We all feel the pain and hear the woes in our newspapers, on TV, and on the faces of our loved ones who may have been laid off or on the brink due to the somber economic times. Even still, we think we all agree that now is the time more than ever to pull together and keep in the positive mindset. So, we’re here to give you some ideas on how you can still have fun and maintain your lifestyle…even during an ahem, weak, economy.

• Summer is just around the corner which means the sunshine and the warm beaches are begging you to make a day of it. Rather than hit the malls or making the oh so dangerous Target or Costco run on Saturday, grab a few friends and head out to the beach! Let the carefree attitude carry you into the night and keep it rolling with a relaxed BBQ at the house after. Wallet friendly tips: Make it a potluck and have each of your guests bring a dish. Stick to burgers and hot dogs or buy the large pack of 28 fresh chicken breasts available at Costco for around $35 to keep the entertaining costs down without having to serve cup-a-noodle or ramen.



• Keep active! We all need a little endorphin pick me up when the stress levels start to skyrocket. Keep yourself in the right mindset by getting outdoors and experiencing what it is you are working so hard for; your free time! We recommend a hike to The Top of The World or a nice stroll around the trails at the Back Bay.
  
  
• Discount menus
  
  - French 75 keeps a Sunday Supper so you can still get your fine dining fix – chose off of their prix fixe menu to create your 3-course meal for $25 a person. More Info
  
  - The Perfect 10 Menu at Savannah at the Beach in Huntington that features a $10 Choice Filet Mignon, ½ lb. Alaskan King Crab Legs, or Grilled Blackened Halibut all served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a veggie. More Info
  
  - Half off all wine Mondays at the Clubhouse in Costa Mesa is always a good way to kick off the week without breaking your bank from crazy alcohol markups. But be buyer beware, the discount applies to reserves and special allocation wines so be sure you can keep your self control or this is no longer a budget friendly option! More Info
  
  - No Corkage with the Hillstone Restaurant Group where you can always count on them to let you enjoy the ambiance and menu over a nice bottle of wine with no corkage fee! They own some of our faves like Bandera, Gulfstream, Houstons and Café R+D. More Info
  
  
• Happy hour! We’ve done the work for you and now more than ever we need our alcohol….on the cheap! Check out your neighborhood to see where you can get the most beer for the buck and likely at your favorite hangout! More Info

We hope this helps keep some fresh ideas in your head and your spirits up. As always, if you somehow managed to out-trend us and have the scoop on something your Young Professional community would appreciate, let us know and we’ll be happy to bend their ears. Work hard, play hard and we’ll be through this before we know it.

--The ReasonsToEnvy.com (R2E) Team

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