Big bulging muscles, white tank tops and heavy weights... put it together and you get???

No not an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie... a weightlifting competition.

The 2010 Pacific Weightlifting Association Championships are this Saturday, March 6th starting at NOON. Stop by the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa on 1220 Arden Hills Lane in Sacramento to see furrowed brows and stiff tummies. Spectator tickets are only $5 bucks!!

The competition is open to all PWA Members Born 1975 or Earlier.
Bring a copy of your PWA membership team or you can register for a USAW membership on meet day.

You'll see the Snatch, the Clean and the Jerk... get excited!!

RULES: USA Weightlifting rules apply. A one or two piece lifting suit, that is close fitting and covers the trunk, but does not cover the knees or elbows is required.

AWARDS: lst - 3rd For Each Weight Class
The "6 for 6" Award (Awarded to any lifter that goes 6 for 6)

ENTRY FEE: $40.00 LATE ENTRY - $60.00 (NON REFUNDABLE)

DEADLINE: March 5, 2010 (in possession or postmarked)

Contact Robert Linkul (916) 955-1586 - eMail: rlinkul@ahcc.net to participate.
OR CLICK HERE.

Specialty store and boutique shopping, fashion shows and massages.... the perfect way to spend your Friday ladies. The best part... it's all happening in the quaint and picturesque Downtown Placerville.

The Semi-Annual Downtown Placerville Girl's Night Out revs up Friday the 26th from 6-9ppm. Historic Main Street will host floral arranging, special sales, crafting demos, free drawings, health and beauty demos, restaurant specials, samplings of olive oil, wine, cheese, chocolate, and much more. The event, sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association, is FREE!
For information call (530) 672-3436.
OR
CLICK HERE

Get ready to "hops" on over to your nearest bar, pub, restaurant and brewery... they're all getting a "head" start on the inaugural Sacramento Beer Week. More than 200 beer-focused events are taking place all week long, starting February 22nd-28th. The festivities are focused around downtown and midtown Sacramento, Davis, Roseville, Folsom, Auburn and Nevada City are getting in on the fun.

We celebrate the grapes, but what about the barley? This event was planned to highlight Sacramento's rich beer history and legacy as a world class beer destination.

Events include:

A Scavenger Hunt at participating locations

Lodging Specials

Beer Pairings, Happy Hour Specials and Pint Nights at participating locations

An Inaugural Gala at the historic Colonial Theater at 3522 Stockton Blvd. featuring live music, a celebratory group toast and local brews. Admission is $10.

Click here for tickets and more information on events

Break out the Tiaras and Tennies for a special night out with dear old dad.

The Laguna Town Hall is hosting its "Father and Daughter Dance" the next three Friday evenings from 6-9pm (2/12-2/26).
Put on those big girl shoes and twirl the night away with a DJ and catered dinner. Professional photos are an added bonus for a small fee. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $30 a person.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information on Laguna Town Hall.

LOOKING FOR A HOT AND SULTRY VALENTINE'S DAY DATE IDEA?

IN THIS WEEK'S SACRAMENTO SCENE... A UNIQUE WAY TO GET BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SACRAMENTO BALLET... AND SHOW OFF YOUR DANCE MOVES...
THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND TO CATCH THE SACRAMENTO BALLET'S "RED HOT VALENTINE NIGHTS", LIVE IN THE PRACTICE STUDIO.
YOU'LL SEE FOUR UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL PERFORMANCES.
A TANGO INSTRUCTOR WILL THEN TAKE THE STAGE TO TEACH YOU SOME MOVES.
CATCH THE SHOW FRIDAY AT 6 AND SATURDAY AT 5...
THE STUDIO IS LOCATED ON 16TH AND K STREETS IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO.
TICKETS ARE $20 DOLLARS.

STARTING THIS THURSDAY (2/11) THROUGH SUNDAY (2/14), AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER THEATER, SEE THE FULL LENGTH PERFORMANCE INCLUDING:
-"NINE SINATRA SONGS"
-"SECOND BEFORE THE GROUND"
- AND "FRANKIE AND JOHNNY"

ON VALENTINE'S DAY, THE DANCERS INVITE YOU ON STAGE FOR A SPECIAL PRICE TO DANCE AND DRINK IN "FRANKIE AND JOHNNY'S" CUBAN BAR SETTING TO A LIVE SINATRA-STYLE BAND.

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS TO THESE EVENTS.

FIND THE "NATALIE BOMKE" COLLECTION STARTING THIS SATURDAY AT THE S.A. ON 16TH AND D STREETS IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO

This week I'm sporting an all new, yet used Salvation Army wardrobe.

Suit $18 Jewelry $2

Dress $6.99 Necklace $3.50

If you haven't checked out the thrift shop lately, you're missing out. It's the best way to "go green" and get creative with your wardrobe on the cheap. In addition to saving money and recycling, all proceeds benefit the good work of the Salvation Army. Locally, the rehabilitation program keeps the thrift shops humming, while providing full time shelter, food, employment, therapy, counseling, spiritual direction and life skills to local men. Aid to Haiti is also flowing from the organization along with services to the elderly and youth camps.

This Saturday, January 30th you can find all of the clothes seen on Fox40 for sale at the Salvation Army location on the corner of 16th and D Street in Downtown Sacramento on the special "Natalie Bomke" rack. I will also be dropping off a few personal items, for sale... i.e. a pair of never worn leopard heels!!

Check out just some of the deals offered during the month of February at the locations in Auburn, Citrus Heights, Grass Valley, Marysville, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento and Woodland.

-$20 FILL THE BAG 2/2
-50% OFF ENTIRE STORE 2/5
-BUY ONE GET ONE FREE 2/10
-CLOTHES 99CENTS 2/11
-$20 FILL THE BAG 2/16
-50% OFF ENTIRE STORE 2/20 AND 2/22
-CLOTHES 99CENTS 2/24
-60% OFF MOONLIGHT MADNESS 4-7PM 2/26

Hours: 9am-7pm Every Day

Store Locations:

Auburn
510 High Street @ Hoffman Ave.

Citrus Heights
6510 Antelope Rd., West of I-80

Grass Valley
117 Neal Street @ S. Auburn St.

Marysville
900 F Street @9th

Rancho Cordova
10309 Folsom Blvd @Coloma Rd.

Sacramento
315 16th Street @ D Street

Woodland
438 College Street, S. of Main Street

One of my favorite Happy Hour Hot Spot websites has named the best deals of the year.

Half-off appetizers, $2 food specials, my favorite Wood Chuck Hard Cider for 3 bucks (let alone it's impossible to find in Sacto).

Cowtown Eats lists nearly 125 local happy hours and great deals. And coming from someone who grew up on the cheap eats of Central Illinois and thinks the food prices in California are way to high-- these are all fantastic deals.
The website even lists locations where the corkage fee is free. There's a list of late night happy hours and a map showing where you can find them-- great when you're planning to have more than one drink-- walking distance is key!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

FOR ADULTS ONLY!

I knew that would get your attention... if you've been planning to set up a whale watching trip, see Wicked in San Francisco or even enjoy a luxury tour of local wineries look no further. Sacramento Day Trippers is the best discovery since we hit gold... for adults only... you can set off on extravagant day trips for an affordable price. They take care of transportation and you can enjoy the activity at your own pace.
Couples and singles are welcome (ages 28 to 58+). Trips typically range from $40 to $99 dollars. I hear it's a great place to network... hint, hint single folk. The group, ranging from 10 to 80 people at a time, checks out all those must see Northern California sites.
Explore the opportunities yourself by clicking here.

"Shake It Up, Shake It Up"
Break out those 80's leg warmers and get ready to "Flashdance"...
Wait... it's 2010... so less of the "Egyptian" and more of the "Put a Ring On It."

No matter what your style, you can shuffle with the best of them at Sacramento's Ultimate Dance Sport. Seriously, these dancers were named some of the BEST in the country. Reach that New Year's Resolution goal with a little slide and salsa!

Located off Hwy 50 and Watt Ave, Ultimate Dance Sport is in the Rosemont Plaza, with access to the US-50 freeway, grocery shopping and several restaurants and cafes. It's about a 10 minute drive from Downtown Sacramento. Set that GPS to 9181 Kiefer Blvd. Sacramento.

For a monthly class pass it's $25!!! The drop-in rate is $7 a class, but instructors encourage you to check out a class, and then buy a monthly pass to save some dough.

Click here for a schedule of classes. You'll find a variety of social, ballroom and latin selections.

Here's a look at upcoming events hosted by Ultimate Dance Sport...

THE 18TH ANNUAL SACRAMENT DANCE MARATHON
Sunday, January 17th 2010

WEDDING DANCE LESSONS
You can ask about the FREE DANCE CONSULTATION to get started.

DANCE CAMP
Sunday February 7th 2010, 3.00pm-7.00pm

FROM MOVIES TO THEATER AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS... IN THIS WEEK'S SACRAMENTO SCENE WE'RE DETAILING HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES.

THIS SATURDAY CATCH A CHRISTMAS STORY AT SACRAMENTO'S CREST THEATER. THIS FUNDRAISER FOR JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL STARTS AT NOON WITH COOKIES AND SANTA. THE FILM SCREENING IS AT 1PM. GENERAL ADMISSION IS 10 DOLLARS.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE WILL BE PLAYING AT the CREST THIS WEDNESDAY AT 4PM AND 7PM. TICKETS ARE 20 DOLLARS EACH AND INCLUDES A MEDITERRANEAN THEMED BUFFET AT THE CREST café. THE CREST IF LOCATED ON 10TH AND K STREETS.

"THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER" A FESTIVE AND FAMILY PLAY IS NOW ENTERTAINING AT THE WOODLAND OPERA HOUSE. SEE IT FRIDAY OR SATURDAY AT 7:30PM AND SUNDAYS AT 2PM. TICKETS RANGE FROM $5 TO $17 DOLLARS.

THIS SUNDAY THE MONDAVI CENTER'S JACKSON HALL IS HOSTING THE "CHANTICLEER"... AN ALL MALE CHORUS SINGING TRADITIONAL CAROLS.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MONDAVI CENTER'S WEBSITE... AND RANGE FROM $30 TO $52 DOLLARS.