Sing like a star INSIDE the movie theater - Beauty and The Beast Sing Along Event October 2nd

Disney's official promo for the event.

Sing at the top of your lungs without getting thrown out of the movie

The Frugal Socialite is losing her touch. I thought I was in good with Disney reps, but low and behold,
I was out of the loop on Disney’s newest event that hit theaters across the nation today.

A lot of my time is spent occupying and entertaining my toddler. My 3 year old leaves school inquiring about our next stop. “Mommy, are we going to the playground, Chuck E. Cheese, Pump It Up or a restaurant?” If none of those get a “yes”, the next question is whether so-and-so – insert name of his handful of playmates -- is coming to play with him.

Around 4:30 I took a break from work emailing to check out Fandango.com, thinking I’d take him to see Alpha and Omega, another kiddie movie. But wait, Beauty and The Beast “Sing Along Event” only playing two days? Okay, great. I keep reading. It’s tonight. Okay, I’m now sweating. At 6:30 pm? I look at the gray sky, I call the weather line (202 936 1212, a number I’ve been relying on since high school), hear that tonight is a rain-out, and get busy closing out my workday.

So, was all the rush to make the 6:30 show worth it? YES, YES, YES.

Kids can FINALLY talk during the movie. Adults can act like they’re there to chaperone the children. I spotted several grownups without kiddies tonight, who seemed to know all the words to the songs. Don’t laugh…Disneyworld Parks do a bang up wedding business and minors don’t get married! LOL!

The show is worth it, YES, YES, YES! So “Be My Guest, Be my guest, put my service to the test” (lyrics from one of the movie’s signature songs) and grab a ticket to the final showing this Saturday, October 2nd. The Beauty and The Beast Sing Along Event will play simultaneously in all theaters at 12 pm/noon.

This is an HD remake of Disney’s original Beauty and the Beast, the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1992. The movie won six nominations in four different categories, with the music taking home the Oscars for Best Original Score and Original Song, for "Beauty and the Beast" – click to hear Celine Dion and Peobo Bryson’s version.

Jordin Sparks, of American Idol origin, intros the movie, taking viewers behind the scenes of her video shoot for her remake of Beauty and The Beast songs. Jordin also gives a lesson on how to interact with the movie. Her video singing "Beauty and The Beast" - http://youtu.be/pps4p9wtWW8

Playing October 2nd at noon with tickets available online at Fathom Events website:

http://www.fathomevents.com/Upcoming/Locations/20003/09/29/2010/Premiere/event/beautyandthebeast.aspx.

The new 3 disc Beauty and the Beauty DVD with Blue Ray hits stores on October 5th.

Dining with Disney in D.C.-Mickey brings his food to the Nation's Capitol! http://ping.fm/7SO3r

Disney brings Dining to D.C. - Mickey hosts a private dinner in the Nation's Capitol

The Frugal Socialite has been invited to be Disney’s special guest at “Dinner with Disney”
next Thursday, September 16th at Old Ebbitt Grill. Mickey’s bringing some of Disney Parks’ diverse cuisine to D.C!

It’s a private event, for Disney’s Mom Bloggers only, BUT, I’ll bring back goodies for my readers and great opportunities to get up close with Mickey. Can’t wait to see Disney reps, Laura Spencer and Leanne Jakubowski again, and to finally meet Maria Bailey, of BSM Media, who has invited me to so many events, but we’ve never connected.

Laura Spencer, of Disney, with the park's signature blue drink.

Laura Spencer, Darcie, Sherelle, aka FunkiDivaGirl, my fellow mom bloggers, posing with me at Disney last year. 

Now, Mickey and Minnie are classy hosts, so when you’re on their turf, it’s way more than hamburgers and hotdogs. Chefs like Kat Kora and Emeril have restaurants at Disney. Signature juice and alcoholic drinks are illuminated in blue. Lobster, filet mignon, hydroponically grown lettuces, desserts with Madagascar vanilla and more are common place choices at eateries ranging from the AAA 5 Diamond-rated Victoria and Albert’s to kiosks full of Mickey-shaped ice cream bars!

The mom bloggers and at Cat Kora's restaurant at Disney's Boardwalk.

Walt Disney World features amazing dining with more than 200 restaurants on 40-square miles. Right now, you can include food with your vacation for FREE with the free Disney Dining Plan promotion, and after next week, The Frugal Socialite may have some more awesome eating opportunities to share.

Five Star dining at Todd English's Blue Zoo at Dolphin Swan Hotel right next to Epcot.

Brenda McWilliams, of Disney, my son and the chef at Epcot's Pub Restaurant in Great Britain.

Disney by land and Disney by sea, it’s great way to vacation for all ages. There’s a new Disney ship coming this year, the Frugal Socialite help get your bon voyage going….



Keep your Mickey ears tuned,

Lucinda

One of many great banquet meals I ate during Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey in 2009 and 2010.

Bye-bye July: Free outdoor concerts this weekend

Frugal doesn’t always mean free, but when it is, why fight? Take advantage of the outdoors. Remember January of 2010? Okay, then, get your blanket, some water and get moving to one of these venues for some mellow sounds.

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FORT DUPONT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

8:00 p.m., Saturdays, July and August Randle Circle & Minnesota Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series is held each year in Fort Dupont Park, an area of 376 rolling, wooded acres located east of the Anacostia River. Shows begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. and are held rain or shine. We encourage music lovers to come out, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy some of the finest rhythm & blues music in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. . For a list of performers and additional information call 202-426-7723. All shows are FREE and open to the public. The first concert is scheduled for July 17, 2010. Performances are subject to change.

July 31 WPFW Night w/ HAROLD MELVIN'S BLUE NOTES, Motown Philly Fantasy, H.A.L.O.


THE NATIONAL HARBOR, IN MARYLAND

Free concerts are held on Fridays from 5 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 - 4 p.m.

July 30 - Roosevelt Smith Duo (Pop/Adult Contemporary)

July 31 - Savoir Faire (Cajun)

ALSO- at Gaylord National Resort on Friday, July 30, 2010, join their Tasting event where you can sample food in all their restaurants, including beer and wine, for only $15.



FORT HUNT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

7:00 -8:00 p.m., Sundays, June 6 –August 29
The park is located approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria in Virginia along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Exit at the sign marked “Fort Hunt Road/Fort Hunt Park.”

Come out and relax to the sounds of jazz, the rhythm of rock, or folk. Enjoy community bands at Fort Hunt Park. Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Parking is available inside the park. For a listing of concerts call 202-439-7325. For the most up to date concert listing visit www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit


THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

Free “ Jazz in the Garden” at outdoor café every Friday evening, 5 to 8:30 PM, through September 10, 2010. Visitors can enjoy cocktails and a light dinner while listening to great music in a natural, beautiful environment. Concerts are held inside the Pavilion Café during bad weather. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th and Constitution NW, Washington, DC. The nearest Metro stations are Archives/Navy Memorial, Smithsonian and Judiciary Square. You may bring your own picnic or purchase food from the Pavilion Cafe. See the menu. Phone: (202) 289-3360

July 30 - John Jensen (jazz trombonist)



BALTIMORE HARBOR

Through Labor Day, Harborplace at the Inner Harbor offers performances at the amphitheater near Pratt and Light streets on Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 5 PM



"FRIDAY EVENING PARADES"

8:45 p.m., Friday evenings, May 7 –August 27

Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, D.C.



The Evening Parade, held Friday evening during the summer. Come out to enjoy a concert by the U.S. Marine Band, Silent Drill Team &Bugle Corps. Reservations must be made in writing three weeks in advance to: The adjutant, Marine Barracks, 8th & Eye Streets, SE, Washington, D.C. 20390-5000. (Unclaimed seating will be available at 8:15 p.m. for non-tickets holders). General public seating is available starting at 8 p.m. Guests may park at Maritime Plaza, where a free shuttle service is provided to and from the Barracks. There are no public parking spaces available at the Barracks. For additional information call (202) 433-4073 or 202-433-6060.

Military Band Performances

Through August 26 8 p.m. Sylvan Theatre (a unit of National Mall and Memorial Parks)

National Mall, monument grounds



Thursday-----------U.S. Marine Band (there will be no concert on July 1)



Weekdays Through August 31

8 p.m.

U.S. Capitol (West Front)

Monday-----------U.S. Navy Band

Tuesday-----------U.S. Air Force Band

Wednesday------U.S. Marine Band

Thursday----------NO CONCERTS

Friday--------------U.S. Army Band

For information Army Band (703)-696-3718, Marine Band (202) 433-4011, Navy Band (202)433-2525, Air Force Band (202)767-5658. Weather cancellation, “Listen to WTOP Radio.”

Frugal finds for last week of July 2010

Frugal Finds by The Frugal Socialite

Last Week of July edition

Frugalites,

By popular request, I’m compiling some of the deals I like and sending them out. Be sure to tell a friend and “like” my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/frugalsocialite) AND/OR join my blog on www.frugalsocialite.com. If you know of any great ones I missed, holla!

Lucinda, aka, The Frugal Socialite

Free backpacks at Staples

Buy any backpack by Saturday, July 31st and receive a gift card (rebate) for the amount you paid for the bag. That’s having your bag and getting something else, too! Gift card good on future purchases.

http://weeklyad.staples.com/staples/default.aspx?action=entryflash&cm_mmc=email_corpmisc-_-072810CW-_-Incremental-_-num&cm_lm=frugalsocialite@aol.com&cid=EM:CM:__BMT9V6B8QRH-Qj&om_rid=frugalsocialite@aol.com

Quiznos Lunch for $2.99

Got $3 and some change – yes, Uncle Sam wants his cut – small sub, chips and drink until August 4th at Quiznos. http://www.quiznos.com/lunch299/coupon/

$1 buys $5 of lunch in Philly, PA
Okay, if in Philly, a cheesesteak is the logical choice, but if you can get a whole lunch for a buck, then why not? Kgbdeals.com has a coupon running until Monday, August 2nd for Subway restaurants/sub shops. Pay $1 and get a $5 gift card in the mail. Good at all 50 Subway Philadelphia locations. http://www.kgbdeals.com/philadelphia/?id=1131

In Hard Times like these, eat a chili dog for free

THURSDAY, July 29th only! A free Coney Island Chili Dog with any purchase – and that means a soda – at any Hard Times Café location. www.hardtimes.com See photos in the blog for the ad. No coupon required.

$4 to see a movie, in the theater? That’s so 1978…NO 2010!

Held over, by demand… $4 AMC Movie Tickets for D.C., MD, NYC, Jersey, Boston, Atlanta

Retro prices for AMC Movie Theaters. $4 tickets. Buy online and get the tickets mailed to you. So many readers purchased these last week that the sale was renewed:
http://088c0038-9611-11df-ac32-40400268f4cd.kgbdeals.com/?id=309 

Ruby Tuesday’s $13.99 Tuesdays and $19.99 weekendsSteak and Lobster Tail for $13.99 on Tuesdays. Two meals for $19.99 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Can’t beat that with a stick, maybe with a fork? LOL

http://www.blogger.com/goog_476729741

$15 for 3 drinks, a beer, calamari, lobster and steak at Gaylord at National Harbor

Sample this! Buy a “tasting card” and check out Gaylord National Resort at the National Harbor and visit on “sampling days” starting this Friday, July 30th – same day as free jazz concert 5 – 7 PM. Card is good for Fridays through the end of August. Not full after sangria, fritters, Artisanal cheese, steak sandwich and wine? Get 10% off to eat more at any of their restaurants. After all that food, walk it off with a stroll down the harbor to hear the free jazz.   http://sowhatsthedeal.com/promotions/129

Lastly… It pays to read receipts

Wendy’s

Don’ t know how many of you read the receipts that are shoved in your bag at Wendy’s? Read and dial because receipts have fine print on the back that give you a number to call to get a FREE single burger. The survey was reasonable, only a few minutes long. That freebie can come in handy when you need a little snack.

BeBe and CeCe Winans + All Star Lineup this Saturday at the National Harbor

BROTHER AND SISTER GOSPEL GREATS BEBE & CECE WINANS

HEADLINING SUMMER CONCERT

“LIVE on THE PLATEAU @ National Harbor®” ON SATURDAY, JULY 24th

Special guests include Byron Cage, Take 6 and Kirk Whalum

For a few FRUGAL SOCIALITE SUGGESTIONS, SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS EMAIL!

The sun won't be the only hot fuel source Saturday night...all these greats under the covered stage at the National Harbor. Sharing the stage with BeBe & CeCe Winans will be celebrated gospel singer Byron Cage, also known as the “Prince of Praise”, 8-Time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and the Award-winning a capella sextet, Take 6.



Schedule breakdown: Saturday, July 24, 2010

12:00 PM: Box Office Opens for Will Call

4:00 PM: Parking lot Opens

6:00 PM: Doors Open for Seating

7:00 PM: Concert



TICKET COSTS: Ticket prices range from $45 - $68 and are available through www.TACConcerts.com, by calling (800) 514-3849 or at the UPS store located - 145 Fleet Street, National Harbor, MD 20745. “LIVE on THE PLATEAU at National Harbor®” is produced by Prince Georges County-based TAC Productions, a subsidiary of The TAC Companies, LLC. Additional information is available at www.TACConcerts.com.



FRUGAL SOCIALITE'S SUGGESTIONS:

Avoid traffic and sail into the concert

Begin and end with a glorious spirit by one upping all the drivers in line for parking. Take the Water Taxi from Old Town, Alexandria. Park on a side street in Alexandria or a garage. Hop on the boat for a relaxing, scenic ride straight into the Harbor with no stress. For a complete schedule and to purchase your ticket online, please visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.



Hungry?

Park early and then make your way down to the main Harbor area for a meal. Food is easy to grab and get out, with a quality meal at : Elevation Burger, Gaylord's National Pastimes Sports Bar (yes, it's a bar, but without the "bar" atmosphere. It's very suited for non-drinkers and extremely entertaining for kids), Aloft's XYZ bar for a quick cold beverage of your likings and the downstairs area of the Westin, Sauciety Restaurant.



Kids and no sitter for the house? The Harbor and Gaylord have provided countless hours of entertainment for my toddler and many young people I've watched. This time, bring someone along, give them $20 for snacks and you're set! While you are in the concert, the kids can watch the free water shows at The Gaylord, catch the Children's Museum before it closes, climb and jump around the Awakening and make a game out of walking around the entire Harbor. Trust me, from experience, this will entertain young ones for hours.

Saturday Mega-Gospel stars at the National Harbor in concert
http://ping.fm/mkRsY

3 year old toddler helps Mommy make video for Oprah

Instead of being frustrated at trying to shoot a video while my toddler jumped around, I decided to let him be part of the project. He "helped" me record my entry into Oprah's OWN Network show contest. I'm pitching the idea of a Frugal Socialite show. He truly is a mini-socialite! By himself, with no prompting from me, he started repeating the things I was saying, and tell me, is he a natural?

Put on the Ritz (Carlton) with glitz without creating a cash blitz -- Frugal Socialite style!

Who knew you could put on the Ritz for a few cents? I had a blast appearing today on WUSA9's noon news with J.C. Hayward to talk about The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City's 20th Anniversary deals. New Executive Chef, Frederic Chartier, brought not only his new signature dish, Salmon Rillette, to life on the show, but created a little "a la la" with his French accent! The hotel's Fyve Restaurant and Lounge has a little Parisian flair in the house with the addition of Chef Chartier. Inexpensive and The Ritz Carlton seems to be an oxymoron, but The Frugal Socialite found deals to make your mouth water and your budget stay in tact.



Many of us practically live in the Costco across the street or at least breeze through Pentagon City Mall, but how many times have you valet parked on the other side of Nordstrom or rang the bell tucked away by the mall entrance of the Ritz, near Brookstone on the 2nd level? When you decide to get a little down time after shopping or treat yourself to a night away from home, you’ll forget you are any where near the bustling Arlington area once inside the elegance of the Ritz.

Lucinda, Chef Chartier and CBS DC's JC Hayward dishing some prime rib

Here's the scoop on how to Ritz with Glitz
without creating a cash blitz:

$5 dishes at Fyve Restaurant and Lounge

I’m known for finding upscale food for Extra Value Meal rates and the Ritz serves it up perfectly. From 2:30 PM to 11 PM daily, join the elite executives, power brokers and trendy set in the Fyve Lounge for 15 menu items for only $5! This is the longest Happy Hour in town! Choices range from a mini Black Angus burger with fries to calamari to parmesan risotto balls to antipasto, short ribs and meat filled grilled cheese. Cheesecake, sorbet and a nice little “trilogy” of mini cupcakes finishes the meal, also for $5.00. So, for $10 you can have your cake and eat, too, enveloped in a plush, cushy Ritz style couch.



$20.10 – the year and the price on Thursdays

Complete prime rib dinner inside the intimate and elegant Fyve Restaurant. Really, Do you need more details? Just make your reservation and live it up this week.



Rooms with a view AND a private staff

I soaked up every minute of my recent stay in the Ritz’s Club Level room. For a minute, I forgot Sonia and Mulu, the hostesses with the mostesses, didn’t exist merely to entertain us! Frugal is in. Cheap is a mistake! When debating whether to add the extra bucks to upgrade your room to Club Level, don’t waste a minute thinking when you could be drinking – a glass of complimentary bubbly or drinking in the view of almost all the Washington monuments and haps from the Club windows.



Basically, the Club Level includes access to the private staff and lounge on the top floor. Wine, champagne, beer, fresh squeezed juices, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert buffets plus the most stunning panoramic views in the area are all included on that exclusive floor. Even kids have their whims nurtured with special treats and personal attention. There’s nothing you can want when you’re “in residence” in the Club and if you can think of something you need, your Club staff try to find it for you. All in all, with food, drinks, and the “cater to you” aspect, this option adds hundreds of dollars’ value per person, per day, if you use all the benefits offered.



Announcing The 5-7 Club – Birthday folks on May 7th, come on down…

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City created a very special club, and only guests who share the hotel’s official birthday – May 7th – are invited to join. Lucky members of The 5-7 Club who visit fyve Restaurant Lounge during May will be toasted with a complementary glass of champagne; and throughout the remainder of 2010, 20% will be deducted from their total meal tab. (Members only, please – a piece of identification showing date of birth is required.)



The Signature Anniversary Dessert with Pop Rocks, that throw back Candy?

I still have to try it, but Pastry Chef Dallas Marsteller has surpassed herself with the creation of a signature twentieth anniversary dessert. If it’s anything like the other goodies of Chef Marsteller’s, then I’ll also take one, two, or a dozen, to go! Both a throwback to the 1990s and a nod to the capital’s world-renowned cherry trees, this just-unveiled delight is named The Chocolate Chip Cherry Soufflé. Baked to order with pop-rocks ganache and sour cherry compote, it’s complemented by a mocha ice cream trifle on the side. This delightful indulgence will be available only in May.

Go online to: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/PentagonCity/Default.htm, to read about their contest for returning customers and guests, called, What’s Your Story?” and check out their Signature drink recipes.



Questions about my personal experiences at the hotel and restaurant? Post a comment here or email me at frugalsocialite@aol.com.

6 islands, 7 days on 5 star Princess cruise for $199--- Believe it!

If you could see islands on a 7 day Princess cruise for $199, could you be packed by Sunday? A legit deal.


I called and verified this rate and date is still available!
No joke! The cruise industry can’t stand sailing with a ship half full. Who says the early bird always gets the worm? The Frugal Socialite only books cruises within 21 days of sailing because the deals are just this sweet!

Princess Cruise Lines 
The Caribbean Princess ship
Sunday, March 21st, leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Two cabins left at this price: 
$199 per person for a category M room
$51 taxes
PLUS--$75 on board credit for spending on the ship. All said and done, this is a 5 star, all food and activities included, taxi ride between 6 islands for only $21 per day. That ain’t even one Starbucks coffee, a paper and a Big Mac Extra Value meal.

I’m seeing flights on www.sidestep.com from $300.

After these sell out, the room rate goes to $550 per person.

Let me know if you want to go! Join my blog, or twitter and follow me to get the contact info!

Frugally yours,

Lucinda

If you could see 6 islands on a 7 day Princess cruise for $199, could you be packed by this Sunday? A legit deal. When you join my blog, I'll email you the info: www.frugalsocialite.com!