Zannee’s Blog at BargainsLA.com

Yes it’s true, my Christmas shopping is done. I finished a couple of weeks ago. I start shopping every year in August and spread out the expenses over several months. So I now have a little time to spend with family, shop for fun, bake and enjoy the Holidays. With my daughter out of school, I get to sleep in till 7:30! I like to pad around in my jammies for a couple of hours. During this time I like to drink tea and bake. I pick up Sticky Fingers Scone Mix at Cost Plus Imports when ever I can.

Their selection varies, but I have done well the Apricot and Raspberry. Easy, just add water, bakes in 12-15 and viola! Amazingly tasty scones. Of course I serve them with real British Tea. Normally I go to a British import store to pick up tea, but this year, I found Marshall’s had a bunch of Taylor’s of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea at $3.99 instead of $6 and I bought as many as I could hold. I am sure I looked like a wack job while I stood in line to pay for 6 boxes. With this tea you can make 4-6 cups in a tea pot with one bag. My last haul of 4 boxes (2 were gifts) should take me through the summer.

My holiday plans include the Music Center Sing Along on 12/21 @ 6:30 pm at 135 North Grand Ave., Downtown LA. This FREE event at the Music Center has you to singing along to sounds of the season. Song sheets are luckily provided but seating is limited. Early arrival is recommended. So I’ll pack up the family and a couple of friends who love corney holiday stuff like me and sing my heart out

But the big bargain experiment happens next week. I am trying for the lottery tickets for Wicked at the Pantages. Apparently if you show up 2 ½ hours before show time they take your name and at 2 hours before show time they pick a limited amount of people to get front row seats for $25 for that night’s performance. It’s cash only, and you may not get in. But to save $75 or more per ticket, it’s worth the risk. I let you know how it goes. I will try on two separate dates. Hope I am successful!

In the meantime, I am working on our Annual Frugal Bugles which should be published 1/1/08.

Enjoy your Holidays!