Tagging Seasonal Electronic Sales and Ripoffs

If you're in the market for a new television set or a home theater system, there will be plenty of deals between now and year-end, according to Robert Silva, a California-based electronics and home theater expert.

''There's a lot of price competition going on just before the holidays,'' Silva said in a phone interview. He is the author of an electronics guide (hometheater.about.com) and the home theater expert for About.com, an affiliate service from The New York Times.

But do your homework before you shop and watch out for the door-buster promotions, which are super-low deals for inferior merchandise. Some dubious promotions (a 27-inch television for $129 or a DVD player for $30) may not offer the quality or features that you want. 'You need to ask yourself if it is really worth it to get up before dawn the day after Thanksgiving to do battle with the 'bargain grabbers' for first crack at something you may just need to get in another long line to return the day after Christmas,'' Silva wrote in his 2007 Holiday Shopping Survival Guide for home entertainment products.

Meanwhile, on the bargain front, Wal-Mart and Circuit City have already begun to sell high-definition DVD players for less than $200. And based on early promotions, Silva expects price wars on plasma and LCD television sets on Black Friday, the first shopping day after Thanksgiving.


Home theater systems can be sold separately or as a theater-in-a-box set, including speakers, a monitor, DVD player and connecting wires. With prices ranging from $200 to $2,000, the boxed sets can save shopping time and money.

Don't spend on technology that will soon be obsolete, Silva cautions. For example, starting Feb. 17, 2009, television shows will only be broadcast through digital technology. Television sets that depend on rabbit ears or outdoor antennas will no longer be able to pick up signals. And while converter boxes will be available for the older analog television sets, he recommends replacing aging sets with newer models as sales are offered.

If you have a library of videocassette tapes, consider buying a combination DVD/VCR player. Prices for these units have fallen significantly in the last few years to about $120, compared to initial prices of $2,000 and up.



This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.


Here are a few helpful links:

Top Home Theater Products for Holiday Shoppers - 2007 Edition
http://hometheater.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/xmastps.htm
------
What's Hot and Not For The Holidays - 2007
http://hometheater.about.com/cs/consumerresources/a/aahotnota.htm
-------
Home Theater Holiday Shopping Survival Guide
http://hometheater.about.com/cs/beforeyoubuy/a/aaholidayshopa.htm

______________


The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

My Battle Between Short-Term Gains vs Long-Term Values

In the past I've balanced the challenge of potentially lucrative projects against the here-and-now pay-off of smaller short-term, sure-thing projects. I've lost opportunities to score runs on possible grand-slam opportunities because I've needed the instant cash of small assignments or projects.


So my life is a constant battle: Big-time/long-term projects (which require steady nurturing) versus earn-money-now assignments. I've not conquered this matrix. But here are a few of the tools and filters, I'm trying to use as I navigate my way through the maze of financial and professional achievement.

1. What is the time horizon? I'm working on a collection of short-stories. Any payoff (publication and fees) is a long way off. I've been working on the stories for over a year and I'm giving myself at least another year to finish. Really, (between you and me), it's a fictional goal in all senses of the word, but recognizing it as a long-term project helps me to accept the delayed gratification.

2. Can my long-term goal be accomplished in bite-sized pieces?I learned a valuable lesson about time when I was working on my financial memoir book: The Frugal Duchess of South Beach (May 2008/DPL Press). I completed the book while still handling my other professional responsibilities.

Sometimes I wrote all day, but other times I worked on the book in one-hour, two-hour and four-chunks of time. By slow and steady effort, I was able to complete the manuscript without sacrificing too much of my other income. There is, I discovered, a lot of value in bite-sized pieces of time and effort.

I've applied those same lessons to my short-story project: Small goals and steady progress.

3. What am I willing to give up? My housework and my weight suffered while I juggled my short and long-term goals. My apartment looked messy; I gained weight and I lost a few free-lance projects while I cranked out copy. But I kept my eye on the greater good. And now I'm working hard and working out to make up for lost opportunities and gained pounds.

I'm getting back to a decent weight; my house looks better and I've been trying to make nice with all of the editors I ignored while chasing my dream.

Bottom line: There is no bottom line. I'm just making up the rules as I go along. But I understand that there will always be a struggle between delayed gratification and short-term demands. Meanwhile, I'm looking for ideas and solutions from others.

Please email me at Sharonhr@bellsouth.net or leave a comment if you have tips about financial and career management. I want to hear from you.



______________


The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

My Favorite Picks from the 99th Festival of Frugality

The 99th Festival of Frugality is hosted this week by I’ve Paid For This Twice Already. (An excellent host!) Here are my favorite picks from that carnival:


Frugal Goal Setting from Frugal Journey.


If I Won’t Use It Frequently, I Don’t Buy It from My Wealth Builder.

Do Vacations Spoil Everyday Budgeters? from Less Than a Shoestring.


Ten Free Things to Do at the Mall from SavingAdvice.com Blog.

How to Develop the Habit of Spending Less Than You Make from The Dough Roller.


Bartering With The Great Pumpkin: Our daughter learns how to make a trade from Millionaire Mommy Next Door.







______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Anti-Theft Tips for Homes

Another home in our neighborhood was robbed. The burglar entered through an unlocked window.

Following the crime report, our neighborhood watch group has issued a few easy and low-cost safety tips. The last tip about background noise makes a lot of sense to me. I highly recommend a dog as well. Our dog is small-ish but he has a big bark and can seem menacing to strangers. (He's sweet to kids.)

Here are the tips:

• "Be sure to lock all doors and windows prior to leaving your home.
• If you have an alarm system, please make sure you turn it on and use it.
• If you plan to be away overnight, use timers on your lighting fixtures and stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home when going out of town.
• Consider leaving a radio or television on when going out. The sound will give the impression that someone is home. "

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Author Offers Great Tips for Thrifty Holiday Shopping

Here's a guest column with excellent tips for frugal holiday shopping:


"Americans already spend more than they can afford," says Eric Tyson, author of the new book Let's Get Real About Money! Profit from the Habits of the Best Personal Finance Managers (FT Press, December 2007, $19.99). "Our national personal savings rate is negative 1 percent. Many people already owe money going into the holiday season so the annual shopping spree just adds insult to injury."

• Find an alternative to gift-giving during the holidays. Many people feel they have to give gifts during the holidays, either because it's a family tradition or because they know their friends and relatives have gotten gifts for them. There are plenty of great ways to trade in this tradition for another one that is even more meaningful, and chances are your family and friends will be happy to save gift-buying dough as well. "Instead of exchanging gifts, your family might want to pool their money and spend the money on a holiday outing," says Tyson. "If you have kids, you'll probably want to get them a little something, but set strict spending limits. Instead of piling up the toys, let each child choose an outing or event that she gets to spend with you one-on-one. They'll look back on the valuable time you've spent together a lot more fondly than they will any toy or video game they use a couple of times and then toss aside."

• If you must buy gifts, cut your expenses elsewhere. Perhaps you'd rather dine out or go to the movies less, or maybe you can forego that new pair of shoes you've been wanting for yourself in order to afford gifts for the grandparents. "It doesn't matter where you make cuts, just that you make them," says Tyson. "Keeping your other spending under control while you're out there doing your shopping can be a challenge, but just keep repeating to yourself the importance of not over-spending. That way when it comes time to actually pass out those presents you've purchased you can do it without grimacing as you think about the damage they did to your bank account."

• Set a budget and keep tabs on what you are spending. While you're doing your holiday shopping, your new best friends should be your checkbook register, credit card statements, and all of your receipts. It's easy to get into a spending rhythm when shopping for yourself or others, and that's why you need to physically write down every purchase you make and make sure you don't go over your budget. "When you start to add up everything you're spending, you may be shocked at what all those expenses from this store and that store add up to be," says Tyson. "And don't forget about all those 'necessary' holiday extras. Most people don't budget their shopping and don't realize that by the time you buy all the presents, plus wrapping paper, cards, decorations, etc., it's added up to a ridiculous amount. Having a budget that you know you must stick to will help keep your impulse spending from getting out of hand and will help you hone in on the most reasonably priced holiday items."

• Plan what you are going to buy, and don't get any extras! Particularly during the holidays companies pull out their most appealing of packaging in the hopes of snagging the eyes of shoppers. That's why along with your budget, you're going to want to take an exact list of what you want to buy for your gift recipients. Don't go shopping for someone's gift until you know exactly what you are going to buy. "It's very easy to go in with no plan, see something you like, and get it simply because you have no idea what else to get for a hard-to-buy-for relative despite the gift's significant price tag," says Tyson. "Another temptation that the list will help you squelch is the desire to buy those little knickknacks here and there that you think will make nice small additions to the gifts you've purchased. Very rarely are things like this necessary, and if you've got your list in hand, it will be easier for you to pass them by without hesitation."

• Use the season to set a good example for your kids. Your kids learn about money from you. And if they see you spending left and right during the holiday season, the lesson they come away with isn't going to be a good one. During the holidays it's very easy for the "gimmee gimmee gimmee" materialistic attitude to get out of control. After all, kids are bombarded with constant advertisements for toys, clothes, and the latest gadgets you can be guaranteed they'll want (or at least think they do!). "There's plenty you can do to help them appreciate the true meaning of the holidays," says Tyson. "Have them give some of their money to a local charity, participate in a program where they buy and wrap gifts for underprivileged kids, or volunteer at a soup kitchen. It can be an eye-opening experience for kids to see that not everyone has enough money to have an enjoyable holiday."

• Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true. Retailers run all sorts of specials to induce consumers to buy now, and the holidays offer these companies easy prey in the form of deal-seeking, cash-strapped consumers. For example, furniture stores frequently offer that if you buy now, you don't have to pay a thing for a year, and you might even get free delivery. This sort of "push" marketing can make it harder for you to say no. "This is just one example of how stores coax in shoppers," says Tyson. "Always remember that free financing, for say a year, is not a huge cost to the dealer, but it is a cost, and if you forgo it, you should be able to negotiate a lower purchase price. Retailers find that buyers are less likely to negotiate the price if they are getting a short-term financing break. Read the fine print on any deal you are considering taking before you go to the store to make the purchase. It can be even harder to say no once you get to the store, so you'll want to know what you are in for before you get there."

• Leave the plastic at home. Many of us can explain away spending so much on gifts because we simply charge everything and reason that we can pay it off gradually after the holidays. This is a great way to create a never-ending cycle of consumer debt for yourself. It only creates unnecessary financial stress for you after the holidays. "Use your budget to figure out how you can purchase the gifts you want to purchase without putting them on your credit card," says Tyson. "If you are so cash-strapped that you think it will be difficult to avoid charging gifts, then you may want to sit down with other friends and family and propose a limit to how much gifts can cost this year—or propose no adult gift exchanges at all. Far from being disappointed, it's likely they'll view this reprieve from gift-buying as a gift in its own right."

• Invest in your kids' financial futures. It may not seem as exciting to your kids as a new iPod, but a contribution to their financial well-being will be appreciated long after such expensive "toys" are obsolete. "Have the grandparents contribute to a college tuition fund or savings account rather than buy them more stuff they don't need," suggests Tyson. "Or make one of your gifts to your kids a stock fund portfolio that can start accruing now. Also make them aware of the budgets and tools you are using to keep your spending in check. The holidays are a great time for them to truly learn that money doesn't grow on trees."

• Give the gift of time to your kids. Often parents buy gifts for their kids with the best of intentions. Either you don't want to deprive them of the toys and gadgets all of their friends have, or you want to give them the things you didn't have as a kid. "Both of these tendencies are perfectly understandable, but I've found that parents who buy too much for their kids often have difficulty changing the habit," says Tyson. "The holiday season offers great opportunities for you to show your kids how much you love and care for them. For example, you can make time with them each week to watch a holiday film or TV show, go on a walk to see your neighbors' holiday lights and decorations, or emphasize that giving back message again and take them caroling at a local retirement home. All of these activities cost next to nothing, and they will be fun for the kids and for you!

• Remember that meaningful gifts don't necessarily have a big price tag. "Sure, it might be nice to give your mom a brand new TV, but there are other things out there that will be even more meaningful and enjoyable for her—like a photo album with candid shots of the grandkids or something they've made for her themselves," says Tyson. "If you are looking to give a gift that truly means something and that will keep its value for years to come, you are better off looking for nonmaterial gifts to give than something your gift recipients could get themselves at the local big box store."
• "Money can easily become the focus of the holidays when it should be the last thing you are thinking about," says Tyson. "By keeping your spending under control, you can have a great holiday and avoid the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that occurs when you start getting those credit card bills in the mail. If you prepare properly, you can achieve a happy balance of spending and saving during the holiday season. That's a great gift in and of itself, for both you and the people you love."
  # # #
  About the Author:
  Eric Tyson, MBA, is one of the nation's best-selling personal finance book authors and has penned five national bestsellers (he is also the only author to have four of his books simultaneously on BusinessWeek's business book bestseller list). His Personal Finance For Dummies (Wiley) won the Benjamin Franklin Award for the Best Business Book of the Year. He is also the author of Investing For Dummies and coauthor of Home Buying For Dummies and Real Estate Investing For Dummies, among other titles.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

My Thoughts on Most Affordable Places to Live Well

Forbes.com offered this article and list featuring the most affordable cities for fine living based on a matrix of factors including quality of life & dollar value.

"First among them: Minneapolis.
It nabbed the top spot on our list of Most Affordable Places To Live Well.
There, homes are relatively affordable, residents enjoy a high quality of life
and access to choice arts, leisure and entertainment offerings."

The list also included: (2) Indianapolis ; (3) Cincinnati ; (4) St. Louis and (5) Houston.
It's a good article with a concise slide show summary. Here's the link for the summary: In Pictures: Most Affordable Places To Live Well

If I were to put together, my own point system for targeting affordable cities with great quality of life, I would examine these factors:

1. How are the schools? (public and private). What kind of after-school programs are offered for kids? Are tutors expensive?

2. How is the weather? Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 of the Forbes list and the city has great cultural institutions and affordable housing. But the weather is very overcast in Pittsburgh, which is located in a valley. I lived there for a couple of years during the early 1980s, and the overcast days depressed me. But I had a lot of great friends that I miss very much. My sister and her husband live there too. Hi Debbie & Frank!

3. Are there discount programs for cultural events? Show tickets in Miami are expensive, but various events have $5 seats for students and super cheap rates for seniors, groups or families. New York City is very expensive, but I enjoyed the free star-studded Shakespeare in the Park presentations in Central Park.

4. How is the public transportation? It's possible to save thousands of dollars a year by using public transportation. Subways and buses save gas, insurance costs, parking and maintenance. But a city without a reliable public transportation system is a no-no in my book.

5. Is there easy access to affordable shopping for food, household trinkets and clothing? I love Miami Beach, but life in a tourist town has challenges. Until recently, we had very few local stores that offered basic life materials (food, clothing, light bulbs). I can't eat postcards and boutique shoes. Therefore, we had to travel quite a distance for the basics. With the arrival of a few big box stores, our quality of life has improved.

6. Bookstores & Great Coffee. I need my books & coffee.

7. Great water views. I feel landlocked without access to an ocean, river or even a canal. I have to have water. I need a Room with a View.

8. Cheap hotels or great promotions. It's great to live in paradise, but if the local hospitality industry is to pricey, no one (out-of-town friends and relatives) can afford to visit you. You'll feel very lonely, especially if your place is not large enough to accommodate guests.

9. A spiritual center: I like a community with a mix of synagogues, yoga teachers and new age spirituality. I can't live in a spiritual desert.

10. Walkways & parks. As a former runner, I've become addicted to walking. I love walk-able cities like NYC and Boston. Miami Beach also offers great paths for walkers.

oh yeah: I need a good sports team and decent sports talk radio. But you can't have everything.


______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Save on Event Parking with Public Transportation & A Miami Heat Financial Lesson

We saved a bundle on parking while attending a recent Miami Heat basketball game at American Airlines Arena. Similar savings are available in other cities. A neighbor gave us two tickets for a Sunday night came versus the Charlotte Bobcats.

To attend the game, my 12-year-old son and I commuted by Miami-Dade Transit bus. Our combined fare: $2.25.

As we approached the arena, the bus driver pointed out the difference between our fare and the parking rates surrounding the arena. At the various lots (formal and make-shift), parking was priced at $15 to $25. Parking inside the arena: $35 to $40.

"See how much you saved," the driver said. "More people should take the bus to the game."

Here are my tips for using public transportation:

1) Check the schedule. Many public transportation systems have either online or phone-based trip planning services, with routes and times. Request return trip information.

2) Look for special-event shuttles. For major events (cultural and sports), the organizers arrange free or low-cost shuttle services at easy access parking lots that are outside of the high-cost, high-traffic event hubs. I have seen shuttles for boat shows, football games, art fairs and other high volume gatherings.

3)Wear comfortable shoes. Public transportation often involves a bit of walking. I feel better about saving money when I'm comfortable.

4) Check out discounts. As a student, my son qualified for a student bus discount. Other discounts are available for senior citizens, veterans and others.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat lost the game. My team rallied from a 16-point deficit. The fourth-quarter rally came up short, but I learned four financial lessons from the game:

1) Avoid digging yourself into a deep financial hole. It's hard and very stressful to get out of money pits.

2) Once in a financial pit, focus on a slow, steady rebound. Forget quick get-rich, hot dog plays.

3) Don't give up. The fans who walked out of the arena during the middle of the fourth quarter, really missed the best part of the game. The last few minutes were very exciting and the game was really decided in the closing seconds.

4) Keep your eye on the ball. A few sloppy passes cost the Heat the game in the last few seconds. I've had my share of sloppy ball-handling and life really works better when I'm disciplined.

______________

The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

The Economics of Towels: Getting Extra Mileage from Terry Cloth

Warm, fluffy towels provide instant comfort and freshen up the decor in a powder room. Unfortunately, after being wrung out and spun dry, my towels often resemble a rag collection. However, there are a few tricks to lengthening their shelf life, according to Stephen Treffinger, resident product tester and technology geek at Domino magazine.

Treffinger tested about 40 brands of towels. He washed each about 12 times, used masking tape to measure lint production and dunked the towels into water to test absorbency. Based on his informal lab, Treffinger developed these rules for washing and drying towels:

• No bleach. ''Heat and bleach both break down a towel and make it meet its end sooner,'' he says. If you're addicted to bleach-whitened towels, only use bleach every few washes.

• Reduce heat. To increase longevity, wash towels in cold or warm water. Then dry at the lowest setting possible.

• Use mild detergents. The owner of a high-end linen store shared this trade secret with Treffinger: For a longer-linen shelf life, wash towels in mild detergents recommended for baby diapers and newborn clothing. Dreft is a baby clothing detergent favored by some textile pros.

• Skip fabric softener. It coats the fibers of the cloth, which makes a towel less absorbent.

• Price isn't everything. Some inexpensive towels are ineffective, stiff or ''linty,'' he says. Meanwhile, some expensive brands are simply overpriced.

''You're not guaranteed that the cheap one will fall apart or the expensive one will last for years,'' Treffinger says. His favorite bargain towel: Thomas O'Brien $9.99 from Target, which was plush and large. The Martha Stewart Everyday (Kmart $3.99 to $7.99) was a runner-up in that category. His favorite plush towel: Abyss & Habidecor ''Super-Pile'' for $68.
Kathryn Finney of the Budget Fashionista (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/) buys high-end towels at deep discounts at Marshalls. Ralph Lauren bath sheets that cost $30 each at department stores are $10 at Marshalls, which carries the overstock of that brand.


This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Blogger Roundup: My Favorite Posts from the Past Week

Here are my favorite posts from the past week:

From Dedicated to Financial Freedom: YOU:Staying Young

From The Simple Dollar: Motivating Yourself to Exercise Without Breaking the Bank

From Vixen On A Budget: Cheap Night In.

From Finance and Fat: Not Frugal- Why do I continue to throw money away?

From Consumerism Commentary: Make the Most Out of Best Buy

From My Two Dollars: Money Mistake Monday - The Oh Crap I Waited To Long To Save For Retirement Syndrome.

From Millionaire Mommy Next Door: Irrational Housing Prices Steal Early Retirement Plans Away From My Friends



______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Financial Lessons from Dancing with the Stars

Confession: I'm totally into Dancing with the Stars. We watch the show on the Internet at abc.com. I've learned a lot of financial lessons from the last episode. (In this past post I wrote about watching tv for free on the Internet.)


For those of you who don't watch DWTS, there is a fabulous dancer (Sabrina, a Cheetah Girl) who was voted off the show after being a top performer for weeks. Her usually stellar dance routine was not up to her standard and voters gave her the Jimmy Choo. (The high-end shoe metaphor is borrowed from Ugly Betty)


So here's what I've learned financially:



1) You're only as good as your last dance. It doesn't matter if I saved money last year or last month, the discipline of saving has to be a steady dance. You have to constantly show up and perform well every day.


2) Pace yourself. Apparently, Sabrina had an off week because she was doing so much. I've been there and I've done that. Sometimes in a push to earn lots and lot of freelance money, I over commit. I promise editors more stories with unrealistic deadlines. It becomes a lose-lose situation and I feel financially and emotionally bankrupt. And I lose points with my judges (editors).



3) Remember there are no dress rehearsals: Too often I've made serious missteps that I've later regretted. Unfortunately, there are no do-overs in life. Bottom Line: Give your best effort in the here-and-now. It's hard to repair damage on credit reports and memory accounts.



_____________

The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Planning

The Hip-Hop community is offering some well-tuned advice about money, housing and financial empowerment. The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is on tour and will be in Atlanta on November 3.

Here is the release I received about the Oct. 20 financial summit in Miami:


"With the recent housing market crash affecting the economy, jobs, student loans and consumer confidence, young people need some sound financial advice on how to best manage their money and navigate through this volatile economic environment.

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons: "With the proper education and information about financial literacy, a young person today can work hard and still be successful, even during the current economic environment. Hip-hop is about creating and maximizing opportunity. It is about transforming the American dream into a living reality.

Our "Get Your Money Right" Hip-Hop Summits are about helping young people empower themselves with the basic tools of financial empowerment."

"The opportunity to live productively begins with a plan that mandates personal financial responsibility," said Johnny Furr, Vice President of Urban Marketing and Community Affairs for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "We consider it a real benefit to support HSAN's mission to provide young people with the tools, knowledge and inspiration they need to begin creating the futures they want tomorrow, today."

The Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment is a grassroots effort to help engage young people in discussions about the importance of personal finance.

"How we as consumers manage our money determines our credit worthiness, provides us with access to financial tools, such as mortgages and affects our overall quality of life," said William F. Jones Jr., Chief Operating Officer -- Chrysler Financial. "At the Summit our employee volunteers will empower participants to make good financial choices that will benefit them for a lifetime because it is easier to establish good credit initially than to repair bad credit later."

The "Get Your Money Right" agenda features an interactive panel discussion on financial literacy, including such topics as the basics of banking, repairing and understanding credit scores, asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership.

The Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment's "Get Your Money Right" International Tour, now in its third successful year, brings together the powerful combination of hip-hop stars and Chrysler Financial experts to speak to students and community members about the importance of financial literacy.

The tour will utilize the "Get Your Money Right" workbook, produced and distributed by HSAN in both English and Spanish and given to all participants.

The workbook is free and is also downloadable at www.hsan.org .

Participants include: Joining HSAN Co-Chairmen Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis in Miami: hip-hop legend Trina, actress Gabrielle Union, R&B/Pop stars Ne-yo and LeToya Luckett, Latin hip-hop artist Joell Ortiz, rappers, Belly, Huey, entrepreneur Michael Chatman and representatives from Chrysler Financial Keith Myricks and Leonard Martin.

Community partners for the Summit include Florida Memorial University, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network, Miami Urban League and Barry University. The media partner for the Miami Hip-Hop Summit is JAMZ99 - WEDR-FM.

The 2007 "Get Your Money Right" tour will make one more stop in 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. on November 3."

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Kiplinger Offers Tips on Debt-Free Living

Debt-free living is a common goal. Therefore, I was interested when I received a pitch from the folks at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance , featuring great tips for living debt free.

My personal favorite is the tip about watching our medical bills. My parents have caught major errors in hospital bills. I wrote about medical bills in this post


Meanwhile, here is the info from Kiplinger's:


"The November issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine profiles five ordinary people who tackled their debt—and are now get a good night’s rest. See how they did it; you can, too.

Take Washington D.C.-area resident Cindy Campbell, for example, who got hooked on credit cards in college and within two years owed $7,000. She paid off her plastic—plus a car loan—in three years. How did she do it?

Plus, Kiplinger’s offers how-to checklists to overcome common causes of debt:

Erase credit-card debt. Find extra money to put toward your bills by cutting back on spending, taking an extra job or devoting gifts or bonuses to pay off high-interest cards. Call your card issuer and ask for a lower rate and seek help from lenders. Before you miss a payment, contact a credit-counseling agency.

Pay off medical bills. Make sure the bills are correct before you pay anything, build your case if a claim is denied, and negotiate with service providers to reduce your bill or set up a payment plan.

Shrink student loan debt. Pay off loans with the highest interest rate first and look for discounts, as some lenders cut their interest rates if you make automatic payments from your bank account. Also, be sure to take advantage of tax breaks—in 2007, you can deduct up to $2,500 in student-loan interest if you meet certain salary criteria.

Fix adjustable-rate mortgages. Refinance into a fixed-rate loan if you have good credit. If you have trouble refinancing or you’ve already missed payments, ask your lender for help."

_____________



The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

The Power of Light: A Cheap Fix for the Home

Our dinner guests moved into the kitchen to read a book and a light bulb went off in my head: Our dining and living rooms were just too dim. Fortunately, a silver, beaded hanging light came to our rescue. New lighting improved the visibility and the decor of my home with just a small investment.

My husband found an attractive fixture -- $10, marked down from $40 -- in the clearance aisles of Urban Outfitters, a national chain. We also upped the wattage by changing our light bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that use 75 percent less energy than a standard 60-watt bulb and will save energy and money.

''Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of a home's electricity costs, with the average home containing more than 30 light fixtures, so it represents an opportunity to save on energy bills,'' said Anibal Sepulveda, regional communications manager for The Home Depot.

With our new fixture and bulbs, we expected more light, but we were surprised by the transformation of our living room. Everything -- the wall colors, the furniture and the accessories -- looked upgraded.

Affordable lights are available at high-end specialty stores, national chains, garage sales and thrift stores. Melissa Zegans, store supervisor for six Salvation Army stores in Broward County, says light fixtures and chandeliers are sold there for as little as $10. Her inventory includes one-of-a-kind lights, antique crystal chandeliers ($50) and Tiffany-style lights.
''We get new shipments every day, usually earlier in the day,'' Zegans says.

''Selecting a light fixture is more than just choosing a beam of light. Lighting sets the mood and tone for a home,'' Sepulveda says.

Home Depot offers these tips for selecting fixtures:
• Pendant lights that dangle from ceiling are a great source for general lighting.
• For the best visibility, hanging lights or chandeliers in an entry way should measure two inches wide for every foot of width in a room.
• Track lights can be combined with other fixtures for general lighting or used as accent lighting.

This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Breaking the Bottled Water Habit

One community group is throwing down a challenge: Can we break our addiction to bottled water? The group: Center for a New American Deam offers these suggestions:

"This Month: Break the Bottled Water Habit

* Switch from disposable to reusable water bottles
* Buy a filter for your tap water if necessary

The first step is making sure you have a non-toxic reusable water bottle to use on the go. Find a few options on Conscious Consumer.
You should also find out about the quality of tap water in your area. In much of the country it's just as, if not more, healthy than some bottled water."

There are other strategies. I recommend checking it out. Here's the link:
______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Frugal Home Merchandise at Habitat for Humanity Restore

Great bargains in new and used home merchandise are available at The Habitat for Humanity Restore , a national not-for-profit home accessories chain. In Miami, for example, the Restore recently received a donation of 500 vintage cloth napkins in excellent condition, according to Steve Levin, director. The Restore offered the napkins for 10 cents each and the collection sold out in just a few days.

At other Restore locations, nails are as cheap as 50 cents a box, doors are $10 and filing cabinets are $5 to $40, says Nancy Daly, chairwoman of The Habitat for Humanity Restore in Broward County. Restore sells desks priced from $25 to $250. The store's merchandise includes new furniture donated by national and regional stores such as City Furniture and El Dorado. In South Florida and throughout the country, Restores receive new furniture (slightly damaged or discontinued pieces) from major retailers.


_____________

The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

How to Organize Your Desk Cheaply

It's frugal to be organized because disorganization can cost time and money. But complex (and often expensive) organizational systems don't really work for me. The maze of color-coded files, in-out boxes and other structures overwhelm my brain. But these desk-top fixes from Better Home and Garden's Storage magazine don't seem complicated or expensive.



Here are a few cheap fixes for the desk:


1) Buy a pre-fab shoe house. Those little cardboard or wooden cubbies made for holding shoes in your closet are great for segregating and organizing office supplies, desk appliances (small clock, stapler, etc) and other office tools.


2) Use a Lazy Susan. The spinning serving dish -- designed for the dining room table -- also provides a frugal and easy-to-use organizational system for your desk. Each rotating section is ideal for holding pens, markers, paperclips, rulers or other supplies. I plan to look for a wooden Lazy Susan at a thrift store and use that unit for paper clips, pens and other frequently used items.


3. Old lunch boxes: Flea markets are filled with old metal lunch boxes. Storage magazine recommends recycling and labeling old lunch boxes as storage space for supplies and office gadgets.


______________

The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Saving Money & Resources with Cloth Napkins

Switching from paper napkins to cloth can save money and natural resources.
For instance, earth 911, a nonprofit group based in Arizona, calculates that paper towels and napkins cost more than $260 a year for a family of four.

But given the time and resources needed to launder cloth napkins, other experts are divided about the true savings.

Several factors determine the economic, time and environmental savings of cloth napkins, according to Dave Tilford, senior writer at the Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit consumer watchdog organization in Maryland.
His advice:
• Use cloth napkins made from organic cotton, linen or hemp.
• Launder the cloth in cold water, which saves money and energy.
• Line dry for greater savings.

Judith Zwolak, Family Finances editor at Suite 101.com, an online news service, estimates that her family has saved $8 to $10 by switching from paper to cloth napkins in the last month. Plus, family dining has become more elegant and Zwolak doesn't feel guilty about filling landfills with paper napkins.

From gifts and yard sales, Zwolak had collected a large stack of cloth napkins that were rarely used. Personalized napkin rings, a wicker basket and seating assignments have helped Zwolak get more mileage out of her cloth napkin collection.

This is her strategy:
• Each family member has personalized a napkin ring with stickers.
• The cloth napkins are laundered every few days, more often if needed. But between uses, the napkins are stored in a wicker basket.
Cloth napkins -- new and vintage -- are available from a variety of sources, including retail chains, auctions and estate sales.
At one yard sale, for example, my husband and I picked up a large stack of Ralph Lauren cloth dinner napkins -- all new -- in various colors and patterns for 50 cents each. As a bonus, the seller threw in elegant napkins rings in different sizes and shapes for 25 cents each.

This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.



______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Free Costume Making Classes

Many craft stores -- regional and national chains -- offer free DIY costume-making classes. "Just pay for materials and an instructor helps you make your own costume," according to the Oct. 23 issue of Woman's World magazine.

For instance, this weekend Michael's is offering a mask-making class: ("MASKerade Masks 10am - Noon $2 US, $3 Canada"). Check the store calendar in your area for times, dates and other details. go to the website and plug in your zip code for regional details.


Meanwhile, on this link, the chain offers a lot of affordable, last minute DIY costume ideas.
______________

The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Affordable Nightstands & Unusual Furniture Choices

Every nightstand has a story.

I paid $25 at a second-hand store in midtown Manhattan for a wooden nightstand that now holds some of my favorite books. Originally, it functioned as a living room end table in a large loft apartment that I shared with a cast of single women in New York. Years later in Miami, that table has a second life in the master bedroom.

Rearranging my furniture has taught me this lesson: Affordable, attractive and unique nightstands and other bedroom furniture can be used in every room of the house. Melissa Tosetti, editor of Budget Savvy, (www.budgetsavvymag.com), an online magazine, found her bedroom nightstand in the bathroom department.

''My husband and I were looking for a nightstand for our Bali-themed bedroom,'' Tosetti told me. ``I wasn't willing to spend $150 to $300. We stumbled across the perfect item at Target for just $60. The piece is actually a bathroom cabinet.''

Even the gardening section of Home Depot can offer outdoor fixtures, shelves and units that provide storage space and decorative touches in bedrooms, Tosetti said.

''Keeping your eyes and mind open while shopping will help you net unique items and save big bucks,'' she said.

Storage magazine, published by Better Homes and Gardens, features ''unconventional bedside tables'' in the new fall/winter issue. The article suggests office furniture such as file cabinets and computer printer stands can be used to hold books, magazines, tea cups and other items stored on traditional nightstands. A coffee table and a matching storage cube from a den or living room can be tucked into a bedroom and used to hold reading lamps, papers and other accessories.
In my home, my husband has repainted and recycled low bookcases and small odd tables as bedroom furniture.

Even the kitchen can supply unusual storage pieces for the bedroom. Storage magazine recommends wooden vegetable bins sold at cabinet or container stores or on eBay. Refinished and relocated into the bedroom, those bins -- especially the taller multilevel ones -- can serve as a nightstand or as cubbies in children's bedrooms. Vegetable bins are ideal for organizing and storing clothes, toys and books. What's more, the horizontal lid can support a small lamp or alarm clock.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Cutting the Land Line & Other Frugal Tips From CCCS

I liked these tips for cutting housing expenses from Consumer Credit Counseling Service www.cccsinc.org or www.cccsenespanol.org:

"Look for savings inside and outside your home – Start by evaluating some of your monthly services and determine which are absolutely necessary. Do you really need 250 channels, or could you live with basic cable or without cable at all?

- If you use your cell phone as your primary phone, consider disconnecting your land line. If you can’t bear to part with your phone, cable and internet access, shop around. Many companies offer options to “bundle” these services together at a significant discount.

- Turn down the thermostat. According to a recent report by Consumer Reports, lowering the temperature by 5 or 10 degrees at night and when no one is at home can slash your energy bills by up to 20 percent per year. If you can’t remember to change your thermostat, consider installing the programmable kind—they are available for as little as $30 and can add up to big savings.

- Reduce your grocery bill. By planning your meals, making a list before you shop and avoiding shopping while hungry, you can save substantially on your grocery bill. Compare prices on your staple items, buy in bulk when it is more cost effective, and avoid making more than weekly trips to the store. Watching for specials, such as “buy one, get one free” offers and using coupons can also maximize savings. Consider bringing your lunch to work—you can save $5 to $15 per day.

- Skyrocketing gas prices have taken a toll on everyone’s wallet. Planning your trips to minimize driving times, carpooling, and using alternative modes of transportation when possible can all add up to savings at the pump.

Reduce Homeowners Insurance costs – Consider increasing your deductible, which can reduce your premiums, but will require you to pay more out of pocket if you make a claim. If you have more than one policy with the same insurance carrier, such as home and auto, you can typically get a 5 to 15 percent savings on your premium. You might also qualify for a discount if your home has smoke alarms, a monitored security system, or hurricane shutters.

Florida homeowners may also receive significant discounts in their insurance premiums by having a wind mitigation report. For about $150, homeowners can have a certified inspector evaluate their home’s ability to withstand wind. In addition to receiving recommendations on how to better secure your home, you may be eligible for savings of hundreds of dollars or more per year. Visit www.mysafefloridahome.com for more information.

Evaluate your property taxes and explore homestead exemption – As the housing market boomed, so did the appraised value of many houses. If you think your property values are overestimated, you can request that they be reevaluated. If your appraised value is lowered, your taxes will also be reduced. Check your state’s homestead exemption policy. In many states, filing for homestead exemption will reduce the taxable value of your home and may also limit your annual increases in property tax."
--source: from Consumer Credit Counseling Service www.cccsinc.org or ww.cccsenespanol.org:

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Big Halloween Spenders

Halloween spending translates into hefty receipts, according to this survey, which arrived in my mailbox today.

My advice: Shop in November for next year. After Halloween, decorations, costumes and party accessories sell at 75 percent and 90 percent discounts.

But here's the survey:

"A new survey released by Visa Inc. shows that seventy three percent of Americans celebrate – and spend on – Halloween. According to the survey, among those who celebrate Halloween, the average will spend $40 on candy and decorations. Parents with children under 18 will spend $54 on candy and decorations while those without children under 18 will spend $32. Of mention, Dads tend to go all out, spending $63, while moms are more conservative, spending $46.

“You wouldn't think you'd have to budget for something as 'fun' as Halloween. But I believe all expenditures, large and small, are better planned for in advance,” said personal finance expert and best-selling author Jean Chatzky. “Whether you are buying candy or a car, planning a budget is critical to staying in overall good financial health.”

Additional findings in the survey include:

Men ($46) who celebrate Halloween report spending $12 more than women ($34).
Younger people ($44) say they spend more than those 55 and over ($31).
Those who live in rural areas ($49) spend $10 more on average than people living in urban areas ($39) and $13 more than suburbanites ($36).

To help consumers budget for holidays or other financial events, Visa Inc. offers parents, teachers and consumers of all ages free access to a financial education program called Practical Money Skills for Life."


_____________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

5 Reasons Why I have No New Fall Clothes

I shopped differently this year. I skipped all of the seasonal sales. By my estimate, I've saved at least $200 and possibly much more.

Last year, and the year before, I scored hefty savings by purchasing my entire wardrobe for the year at upscale stores at thrift store prices. Basically, all of the national chains sell their summer/early fall clothing at super cheap prices in Aug. and September. Those items work well year-round in Miami. Two years ago, for instance, I purchased a $100 jacket for $15 at Ann Taylor Loft and last year: a $129 skirt for $30 at Anthropologie.

Usually, I "save" by purchasing cart-loads of clothes at steep discounts. But this year, I purchased nothing new for the summer/fall season. Here's why:

1. Too much of a good thing. In previous years, I purchased far more than I needed. I have barely worn some of my past purchases. When I can find the back of my closet and the bottom of my clothes cabinet, I'll go shopping again.

2. Not enough time. I've been too busy to shop. I've found other hobbies that are more satisfying and less expensive. Besides, I'd rather spend my extra time with my kids or use my spare time to earn more money.

3. Free clothes. My sister-in-law gave me a lot of great hand-me-downs in terrific shape. Why do I need more stuff?

4. I found better uses for my money. We fixed the car; attended my parent's 50th Anniversary and paid bills. With all of that going on, do I really need another skirt?

5. Sale items often fickle flavor-of-the month items: For the most part, I purchase classic items. But last year, I purchased a black handkerchief skirt and two short jackets that now look sooo dated. I still like them, and wear them, but I learned a valuable lesson: Don't invest in hot-flash fashion trends.




______________


The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Do-it-Yourself Art for Your Walls

Are you stuck with a crate of old album covers or a postcard collection? Old art pieces, including vintage magazine photos and record covers, can be framed, nailed and displayed on your walls, according to design mavens. Here are some tips from the pros:


• Think in multiples. Arrange postcards and photographs in clusters of six, nine or 12, says Stella Bugbee, design director at Domino magazine. Small photographs or cards can be framed individually or as a group in a single frame. A professional framer can create a large, matted arrangement or, with double-sided tape, you can do it yourself.


• Go vintage. Old mod scarves and unusual fabrics look elegant and artful when stretched tight over a canvas. As a DIY project, use a staple gun to attach cloth to a pretreated canvas, Bugbee says.


• Flip through old magazines. Many famous photographers, such as Irving Penn, have a wide portfolio of glossy magazine portraits. Vintage magazines from garage sales, thrift stores and eBay offer photographs from famous names that are suitable for framing.

• Find your inner photographer. Create your own abstract art by snapping close-ups of flowers and other subjects. For the best results, use film or a high-resolution setting on a digital camera and blow up photos to a large format before framing, Bugbee says.

• Create a family gallery. Jonni McCoy, author of http://www.miserlymoms.com/ and a real McCoy from the Arkansas branch of the infamous feuding family, has decorated her dining room with framed pieces created by her children.


• Display your pots. McCoy decorates her kitchen walls with the copper pots handed down from her grandmother. ''Don't keep them shiny,'' she says. Copper pots are more valuable when the patina shows.


• Hang up the quilts. Family quilts double as great wall hangings. Drape over curtain rods or use quilt hangers sold in craft, rug and quilt stores.


• Hunt for frames. Old frames can be recycled from discarded paintings and posters. You can also find low-cost frames at second-hand shops, garage sales and dollar stores. When you need an expert's touch, McCoy recommends waiting for two-for-one framing sales or other discounts at craft stores.

This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

My Favorite Picks from the 94th Festival of Frugality

At My Two Dollars : The Festival Of Frugality Is Collecting Social Security. It's an excellent carnival. Here are a few of the posts that caught my eye.

MoneyNing presents Do You Live Frugal Just To Buy Fancy Luxuries For Yourself? posted at Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning.

Penny Nickel presents Think before you buy! A wallet-sized reminder of your priorities posted at Money and Values.

Millionaire Mommy Next Door presents 8 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy posted at Millionaire Mommy Next Door.

Frugal Panda presents Fly or Drive: Which is Cheaper? (A Definitive Answer, Once and For All) posted at Frugal Panda.

patti presents Free and Cheap Food posted at 2nd Grade Teacher.

the baglady presents Why Games Have More Entertainment Value for Your Money than Other Media posted at The Baglady.

terry presents How to Send Your Kid to College with no College Fund posted at Savvy Frugality

thanks to the host for providing such a well-organized carnival. It's a great read.
______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

Fertilizer from Starbucks, Cheap Anti-Cellulite Cream & Other Uses for Coffee Grounds

Who Knew? Coffee grounds are good for home repairs, gardening, and beauty. Here are a few tips that I've collected, including tips that I've tried or heard about from a friend.

My latest ode to coffee was inspired by the October 1, 2007 issue of First for Women magazine.

1. Plant food: Dump used coffee grounds on plants. A grandmother of one my friend's always did this with her old coffee and tea grounds. Used grounds "refreshen soil elements," according to First magazine. A thin coat over dirt helps to fertilize your garden and "precipitation will release nitrogen from the coffee grounds into the soil," the magazine reports. This also enhances new plant growth.

You can also get free used grounds from some Starbucks cafes.


2. Meat tenderizer: First offers a recipe that calls for coffee grounds as a "tasty marinade."
I eat mostly vegetarian, but I will try this recipe when we have steak.

a. Mix in a bowl: 1/3 cup of coffee grounds and 1/3 cup of pepper (coarsely grounded)
b. Lather steaks in olive oil
c. Dip steaks in coffee mix
d. Refrigerate steaks for half-hour before grilling.

The reasoning behind the seasoning: "The tannic acids in the coffee break down tough muscle fibers to make the meat more tender," the magazine reports. Also the coffee beefs up the flavor in the meat

3. Hair dye: Yes, I have tried this and yes, it sort-of works. Cooled coffee, when poured over the hair, actually deepens hair color. After my coffee treatment, my hair was richer, darker and java-scented.

Here's is the First recipe:

1/4 cup of coffee grounds
3 cups of hot water
steep the coffee in the water
Let it cool!
Dump the coffee (strained?) over your hair
Let it sit for a few minutes
Rinse your hair with warm water

Here's how it works: The "tannins" in the coffee serve as a natural hair dye: "This dark dye also conceals gray hair between touch-ups."--source: First magazine.


4. Prevent clogged drains. (Disclaimer: This procedure is not recommended for pipes that are fully clogged or backed up.)

1/2 cup of used coffee grounds
4 cups of warm water
pour the grounds into the drain
use this procedure once a week to prevent clogged sink pipes.

The process: "As the grounds move through the tubes, friction against the internal walls dislodges stuck food to keep the pipes clear and running smoothly." source: First

Other uses for coffee grounds:

• eliminates/reduces odors in refrigerators: On a bottom shelf, leave a bowl of filtered coffee grounds in your frig over night.
• furniture repair: Mix 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds in four ounces of hot water. Let it sit for five minutes. Using a cotton swap, apply the coffee mix to nicks in dark furniture. "The tannins in coffee act as a dye to darken scratches, making the marks less obvious," First reports.
• cellulite cream: apply this mixture to dimpled skin: 1/2 cup of used or fresh coffee grounds and 2/3 cup of olive oil. Massage this coffee-olive oil paste into your cellulite patches for 2 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For tight skin, take this action twice a week. The How: The coffee with caffeine "dehydrates fat cells." The rough texture exfoliates the skin! Hmmmm?

______________




The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__

How to Prep & Pack for a Yard Sale: Tips from Fire Finance

A successful yard sale outing depends more on planning and less on shopping, according to the folks at Fire Finance (www.firefinance.blogspot.com/), a top-rated personal finance blog written by Amalendu Haldar and his wife, Hoimonti Basu, a pair of engineers from Boston. Using maps, power tools, paper towels and ropes, they hunt down yard sale deals for their home. Here are some of their tips:


Create a wish list. The Fire Finance team maintains a list of items needed around their home. ''We keep a simple notebook and pen on our kitchen counter. When we need something, we write it in this notebook,'' they told me during a recent online interview.


Establish priorities. Not every item on their wish list falls into the must-have/must-buy category. After a one-week cooling-off period, the engineers evaluate each item on the basis of need vs. want. ''We wait and see if we can really do without it,'' they said.


Get out the maps. After sorting through the weekly list of yard sales, the husband-and-wife team spends time mapping out the shortest route, with the help of Google, Yahoo! and AAA.com. This step saves time and gas, they say. They use the mileage estimate provided by the online trip-planning services to eliminate sales that are too far. (They will, however, travel 50 to 75 miles if a garage sale advertises a big-ticket item from their wish list.)


Pack your bags. The duo packs power tools, a rope, paper towels and a measuring tape. These items are used for dissembling, cleaning up, carting away or measuring purchases.
And you might want to pack food: Well-fed shoppers make smarter decisions.

This is from my latest column in the home & design section of the Miami Herald.

______________





The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
__