B.D.L.A.

DOWNWARD DEAL: 30 BUCKS = 2 WEEKS OF UNLIMITED YOGA. IT’S YOGAWORKS “NEW STUDENTS” OFFER!

Neighborhood: Throughout LA

With all this hype behind the ‘stay-cation’ this year, it’s hard to figure out what to do within LA that will truly make you forget about the stress of everyday life. Here’s an idea for the dogs… the downward dogs that is…

Yogaworks ongoing “new students” offer – sign up today, pay just $30.00, and get unlimited yoga classes for 2 whole weeks. Why pay for a pricey spa retreat when you can get in touch with your inner chakra, right here in town, for about 2 dollars a day? Being that the average yoga class costs $17.00… if you only go twice, you’ve still scored some savings.

Opinions on yoga studios are as varied as the types of poses one performs in class. Yogaworks is a chain of sorts – there are 8 in the LA area alone… but it offers clean, upscale studios with a huge variety of classes. Are you a yoga neophyte? There are plenty of intro classes at all the studios. Looking to relax? Most Yogaworks studios offer a few meditation and relaxation programs. Want something totally different? Sign up for the live music or candlelight sessions, available a few times a week at most of their locations. If you feel like keeping it interesting, you're permitted to use any Yogaworks, anywhere in the city, throughout the two week special.

I’ve personally done the 30.00 deal with Yogaworks twice (after a year, you are eligible again) at two different studios. Both places I found to be serene urban environments – polished bamboo floors in the classrooms, ample changing areas, and peaceful lobbies with hot, complimentary tea always brewed. With a friendly staff and encouraging teachers, I’ve never been intimidated.  I’ve sweated it out and left sore at Level ½…. So if you’re unsure of your ability, start at beginner and take it from there.

Cost: $30.00 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga, any class. New students only.

Link for deal: http://www.yogaworks.com/new_students/sign_up_now.aspx

GET THE FULL SALON TREATMENT FOR $20.00! TRIM SALON'S 1st TIMERS DEAL

Neighborhood: Venice

OK, so, the last couple haircuts at my regular barbershop left my less then thrilled. My usual hairdresser had left, and his replacements weren’t, uh, cutting it. I needed a change, but wasn’t ready to roll the pricey dice yet on an expensive salon.

Thankfully, Trim Hair Salon in Venice came to the rescue – practically beckoning me to give them a shot with their money-saving 1st timers deal – only $20.00. That price, by the way, is for the full salon experience. Let’s be clear – this isn’t a barbershop. It’s a casual, but upscale, salon located in the heart of the Venice's Abbot Kinney district, and only blocks from the beach. When I came in I was greeted with my choice of a complimentary wine or Diet Coke. I waited only mere moments in the comfortable lounge until my hairdresser, Dina, came to take care of me. She was polite and, thankfully, she was talented – after my shampoo, scalp massage, haircut, and style, I left more satisfied with my new ‘do then I had been in months.

The most important thing to note here is I wasn’t treated like a cheapskate, but rather, with the upmost attention. After all, this twenty-dollar offer is Trim’s way of enticing you to be a regular. If you become one, know that men’s haircuts are raised to the standard rate of $45.00, women $65.00.  Or maybe you’ll note the style they give you, like I did, and be able to better describe what you want for your next haircut elsewhere.

I know many of you have your regular hairdresser, and leaving them for another salon is akin to breaking up a marriage. However, if the beauty budget has taken a beating this month because, say, you just had to buy those expensive jeans… maybe taking advantage of Trim’s deal this once will help redress the balance?

Trim Salon
1424 Abbot Kinney, Venice, 90291
310-396-3330

Cost: $20.00 + gratuity.

Note: Street parking is free and plentiful on Abbot Kinney and surrounding streets - even on weekends. Trim is a full service salon, offering highlights, coloring, and nail treatments for an additional cost.