugh, that looks so cute on you! It made my thighs look HUGE!" or "Omg, that shirt made me look totally preggers, but it's amazing on you!") In their best form, these parties include some form of alcohol, and are then classified as a, "Sip n' Swap."

As you can see, there are many creative ways you can use the clothing items you already have, but no longer want, in order to breath new life into your closet. And as always-- all without spending a dime.

Just Dance!

2010-05-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

If you know me, then you know that my life-long dream is to be in a show-stopping dance number of epic proportions. You know, like the scene shot downtown L.A. in 500 Days of Summer, when Tom (Joseph Gorden-Levitt) realizes he's in love the morning after finally sleeping with Summer (Zoe Deschanel), or the prom-night dance scenes from uber 90's flicks like, She's All That.

Honestly, I don't think there's anything quite as magical as a giant choreographed dance routine unfolding before your very eyes in a public space. Picture this-- a song begins to play and then BAM! Everyone around you is dancing to the beat-- ordinary people turned professional dancers in mere seconds, as if they've rehearsed the dance a million times. This is the cheesy goodness Broadway musicals are made of.

It's also the vision of Flash Mob America-- an organization whose sole purpose is to create joy through the art of surprise. Flash Mobs are spontaneous public events, such as mass choreographed dances or organized pillow fights, that can begin with one person and grow to hundreds, then quickly disappear. By surprising an unsuspecting audience and capturing it all on camera, Flash Mob celebrates, honors, and aims to bring awareness to artists, charities, and social causes.

Not to mention, Flash Mobs are a lot of fun and completely FREE to be in. You can find a wide variety of their videos by searching "Flash Mob" on YouTube or by becoming their friend on Facebook.

And don't forget that if you're feeling sheepish about your dance moves, Flash Mob was also behind a massive grocery store freeze-frame and giant pillow fight that took place all over the world. So check them out at: www.flashmobamerica.com and tell them Freeloader L.A. sent you.*

*This will not entitled you to any sort of VIP special treatment, it's merely a cheap advertising ploy on my behalf.

Free Drinks Compliments of DD

2010-05-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Enroll HERE and receive a free coupon for a medium beverage at Dunkin' Donuts now, plus another free drink on your birthday.

I don't know about you, but I'm a total sucker for a delicious iced coffee... especially when it's FREE. Count me in!

Start Your Day at Subway

2010-04-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

You can get breakfast for free at Subway this Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 starting at 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. And just in case you're a late riser, Subway's also offering free "Wake-Up Calls" available on their website, that you can use for yourself or send to a friend, so that no one sleeps through breakfast.

All you have to do is go in to any participating Subway on Tuesday during the stated hours to enjoy a complimentary breakfast that includes a free specialty sandwich melt and an 8 oz. coffee.

For more information and to check out the new Subway breakfast menu, click here. To find a Subway near you, click here. Enjoy!

Free Health Services in L.A.

2010-04-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since your last physical? How about your last dental cleaning? Well if your answers sound a lot like mine, "Ummm.... ?," then like me, you're probably one of the millions of Americans currently living without health insurance.

But fear not my freeloaders, I found a way you can get all kinds of hooked up at an upcoming free event hosted by First Lady Maria Shriver in conjunction with WE Connect.

The event takes place downtown at the L.A. Sports Arena (3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90037) on April 27th - May 3rd, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

However, in order to attend the actual clinic, you'll have to pick up a wristband on Sunday, April 25th starting at 9 a.m. at the L. A. Sports Arena. Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and will only be passed out on this day. The wristband you'll receive will be color-coded according to the day you are scheduled to come back between April 27th and May 3rd to receive your medical care.

The following types of medical care will be provided:

DENTAL: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals and other procedures. Pediatric dentistry is also available.

VISION: Eye exam and free prescription glasses. (NOTE: We may not be able to make glasses for every prescription.)

MEDICAL SERVICES: Pediatric exams, adult physicals and medical consults (including diabetes and hypertension), women’s health (mammograms and pap smears), chiropractors, acupuncture, and many other medical specialists available.

All of these services are FREE and will be provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and other trained health professionals from the State of California.

Visit www.ramfreeclinic.org for more information regarding this amazing free event.

Free Admission at the Getty Museum

2010-04-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Located off the 405-freeway, the Getty Museum is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see L.A. attraction. The Getty is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission to the Getty Center is free-- no tickets or reservations are required for general admission to all the exhibitions.

Unfortunately, the only way to enter the Getty is through the main gate on Sepulveda Blvd. and parking will cost you $15 per car. But don't panic, this freeloader has a few tips on how to make your trip to the Getty completely free.

Visit the Getty during their evening hours when parking is free after 5:00 p.m. The Getty is open late on Saturdays (9:00 p.m.) and also offers several public programs in the evenings such as music, film, lectures, and other special programs held after 5:00 p.m. My favorite is Fridays Off the 405, a once-a-month after-work event mixing art and entertainment. You can bring your own picnic packed with food and booze, socialize, tour the galleries, and celebrate the the end of a hard workweek. Fridays Off the 405 also feature live music and a cash bar.

Another simple way to visit the Getty for free is to take public transportation. The Getty Center is served by Metro Rapid Line 761, which stops at the main gate on Sepulveda Boulevard. To find the route that is best for you, call (800) COMMUTE or use the Trip Planner on www.metro.net.

I highly recommend checking out the Getty, it's a great place to spend time by yourself or entertain friends visiting L.A. from out of town. For more information visit their website and for behind-the-scenes insight check out their blog, Iris.

The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
(310) 440-7300

Free Fry Day @ Jack in the Box

2010-04-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

On Friday, April 16th, 2010 go to:

And get:

The clever people at Jack in the Box want you to enjoy a free small order of their new fries during "Free Fryday," this Friday. See what they did there? No purchase is necessary, and each customer is limited to one order. Have a delicious Fryday, Freeloaders.

"Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah"

2010-03-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

When you're an unemployed gal like myself, sometimes you have to do things you wouldn't normally subject yourself to in order to stay afloat financially. Don't worry I'm not referring to anything illegal or morally corrupt here, all I'm saying is that when Michigan State University handed me my diploma I never thought that years later I'd be getting paid out of the back of a Honda Civic parked on Sunset Blvd.

With that being said, I'm happy to share my freeloading ways with all of you so that you too can experience the odd mix of shame and happiness that's born out of doing hilarious Hollywood odd jobs. Today's lesson: How to get paid for smiling and clapping your hands on command.

I've done audience work for show's like, "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader," "The Singing Bee," and most recently, "The Newly Wed Show," but there are plenty of other popular shows looking to fill seats during their live studio recordings. One way to find audience work is to sign-up online with sites like, Actors Access, LA Casting, Now Casting, or make an in-person appointment with Central Casting. These companies specialize in booking work for you and then give you all the details you need for the shoot. They usually charge a registration fee up-front, or a monthly membership fee, or even take a cut of your paycheck in return for their services.

But the freeloader way to get a gig doing paid audience work is to check out the "TV/ FILM/ VIDEO" employment category on Craigslist. Scroll through and look for postings with titles like, "PAID AUDIENCE WORK" or "FUN SHOWS-QUICK CASH-PAID SAME DAY." The two most common companies looking for people are Standing Room Only and On-Set Productions. You should also look for postings under the "Gigs" category at the bottom of the Craigslist homepage under "Talent."

From there, all you need to do is send an email detailing your availability for the shoot date and time, with a headshot or recent photo of yourself attached. Sometimes you'll hear back and sometimes you won't, but if you do, it's often the day or night before the gig and you'll receive a confirmation email with a hot-line number you're required to call for the studio location and wardrobe specifications.

If you land a sweet gig, make sure you're as energetic and friendly as you can possibly be the entire day of taping. Especially when dealing with the people in black, holding walkie-talkies and wearing head-sets, because they're in charge and if you make friends with them you're sure to be invited back again and again.

Once the show wraps for the day, you and the rest of the lemmings are quickly herded out of the studio like cattle and then everyone lines up outside to be paid. This is when things get a little demeaning, so be advised, audience work is not for those of you with an ego or any sort of pride issues. And you thought I was kidding about having been paid $85 dollars in all fives from the trunk of a Honda Civic. Oh well, ca$h money ya'll.

Griffith Park vs. Runyon Canyon

2010-03-09T22:57:00.000-08:00

When asked where the best place to go hiking in L.A. is, Runyon Canyon seems to be on the tip of most Angelenos' tongues. But if you ask me, nothing beats a day spent walking the beautiful, winding trails of Griffith Park.

The park's first first leg-up on the competition has to be its Los Feliz location. No, not just because I live there and it's an awesome neighborhood, but because the park is bigger and there's so much more space. Let's face it, Runyon only really offers one large trail on which you can take either the easy, or hard route. At Griffith, I'm constantly finding new trails and pathways to check out-- it's like a "choose your own adventure" book and I don't need to remind you how cool those were!

Another perk? Plenty of free parking right at the base of the hiking trails because if you're anything like me, nothing will detour you faster from working out than having to look for a parking space for 20 minutes or having to worry the whole time about getting a ticket.

Griffith Park also offers hikers more to look at than Runyon Canyon because its trails are much further east. Plus, its hills are home to many famous Los Angeles attractions including: the Hollywood sign, the Observatory, the Greek Theater, Ferndell Nature Museum and bird sanctuary, a golf course, tennis courts, even a merry-go-round and mini-train ride for the kiddies.

Beyond this, it's a great place to bring your pets to get some exercise, even horses are welcome. And much like at Runyon, there's always the fun possibility of spotting an A-list celebrity sweating it out with their personal trainer.

So now that you've gotten your freeloader fix, turn off your computer, lace up your sneaks and get out to Griffith Park. I promise you won't regret it.

An Education

2010-02-26T18:34:00.000-08:00

Between checking your email, updating your status on Twitter and Facebook, and watching cute animals do silly things on YouTube, it's easy to forget what an incredible educational resource the internet can really be.

So while many of my unemployed friends are taking fun, educational classes at various community colleges, my inner-freeloader decided to turn to the internet to learn a few new tricks and keep my brain active.

For starters, I found free guitar lessons that you can take advantage of here: Amazon.com

Next, you can give learning a few foreign languages a try by listening to free instructional podcasts at RadioLingua.com. The Coffee Break podcasts found here can also be accessed on iTunes.

Also, don't forget that YouTube is a great visual teaching tool for almost any subject, whether you want to learn how to change a flat-tire or just pick up a few new exercises to add to your workout routine.

Last but not least, release your inner Julia Child and learn how to cook amazing dishes by tuning in to your favorite cooking shows online. This way you can pause Martha or Rachel when you think you may have added a tablespoon as opposed to a teaspoon of salt.

When you choose to learn online the possibilities are endless. Remember to be patient though, sometimes it's hard to be your own teacher. Load on my free ones.

Fatty Tuesday

2010-02-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

I hope you're hungry freeloaders because there is a bunch of free food being served up tomorrow. Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. you can waltz into any IHOP and order one of their famous short stacks (3 delicious buttermilk pancakes) FREE of charge.

That's right, Tuesday, February 23rd is National Pancake Day at IHOP and the flap-jacks are on the house. They do, however, ask that you (or one of your friends with lots of money which you conveniently brought with you) consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network to support local children's hospitals. But again, this is only a *suggestion.

*Note: You will look like a BIG asshole if at least ONE person at your table doesn't fork over a few bucks for the children. Seriously, if you're truly broke, bring your friend, you know which one I'm talking about. Tell them you'll pick them up.

After breakfast, head to your neighborhood Jack n' the Box for a free grilled sandwich. You can choose one of the two sandwiches pictured above, and they will be available all day, Tuesday, February 23rd.

But once again, in order to make this deal completely free, you're going to have to use your freeloader charms to persuade one of your friends to purchase a drink (which you will then ask to share), because the sandwich is only free when you order one large drink.

If your friend does happen to complain about having to buy the drink just say, "Okay, but without my vast freeloading knowledge we wouldn't have been able to get this delicious grilled sandwich for free," while handing them half of your yummy sandwich. Enjoy!

Recession-Proof Fun

2010-02-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

"When you've got nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire."

This has been my favorite quote since college, when I first heard this amazing message proclaimed at the beginning of the Stars song, "Your Ex-Lover is Dead."

But beyond being great advice for those who have loved and lost, it's also splendid freeloading advice. Meaning, when you find yourself completely out of money to fund your fun, you simply have to make your own (fun, not money... that will get you arrested). And what's more fun and free than a toe-tapping dance party?

So get off the couch, put together an iTunes playlist with a killer beat or gather a selection of your (parent's) best records, crank up the volume, and dial-up a dozen of your most gnarly pals and you my friend, have got yourself a dance party sure to rock your freeloading world.

You're welcome.

Online Premiere of 'How to Make it in America'

2010-02-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

You'd have to be living underneath a rock not to have noticed the ads for HBO's new show, How to Make it in America plastered all over L.A.'s most prominant billboards.

The show looks like something I could become quite obsessed with and it's set to premiere this Sunday on HBO. But if you're a total freeloader like myself, who cannot afford HBO or cable for that matter, I'm going to tell you how you can watch the first episode for free.

How to Make it in America is the newest project from the same people behind the hit show Entourage, and follows two 20something Brooklynites as they try to break into the New York City fashion scene.

The good folks over at HBO decided to release the pilot for free to a few select online sources, such as YouTube and iTunes. The half-hour comedy series starring the adorable Bryan Greenberg, hilarious Luiz Guisman, and new-comer recording artist Kid Cudi, is ready and waiting to be viewed online from now until February 20.

I've posted the teaser above for the show, as the video is not embeddable and you have to have a YouTube account to check it out.

And just in case you actually DO live under a rock, and have somehow managed to squeeze a computer under there with you, you can watch free online television all of the time on Hulu, ABC, CBS, NBC, Blip.TV, and ChannelChooser, just to name a few.

Free Thursday Night Laughs

2010-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday night, do you know where you're friends are? Well if they're fun, in-the-know, and like to laugh, they're probably getting their weekend started early at the Josh n' Josh Show.

Every Thursday night you can count on this hilarious Josh duo to serve up quality laughs free of charge at the kitschy, Russian themed Bar Lubitsch.* And because the show has freeloader written all over it, I recently smuggled my camera into the show and was able to put together this video featuring the side-splitting line-up of comedians.

Not only do Josh Haness (not to be pronounced heinous, because he is neither evil nor atrocious) and Josh Weinstein (exactly as it sounds) make excellent hosts, they also have superb taste in talent. My face actually hurt from laughing and it didn't stop when the comedians ended their sets. Beyond their chummy on-stage act, the welcoming atmosphere the Joshes create at the small bar in We Ho is one of fun, friendship, and of course, humor.

So whether you're a sophisticated stand-up comedy connoisseur or you just need a laugh after a long day at work, be sure to check out this spectacular night of free comedy next Thursday. Lastly, be aware that the show begins promptly at 8:30 p.m. and the seating tends to go fast, so get there by 8 p.m. at the latest to avoid standing next to the inevitable large, smelly guy in the back.

*Bar Lubitsch is located at 7702 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.

Fill Your FREE Time With Feel Good Fun

2010-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

The Freeloader blog is always chock full of fun things to do with your free time, but in this post I'm focusing on ways you can use your talents and skills to do some good in your spare time.

If you like to write and you happen to be of the superior gender (ahem, female), I recommend looking into Write Girl, a nonprofit organization for high school girls centered on the craft of creative writing and empowerment through self-expression. The video featured above is one I put together after volunteering at the Write Girl Poetry Workshop last weekend.

You can donate your time in a multitude of ways with this amazing organization, such as weekly one-on-one mentoring, helping out at the weekly in-school programs, or even by giving up as little as 4 hours a month to volunteer at workshops and other Write Girl events. For more information please visit the Write Girl website.

I also donate my time with an organization called L.A. Works, which features many different programs you can lend your talents and time to in order to make a difference in and around L.A.

For example, my friend Annah spearheads an L.A. Works program helping out at local womens' shelters, where even something as small as donating some nail polish or coming out to a shelter and participating in a manicure night can help support and encourage women in need. You can check out L.A. Works extensive line-up of volunteer programs on their website.

Beyond these organizations there are literally hundreds of others you can consider when figuring out the best way to use your FREE time to make a difference. The following are just a few of my favorites:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America

Habitat For Humanity

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day

L.A. Animal Services

Food on Foot

Lastly, if you'd like to combine your faith with your humanitarian efforts there are also plenty of church related volunteer programs around L.A., such as Oasis Church, The Dream Center and the L.A. Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen.

Alright, so no more excuses about wanting to make a difference but not knowing how. Let's get out there and start pitching in, because like most things in life, I think you'll quickly find that the more you give, the more you get.

***The song featured in the video is a cover of the Ratatat song, War of Words by GAVIN. She's my awesomely rad, big-haired friend and an amazing L.A. singer/songwriter. Check her out at, http://www.myspace.com/gavinturekmusic. Click HERE to see her newest music video for Good As Gold.

Wanna Get High? Free Balloon Rides at OC's Great Park

2010-01-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Freeloaders! This has got to be my favorite post to date. Not only because it's hard to believe that something this rad could possibly be FREE to the public all year round, but also because EVERYONE and ANYONE can take part in this amazing opportunity, regardless of age, height, or health restrictions.

From Los Angeles, it's about a 45 minute drive to this magnificently designed park in Irvine. Once you get to Great Park, you can park for free, and then register to fly on the United States first and only, helium balloon capable of carrying 30 passengers up to 500 feet in the air.

So, let's talk details. You can visit the Orange Country Great Park to ride its famous orange balloon Thursday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. for an ride at sunset. You can also visit on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

In order to get a free ticket to ride the balloon, you need to get there EARLY. I recommend getting there about a half hour before the time slot you'd like to ride, registering, and then just hanging out and enjoying the park until your scheduled flight takes off. Also, keep in mind that all flights are weather permitting, so if you think it might be too windy outside call the Visitor Center at 1-(866) 829-3829 (toll-free)*.

* If you need to call this number, make sure you do it from a land-line, or from an in-state cell-phone number. I have an out-of-state number and my call wouldn't go through, and so I just had to show up and hope weather was good enough to fly!

'I Want You to Want Me'

2010-01-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

     Okay, Okay. I know this seems like a lame post, but I need your support! I am very excited to share with you a video my pal David and I recently created for a FREE Samsung competition. If we are selected as one of the final five mobile explorer teams, we will have the amazing opportunity to head to Vancouver where we would be competing with nine other teams for an awesome grand prize at the 2010 winter Olympic Games!

     I bet right now you're saying to yourself, "But Kristen, you are not an athlete. What could you possibly be doing anywhere near the winter Olympics?" And to you my friend, I would say, you're right. I do lack the bulging muscles/self-control/pain tolerance and drive of an Olympic athlete. However, if blogging were an Olympic sport don't you think I'd take home the friggin GOLD?
Well, I hope you agree because THAT is exactly what I would be doing for 20 glorious days in snowy Vancouver! That is, if my partner and I are selected.

     I hope all you freeloaders will check out the video posted on the Samsung website and rate our video a whopping 5 out of 5 stars, so that David and I can get the judges attention and win this thing. And don't worry, I promise that if we end up heading to Vancouver I will do my best to post amazing blogs related to the free events happening in Los Angeles related to the Olympics. However, if we lose, well then I will never speak of this competition again, as it would be a huge failure! But all kidding aside, I am very excited about the idea of blogging my way through the Olympics with my pal David as my right hand man and I would love all of your support. I'll keep you posted my lil' freeloaders!

You Say It's Your Birthday? It's My Birthday Too!

2009-11-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. This freeloader has had a rough few months... BUT, I don't want your sympathy... No, I want your undying attention, because you aren't going to want to miss what I am about to say...

You can get into DisneyLand for FREE on your birthday.

YUP! And all you need is your ID and a smile :) Every year Disney does a new promotion, and this past year was the Year of Celebrations. Which means you can get into DisneyLand free on your birthday all year long to celebrate. Now I'm sure you're saying to yourself, but Kristen, my birthday has already passed and I want to go to DisneyLand for FREE! Well, on an even cooler note, beginning in 2010, the promotion changes to "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day." Meaning, if you give a day of volunteer service to a participating organization, you’ll get one day of free admission to a DisneyLand.

The volunteering program officially begins on January 1, 2010. After that you can visit www.DisneyParks.com or www.DisneyParks.ca and search for an eligible volunteer project. After completing the volunteer work, an e-mail will be sent from Disney with a link to print out a voucher for free admission. And if you’re unable to use the ticket, it can be donated to a charity designated by Disney. Call me cheesy, but this Freeloader thinks this is a pretty cool idea!

Alright, enough Disney talk. Here are some other amazing free things you can get on your birthday:

Free Skiing/Snowboarding at the following locations:
http://www.bearmountain.com/
http://www.snowsummit.com/
http://www.mthigh.com/
http://www.snow-valley.com/
Valid ID must be presented at the resort ticket office.
Offer includes: free skiing, free snowboarding, ride free, free ski-lift ticket, free night skiing (where available).

Free Food at tons of locations, just check out this site:
http://www.frugalliving.tv/free-stuff/birthday-freebies.html

Free gift at Sephora if you join their Beauty Insider club for FREE.
I received a free bottle of vanilla birthday cupcake bubble bath, yummy!

Free $10 coupon and pampering party with friends at Origins Makeup if your on their mailing list.

Banana Republic and Old Navy offer a $15 birth-month coupon, and DSW and Nine West offer email savings to their birthday celebrants as well.

If you're REALLY into getting Free stuff on your birthday, then join this site:
www.freebirthdaystuff.com, don't worry it's FREE. And they will email you for 2 weeks leading up to your birthday with reminders, coupons and vouchers for free stuff on your birthday! Alright FreeLoaders, get out there and get that birthday swag!

Oh, and Happy Birthday (whenever that may be)!

How to Attend Flashy Hollywood Movie Premieres for Free

2009-09-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Alright all you FreeLoaders, pay attention! Because you are definitely going to want to take advantage of the tips in today's post. Do you like seeing new movies for free? What about getting free popcorn and soda? Or, perhaps you've seen coverage of those flashy, star-studded, Hollywood movie premieres on TV, and thought to yourself, "Hmm, now THAT is the way to see a film!"

Well, I've found a way to get in on all the fun! And no, I am not talking about standing behind those metal guard rails with the paparazzi and fans screaming stupid things like, "Angie! Brad! I love your films! Are you going to adopt more kids?" No, I am referring to a website called, Go Fobo, where you can reserve tickets to movie premieres for free. Just go to the site, create a free account, and check back from time to time in order to reserve tickets for upcoming films you'd like to see.

But beyond scoring free tickets, these events are also fun because they usually take place either in Westwood, at The Mann Village Theatre, or in Hollywood, at Grauman's Chinese Theater. There are a few other major theaters in Los Angeles that host movie premieres, however these are historic-cultural landmarks that boast giant, gorgeous screening rooms, and pack lots of old Hollywood charm.

What are some of my tips? Well, if your film happens to screen at Grauman's, I recommend staying after the film to check out the famous footprints in the front courtyard. This is also a fun way to catch celebrities coming out of the film, before they get into their cars out front. If your film screening takes place in Westwood, you should take a yummy trip to Diddy-Reise for a $1 ice-cream sandwich that will have you coming back for more. Mmmmm...cookies n' cream.

Flavor of the Week

2009-09-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

So get this. I shared a personal essay I wrote on a really rad site, www.smithmag.net and they liked it so much they made me the Featured Member of the Week. So if you have time, please check it out and leave me a comment if you have anything you liked or didn't like about the essay. Oh, and it's FREE to join the site as well. It always inspires me to read the 6-word memoirs people post there. Plus, there is a multitude of great writing and stories to sink your teeth into.

PS. The essay I wrote is based on the memoir I am working on which is tenatively entitled, Sexy Back. You can check that out at: www.myspace.com/sexyback_thebook. And as always, thanks for visiting FreeLoader LA!

Free Flicks at the Downtown Independent

2009-09-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I decided to give this free event a go, because it turned out to be a very entertaining evening! Not only did the film, Stingray Sam, have me in complete stitches the entire time, but the Q & A following the film was really fun and inspiring.

I also enjoyed the fact that the film was being broadcast online from inside the theater. This added another level of fun to the night, especially when they showed online callers asking questions via webcam. The three-second delay made for some funny moments as well. There was also a twitter feed being projected onto the screen behind the director, so that we could see what the people who were watching at home had to say about the film.

Rubbing elbows with celebrities like, David Hyde Pierce, who narrated the film, was also pretty cool. And being able to talk with important figures in the indie film industry, like the very talented, Cory McAbee, was beyond fascinating.

So be sure to check out www.downtownindependent.com for more free events, and join the free club, SFTS, headed by Downtown Independent House Manager, Vivian Martinez, by adding them on facebook at, www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Fun-Time-Society/10637090885

Thanks for tuning in freeloaders, there are more exciting free events to come. Until then, keep on keepin' on.

Look Uber Artsy for Free at Downtown L.A. Artwalk

2009-09-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Attending downtown artwalk has got to be one of my all-time favorite things to do in Los Angeles. This awesome event takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month. The exhibits are always changing, along with the street performers, dj's, bands, and food booths. But the best part of all is, it's always FREE.

With over 10,000 Angelinos hitting the streets of downtown for this event every month, you are definitely in for some amazing people watching. This past Thursday, I saw a woman wearing a snake on her head as an accessory! Don't worry, its in the video. On top of that, you can guzzle down cheese and crackers while sipping on Charles Shaw's finest red and white wine :)

To make the most of your night, I suggest getting downtown around 7pm, because the free street parking fills up quickly. Keep in mind that contrary to popular belief, you can park at the yellow spots labeled "Loading Only," after 6pm. *Also, I would advise wearing the most comfortable shoes you own, because you are going to be covering a lot of ground on foot.

With that said, I hope you all make it out to the next installment of the downtown LA Artwalk. Be sure to say hello if you happen see me walking around. I'll be the one with 3 glasses of Chardonnay staring blankly at a freaky video installation. I'm sorry all of you visual artists, but I do not get your video installations. Until next time... load on!

*I say this, and yet I do not follow my own advice because I am a slave to fashion. Ouchy.