See some holiday shows for less

We're all cutting back for the holidays in some way in this economy. Maybe the budget allows only one holiday show, not two. Goldstar (www.goldstar.com) can help with that.

Recent deals this week from the online ticket agency -- usually about half off -- included discounts to "Billy Elliot the Musical" at the Orpheum, "A Scandinavian Christmas" with the Minnesota Orchestra, "Santaland Diaries" by Main Floor Theater in Minneapolis, "The Nutcracker" ballet at the Schneider Theater in Bloomington, "On Our Own" cabaret holiday songs at Black Box Theater in Bloomington, "Cinderfella" at the Ritz Theater and "Comedy Roast of Mr. Scrooge" by Cabaret Theater at Camp Bar in St. Paul.

Keep in mind that service fees of $4 to $8 per ticket usually are added. It's not as bad as Ticketmaster, but it's an annoyance. You need to register to get the deals, but it's free.

Here's one more deal for "Billy Elliot": Students with a valid student ID can purchase up to two rush tickets for $20 each (cash only) at the Orpheum or State Theatre box office. Tickets can be purchased anytime during box office hours, not just an hour before the show.

Get eyeglass frames for $49Spectacle Shoppe (Burnsville, New Brighton, Rogers, downtown St. Paul and West St. Paul, 651-636-3434, www.spectacleshoppe.biz) will sell any frame priced at $229 or less for $49 through Saturday. Frames marked more than $229 are $49 plus the difference. Spectacle Shoppe has one of the largest selections of frames in the Twin Cities, especially at its New Brighton location. Best of all, a lens purchase is not required; many places put frames on sale and then jack up lens prices. Try Costco's optical department for lower lens prices, but the warehouse club has gotten pickier about putting lenses in frames it doesn't sell. Basic frame shapes are usually accepted.

20% off at Restoration HardwareAt Restoration Hardware (Galleria in Edina and 791 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-228-3033, www.restorationhardware.com) take 20 percent off all regularly priced items through Monday in stores and online. This is the first holiday season with Restoration Hardware's new minimalist concept. The good news is that the holiday home decor and stocking stuffers are sold in the stores as well as online.