How Do You Use the Web?
I'm researching online web habits, particularly among those ages 18-34. Thanks for your help!
July 16, 2008
May 16, 2008
Pocket Guide to the Bible
My good friend Jason Boyett is the author of Pocket Guide to the Bible: A Little Book About the Big Book. It's an informative and entertaining look at the history and the characters behind the world's all-time bestseller. He's selling signed individual copies for $6.99 (compared to $11.99 list price), and if you buy a carton of 48 or more, you get them for $3.99 a book. Great for college ministry giveaways, graduates, etc. And he'll sign them all!
Available at blog.jasonboyett.com.
April 01, 2008
Guest Blogger of the Month
ninetyandnine.com has bestowed me with the special privilege of being their blogger of the month. This will be my primary blog spot for April. Bookmark it, subscribe to it, check it regularly ... you'll be glad you did. I think.
October 24, 2007
Cheap Ways to Raise a Baby?
As the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, I'm looking to research the costs of raising a baby from pregnancy through the toddler years for a new book. Share your experiences through a simple and brief online survey I've created, and feel free to contact me with any questions or additional ideas you might have!
June 08, 2007
Surviving the Wedding Season
My article, "Surviving the Wedding Season," is up at the Dollar Stretcher! Check it out!
May 04, 2007
Cheap Ways to ... Up for Reprint!
Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot is up for reprint! 1,500 copies … also, I’m still running a great special on the books. Order one for $8.50 including shipping by clicking here for more details.
April 30, 2007
Cheap Ways to ... Buy the Book!
Buy my book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, for just $8.50—including shipping! Click here for details.
April 20, 2007
'Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot' Book Clearance Sale!
Announcing a Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot Book Clearance Sale!
For a limited time, order copies of my book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, for just $8.50 (includes shipping!)—that’s almost 40% off the retail price! (Payment accepted through PayPal. See bottom of this post.)
I just bought a box of my books at a discounted rate through my publisher, and I’m passing the savings onto my faithful blog readers.
• Makes a great engagement gift
• Doubles as a party-planning book
• Must-read for engaged couples—covers wedding, honeymoon and married budgets!
Continue reading "'Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot' Book Clearance Sale!" »
January 03, 2007
Cheap Ways to Book Report
In 2006, the year of its release, my book Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot sold 5,418 copies through retail. Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy and checked out the blog!
October 17, 2006
Mention in Christianity Today
I'm quoted in the current issue of Christianity Today ... here's the quote and a link to the online version.
"Evangelicals have to jump into the technology race with both feet in order to stay anywhere near being culturally engaging," says Cara Davis, editorial director at Relevant Media.
September 29, 2006
I'm Back
After a nearly 4-month unintentional absence, I am back. The passwords at my work were reset around June 17 and after they were, I have been unable to access the admin side of my blog (which the company set up for me). I have begged and pleaded for someone to help me get back online but I was assured that me not being able to access my blog had nothing to do with the resetting of the corporate passwords and no one seemed to be able to figure out what was wrong. Argh! So frustrating.
Thankfully, Pablo Alejo, affectionately known as "Toe," who does our company's programming (I don't know how to officially describe what he does for us) was able to reset the password for the site today and I'm back online.
I have much to make up for on the site. I've run across some great tips and links this summer and will be working to get those up as soon as possible. Thanks for checking back in and for not giving up on me!
June 16, 2006
Cheap Ways to Review on Dollar Stretcher
An incredibly favorable review went up today at Dollar Stretcher. Check it out! An excerpt:
"Davis's well-researched book delivers on all counts; in addition to solving common problems and offering some wonderfully ingenious ways to have an original and memorable wedding, she points out some emerging trends which really deserve to be considered, such as using charitable gift registries through the I Do Foundation at www.idofoundation.com, where four percent of your gift proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit organization of the bride and groom's choice. The book concludes financial tips that will help couples save money every day and begin their married lives with a solid foundation of shared financial responsibility. I can't think of any newly engaged couple who couldn't appreciate and make great use of this book!"
June 15, 2006
Simple Life or Full Life?
Catalyst Monthly, a newsletter for next generation ministry leaders, published an article I wrote for them this month. You can check it out here: "Simple Life or Full Life."
An excerpt: While the “simplicity” counterculture is touting the virtues of a life lived simply, the reason it fails to fulfill people’s lives is because it lacks an eternal perspective. That fact is our life here does count toward something eternal. Divorcing ourselves from the ebb and flow of everyday life isn’t going to solve our problems or alleviate our stress. We were created for more than this life. That subconscious hunger will constantly be searching for satisfaction.
June 12, 2006
Thanks to CBN.com
There are some wonderful articles posted at CBN.com thanks to producer Jennifer Jones. The first is a feature about my wedding:
• Tales from the Bride: How to Have a Wedding on a Shoestring Budget
There's also an excerpt from the book:
June 05, 2006
Radio Interview Today
I have a radio interview today. Here's the info:
Time: 1:15 PM CST/2:15 PM EST, 30 mins live
Media Outlet: KTIS-AM 900, Real Life with Kim Jeffries
Organization Profile: KTIS-AM is a non-commercial station owned by Northwestern College and affiliated with the Skylight Satellite Network. The format of the station is contemporary Christian music. KTIS broadcasts in the Minneapolis, MN area at 98.5 FM.
Market (Rank): Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN (14), 25,000 watts
Cheap Ways to on Dollar Stretcher!
I have an article in the current issue of the online financial webzine, The Dollar Stretcher. I subscribe to their newsletter and it's always packed with great ways to save money. It's very practical. My Amazon ranking has been at a good level most of the weekend so I'm thinking it might be due to this exposure. Thanks, Stretcher.com!
May 23, 2006
Radio Interview This Week
I talked with Lillian Cash on "Round the Country," an afternoon program on a 100,000 watt southern gospel station out of Toccoa Falls, GA, Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC. We talked a solid 30 minutes about the book and ideas on how to save money planning a wedding. Keep 'em coming! For those of you who found this blog from hearing about on the station, thanks for visiting! Feel free to post your questions and extra tips and ideas.
May 19, 2006
Article up at RELEVANTmagazine.com
I have an article up at RELEVANTmagazine.com: "Wedding of the Century". Check it out!
Another Amazon Review!
I have an additional Amazon review up, thanks to Meredith Pelham, who blogs about frugal living at: http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com. An excerpt: "Cheap Ways to Tie The Knot is a FAR better overall planner than Bridal Bargains and more up-to-date (stylewise) than How To Have A Big Wedding On A Small Budget (although I'd still recommend reading Diane Warner's classic, too)."
New Articles Up
Two great articles have been posted on CBN.com (The 700 Club's website).
We have a Winner!
Congratulations to Angie Stoker who won a copy of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot by participating in our contest this week. We got some great cheap tips. You can read them in the comments posted in the entry, "Cheap Ways to Challenge." Enjoy.
May 13, 2006
Weekend Away
Last weekend I visited my family in East Tennessee. Plane tickets were insanely expensive, but I did use Priceline.com and saved $68. Better than nothing. I celebrated my birthday there over the weekend. We got in plenty of shopping and time with family (here’s a photo of baby Jorah, my cousin Tiffany’s baby. She is adorable!).
May 11, 2006
'Cheap Ways To' Challenge
What is your best money-saving strategy? Post a comment in reply to this post and be entered to win a copy of my book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot: How to Plan a Church Wedding for Less Than $5,000.
April 26, 2006
Book Reviewers Chosen
I've gotten five people who agreed to talk about the book in exchange for a free copy ... thanks, guys!
April 25, 2006
'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!
April 20, 2006
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.
March 20, 2006
Radio Interviews This Week
Here's a list of radio interviews happening this week. Listen in if there's one in your area!
March 17, 2006
More Cheap Wedding Tips
I had a great hour-long radio interview this morning with Lynne from WBCL-FM, a 50,000 watt Christian station that broadcasts to the Fort Wayne, IN area at 90.3 FM. She took several callers who had questions and tips for weddings. One suggestion was so fabulous I just have to pass it along:
One caller suggested having individual cakes made to sit on each reception table and seating a pre-assigned table host at the table who would bring her cake-cutter from her own wedding to cut and server the cake. The individual cakes would be cheaper than a big one and the personal touch would add a unique memory for all the weddings guests.
February 24, 2006
Cheap Ways To Gets Newspaper Mention
Cheapwaysto.com gets a shout out in the Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle. It says:
Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, writes a blog on saving
money. She also works with Relevant Media Group in Florida, which publishes
Christian magazines and books targeted to twentysomethings. Go to
www.cheapwaysto.com.
The full article is here: Faithful learn to tend, spend money with care Interest grows in combining beliefs, finances
Shalom!
Jeff and I had a wonderful time in Israel. We learned and experienced so much and we're still processing it all (and recovering from jet lag). Here are a handful of photos from the trip ...
February 14, 2006
Holy Land Bound
Jeff and I are off to Israel today for a 10-day trip with my grandfather and a tour group. Please keep us in your prayers.
Let me know if you see Cheap Ways To ... out in stores, as it releases today!
February 10, 2006
More Pics from Relevant Party
Click here for more pictures of the Relevant party taken by friend and co-worker, Kate Goodell. Thanks, Kate!
February 09, 2006
Book Signing & Release Party #2
Thursday, Feb. 9 we had a second book signing and release party. This one took place at the Honey Baked Ham Café and Store in Sanford. The store is owned by church friends Jimmy and Anne Salerno who graciously hosted the party and catered some delicious food.
Here are some photos from that event where other church friends and family attended.
RELEVANT Book Release Party & Signing
The chocolate fountain was a hit. Co-workers mingled with local subscribers and others who came out for the Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot book release party and book signing Monday, Feb. 6 at the RELEVANT Media Group offices where I work.
Here are some photos from the event.
February 08, 2006
Z88.3 Interview
I recorded an interview this week with the local Orlando Christian station Z88.3 FM Morning Show hosts, Scott and Tyler ... we talked about frugal wedding tips and ways to come up with some fast cash to pay for those little extras. Tyler said she was inspired to have a yard sale for her wedding after reading my book. The interview should air next Tuesday morning—Valentine's Day!
February 07, 2006
Newsletter #2
It’s a big week for Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot before the official release date of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14! I appreciate your prayers and support …
February 03, 2006
Newsletter #1
For my friends and family who might be interested in the happenings around the release of my first book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot ...
February 01, 2006
Spread the Word!
Want to help spread the word about my book?
1. Link to my blog (www.cheapwaysto.com) from your blog!
2. Allow me to “guest-post” an entry on your blog.
3. Forward this website to others who might be interested in it or who might know someone who would be interested in it.
Thanks for your help!
January 27, 2006
Radio Interviews Start Next Week!
My first live radio interview to support Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot happens Mon., Jan 30 at 12:05 Eastern on KBJS Radio, “Take 5! with Eddie Basari.” It's a 100,000 watts, Christian station in the Jacksonville, Tyler, Longview, Texas market and is part of USA Radio Network; Moody Broadcasting Network; Salem Radio Network.
Tuesday I'll be on KCMS-FM, Scott & Sam in the Morning, a 54,000 watts, commercial station owned by Crista Ministries, at 12:15 Eastern. It broadcasts to the Seattle area at 105.3 FM.
580 WDBO Lists Book Signing Event
580 WDBO, a talk and news radio station in Orlando has listed by event in their calendar: Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot Book Signing and Release Party.
January 23, 2006
ReadyMade Magazine's New Issue
The new issue of ReadyMade magazine (the publication that inspired the look and feel of my book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot) landed on my desk today—and the entire thing is on weddings. Like cheap, DIY weddings. Like what my entire book is about. My book would have been perfect for coverage in it. Unfortunately, about the time this issue was being planned the book wasn't even designed yet. You win some, you lose some. But, if you like my book, you'll definitely want to check out this issue of ReadyMade.
"The Love Issue" covers:
• 69 Ways to Woo
• Nuptial Know-How (ingenious ways to beat the wedding industry at their own game)
• Six Irresistible Proposals
• Wedding crib sheet: inspirational invitations, tree-trunk chuppah, tabletoppers
• personalized matchbooks, diy ring pillow
• buyer's guide
We'll still send them a copy of the book. Pray that they'll review it in their June issue!
January 22, 2006
Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot is Here!
The first few copies of my new book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot: How to Plan a Church Wedding for Less than $5,000 (Relevant Books), arrived last week. There's just something about the smell of a new book. I want to bottle it up so I can remember that moment.
We're gearing up to celebrate its release with a couple of parties/book signings. If you're in the Orlando/Central Florida area, join us at the offices of Relevant Media Group Monday, Feb. 6 from 7:30-10 p.m. for our release party and in Sanford next to the Seminole Town Center at the Honey Baked Ham Cafe for a book signing later that week on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-8 p.m. There will be free food and drawings for prizes at each. Email me for directions and a coupon for the book!
The book is available for pre-order at the links to the right of the page and will ship out very soon!