Many of us bums are doing freelance writing, working on our screen plays, or trying to take over the world from a corner of our bedrooms and living rooms. Though the commute is great and office attire is unbeatable, when physical space is multi-function it's a bit harder to differentiate work-time from down-time. Unless you have the money to move to a bigger home or add a floor, consider spending some time creating separate space for your work. When creating a plan for work/everything else separation, plan on organizing your private space and re-thinking the public. The space dilemma requires a bit of a mix-and-match-as-needed approach.

Whether it's a 30 minute search for parking or a stack of overdue bills, life has a way of throwing you curve balls. Some of these moments require deep introspection and long-term therapy to handle calmly, but we've got a few tricks to help you fake zen. So, the next time you're faced with a "just shoot me (or the guy next to me)" moment, you can channel some RFB om and chill out.

Most people have experienced it at one point or another. The slow, painful realization that you have absolutely nothing to say and a whopper of a deadline coming up. Ah! Attack of writer's block! What's a bum to do to get those juices flowing? Staring at a computer screen for endless hours hasn’t helped yet, so here're a few suggestions:

Memorial Day has officially come and gone and summer is on the brink of being here. In LA that means you exchange your Uggs for flip flops and expect to sport the swimwear. In most towns, bums would be exempt from the "gotta look good at the pool," but this is a tough town with high expectations. We're not dieters, exercisers, or sports buffs, but we do like to feel good (or close) when we strut our stuff. We aren't shooting for six packs (except of free beer), just a few ways to combine saving money with looking hot.

Many little kids dream about changing the world, then grow up to realize it's a pretty expensive undertaking and get discouraged. The rise of apps like Facebook Causes and success of MoveOn.org are manifestations of the continued optimism of our generation. Without getting too hippy-dippy, people still believe in their own power to effect change. And, as the economy "recesses," more and more visionaries and far sighted organizations want to involve you without bankrupting you. Harnessing the power of the net and big business partnerships, these groups are now providing opportunities for reasonably priced, small effort social action. Saving the world from the couch sounds good to us.

After New Year's most people make useless resolutions to hit the gym every day. BORING. You've got some time on your hands, so why not participate in something a little nuttier? Here are some of the more eclectic we recommend. Personal trainers can be pricey so try to swap for lessons or just learn the hard way. Note: We do not promise you'll break a sweat.

In a town where doggy bakeries and designer collars are standard, it can be hard to think of affordable ways to pamper your pet. Luckily, animals don't read price tags and there is plenty of fun to be had for less than $10. The following are a few of my favorite ways to throw my dogs a bone without breaking the bank.

Sometimes losing your job means spending a lot of time of the couch. Whether crouched in a fetal position, spooning in ice cream by the gallon, or staring blankly at General Hospital (who knew daytime TV was so amazing?), chances are you’re going to get a bit…blob-like. Let’s go ahead and try to avoid that. Why? Because doctors are expensive, and buying new, ever-larger clothes is expensive, and low self esteem leads to eating even more, which is expensive.