Book Reviewers Chosen
I've gotten five people who agreed to talk about the book in exchange for a free copy ... thanks, guys!
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April 26, 2006
April 25, 2006
Antique Bed for Sale
My friend Nita from St. Louis sold a full size antique wooden bed on eBay for about $200. The lady who bought it lives an hour and a half from Orlando and she decided she didn't want it (they originally thought it was oak, but it's maple)... So now both parties are trying to sell it for a cheaper price (they're really looking to get rid of it). Not sure if anyone here would be interested. Here are some additional pix. It is full sized and the headboard is about 71" high, with the footboard about 4" above where the mattress would stop. The rails are metal. I believe they're looking for someone who would be able to pick it up.
'Cheap Ways To' Now Searchable on Amazon!
You can know read the table of contents and first chapter of my book on Amazon.com! And it's searchable. (Thanks to Betsy!)
Also, I still have only one lonely review on Amazon. I'll send a signed copy of the book to the first five people who agree to write a review for me on Amazon.com after they receive it (within the domestic U.S.). Talk about "cheap ways to" get a book!
Free Events!
Here's a link to free events in local Orlando and Central Florida. Finding out about local free events are a great way to see your city (and often get free stuff and free food!)
April 24, 2006
The Customer Is Always ...
A new Donatos opened up around the corner. Jeff and I ordered a spinach and tomato pizza friday night without sliced garlic (and the order taker confirmed our order). When I got the pizza home, it had a ton of sliced garlic. So, while the pizza was delicious, we stank! I sent an email to the website explaining the order inaccuracy. I got an email this morning apologizing and that a free pizza coupon is on its way to us.
There's no harm in letting a company know when it messes up (as well as praising them when things go exceptionally well). Chances are you'll get something free for either kind of report. Not a bad deal...
Cheap Ways to Make a Purse
Jeff and I shot photos for a wedding this weekend. I met a lady who had made this adorable purse for less than $2. Can you guess what it is?
It's a ordinary placemat! Folded in thirds, glued or sewed shut ... then the top third flap closes the contents of a purse to make a clutch. she has a jeweled pin that she can swap out if she wants. A great cheap tip!
April 21, 2006
Getting Realistic About Coupons
Here's a site I found today that offers a practical and realistic approach to saving money on groceries and using coupons. Ther are a number of articles, but if you're interested in the subject, there's a lot to explore.
One tip found on the site is to not just clip manufacturer's coupons from the Sunday paper; as I've mentioned before on this site, contact the manufacturer through their website, tell them you enjoy their product and would like to receive coupons or samples. Also, sign up for their newsletter, where you'll often receive coupons on a regular basis. The only problem I see with this is that often the coupon cannot be combined with another.
April 20, 2006
Budgeting for Vacations
Those eyeing vacations this summer will save money by putting in a little research beforehand and setting a travel budget. Here's an online budget worksheet that will help you catch all those miscelleanous details we tend to not count when looking at the cost of vacation. Also, here are a number of articles that will give you ideas on how to save on your next vacation, whether you're aiming for amusement parks or a resort. I especially like this article on "volunteer" vacations—anyone familiar with missions trips will understand this concept. There are many opportunities to see new countries and lend a hand—even in desirable locations like Australia or in our own backyard here in the States. Happy budgeting!
The Easter Crew
Here's the family on Easter. The extended crew: my husband's family plus his sister's husband's extended family. We're at John and Pam's beautiful home in Mount Dora, Florida.
My mother-in-law, Ginger, with my sister-in-law, Pam, and her three kids, Brock and Jaycie (and baby Drew in the carrier).
April 19, 2006
Make Your Own Baby Food
An article I ran across today says you can save 70% off the cost of baby food by preparing it yourself. And you'll also save your little one from the preservatives and additives baby food makers add to their mush.
They say all you need is:
• A food processor or blender
• A few ice cube trays
• Some plastic freezer bags
• The food
About.com is a good place to start for recipes and how-tos.
April 18, 2006
Remodel or Move?
For anyone weighing this question, here's a website that might help. Remodel or Move can calculate and compare estimated costs of moving versus remodeling. They also offer articles and advice on the subject as well. It's worth checking out, especially if you live in a market like mine. Real estate is insanely expensive now, so although you might get a good price on your home, you might not be able to afford a new place comfortably.
Traffic Woes and Great Blogs
For those who battle commuting traffic, Kris, author of this blog, Help Yourself, mentions signing up for a customized traffic alert, which is sent to your cell phone. You can specify the time when a voice message telling you where traffic problem spots are and how severe they are. Locally, our newspaper, The Orlando Sentinel, has a service like this. Hit up your local newspaper's website to see if they offer it for your area. You'll save gas and time by avoiding messes on the commute.
Another blog on the same website, Shakespeare's Coffee, gave Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot a shout-out today. Check it out! Rebecca blogs about books and industry news, plus highlights local authors and events.
April 14, 2006
'Cheap Ways to' Shoutouts
Thanks to two frugal bloggers who recently gave shout-outs to my blog. Your feedback is so encouraging!
Frugal Living — Create Your Own Price Book
blog.freecashspace.com
Wil’s got some great links to sites that will help you create a price book if you’re mastering the art of cheap grocery shopping.
Featured frugal blog: Cheap Ways To …
www.frugalunderground.com
Sarah has found a cool website that will help you comparison shop for books, magazines, DVDs, etc. Check it out…
Thanks, Wil and Sarah!
Generosity vs. Pride
"Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need."
— Kahlil Gibran (from the Daily Thought from Real Simple)
How to Preserve the Wedding Cake
Here's a brief article with great ideas for the anniversary wedding cake. Columnist Jane Greig says, yes you can freeze cake for a year, but don't expect it to taste good. If you do want to store it for a year, wrap it in an airtight container, then wrap it again with plastic wrap and again with aluminum foil.
But alternatively, she suggests, when you get your wedding cake, ask the baker if he/she would allow you to purchase a discounted wedding topper. A baker quoted in the story says they often give a free one-year anniversary cake to couples (who purchase a multi-tiered wedding cake) in most instances.
Coupon Queen
So I'm feeling like a coupon queen now between my savings at Publix and Walgreens, using The Grocery Game lists. Here's a pic of all the stuff I bought at Walgreens Monday night. The items retail for $35.92 and I got them for $8.66. Not bad! The Walgreens list is free for anyone who takes a demographic survey for the site. Walgreens has an "easy saver" catalog you'll want to pick up in their stores which has several "free" items that you send in receipts to get the rebate.
April 09, 2006
Parting With Your Wedding Day Duds
If you’re not interested in preserving the gown or didn’t buy a type of dress you’d ever wear again, consider selling it in a consignment shop or online, or donating/loaning it to a friend. Here are some tips on reselling and recouping your wedding dress cash:
• Have your gown dry cleaned within two to three days after your wedding (have a friend volunteer to take it to a reputable cleaner while you’re on your honeymoon). Any type of spoiling can permanently ruin your dress and render it unable to sell.
• Buy a dust-proof heirloom box to store your dress in. Storing your dress on a hanger in a plastic bag can seal in humidity and damage or stretch the top.
• If you take it to a consignment shop, agree on a selling price and sign a contract (normally for three months). Expect to receive only 50 percent of the profit.
• If you list your dress for sale online, provide full-length photographs and a detailed description including measurements, condition, any beading or detail work, and the price that you paid.
• If you decide to donate your gown to a nonprofit or thrift shop, make sure you ask for a receipt to count it as a tax write-off.
April 07, 2006
The House
Here are some photos of the house: a work in progress!
Our breakfast area. The French doors to the left lead out into a giant screened-in porch. I love it! I got the table and chairs used for $150 from a craigs list ad. The gorgeous flowers are from our real estate agent, Mike.
We got a lot of house for the money!
This is the foyer, which leads into the dining room, family room and the front half of the house, which has a living room, two guest bedrooms and a bathroom.
the front living room, which I have plans to turn into a girly sitting room which can be converted into a tea room for special occasions. ☺
our family room – we went with some bold colors. I think once we get the art on the walls, it will come together (I took 9 prints to JoAnn’s last night to take advantage of their 60% off framing).
we bought new hardware to update the cabinets. We’re stripping the wallpaper soon, using a tip from our real estate agent, Mike. He said Febreeze works better than anything else getting wallpaper off!
here’s our sweet pup macey, who’s not sure what to think of her new digs.
the front guest bedroom… I love the extra storage below the window.
April 05, 2006
Get Framed!
JoAnn's is offering 60% off custom framing if you have three or more prints framed through April 24 (the orders will be in before Mother's Day). If you have one print, you'll still get 40% off and 50% off if you only have two.
This is perfect for me. I've been holding on to 9 prints to get framed for our new house and having been waiting on the best sale of the season. It's here!