Loving LA is Free: Tax Time Tips to Keep You Connected

Photos

Kids Off The Couch's Tips for Parents Night Out

see larger image

uploaded by pjbosc

Every year at this time, our Parents Off the Couch missive is aimed at an affordable evening to help parents through the sticker shock of tax time. Here are a few things that won't tax your pocketbook but that are well worth your time!

State of Decay: We're going to stay in Saturday night to watch Grey Gardens, an intriguing match-up of Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as the eccentric mother and daughter who've fallen on hard times but still live in their decaying mansion on Long Island. (April 18 on HBO at 8pm). For those who want to do a little homework on the subject, check out the documentary upon which the movie is based, Grey Gardens, or read about the state of that mansion's garden today.

Starving Artists: We adore the brand new Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City and its inaugural exhibit L8s Ang3les showcasing eight LA-based photographers, including Lauren Greenfield, Tim Street-Porter, and Julius Shulman (as well as several LA Times photographers). Admission is free; park under 2000 Avenue of the Stars ($3.50 during the week and $1.00 on weekends with validation). The Hammer is currently showcasing Nine Lives: Visionary Artists from L.A., which will bring you up to date on LA's vibrant art scene (admission free on Thursdays, when museum is open until 9pm). Imagine living frugally in order to support your artistic dreams by strolling through artists' studios at the Brewery ArtWalk (April 18-19 from 11am to 6pm each day; admission and parking are free).

Everyone's Favorite Budget Meal: What better time to get creative with your panini grill than during National Grilled Cheese month! Drop into one of LA's wonderful cheese shops and get ideas for new ingredients, then stage your own Grilled Cheese cook-off with friends. Need inspiration? Check out Clementine's changing cheese sandwich menu or click here to read about deals on meals at local restaurants.

Get Ready for The Soloist: Sadly, the homeless population of LA County has doubled in the past year. LA Times reporter Steve Lopez's story about a talented homeless musician will be released as a movie starring Jamie Fox and Robert Downey, Jr. next week (The Soloist, April 24, PG-13). Think about making a donation or an in-kind gift to one of the many excellent organizations around town that give to those in need: The Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition feeds the homeless and, with UCLA, helps with their medical needs (Ted Landreth: 323-934-6620). We love LAMP, which houses and supports homeless men and women with mental illness, and The Alliance for Children's Rights, which is dedicated to providing free legal assistance and advocacy to Los Angeles' poorest and most neglected children. Support the wonderful Midnight Mission, or help Chyrsalis put the homeless back to work.

Salivate instead of Spend: Tasting Table is a brand new daily newsletter to keep you up to date on what's happening in LA's vibrant culinary landscape. Click here to subscribe.

Hope you enjoy these tips,

Diane and Sarah at Kids Off The Couch