Sail Boston on a dime

Experience the elite world of international sailing for free, and learn the sport for as little as $99.

The Volvo Ocean Race, a nine-month sailing race around the world, happens once every three years. And the only U.S. stopover in the ongoing 2008/2009 race is Boston, in the Seaport District's Fan Pier (28 Northern Ave., Seaport District).

For the next three weeks-- until May 16-- Divas can visit stopover, known as PUMA City. There are events every day or night, several bars, a dance floor, and a crowd comprised of Boston's young, trendy, and hip up-and-coming; rugged-yet-elite international sailors; and avid sailing fans. The best news yet: Admission to PUMA City and all of its events is free.

Tomorrow, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is PUMA City Happy Hour. For a list of all the events, visit Volvo Ocean Race at Fan Pier Boston's Facebook page.

When the ocean racers leave Fan Pier in mid-May and head for Galway, head to the Charles River Esplanade (Back Bay) for sailing that you can afford.

Learn to sail at Community Boating (21 David G. Mugar Way, Back Bay), with 30-Day Intro to Sailing and Kayaking for just $99, which includes boat usage, and instruction and classes. To join for the entire year, which includes boat usage, classes and instruction, guest privileges, and discounts on events and merchandise, pay $240. Visit the link above for more information.

Jet outta here for $29

Leave it to JetBlue to bring us a great sample sale when we least expect it-- and Divas they are by calling it a sample sale!

For TODAY only, the airline is offering one-way flights from Boston starting at $29! (Beware of this catch: Your flight back to Boston may cost more, since this "sample" sale applies to departing from a select few airports.) Flights must be taken between May 5 and June 10.

Boston's Divas can jet to NYC, Charlotte, Richmond, Buffalo, and a few other spots for $29; San Fran for $59; Bermuda or Chicago for $69; Long Beach for $79; Denver for $89; and
Vegas or Seattle for $99.

The marathon of all sales

This SALE explains why, on Sunday, Bodega employees were unloading a U-Haul truck in front of the store.

Monday was one of Boston's most-celebrated holidays, Patriot's Day, which many know as Marathon Monday. And if you're a Diva whose been inspired by the recent athletic feats of the Boston Marathon runners, a new pair of stylish, street-chic sneakers may be just what you need.

Swing by-- or run over to-- the Bodega (6 Clearway St., Back Bay) for the store's Annual Footwear Sale, through this Friday. Today, kicks are 50% off; tomorrow and Friday, 70% off; and from 4-6pm on Friday, each pair will cost you a 10-spot.

Even if you're not feeling a new pair of sneakers, a trip to the store itself-- which is disguised as a "Bodega," a neighborhood corner store,vthat customers must enter a secret door to discover the trendy urban atmosphere-- is worth the adventure.

A perfect Match

"Ladies Night" may sound terribly cheesy-- but at Back Bay's Match, it's far from that.

It's now almost a week later and I still can't stop bragging about the $30 filet I had for, um, $5 at Match (94 Massachusetts Ave.; Back Bay). And Liz's stellar salmon-- a $26 value-- for (you guessed it) $5. The catch: You must be a "lady" (I'm going to take it up a notch and say, Diva).

Every Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Divas can get any entree on the menu (there are about 7 choices) for $5. Beware, the dining room packs up fast, and don't go there in search for a Div-o. I felt bad for the couple that was there, unaware of the night's theme. It's a rip-roaring girls night, an all-girls high school cafeteria spruced up with atmosphere: dimmed lights, candles, and a blazing fire. But, it was exactly what Liz and I wanted: Good food and wine, great conversation, and a $40 discount on our check. (And the final price of the meal and 3 glasses of vino cost less than this discount!)

Why not wander over to the end of Newbury tomorrow night?

Bella Divas at Bella Sante

This sure does rival spa week... FREE facials and massages. What more could a Diva ask for?

The following was published in yesterday's Stuff Boston magazine. You can bet that this Diva will be there.

With bare-leg season just around the corner, we’re definitely in the market
for a new fitness routine. And of course, we’re never not in the market for free
facials and cocktails, so we cleared our calendars when we heard that the
Movement Center of Boston (38 Newbury Street, Back Bay) is teaming
up with Bella Sante Spa for a “Beauty from Within” fitness and beauty event.
Tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m., enjoy mini facials and massages as well as
demonstrations of Gyrotonic (the new fitness craze that incorporates movement
principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and tai-chi) from the pros.
Plus, Burton’s Grill will be providing complimentary cocktails and gluten-free
bites for guests — hey, nothing wrong with a little indulgence if it gets you to
the gym, right? The event is free but RSVP only, so make sure you e-mail info@movementcenterofboston.com before you head over.

Get pampered in homerun-quality style

Say hello to baseball season with a Spring-opening spa treatment— for a bleacher seat price.

This Diva may not be baseball’s biggest fan, but I am a Bostonian and do share an appreciation for the game and the tradition surrounding America’s favorite pastime. And in honor of the Sox’s Opening Day at Fenway today— postponed from yesterday due to monsoon-like
rain— here’s how any Diva can hit home-run beauty for a fraction of the price.

There’s no better way to open a season with a refreshing facial or a relaxing rubdown. So while the Sox play their season-opener, say hello to Spring by scheduling an appointment during Spa Week, April 13-19, in most major cities throughout the nation. All participating spas are offering a selection of treatments, including facials, waxing, massages, peels, and a selection more for $50. That’s not too much to ask for Newbury St.-styled pampering. Spots are filling up, so quick schedule soon— or your chance at a deal like this will be gone like Big Pappi's homerun hit out of Fenway.

I'm sorry, so sorry...

"Where'd the DIVA go?," my loyal reader and fellow Hands of Gold (HOGs) cousin Nicki asked me the other day. You may be (and I hope you are!) wondering the same...

I'll be back soon. Check out the site next week, and follow me on twitter. A lil' overhaul is in progress.

And while my (blog's) makeover is in the works, I'd love to hear your comments, thoughts, gripes, suggestions, and any other feedback you may have.

Post it as a comment to this post or e-mail me at lafrugalfashionista@gmail.com

Bon Soir!