Suffering from the post-holiday blues? I know I am. Hopefully the following will help cheer you up. You just have to get out there and keep busy.

Friday, January 9

Slumdog Millionaire and Q&A With Director Danny Boyle
OMG, I LOVED this movie! Compelling storyline. I laughed, I cried. If you haven’t seen it yet, you must! And a Q&A with director Danny Boyle paired with the movie is sure to be a treat for fans who’ve already seen the film and even those who are seeing it for the first time. Amazingly, as of this writing there are still a ton of tickets available for this event.

• 7:50pm. $12. Landmark Theatre, 10850 West Pico Boulevard, West L.A. (map). (310) 470-0492.

First Night of First Fridays at Natural History Museum
It’s baaack. First Fridays are back at the Natural History Museum and this year’s theme is “Darwin Year,” celebrating the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of the Species. Fittingly, bands named The Little Ones and Plants and Animals will be performing, kicking off the series.

• 7-10pm. $9 ($6.50 students). Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (213) 763-DINO.

photoLA 2009
If you love pretty pictures and/or are an aspiring shutterbug, you’ll need to swing by the 18th Annual L.A. International Photographic Art Expo at Barker Hangar. Peruse vintage and contemporary works furnished by exhibitors from all over the world. LACMA hosts a conversation series with the likes of Bruce Davidson, Diane Keaton and David Maisel across the street from the hangar at the Ruskin Group Theatre Co. Tickets are free and available at the photo l.a. box office an hour before each conversation.

• Friday and Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 12-6pm. $20 (1-day pass), $30 (3-day pass). Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Saturday, January 10

Goorin Bros.’s Winter Clearance Sale
My, my isn’t it chilly out? Keep warm by treating yourself to some head coverings at hip hattery Goorin Bros.’s winter clearance sale where you can find fall/winter styles for 30% to 50% off.

• Goorin Bros., 7627 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 951-0393.

Puppet Up! Uncensored
Before you get the wrong idea about this puppet show at the Avalon, you should know that it’s NSFC (Not Safe for Children). They may be the puppets and puppeteers from the beloved Jim Henson Company but they are an uninhibited bunch stretching their comedic skills. And that’ll require more than “Earmuffs!” should you bring your little ones.

• 8pm. $30-$35. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine Street, Hollywood (map). (323) 462-8900.

Sunday, January 11

dineLA Reservations Open to Public
Foodies on a budget rejoice! dineLA returns and now’s your chance to enjoy an affordable meal at that pricey restaurant you’ve always wanted to check out. Dinner at a fine dining restaurant is only $44. Deluxe dining dinner is $26, premier is $34. There is also lunching dining available. The restaurant weeks take place January 25 to 30 and February 1 to 6 but the reservation line opens to the public on Sunday the 11th. Check the dineLA site to make your ressie.