Life offers many occasions to celebrate, commiserate, or get toasty just because. Although the solo drink is sometimes appropriate, in general it's way more fun to drink with friends. We know footing the booze bill for a group can be expensive, so we're here to give you some pointers for doing it up bum-style.

We always recommend cooking at home or hitting up a small local joint with entrees under ten bucks, but we know there are special occasions when you end up splurging. If you have a special event coming up, budget for it in advance by putting a couple bucks aside every week. It may not seem like much in the moment, but it can add up to some serious cash. When you've got your funding, choose wisely and use a couple of our tricks to make the most of your funds. LA is a major city and, luckily for you, that means some major deals.

After reading our previous article on the movies, you know where to find deals, which is key to movie watching. However, for maximum fun, snacks are necessary. Concessions are super expensive so don't look there if you're on a budget (and we know you are). There are certain factors to consider for picking and packing the perfect nibbles, so read on for time tested advice. Despite what you may have heard, most theaters don't have a rule against bringing in food, especially if it was purchased in the same mall as the theater. Please note: we do not advocate for doing illegal things, so if the theater has a policy against bringing in outside consumables, we didn't tell you to.

And here’s why. Absolutely DELICIOUS foods abound! And when that happens, we all know where they land...in the bag. (And here you thought I was going to say belly, no dear bummy readers, that’s the tertiary spot. First they hit your kitchen, then the ever present brown bag, then your awaiting belly, but truly, I digress.) Springtime is the start of longer nights and evening farmers’ markets. With all that new found sunlight, I urge you to get off your bums and hit the kitchen. Here’s some ideas for what you can do.

Since the dawn of mankind, the befuddled people of the world commonly equate Cinco de Mayo with Mexico's Independence Day. Sorry, people of the world, Cinco de Mayo is virtually ignored in Mexico. Fortunately, around 50% of the Los Angeles population comes from Hispanic or Latino descent, which leads to a vibrant Latino culture and plenty of interested Americans. We take it upon our shoulders to ensure that poor Cinco de Mayo doesn't feel neglected. And boy do we step up to the plate...

Like any good slasher film, so goes my love life: never is there a happy ending. Personally, I'm all about screaming "Die Cupid Die!" on the all too celebrated Valentine’s Day. So much so that I throw dinner parties with the same theme, and once even convinced a popular musician to paint the same phrase all over her shirt for a gig. Apparently, the crowd loved it. So with that in mind, get out your puffy paints and aprons as I present to you Little Brown Bag's version of DIE CUPID DIE! Yes, it's cheap. Just like those bastards you're going to invite.

The Wednesday morning farmers' market in Santa Monica is on my short list of favorite things things to do in LA. Feast your eyes and your stomachs while stretching your legs and enjoying the glorious sea breezes and chill atmosphere. Now that you don't have anything better to be doing on a Wednesday at noon, head on over to the Promenade and Arizona and pig out.

Hi. My name is HeadBum and I'm an addict – to sugar that is. Being the broke bum that I am, it's sometimes challenging to share that dependent love/craving/omigodgiveittomenow with my friends. Lucky for me, lots of obese Americans and corn subsidies have helped drive down the price of my crack. Thus, I can ask my bummy friends to a sweet tooth orgy and feel no guilt about assigning them each a sugar-loaded wonder. And if they complain tomorrow, well, sweetness has its price. Cheap!

I had the unfortunate luck of spending a significant amount of time in hospitals this past weekend visiting sick friends (an experience that is inexpensive, emotionally taxing, and fun if you've got the sense of humor for it). In the process I rediscovered one of the best kept secrets in cheap eats: the hospital cafeteria.