Thriftster: September 17 - 20

Spent all your cash on girlie drinks and shattered dreams again this weekend, didn't you? No worries - Thriftster gives you the lowdown on cheap stuff to do until Paycheck Friday.

Monday: While the name of the show might be hitting a little close to home after this weekend's ACL sunburn, the Eastman Gallery's Skin exhibition is a neat way to check out local artists and the way they view the human form. Hit the El Orbits show at the Continental Club (3700 Main St) after 9pm and round the evening off nicely.

Tuesday: Knitta' please, you so know you want to meet knitter author/celeb Stephanie Pearl-McPhee at Twisted Yarns (702 Spring Cypress). She'll be signing books at 6:30, giving you enought time to make it back into town for 'Red Cup Tuesdays' at The Social (3730 Washington), because nothing goes with knitting like getting buzzed of gigantic cups of booze.

Wednesday: Love life got you down? Hit up celebrity psychic Maria Papapetros at the CenterPoint for Mind, Body and Spirit (1920 Hollister) for advice on 'how to attract your perfect mate'. Then make a beeline for the nearby Shakespeare Pub (14129 Memorial Dr) for blues and cheap beer - the best medicine for a loveless Wednesday. Maybe you'll meet that perfect mate? Just make sure they're hot *before* that 5th pint... just saying.

Thursday: Free movies are good. The Angelika (500 Texas) is holding a free screening of Ron Howard's 'In the Shadow of the Moon' to benefit the TX Motion Picture Alliance at 7pm. Continue your space voyage at Cosmos (69 Heights Blvd) for drinks and meat loaf specials (yum).