tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34147727503264775322024-03-19T05:01:36.173-04:00Saving and the Single Girlsavingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-77138202441887843962011-05-03T18:24:00.002-04:002011-07-12T21:04:26.442-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 5/3/2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYycqYMzy42WifM4QeANzU4tqUTm_eeNLfrx8s8Nlpt69RHKT__6ZBZ-Jufsdfvqdgu8ltECWX_Z5-woDvKGpCDc_9C5TATIRhXzarFM58cOCkrFHfsLWIIw8bTxBn2HaWh83d6TvGbg/s1600/TT_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYycqYMzy42WifM4QeANzU4tqUTm_eeNLfrx8s8Nlpt69RHKT__6ZBZ-Jufsdfvqdgu8ltECWX_Z5-woDvKGpCDc_9C5TATIRhXzarFM58cOCkrFHfsLWIIw8bTxBn2HaWh83d6TvGbg/s1600/TT_logo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 14.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tip #1:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Remember your reusable shopping bags when you go to the store. Not only are you helping to keep down the use of plastic bags, some stores even reward you for being so conscientious. (Target gives you a 5-cent credit for each bag used. Might not seem like much, but it adds up!)</span></span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 14.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tip #2: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For many of us pet owners, it’s time to start thinking about flea and heartworm meds. Instead of purchasing these from your vet’s office, you can save some money by getting a written prescription instead. Then shop online (at reputable sources) to get these meds online. (For other ideas for saving on pet care, see <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-save-on-pet-needs.html"><span style="color: #339933;">this post</span></a> or <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-post-on-my-pet-savings.html"><span style="color: #339933;">my guest post on My Pet Savings</span></a>.)</span></span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 14.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tip #3: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use olive oil around the house: rub or spray some on your measuring tools for easy clean-up of sticky substances like honey; rub it onto hand and arms (or faces) and allow the oil to soak into the skin for five minutes, then rinse with soap and water to remove paint from skin; rub a bit on a clean rag to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish on stainless steel or brass.</span></span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can check out last week's tips </span><span style="color: #8e2995; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/tuesdays-tips-for-4262011.html"><span style="color: #339933;">here</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. All of the tips so far are available <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/p/tuesdays-tips.html">here</a>. And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. </span><span style="color: #339933; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com"><span style="color: #339933;">Email me</span></a>.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-60918686395152002952011-04-26T20:02:00.000-04:002011-04-26T20:02:38.709-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 4/26/2011<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> Keep moving without spending a cent! For a low-cost workout, check to see whether you cable plan offers any free on-demand fitness channels. Netflix has a good selection of online exercise videos. And your local library likely has a good selection as well. </span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>Save time, energy, space and money when wrapping gifts. Instead of having various rolls of paper or gift bags for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, housewarmings, retirements, hostess gifts ... stock only white paper and gift bags. You can then customize with colorful ribbons and/or tissue paper to suit the occasion.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong>An easy, inexpensive way to clean your microwave: Add four tablespoons lemon juice to 1 cup water in a microwave-safe, four-cup bowl. Boil for five minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven. Then wipe clean.</span></span></div></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can check out last week's tips </span><a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/tuesdays-tips-for-4192011.html"><span style="color: #8e2995; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. All of the tips so far are available <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/p/tuesdays-tips.html">here</a>. And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. <span style="color: #339933;"><a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com">Email me</a>.</span></span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-1121419003423977122011-04-22T18:52:00.001-04:002011-04-22T18:55:09.537-04:00How to be generous on a budget, Part 1: Charity<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsMgqQ_dFHu9_UT_P_yD4XJF50DpWEozwmKyZFuUdLuqrOIo1443g8_6M9SWv5SGu6VXNLot6dfYIjvbSTFySdUh08yUZYZBEvVLj1cg5oPzc2Qn4WSA3XDy0HQXHyL5AVgqWgoJKo2Y/s1600/hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsMgqQ_dFHu9_UT_P_yD4XJF50DpWEozwmKyZFuUdLuqrOIo1443g8_6M9SWv5SGu6VXNLot6dfYIjvbSTFySdUh08yUZYZBEvVLj1cg5oPzc2Qn4WSA3XDy0HQXHyL5AVgqWgoJKo2Y/s320/hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Despite signs that our economy is picking up, times are still tough. Grocery prices keep going up, and the cost of gas is frightening. So, how do you strike a balance between being wise with your money and being generous?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The good news is that it can be pretty easy to give back without having to spend a lot.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pick up extra</b>. If there’s a good deal on something that you use—say, toothpaste or cans of tuna—(or even something you don’t) such that you can get it for free or with little cost, think about picking up that item to donate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food pantries will take non-perishables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many soup kitchens will take produce. </span><a href="http://www.abwrochester.org/WishLists.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Women’s shelters</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> are thrilled to receive shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene items, deodorant, shaving cream and the like. And don’t forget out furry friends! A can of dog or cat food can be less than $1 and will allow someone receiving their own meals from </span><a href="http://www.mowaa.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meals on Wheels</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to feed their pet.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Instead of throwing it out, donate it. </b>Did you know that most animal shelters will gladly take old blankets, towels and pillows? Often they can use </span><a href="http://www.vsas.org/join.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">old stuffed animals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and even empty pill bottles (they use them to send home meds with adopted pets). In Rochester we have a “</span><a href="http://www.craftbitsandpieces.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">craft thrift store</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">” which accepts and then resells craft items and unfinished craft projects. Many school teachers are grateful to get craft supplies for their classrooms. Old magazines might be welcome at local medical or dental offices; I take mine to the waiting area at my mechanic’s.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Donate your time. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charitable organizations need physical help as much as they need monetary and in-kind donations. </span><a href="http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Habitat for Humanity</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> would not be able to build houses if people did not volunteer their time to lay the foundations and build the walls of those homes. The local poor would not get fed at the </span><a href="http://www.opendoormission.com/programs/soup-kitchen.asp"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">soup kitchen</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> if volunteers did not help prepare the food. Yes, it is a sacrifice. But it won’t cost you a cent.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Better yet, donate a skill. </b>If you have a professional skill, a few hours of your time donated to a worthy cause can be invaluable. If you’re a seamstress, you could sew costumes for the local high school’s theater department. Or make </span><a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pillowcases dresses</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for little girls in Africa. If you’re an artist, you might make a great docent at the local art museum. Do you know how to repair bicycles? There are </span><a href="http://rcommunitybikes.net/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">organizations that help fix up old bikes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for kids whose families can’t afford their own. I </span><a href="http://www.snugglesproject.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">knit blankets for the animal shelter</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> using leftover yarn and yarn I wouldn’t use for other projects. </span><a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Project Linus</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> provides homemade blankets to children who are terminally ill or traumatized. If you can read, then you have a skill that is in demand by </span><a href="http://www.literacyrochester.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Literacy Volunteers</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Does your company match gifts? </b>My employer has policy of matching certain gifts, and also offers a “dollars for doers” program where they will match volunteer hours by employees with a monetary gift to the charity. They also provide two paid volunteer days to full-time employees. Find out if your employer offers any similar programs and be sure to take advantage of them.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you’re not sure where to begin, try </span><a href="http://www.volunteermatch.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">VolunteerMatch.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to find a charity that supports what is important to you. If you aren’t sure what charity might be able to use whatever items you have to give, a few Google searches, or looking at local charity “wish lists” might be helpful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next up: How to be generous on a budget, Part 2: Gift giving</span></i></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-30788997694767013292011-04-19T23:22:00.001-04:002011-04-19T23:27:00.276-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 4/19/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6Xdar9rkACRTB2a-lVcU7g9VwKEYKnnV0bilnlt8dGDS6L2pLbWA3ZyR4LuBYMUe747eEiaFMpXyzWQjAPwI1mGbDledi4XkyrvCAcs9g8oRZeG6f80FqD8ld6BmfziTgM9-nIFWlo/s1600/TT_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6Xdar9rkACRTB2a-lVcU7g9VwKEYKnnV0bilnlt8dGDS6L2pLbWA3ZyR4LuBYMUe747eEiaFMpXyzWQjAPwI1mGbDledi4XkyrvCAcs9g8oRZeG6f80FqD8ld6BmfziTgM9-nIFWlo/s1600/TT_logo.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5af43IWht1U3YwJouT4ZNggOHdZi2Sghyphenhyphen2Vm-ujA8kaAM9W4PlHkAUzP3cr8MP_rkEGTwzp3HxK_GkcCduciPQaw8haxDC5_hC8xvBu3PIjQV3Ngd6AoM6NOXV0LWrRXZ4fHWl2dHHHk/s1600/earth15.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5af43IWht1U3YwJouT4ZNggOHdZi2Sghyphenhyphen2Vm-ujA8kaAM9W4PlHkAUzP3cr8MP_rkEGTwzp3HxK_GkcCduciPQaw8haxDC5_hC8xvBu3PIjQV3Ngd6AoM6NOXV0LWrRXZ4fHWl2dHHHk/s1600/earth15.gif" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In honor of Earth Day (April 22), here are three things you can get for free this weekend:</span></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On April 22, bring a reuseable mug or tumbler into Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee or tea, hot or iced. Or you can get your free drink in a "for here" cup and enjoy it in the store. (Linmited to participating stores in U.S. and Canada.)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lowe's is celebrating Earth Day by giving away a million trees <br />
Visit your local Lowe's on April 23 to get your tree.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Home Depot is offering free classes on April 23: Live Green. Save Green. Spring Eco Workshop, Eco-Friendly Gardening, Spring Interior Projects Checklist, and/or Spring Interior Projects Checklist may be available in your area. Call your local store or visit </span><a href="http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx?Type=3"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx?Type=3</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to see what they are offering.</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can check out last week's tips </span></span><a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/tuesdays-tips-for-4122011.html"><span style="color: #8e2995; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. </span></span><a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com"><span style="color: #339933; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Email me</span></span></a></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-31051835649267174532011-04-12T20:06:00.002-04:002011-04-12T20:14:36.321-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 4/12/2011<div class="post-body entry-content"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> Keep a few basic tools handy in a kitchen drawer for everyday use and avoid digging out the toolbox. I suggest this collection should include a flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, tape measure, needle-nose pliers and maybe a hammer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>Make your own laundry soap. It's pretty easy, really cheap and you'll know what's in it. Find recipes here: </span><a href="http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong>If you have dogs or cats, it's likely that you are constantly battling their fur ... everywhere. To help get the fur off your clothes when you launder them, wash all loads on the highest water level. The higher water level helps jostle the fur out.</span></li>
</ul></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can check out last week's tips </span><a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesdays-tips-for-3292011.html"><span style="color: #8e2995; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. (Well, they're really from two weeks ago--sorry!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. </span><a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com"><span style="color: #339933; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Email me</span></a>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-46744743112387354762011-04-11T06:51:00.000-04:002011-04-11T06:51:18.497-04:00The frugal queen of my castle: Saving on home repairs<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPqODuNu4X9b7qRx74_Kt23hWGUJedCN1nBFrtZe6EeXPA7D1AFU5bmLIIhY84b__uqg99wnJfUe5dvgofUWOxL-s99luwtKJeGMwVw8t3uYiFEPkZjSEU_EGp8LzIVZ0YyCoVzUvl2U/s1600/moen_finl_10207857.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPqODuNu4X9b7qRx74_Kt23hWGUJedCN1nBFrtZe6EeXPA7D1AFU5bmLIIhY84b__uqg99wnJfUe5dvgofUWOxL-s99luwtKJeGMwVw8t3uYiFEPkZjSEU_EGp8LzIVZ0YyCoVzUvl2U/s1600/moen_finl_10207857.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, as previously mentioned, I bought a house toward the end of 2009. Unlike renting a home owned by someone else, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">owning</b> a house makes you solely responsible. Responsible if the blower motor on your furnace (which furnace happens to be almost as old as you are) goes out on the coldest weekend of the year. And responsible for paying the oil bill to keep said furnace well fed through Western New York winters. Responsible for cutting the grass, shoveling the drive and battling the industrious planting of squirrels. (I’ve got a half-dozen trees growing in the two-foot strip between the garage and the fence that I now have to kill. Thanks guys!) If the roof leaks, or the tub leaks, or the utility sink drain leaks, I’m the one who gets to decide when and how it gets fixed. There’s a definite upside to homeownership; don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with the decision I made. But that’s not what I’m talking about today.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What do you do then, when the faucet won’t stop dripping, you need to change the locks or you accidentally flush a plastic bottle down the toilet and it gets stuck? Thankfully, there are options.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Fix it yourself. Seriously, once you stop laughing, you’ll realize that there are some home repairs that aren’t that tough. I replaced my old thermostat with a programmable one. I also changed all the locks myself. I’ve learned how to use a miter box and am steadily increasing my stash of power tools. Don’t take on big projects first, if ever. Ask friends and family if the task is one they’ve completed and the relative level of difficulty. There are great online resources, like <a href="http://www.doityourself.com/">doityourself</a>. They tend to be pretty upfront about the complexity of the repairs or improvements. There are also free videos on sites like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> that will walk you </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">through basic repairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Home Depot offers free </span><a href="http://homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do-It-Herself workshops</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> that cover various things--like how to change a faucet, paint a room or plant a garden. You might want to look at your town's community or continuing ed courses. You'll often find classes on such topics as how to tile a shower or counter, or how to change a light fixture.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>If you have a boyfriend, brother, father, friendly neighbor, etc., who happened to be at all handy at home repairs, now’s the time to beg or barter. Play the damsel-in-distress card if you must. But be aware that there can be consequences. Often home repairs look simple enough—until you attempt to fix them. So, you might assume that the task at hand will simply require something straightforward (a bathroom drain that needs to be snaked) but as the work progresses, it turns out that it’s not that easy (it’s blocked with roots). Will your knight in</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> shining armor know when to say “uncle”? If his attempts to fix the problem make it worse, how will that affect the relationship? And who will cover the cost for the professional?</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Find a good handyman. If you can find a competent, trustworthy jack-of-all-trades who can fix things around the house, you’ll save yourself some cash. My handyman has taken care of plumbing and electrical issues for me, as well as put in a door where there used to be a window and replaced my kitchen sink and faucet. He also got the hot water heater working again when the pilot light mysteriously went out. All for $30/hour, plus materials. Hiring a plumber costs about $125 for the first hour and $60 for each additional hour. An electrician will cost about $50/hour.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And, if all else fails, call in the professionals. If you don’t already have a relationship with a plumber/roofer/electrician/landscaper/HVAC-person ask friends and family for recommendations. Also, services like <a href="http://www.angieslist.com/">Angie’s List</a> can be a great help in finding someone who is trustworthy and reputable. Sites like <a href="http://www.servicemagic.com/">ServiceMagic</a> can also be helpful. I do have to admit that in desperation, I used ServiceMagic and went with the person they recommended to replace some gutters. It did not go well, but was resolved in the end.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Also, when dealing with a professional, make sure to get a written estimate. In fact, get at least two, and maybe three. Compare. Ask questions and understand where the differences are. When I needed a new roof, I had one estimate for $3500, another for $4500 and one for $7000. The first was someone who was uninsured. The second was from a reputable, smaller operation recommended to me by friends. The third was from a larger company, one that advertises on television. What were the differences? Well, insurance to start with. The larger company also provided me with lots of glossy, pretty brochures. Their people show up in matching shirts and vans printed with the company logo. There’s nothing wrong with that. But I went with the less formal, less expensive option and saved myself a couple thousand dollars in the process.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">If you do hire someone, make sure that you feel comfortable with him (or her) and that he or she is willing to explain what work is needed and how AND WHEN it’ll be completed. This service professional should be able to provide you with a written estimate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure that whoever you hire (and his or her crew, if applicable) is insured. Also make sure that he or she is bonded. (</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This allows a client to make a claim to be reimbursed or compensated for any money lost if a contractor quits or abandons a project without completing the project.) </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">If licensing is available (plumbers, electricians), ask whether this person is licensed. Ask for references and call them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">You can also consider a home warranty. There are various companies and various options available. Most of the reviews I’ve read have not been favorable, and most experts do not recommend investing in this type of warranty. The house I purchased was part of an estate and came with a one-year home warranty. It was more trouble than it was worth. First, they sent a plumber who lied to me and/or them (and I had to pay him $100 just to come by and assess.) Then they sent out a roofer who was uninsured and told me he planned to work on my roof during the days after working all night at Wal-Mart. The contractors they used routinely failed to call me. The warranty company got dodgy when I tried to register complaints about their contractors. (You’d think they might care if one of these folks was uninsured!)</span></span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-64356144745525942992011-04-08T19:48:00.000-04:002011-04-08T19:48:10.109-04:00Save at the salon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz6i3dvLfISN38w98qrwksgIe9_GJgkK6EE1UEOPCckpB2LcOjxJsvFQbVlpdf2XvWuRfFrwY4psRaQiudFBpxw98efySLUfNVhPh47O-mfyuxbpuqinTfw2V9fMyoROPxlihu4-4RNw/s1600/Publication2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz6i3dvLfISN38w98qrwksgIe9_GJgkK6EE1UEOPCckpB2LcOjxJsvFQbVlpdf2XvWuRfFrwY4psRaQiudFBpxw98efySLUfNVhPh47O-mfyuxbpuqinTfw2V9fMyoROPxlihu4-4RNw/s200/Publication2.jpg" width="151" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The cut I settled on.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was raised by a hairdresser. My first job was, in fact, in a beauty salon. My sister and I were often guinea pigs for new techniques and processes. So, I will tend to take risks with my hair that most people probably wouldn't. Things like a new cut or color are usually done on a whim.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My hair had gotten fairly long for me and so I decided yesterday that I needed it chopped. I tend to stick with what is roughly a chin-length bob (and this style is no exception.) But as you well know, salon services are expensive. So, here are some ideas to help you save.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, though, a general rule: remember to tip on the price the service <em>would be without discounts</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIdGCVqrBhmFF261PHDDSM3CKa0Ke7-_QfihYL1moUZ2cl9ykK7boE3E9NR2jWuL4XnuZZOouk7DEhK60sOIqUfe4-5se3-7bAzDaQg2eXqcOSDIjwX5h3YtzLbe7cZ6Vb1fZPgxLgxY/s1600/hc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIdGCVqrBhmFF261PHDDSM3CKa0Ke7-_QfihYL1moUZ2cl9ykK7boE3E9NR2jWuL4XnuZZOouk7DEhK60sOIqUfe4-5se3-7bAzDaQg2eXqcOSDIjwX5h3YtzLbe7cZ6Vb1fZPgxLgxY/s200/hc1.jpg" width="159" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, definitely not a blond...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Getting the most out the money you spend on your haircut</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Know what you want before you walk in. If you saw Michelle Williams' pixie cut and want a short cut that resembles hers, print out pictures or take in some magazine photos that show what you want. You're more likely to be satisfied if you--and the stylist--know what you want. It also doesn't hurt to know the lingo--inverted bob? stacked? texturized? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can try using an online program that lets you "try on" different hairstyles. I did this yesterday before getting a new cut. It can provide you with some idea about how styles might look, like, is blond for me? how would I look with bangs? (You can see some of my trials in the photos with this post.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Make sure your stylist knows a little about you. Do you hate your curly hair and so you straighten it daily? How much time are you willing to spend on styling your hair each day?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Pay attention during your haircut. If you have questions or concerns about what you see the stylist doing, say so. It's okay to ask him or her to explain why he or she is doing something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. Remember styles that don't require a lot of maintenance are going to give you the most bang for your buck.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmoHhjl0jqtArBTXc7oK1YtfK4vLiW72-4gYxQjcIKnkQJAiPdPGltZa3Nn7aPYQ_faQet8a4OXz0Nb6BDCUbNEFf4IUrkLrbvW6qVRprFIfWh-EPmhLA0W6oi8KqtB-JlP9BWEj3yAc/s1600/hc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmoHhjl0jqtArBTXc7oK1YtfK4vLiW72-4gYxQjcIKnkQJAiPdPGltZa3Nn7aPYQ_faQet8a4OXz0Nb6BDCUbNEFf4IUrkLrbvW6qVRprFIfWh-EPmhLA0W6oi8KqtB-JlP9BWEj3yAc/s200/hc3.jpg" width="153" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxktuRpBVWjEvgMcdSgYyNaz77fmKgl2pPxemjRxJPehjBfNSwcI8j-thC36oFQDCtst0d1IPfeLMfsuFj0WH5vBl_gUtO5TfAWyjPjXbXSIS-8L6s6f8idnAQpjkPDy6jKOpiecRHkI/s1600/hc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ha!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Saving money at the salon</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Use deals from sites like </span><a href="http://www.groupon.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Groupon</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> or </span><a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Living Social</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Make sure you understand what the deal actually entails before purchasing. Is it for a specific type of service, say, a shampoo, haircut and style or a single-process color? Or is it for a dollar amount is services, for example, $25 for $50 toward salon services?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Try a discounted salon like Supercuts or Hairzoo. You <strong>can</strong> get a decent haircut here for $20, but you'll need to be specific about what you want.</span> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxktuRpBVWjEvgMcdSgYyNaz77fmKgl2pPxemjRxJPehjBfNSwcI8j-thC36oFQDCtst0d1IPfeLMfsuFj0WH5vBl_gUtO5TfAWyjPjXbXSIS-8L6s6f8idnAQpjkPDy6jKOpiecRHkI/s1600/hc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxktuRpBVWjEvgMcdSgYyNaz77fmKgl2pPxemjRxJPehjBfNSwcI8j-thC36oFQDCtst0d1IPfeLMfsuFj0WH5vBl_gUtO5TfAWyjPjXbXSIS-8L6s6f8idnAQpjkPDy6jKOpiecRHkI/s200/hc4.jpg" width="139" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I just couldn't resist!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Visit the local beauty college for discounts on services. The students are supervised by instructors and many services are available.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. A number of low-cost nail salons have been springing up in the past decade where you can often get a mani-pedi for less than $40. While the experience here is less pampered than it might be at a more traditional salon (so, no, no one's going to offer you a glass of wine), it is cost-effective.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-53518499358278792682011-04-08T19:00:00.003-04:002011-04-08T21:44:19.854-04:00A few good grocery deals for next week (4/10) at Tops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2n1cp6lsjPDOV3qG75TFcv7IMzdc2PNymAFgUHgG-j6B4uwFnasZCFjcX1ZJBJQ4nan53KKKfBCezbXktd42GEwc4UBG9VJ39TdV3FT7P92YJ-PztrUFSRfpIbE6RwKYCgBLNKtiL9w/s1600/200px-Tops_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2n1cp6lsjPDOV3qG75TFcv7IMzdc2PNymAFgUHgG-j6B4uwFnasZCFjcX1ZJBJQ4nan53KKKfBCezbXktd42GEwc4UBG9VJ39TdV3FT7P92YJ-PztrUFSRfpIbE6RwKYCgBLNKtiL9w/s1600/200px-Tops_Logo.jpg" /></a></div>So, Tops will have Starkist tuna on sale next week for $1, so be sure to print the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/StarKist/">50-cent coupon available on their Facebook page</a> today.<br />
Also, Breyers ice creams will be $3 each. There's <a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=ydgnexc45482700&bt=vg&o=84684&c=UL&p=1HFQ53DM">a coupon available for 75 cents off one Breyers "Blasts."</a> $1.50 for Breyers isn't a bad price.<br />
I don't see much else in their ad that I'm personally too excited about.<br />
And here's a late addition: Heluva Good dips will be $1.69. There's a 50-cents-off coupon to print <a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=ydhsdnp20368360&bt=vi&o=80723&c=HG&p=migyvNAh">here</a>. Note that their French onion dip would be <em><u>perfect</u></em> in <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/best-casserole-youve-never-tried.html">the best casserole you've probably never tried</a>. YUM.savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-28635791193000860312011-04-07T11:09:00.000-04:002011-04-07T11:09:39.171-04:00Guest post on My Pet Savings!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I wrote a </span><a href="http://www.mypetsavings.com/2011/04/guest-post-save-on-your-pets-health-care.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">guest post</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for My Pet Savings. Check it out!</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-4270925691799407762011-04-05T17:37:00.000-04:002011-04-05T17:37:05.309-04:00Most things worth doing are worth over-doing.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Like most our best recipes, this one has existed for some time on a ragged piece of paper, with notes in various colors of ink as it's been tweaked and perfected over time. As I was typing it up today, I realized I should share it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When it comes to baking, I like to go above and beyond. This recipe involves more than just sweet rolls--they are cooked in a caramel made from vanilla ice cream (I like Breyer's extra-creamy vanilla.) These cannot be made in a hurry; they require time, attention, and a lot of dishes. But I promise, they <strong>are</strong> worth the effort!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cinnamon Rolls</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients:</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Caramel</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 ½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c vanilla ice cream</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2/3 c butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c brown sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½ c water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dough</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 T active dry yeast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½ c butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c white sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 t salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 c all-purpose flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Filling</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 T ground cinnamon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c brown sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 c white sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">½ c butter, softened</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Frosting</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 c confectioner’s (powdered) sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 c butter, softened</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 ½ t vanilla extract</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 ½ T milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions:</span></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Warm 1 c milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in ½ c butter; stir until melted. Add 1 c water and let cool till lukewarm.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture from step 1, yeast, 1 c white sugar, 1 t salt, 2 eggs and 2 c flour; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour ½ c at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Let dough rise 1 hour or till doubled in size. Beat down.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Divide dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a 12” x 9” rectangle. In a bowl, stir together the cinnamon and 1 c each brown and white sugars. Spread each rectangle with half of the butter (1/2 c), half of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Roll up dough, using a little water to seal the seam.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>In a small saucepan, melt 2/3 c butter. Add 1 c brown sugar, ½ c water and 1 ½ c vanilla ice cream; bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Pour caramel mixture into bottom of 2 greased 9 x 13 pans.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Cut each roll into 12-14 slices using a very sharp knife. Place pieces into greased pans on top of caramel. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. While rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, stir together confectioner’s sugar, 1/3 c butter, vanilla and 1 ½ T milk. Let rolls cool slightly then spread with frosting.</span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-83602669678793436672011-03-29T18:09:00.000-04:002011-03-29T18:09:23.642-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 3/29/2011<div class="post-body entry-content"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> While I love to cook from scratch, I don't always have time. So, for example, when you're making brownies from a box, consider customizing them a little. It's easy to use rum or flavored coffee creamer instead of water. You can also throw in some chocolate chips, Reese's pieces or M&Ms.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>If you happen to get your cell phone wet, <em>immediately</em> remove the battery from the phone and place both in a shallow container filled with a layer of dry rice. cover with rice and set aside. Leave for at least 24 hours. Hopefully, the rice will draw all the moisture away and save you from having to buy a new phone.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong>Use witch hazel and dry oats to wash your face. The oatmeal nourishes your skin while witch hazel soothes, tightens and heals. You can use oats right from the box, but might want to consider grinding them in the food processor a bit. Put some in your hand, dampen with a little witch hazel. Then add a little water. Rub on face and throat, then rinse for an inexpensive, natural face wash.</span></li>
</ul></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Check out last week's tips <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesdays-tips-for-3222011.html"><span style="color: #8e2995;">here</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. <a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com"><span style="color: #339933;">Email me</span></a></span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-89645608967950726592011-03-27T20:19:00.000-04:002011-03-27T20:19:03.656-04:00Baby food + Cream of Wheat + powdered milk = happy dog!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before I recount my adventures in baking for my pets, I wanted to mention a few more ideas about saving on pet needs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pet insurance is available. It is traditional-style insurance, where you pay upfront and get reimbursed after submitting claims. According to what I've read, it sounds like it's not likely to save you money. If you are interested in more information, check out </span><a href="http://www.petinsurancereview.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.petinsurancereview.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">An option I think is definitely worth it is investing in the pet first aid course offered by the Red Cross. You'll have to check with your local chapter to see if they offer the class and when. It costs about $35. You'll learn to check capillary refill time, how to check for dehydration, dog/cat CPR and lots of other things that can help you be prepared should your pet show signs of illness or injury.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, to the kitchen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My goal was to make something that would hopefully be healthful and inexpensive. I didn't want to make crunchy biscuits. There are lots of healthful dog biscuits out there. I wanted something that was sort of chewy, as well as easy that would keep well. The recipe I settled on had just 3 ingredients: 3 jars of meat-flavored baby food, 1/4 cup Cream of Wheat, 1/4 cup of powdered milk. I started with 2 jars of beef Gerber and 1 chicken and vegetables.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGFgwF_q9584JCvnR0VQqhIMH_yC-lYNpThyt55ws0iGTMGjUEofgygJ2cLuz1ocA8YTEYkQ8kjjobiiF-zuAJYhJeCjeYqXoBqZNsGe1_fniUMvtSd88c-uxVPHOAOSIWDxlz2KTtr8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGFgwF_q9584JCvnR0VQqhIMH_yC-lYNpThyt55ws0iGTMGjUEofgygJ2cLuz1ocA8YTEYkQ8kjjobiiF-zuAJYhJeCjeYqXoBqZNsGe1_fniUMvtSd88c-uxVPHOAOSIWDxlz2KTtr8/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The reviews of the recipe indicated that the dough would probably need more dry ingredients, and they were right. So I added more CoW and dry milk. I also added whole wheat flour and some oatmeal. The dough still sticky and was not such that I could roll it into balls.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmpA_hDWPgezEy9-Pxmk-uXLE5-1qrWAt8c-K43IgnVUrBaC5f16X9925b-JG6kHZxtBnVeqQhBRr7pvHr0bDPYr5WVWrAXzpx79zhriCBpC8J7qmTcWvH57pBXo4u_OJjz0G99gnxsU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmpA_hDWPgezEy9-Pxmk-uXLE5-1qrWAt8c-K43IgnVUrBaC5f16X9925b-JG6kHZxtBnVeqQhBRr7pvHr0bDPYr5WVWrAXzpx79zhriCBpC8J7qmTcWvH57pBXo4u_OJjz0G99gnxsU/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I pulled out the trusted cookie scooper and plopped </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmpA_hDWPgezEy9-Pxmk-uXLE5-1qrWAt8c-K43IgnVUrBaC5f16X9925b-JG6kHZxtBnVeqQhBRr7pvHr0bDPYr5WVWrAXzpx79zhriCBpC8J7qmTcWvH57pBXo4u_OJjz0G99gnxsU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">scoops onto sil-pat on cookie sheets. (The recipe technically calls for "generously greased cookie sheets.") This method worked fine. I attempted to "flatten slightly with fork" but the dough's consistency meant my attempts more smeared and smooshed than "flattened slightly."</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyL3Z1-89-DNVPei9YD7_9awQpXqv1Fj5iL0YApz9pB-Mck50Se_4G54a0PmAPrPppAaDwrSEhCmMEQEbFIPqM8NwatFRzLQ45-kqKoqWtrCuMDaKISUkmI7vVq2GNpJz3eWfXB_NofA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyL3Z1-89-DNVPei9YD7_9awQpXqv1Fj5iL0YApz9pB-Mck50Se_4G54a0PmAPrPppAaDwrSEhCmMEQEbFIPqM8NwatFRzLQ45-kqKoqWtrCuMDaKISUkmI7vVq2GNpJz3eWfXB_NofA/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvHu2LgspJxg-rM-8m6ELMLlxlpfo63XErw5ZY1rmYhpdDGlC2RC9xFjQ1gG_aS8HgbIN-uliD8wYN02piPBjyuQ2v3mzuPrlNbMe0rt95dOHzPTyBEMIMgAgnFiq_rJWHQ_UNbzvMWE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvHu2LgspJxg-rM-8m6ELMLlxlpfo63XErw5ZY1rmYhpdDGlC2RC9xFjQ1gG_aS8HgbIN-uliD8wYN02piPBjyuQ2v3mzuPrlNbMe0rt95dOHzPTyBEMIMgAgnFiq_rJWHQ_UNbzvMWE/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I baked them for about 15 minutes, till the treats started to brown. Then I removed them from the oven, letting them cool on the cookie sheets. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once cooled, they were presented to the in-house taste-tester. He seemed to approve!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_bOLlrFgji_9PgJKHvinvSpS0bFl6LzN0PmjSgcofzAGGQrDk2znwExHo6k4L-Z_mTkpSJvOjRJjAj_Q9TAtbr9gsNEmQ5f_jng8CJ-DopJtYzo-OdnzFnprnsEoD0IkwQIs0cjuROo/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_bOLlrFgji_9PgJKHvinvSpS0bFl6LzN0PmjSgcofzAGGQrDk2znwExHo6k4L-Z_mTkpSJvOjRJjAj_Q9TAtbr9gsNEmQ5f_jng8CJ-DopJtYzo-OdnzFnprnsEoD0IkwQIs0cjuROo/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As far as health benefits are concerned, these likely beat, say, the Snausages or Tiny T-Bones ingredient-wise. However, baby food isn't cheap. And this recipe made only about 20 1.5-inch round treats (which should be refrigerated and/or frozen.) So, the savings would likely be more long-range health benefits than a short-term cash saving.</span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-18844835864558121792011-03-26T08:38:00.000-04:002011-03-26T08:38:14.609-04:00Gardening virgin<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have never planted a garden. I inherited one when I moved into a house about 10 years ago. It did well that first season, no thanks to me. When I tried a revival the next summer, I was thwarted by a groundhog the size of toddler who considered my backyard plot his own personal raw food bar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have since attempted to grow tomatoes in a container. I have succeeded in getting them to grow, even bear fruit. However just as the green tomatoes reached almost-perfection, I'd come home to find them half-eaten in the middle of the yard. Squirrels!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few years ago, I grew some lettuces in a whiskey barrel planter. That actually worked out pretty well. But now, I have a house. I wanted my own house and my own yard for just this reason: to have a vegetable garden.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have determined that there will be two 6' x 4' raised beds. There will be at least 4 varieties of tomatoes. There will be rainbow chard, broccoli, lettuces, hot peppers and herbs. I also plan to add carrots, beets and peas. I thought about planting pickling cucumbers too, but the pickles I canned last summer are still sitting in the basement. Because, one, there are only so many pickles a body can eat. And, two, they cross the line on saltiness.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM4SnZx_BRToINgW23zS4Y6YVYlwFwZ4mtRdnki57vi9ItGWIPKZjUwoAxn1Qt3D0HLraHkkSAoHVgy-1tg5o6ok_WahycF02jtum_fID9H9GSo4nA_XTHJgvbUY56H7tR5OJgy2jO3A/s1600/0224111717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM4SnZx_BRToINgW23zS4Y6YVYlwFwZ4mtRdnki57vi9ItGWIPKZjUwoAxn1Qt3D0HLraHkkSAoHVgy-1tg5o6ok_WahycF02jtum_fID9H9GSo4nA_XTHJgvbUY56H7tR5OJgy2jO3A/s200/0224111717.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And they're off!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I ordered seeds from a catalog. And started them in little plastic greenhouse thing-ys. I made sure they weren't too wet or too dry. And within a few days, I had the first signs of plant life! I was so thrilled. Eventually most of the little pots of dirt had baby plants peeking out. They were living on the kitchen table, right in front of an east-facing window. But then, Dilbert became interested. And began to sit on them. Having a cat sit on you when you are a seedling trying to grow doesn't work out so well.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeyl7q76yQf6lkBKjxvPMuUl0qud7-FWIF8_80C782f5EtGp_zXJSbYykm9MCscv2-0LMWzzleIJr1-br5NJJL71nvqPrM0JwcksKnjFK-vEKuuRCSfWRn91SmiEuDZwz5CH4gY-85Ro/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeyl7q76yQf6lkBKjxvPMuUl0qud7-FWIF8_80C782f5EtGp_zXJSbYykm9MCscv2-0LMWzzleIJr1-br5NJJL71nvqPrM0JwcksKnjFK-vEKuuRCSfWRn91SmiEuDZwz5CH4gY-85Ro/s200/007.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bu now ...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dilbert is the kitty who gets into everything. He doesn't mean to be naughty; he's just curious. ("The cast" is introduced <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-save-on-pet-needs.html">here</a>.) Finding a space that is both cat-free and large enough for the seed-starting trays was a challenge. Also getting that spot in direct sunlight was impossible.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And while I have no idea what I'm doing, I am hell-bent on getting this garden to grow. So, I have determined that the best way to keep my seedlings alive and thriving long enough to have something worthy of putting in the ground is to purchase a grow light. Hopefully, my determination will pay off in bushels of delicious heirloom tomatoes!</span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-41622048024697634802011-03-24T20:33:00.001-04:002011-03-24T21:13:07.161-04:00How to save on pet needs<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I share my home with three furry four-legged creatures. Here’s the cast:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PN7jWQuAwr09qZ9LOFDJEqG9Ye4EOk-fCb9PXCMrCrkG-s6chuwGq0dwMW2WS_qbCYJPtwNNmHFPwobw9t79mIZ8aMkMmv9siWSlNTE4RqxaAW-VKdZOF08qT1mUZNUfYt8h3NDZP24/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PN7jWQuAwr09qZ9LOFDJEqG9Ye4EOk-fCb9PXCMrCrkG-s6chuwGq0dwMW2WS_qbCYJPtwNNmHFPwobw9t79mIZ8aMkMmv9siWSlNTE4RqxaAW-VKdZOF08qT1mUZNUfYt8h3NDZP24/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sebastian (aka Bubby) is my beloved almost-twelve-year-old Chihuahua. Weighing in at about 6.5 pounds, he loves napping—preferably in the sun, string cheese and bullying the cats. I’ve had him since he was a puppy. His lovely black fur is now salt-and-pepper gray, making him a distinguished older gentleman. I’d like to claim that his “accidents” on the floor are due to his advancing age, but, in reality I’m pretty sure he’s just lazy since they’ve been happening his entire life. People who claim to dislike Chihuahuas will often admit to a fondness for this little guy. (I always joke that if my dog-rearing skills indicate how I'd do at parenting, my kids would be very well-adjusted, excepting the fact that tghey still wouldn't be potty-trained at 40.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBcDWJf9xmLlmJSbS5PhxEaoM2aXkRsXPKa_9Xg32TLOy6h5_FOtdoml2qWMOP3mp5N4t_J9cSEIwOys_dIwmmEvzhfFAIeWhLSBVRPhsnvvH6f5TS5A0N_Vf2XDAiJQC-HZ1hIxhjI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWBcDWJf9xmLlmJSbS5PhxEaoM2aXkRsXPKa_9Xg32TLOy6h5_FOtdoml2qWMOP3mp5N4t_J9cSEIwOys_dIwmmEvzhfFAIeWhLSBVRPhsnvvH6f5TS5A0N_Vf2XDAiJQC-HZ1hIxhjI/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Artemis (Artie) is about 3 years old. He is not the brightest bulb, but he makes up in sweetness what he lacks in brains. He’s a good boy who enjoys napping, watching birds and taking over a lap. In fact, if you sit still for more than 10 minutes he will make himself right at home on top of you. However, don’t be fooled as he stretches out in the middle of the living room; he does NOT like his belly rubbed. Oh, and he is absolutely petrified of the mailman. Seriously, terrified.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9oBZffMas82Du53jkpjBnnXYID8ZIooUpR1_1ekhpxjIOScOLj1L6jZkqLvxP5s_tc7q3iALonSYPmpJRrVY4riUJSXUO_f2OX-X3_gwujvOGUkEs_xY0bulaxdMN3pEOnj_lHIUY6g/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9oBZffMas82Du53jkpjBnnXYID8ZIooUpR1_1ekhpxjIOScOLj1L6jZkqLvxP5s_tc7q3iALonSYPmpJRrVY4riUJSXUO_f2OX-X3_gwujvOGUkEs_xY0bulaxdMN3pEOnj_lHIUY6g/s200/002.JPG" width="138" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dilbert is a few months shy of his first birthday. He is naughty. He wakes me up every morning by 5:00 A.M. He is also very vocal, making all kinds of chirps and meows. He is also quite a snuggler and does love his belly rubbed. Dill steals headbands, rubber bands, bath puffs, and just about anything that seems fun when he bats at it. Apparently the shower curtain is also a great toy. Earlier this week, he pulled down the curtains in the yellow bedroom, including yanking down one of the brackets for the rod. I have had to securely stash all my yarn when not in use otherwise, he'll unravel it all through the house.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They are lucky that they are cute, soft and sweet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It seems logical that as I’ve gotten older and my “quality of life” has increased, so has the quality of life for the beasts in my care. If anyone benefits from my being single, it’s the pets. I have become picky about what they eat. So while Riot Grrrl (may she rest in peace) started her life on 99-cent boxes of Dad’s brand cat food from Marc’s, now all of my pets get organic food. When I adopted Artie and Dilbert in January, I also determined that I wanted to use a more earth-friendly cat litter, so I’m no longer purchasing clay litter. When Riot Grrrl was ill, I chose to give her various medications. But these choices come at a financial cost.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, here are some suggestions on minimizing pet expenses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adopt.</b> You’ll save the life of a furry friend. You’ll save money over buying a pure breed pet. AND mixed breed pets have less health issues over their lives than do pure breed pets. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feed your pet quality food.</b> Some information on what to look for is available <a href="http://libertyhumane.org/choosing_your_right_pet_food.php">here</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Other ways to save on pet food and treats:</span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Use coupons</em>. Check out the same sources you'd use for grocery coupons. (See my <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/saving-on-food-shopping-part-2.html">post</a> on saving at the grocery store for sources.) Also, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.mypetsavings.com/">MyPetSavings</a> for pet-related deals and coupons.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Use loyalty cards or frequent buyer programs</em>. Large chains often offer discount cards. Many pet stores also buy-X-bags-of-Y-food-get-one-bag-of-Y-food-free programs.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Consider Amazon’s </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/subscribe-and-save/details/index.html"><em>Subscribe & Save</em></a>. You'll get 15% off and free shipping.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Buy in bulk</em>. Buy the largest size you'll actually use. If you're buying canned food, buy by case.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Compare prices at various stores</em>. You'd be surprised. Pet food isn't necessarily cheaper at the pet store than it is at the grocery store.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Make your own</em>. If you're interested, <a href="http://allrecipes.com//HowTo/homemade-pet-food/Detail.aspx">here's</a> a place to start.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Maintain your pet’s good health.</b> This means GETTING YOUR DOG OR CAT SPAYED OR NEUTERED. (Yes, I’m shouting.) It also means yearly—at a minimum vet visits—and getting and keeping up on all routine shots. This is one of those areas where an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure (heartworm, rabies.) While I recommend finding a vet you like [If you live in the Akron, Ohio, area, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">please</b> consider the fabulous staff at </span><a href="http://www.superpages.com/bp/Stow-OH/Keystone-Veterinary-Clinic-Mary-Dubelko-DVM-L2063986975.htm?&rwtab=1#BPreviewContainer"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keystone</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. In Rochester, we are grateful to have found the fabulous </span><a href="http://fairviewvet.com/vet_lovelock.php"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dr. Robin Lovelock</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.], if your pet is young and healthy, you can save money by visiting a vaccination clinic. If you have a veterinary college in your area, you may be able to save by seeing a veterinary student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[In the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Akron area, you are blessed to have Pet Guard where low cost veterinary care is available.] Remember that our dogs and cats age at a faster rate than we do. So regular care is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">terribly</i> important. Skipping a dog or cat’s annual vet visit is like your not having a physical for 10 years. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also, take your pet to the vet when he or she shows signs of illness. Unless you know what you’re dealing with, don’t “wait it out.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There aren’t many ways to save on vet bills, but there are a few things you can do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If cost is an issue, let the doctor know up front. That way, she might be able to provide you with options. And whatever option you choose, be sure to get an estimate up-front.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ask for prescriptions for things like heartworm pills, or other medications, then buy them online from a reputable source that has the best price.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can also consider </span><a href="http://www.carecredit.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CareCredit</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I rarely use my credit cards, but almost all vet bills go on my CareCredit account. They provide six months interest free to pay the expenses and it provides me with an easy way to keep track of my vet expenses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Grooming.</b> Regular brushing and bathing is important for all doggies and kitties. To keep expenses low, consider a pet with low grooming needs. If it’s too late, or you just MUST have a standard poodle, then consider learning to groom the pet yourself. [Sebastian does not like his feet messed with, so I gladly pay the folks at </span><a href="http://unipetsalon.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Unipet</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for that task.] A happy medium may be a visit to the “dog wash” where you bathe, brush and dry your pet then leave the mess behind.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toys.</b> Toys can be expensive. Check out holiday clearance at pet stores to save. Also, discount stores like Tuesday Morning, Big Lots and Ollie’s can be great places to score good quality pet toys at discount. Don’t forget to check out Target, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dishes.</b> Cute little ceramic pet bowls can cost $5 or more. I buy small bowls at the thrift store for about a quarter each and use those. The dog and cats don’t seem to care what the food’s served in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keep pets close by.</b> Pets who leave your yard unattended are more likely to come into contact with other animals that are carrying illness and/or hazards.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Next up:</em></strong> I'll be making a homemade dog treat recipe that uses baby food and Cream of Wheat. We'll see how it goes and get Bubby's review.</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-65468906816636981152011-03-22T17:33:00.001-04:002011-03-29T18:09:59.648-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 3/22/2011<div class="post-body entry-content"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> Do you have plastic containers that have picked up an orange color from tomato-based products? Just leave them outside in the sun for a day to bring them back to their original color.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>You <strong>can</strong> refill a foaming handsoap pump. When empty, refill about 1/3 with regular handsoap and about 1/3 with water. Leave 1/3 empty for now. Gently tip--don't shake!--the container back and forth until the water and soap are completely mixed. You can add a little more soap or water if needed to get the proper consistency.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong>Sign up for <a href="http://www.kraftfirsttaste.com/">Kraft First Taste</a> to get coupons (often for a free item) for new Kraft brand products.</span></li>
</ul></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Check out last week's tips <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesdays-tips-for-3152011.html"><span style="color: #8e2995;">here</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. <a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com"><span style="color: #339933;">Email me</span></a></span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-31716082918805779002011-03-21T18:11:00.001-04:002011-03-21T20:10:00.335-04:00Dining out on a budget<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Note:</strong></em> I forgot to add a note about serving and tipping. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>First</u>, please, please, please BE SURE to tip your server on what your bill would be <em>without discounts</em>. In my mind this means <em>at least</em> 15% for decent service. If you can't afford to tip adequately, you can't afford to dine out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u>Second</u>, if you have excellent service, please be sure to let the manager know. And if you get unacceptable or poor service, please be sure to let the manager know. Either way, make sure to be polite when doing so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.........................................................................</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I would guess that those of us who live alone tend to eat out more than do those with a family to cook for. Buying a restaurant meal for one person is simply less expensive than buying for two or three or more. Plus, nobody's expecting us to have dinner on the table, so it's easy to pick something up. Also, it seems like so much of my social life revolves around food, so I'm often making plans for lunch or dinner with friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eating out can be expensive. So, here are some tips on how to get the most out of eating at restaurants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. <strong>Drink water.</strong> That $2.50 soda probably costs the restaurant less than 15 cents. And for $2.50, you could buy 2 LITRES at the grocery store. Alcoholic beverages have a similar overhead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. <strong>Choose an appetizer as a meal.</strong> It's likely less expensive and just as yummy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. <strong>Split/share.</strong> If you are splitting an entree, some restaurants may charge a split fee. Also consider sharing an app or dessert.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. <strong>Order from the lunch menu or order the lunch-sized portion if available.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. <strong>Utilize sites like </strong></span><a href="http://www.groupon.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Groupon</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span></strong><a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Living Social</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>. </strong>Each routinely offers discounts at local restaurants for about 50%. If you aren't familiar with these "daily deal" sites, they offer a deal or two each day that you purchase for a pretty big discount. The next day, you print a certificate that can be printed and used at your local establishment. Be aware to check for various restrictions including expiration date or whether the certificate must be used all in one visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6. <strong>Check out </strong></span><a href="http://restaurant.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Restaurant.com</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This site also offers dining certificates. Check out what's available in and around your zip code. Usually, the certificates are $10 or $25 and can be used on a minimum bill of $20 or $35, respectively. Be sure to check the fine print for whether alcoholic beverages are included and whether dining in is required. Restaurant.com often also has sales for up to 80% or 90% off its certificates.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7. <strong>Look for coupons in the paper and the phone book.</strong> This is not as common as it used to be, but occasionally you might find useful dining coupons here. Also, the Sunday coupon circulars sometimes include dining coupons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">8. <strong>Check online.</strong> Sites like Valupak may have local printable coupons available. Also, restaurants may offer their own printable coupons. </span><a href="http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/2005/10/restaurant-coupons.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'s a good place to start.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">9. <strong>Entertainment books and other local coupon books.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10. <strong>Sign up for restaurant email lists and birthday clubs.</strong> Recently, I knew I was going to Carraba's for dinner. I looked online, signed up for their email list and got a coupon for $5 off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">11. <strong>Holiday-time gift card deals. </strong>Often, restaurants will offer a promotion around Christmas where if you purchase say, $50 in gift cards, they'll give you an extra $20 in gift cards. If it's somewhere you eat often, or would if you were getting a good deal, then this might be a worthy investment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12. <strong>Gift cards from rewards programs or credit card points.</strong> Both </span><a href="https://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Starbucks</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mypanera.com/home.php"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Panera</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> have rewards programs. Also, you can earn points from sites like </span><a href="http://www.mypoints.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">MyPoints</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> which can be exchanged for dining gift cards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">13. <strong>Gift card swapping/selling sites.</strong> There are sites like </span><a href="http://www.plasticjungle.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Plastic Jungle</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> where you can buy (and sometimes swap) gift cards at a discount of 10% or more. If you eat at chain restaurants a lot, this might be an option worth looking into. It's not a huge savings, but 10% is 10%!</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-3970231089682111202011-03-18T06:10:00.000-04:002011-03-18T06:10:35.865-04:00The best coffee cake you've (probably) never tried<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, yes, another family recipe. I'm not exactly sure where this one came from either. The beauty of this recipe is that it is simple and delicious. And only requires ingredients that are probably in your kitchen right now. In the nutrition department though there isn't a single redeeming thing about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This coffee cake was a staple in our house on weekend mornings when I was growing up. I don't make it much anymore though since it involves lots of things I probably shouldn't be eating. And since I live alone, well, there's no one else to eat it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It has a very springy texture, and, if all goes well, the butter seeps in along and there's a nice little crust of cinnamon and sugar.</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sift together: 1.5 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Break 1 egg into a 1 cup measuring cup. Fill to 1 cup with milk. Stir into dry ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Beat well. Pour into a greased 8x10x2 inch pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Melt 3 tablespoons butter and spread over batter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Mix 3 tablespoons sugar and 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over top.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>NOTE:</strong> for a 9x13 pan, double the recipe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's so easy that there's still time to make one before you head to work this morning...</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-62940130424085083632011-03-15T06:49:00.000-04:002011-03-15T06:49:11.938-04:00Tuesday's Tips for 3/15/2011<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> To get the most out of doing laundry, add vinegar to the process. Distilled white vinegar can help remove stains and when you add 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup to the last rinse cycle, it will help brighten colors, fluff up sweaters and make your soap work better. Add 1/2 cup to the wash water to help minimize static and odors.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>Dried Herbs and spices lose their potency quickly so buy only a small amount at a time. You can likely find spices in bulk at your local health food store or co-op.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong> If your romaine or leaf lettuce starts to wilt, cut a small piece of the bottom end off and put the rest of it in water in the fridge (kind of like a bouquet of flowers). It will perk right back up. Same goes for celery. (Go <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/storing-produce.html">here</a> for more tips on storing produce.)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Check out last week's tips <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesdays-tips-for-382011.html">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. <a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com">Email me</a>!</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-52704211739875225802011-03-13T09:33:00.001-04:002011-03-15T21:47:27.429-04:00March 13: A few good Tops deals this weekAs you're heading out to do your shopping, a few deals to keep in mind:<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: magenta;">Better Oats oatmeal</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> is on sale 4 for $5 ($1.25 each.) There's a printable buy 1, get 1 coupon available <a href="http://www.betteroats.com/taste-facebook.php">here</a>, which would make each item 63 cents when you buy two.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Stonyfield Farms Greek yogurt cups</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> are $1 each. There are some coupons available when you're registered at <a href="http://stonyfield.com/">Stonyfield.com</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse Dressings and Salad Kits</span><span style="color: black;"> are both 2 for $5 ($2.50 each). There were coupons in today's paper for $1 off each, so $1.50 each in the end.</span></li>
</ul>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-83696411617766002662011-03-12T17:53:00.001-05:002011-03-13T08:45:14.053-04:00Saving at the thrift store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was a teenager when I first set foot in the Village Thrift Store (at last check, it was known as </span><a href="http://www.villagediscount.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Village Discount Outlet</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">) on </span><a href="http://www.villagediscount.com/store/004/index.php"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">State Rd. in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. It housed racks and racks of other people's old stuff and I was thrilled to find funky, vintage dresses that I'm sure had previously been worn by now-blue-haired ladies named Edith and Pearl. (Strangely, it also had a snack bar for some inexplicable reason.) The Village Thrift Store had a sign boasting that it was "the country's best thrift store" (no source for this was ever provided) and I'm still partial to it all these years later.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While we may not have a Village here in my current town of Rochester, NY, we do have some fabulous second-hand shopping opportunities. Thrift stores (and their snooty cousin, consignment shops) are a great way to save money on many things, including clothes. Each has its own pros and cons. </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.goodwillfingerlakes.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Goodwill</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> stores tend to be the cleanest, best organized (by size, then color) and have the most locations. Goodwill also allows you to try on clothes, allows limited returns and takes major credit cards. I'm partial to the one in Webster. The Victor store is nice, but small. Goodwill does not score high in the furniture department though. Goodwill also seems to have prices that are slightly higher overall than some of their competitors. (For example, a decent pair of jeans will run you about $6.99.) My other gripe is that they've started selling decorative stuff for your house that is new and appears to be made specifically for Goodwill stores. I go to the thrift store because one man's junk is another man's treasure. If I want to buy low-end new items, I'll go to Big Lots.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We also have the other old stand-by: Sal's (the </span><a href="http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_rochesterny.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/4C696A6A33A4A746852573A8006D7F7F?openDocument"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Salvation Army</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.) There are a few locations peppered throughout the area, but they are not as prevalent as Goodwill stores. Salvation Army organizes clothes only by color, not by size. The stores do have dressing rooms and they do take major credit cards. They do not allow returns. Overall, their prices seems to be a little lower than Goodwill. (A decent pair of jeans runs about $5.99.) The store in Greece is arguably the largest thrift store in the area. (It reminds me of the big Goodwill that used to be in Akron near the university. That was a great store.) That location also has a good selection of furniture.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.voawny.org/Default.aspx?tabid=76"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Volunteers of America</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> has three stores in the city and a bunch throughout Western NY. I believe they sort clothing by size only. The stores are relatively clean, they do take credit cards and you are able to try on clothing. They also have pretty cheap prices. (A decent pair of jeans is about $4.99.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Vietnam Veteran's Thrift Store is an interesting experience. It's been a few years since I've been there, but it is by far one of the dirtiest of stores. And while they have a corner with a curtain where you can try on clothes, I'm not sure you'll want to. You can find some great stuff dirt cheap though. They have a large space and will clearly take just about anything. The store includes a large housewares section and has a lot of furniture too.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We also have </span><a href="http://www.rmsyr.org/Corporate/Thrifty_Shopper/Main_Page.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thrifty Shopper</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.amvetsnsf.org/stores.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amvets</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (assuming they are still open.) I was in Thrifty Shopper once and it didn't impress me. Prices were competitive, but the store felt overly cluttered and disorganized.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At most thrift stores, there is one color price tag that is half-price each day or week, which can mean additional savings on already low prices.</span><br />
<br />
<u><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reasons to consider thrift shopping:</span></em></u><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Saving money.</strong> People don't just get rid of stuff because it's broken or stained. They may have decided they don't like or need an item. It may have been a gift. They may have gained or lost weight and need to get rid of clothes that no longer fit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Recycling.</strong> By buying second-hand, you're helping the environment.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Helping others.</strong> Many (not all) thrift stores are associated with charities. You are purchasing items that were donated, so that the money from sales goes to support the work done by the particular charity.</span></li>
</ol><u><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some considerations:</span></em></u><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>It's not for everyone.</strong> You may not have the time, patience or interest in sorting through other people's old crap.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>It takes time, patience and reasonable expectations</strong> to be a successful thrift shopper. It's not something you can really approach with a list. If you need an orange V-neck short-sleeved cotton T-shirt, you <em>might</em> find one. But you might be better off going to Target or Old Navy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>People will talk to you.</strong> I don't know why, but strangers feel much more welcome to make (usually awful) wardrobe suggestions at the thrift store than they do at, say, Macy's or even Target. Expect old women to hold up hideous blouses, say they are pretty and that they think they're your size.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Make sure you know what you're getting.</strong> If you're buying a game, furniture or small appliance, are all the parts there? Do any of the clothes have spots or rips? Are all the buttons there? Do all closures work? If it's a lamp or small appliance, did you make sure it worked? I will admit that I refuse anything that has someone's name in it. While I have no idea where any of the clothes come from, for some reason, I get the feeling that anything with a name in it is from someone who died.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Please don't buy underwear second-hand. </strong>It seems wrong that they even sell it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Make sure you properly clean/wash any thrift store purchases before use.</strong> I like to throw vinegar or Lysol in with the wash water for loads with fresh-from-the-thrift clothes. Makes me feel a little better. Plus, I'm freaked out about bedbugs, so I need to make sure I take precautions.</span></li>
</ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><u>Here are some things I've picked up at the thrift store:</u></em></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz-EqzV4K5GGopFpZKk2I2H0uk3rdapNb5w6_r7cfFCJAJNKwVVi8MzxAQ5nCaCd1MUG4iyoNnPZUCb6G5-3AY3TL7aEOwz8FHZPFr4J0xM6MbH5H07eSpvlJ-jxA1xKj926dIOhipSY/s1600/pans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz-EqzV4K5GGopFpZKk2I2H0uk3rdapNb5w6_r7cfFCJAJNKwVVi8MzxAQ5nCaCd1MUG4iyoNnPZUCb6G5-3AY3TL7aEOwz8FHZPFr4J0xM6MbH5H07eSpvlJ-jxA1xKj926dIOhipSY/s200/pans.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a set of enamel-covered pans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">from the Village purchased 15+ years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ago for about $2.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNhYQXlc6DfQlrf134ztaGHLYtEdGYU7l4SQdp-POQu60NlWa6QvnMqMYBaXsYsXL7uuKJOI0XllzU3KTqIHxJ7XEcBtHb1xFUlLw6MQi_9gxuj6bUEMjgSW9TSgDPW2pa-Kp1bp62rU/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNhYQXlc6DfQlrf134ztaGHLYtEdGYU7l4SQdp-POQu60NlWa6QvnMqMYBaXsYsXL7uuKJOI0XllzU3KTqIHxJ7XEcBtHb1xFUlLw6MQi_9gxuj6bUEMjgSW9TSgDPW2pa-Kp1bp62rU/s200/yarn.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A sampling of yarn from the thrift</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">store. Most of it wool. All of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">it pretty.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKuRNT84kVFW7f3kYzBDeqOiTYhAbCXxk8IbBZ_VDzu_FVXDSyKfD2n_LlNBt6hV6R86-UDkWqLWRhT5t07_-k18Y374yYLMWte3b3HIl6WvLJmihSK8onb85u6tavkq4nfmqfoIfxMM/s1600/coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKuRNT84kVFW7f3kYzBDeqOiTYhAbCXxk8IbBZ_VDzu_FVXDSyKfD2n_LlNBt6hV6R86-UDkWqLWRhT5t07_-k18Y374yYLMWte3b3HIl6WvLJmihSK8onb85u6tavkq4nfmqfoIfxMM/s200/coat.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My current winter coat. Purchased at</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Goodwill. Was new, originally from Target.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got it for $19.99, so over 50% savings.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQsMFcoE2PSaKDQQdt3AZavjuG_rJA1J9xThHYC_uOm9-DHlpsH15Yx2OVJruFKhnsLw4V2Bm1MLsmKxTB5pO16UzNR33EkcSyuI2W8Hd5IbE3wxMCn3qPOHSAHF6N3MubYEyshlHt0A/s1600/cat+hut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQsMFcoE2PSaKDQQdt3AZavjuG_rJA1J9xThHYC_uOm9-DHlpsH15Yx2OVJruFKhnsLw4V2Bm1MLsmKxTB5pO16UzNR33EkcSyuI2W8Hd5IbE3wxMCn3qPOHSAHF6N3MubYEyshlHt0A/s200/cat+hut.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recently purchased cat hut. Was </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">new in box at Goodwill for 50%</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">of the cost for the exact same item</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">at Target.</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-10949554693637452452011-03-09T18:43:00.001-05:002011-03-09T18:43:34.650-05:00Baby-stepping toward retirement<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although I sometimes forgot my exact age (37), I do know that I am officially in my "late 30s." That means I only have about 30 more years of work to put in before I can retire. That seems like a lot of years, 30. And so many things will and could happen. Some of these variables I'm prepared for, others I am not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But one thing I am sure of--I am NOT financially prepared for the end of my occupational journey. I remember two of my friends talking during law school about their retirement plans. At the time, the only money I had "saved" was split between what was in my pocket and what (little) happened to be lingering in my checking account. I quickly left the room to avoid all out panic during their discussion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'd like to think that the 6.2% of my paycheck that the government has taken all these years will be earning gobs of interest over my working life, compounding as it waits to join me in my golden years. Instead, that money is sent to various "genarians" about 10 minutes after it arrives at the Social Security Adiminstration. And while my funds do earn interest, it's at rate less than 2%. [For 2011, the social security tax is 4.2% for most of us.] It seems unlikely that Uncle Sam will be supporting me in my later years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, it's up to me to plan. I am fortunate that my company has a 401(k) plan. I am even more fortunate that they will match my contributions of up to 6% at a 50% rate. (For example, if I put in 4%, they'll match it with 2%.) I started my current job at the age of 31, which experts say is late to start saving for retirement. For the first year or so, I couldn't afford to put money in my 401(k). Financial experts, accountants and dads across the country, however, will be appalled if they learn that you are not maxing out what your company will match. "It's free money!" they will say. But when it's a choice between paying the electric bill today so that you have light next week and socking away dollars in your retirement account so that you can have light 30 years from now, well, next week wins by a landslide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I do wish I had been more financially savvy and responsible in my 20s. (Who doesn't regret some of the decisions they made in their 20s?? I also wish I'd eaten less junk food and drank less rum.) But now I'm a grown-up, home-owning, leafy greens-eating 37 years old. And I need to buckle down and save for the future. So, today I decided that I'll be upping my 401(k) contributions. Eventually, I should probably learn about IRAs and mutual funds. But right now, I'm happy with my baby steps.</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-9857456341083112962011-03-08T08:30:00.002-05:002011-03-09T19:04:03.156-05:00Tuesday's Tips for 3/8/2011<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week's three tips to help you conserve time, money and/or resources.</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> Most Classico brand pasta sauce jars can be re-used for home canning. Check by seeing if a standard home canning ring will fit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #2: </strong>If you live in the Rochester area and plan to adopt a pet this year, have a pet spayed or neutered or make a donation to Monroe County Dog Park, be sure to take advantage of <a href="http://www.petsaversuperstore.com/clubs.html">Pet Saver Superstore's Responsible Pet Owner Club</a>. They'll give you up to $50 in gift certificates to the store for these things.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tip #3: </strong>Keep a flat head screwdriver, phillips head screwdriver, tape measure and a pair of needle-nose pliers in the kitchen for quick access to tools for small repairs.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Check out last week's tips <a href="http://savingandthesinglegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesdays-tips.html">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And if you have a tip to share, I'd love to hear it. <a href="mailto:savingandthesinglegirl@gmail.com">Email me</a>!</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-78783384033994810892011-03-07T18:54:00.001-05:002011-03-07T18:54:55.503-05:00A "bonus" rule<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today was a pretty good day at the office. Our new, improved cafeteria opened and I got a free travel mug and a piece of cake. We also learned how much our bonus would be and how much our salary increase would be. It tends to lift my mood when people tell me they are giving me money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have certain rules about some money-related things. For example, the "gift card rule." If you give me a gift card or certificate as a present, I feel it is my duty to make sure that it is spent on something I wouldn't have purchased otherwise. Similarly, money given to me as a gift does not go into the bank. Because once it gets deposited, it's "on the books" and has to be dutifully accounted for. Once money's in savings, I don't want to take it out. And once it's in checking, it just gets melded into the monthly budget, with any leftovers rolling into savings anyhow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tax returns go into savings. When we have three-paycheck months twice each year, that money is earmarked for projects around the house. But I have no rules for the bonus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I'm trying to decide what the sensible, responsible save-to-spend ratio is for such un-budgeted-for things. A large part of me is voting to spend it all on next month's IKEA trip, while a smaller part suggests splurging on a mani-pedi and banking the rest. Then again, I do believe the car might need some repairs...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The benefit of being single is getting to make all the decisions yourself. The drawback is having no one else to blame when you don't like the outcome.</span>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-11181886633485648162011-03-04T23:23:00.000-05:002011-03-04T23:23:07.412-05:0020% off at Big Lots this weekend!You'll need to be a Buzz Club member (or sign up) then from 5-9PM Saturday you'll save 20% with your membership card. On Sunday, you can use <a href="http://www.biglots.com/coupon_rewards/?zcp=1000&style=f&rid=3496296&mid=13402&zipCode=14623&storeId=1474&ml=REWARDS&cfn=Carrie&zip=14623&sid=1474&drpStoreID=1474">this coupon</a> to save 20%.savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414772750326477532.post-39356152593667699532011-03-04T20:49:00.000-05:002011-03-04T20:49:35.401-05:00A few good deals coming up at Tops—week of 3/6<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="color: magenta;">Starkist Tuna pouches</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> will be $1 each. There was a printable coupon recently (no longer available) for 50 cents off one pouch, which, when doubled will score you free tuna. I won’t eat it—but my cats will be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thrilled</i>!!! Rumor has it there’re also some Starkist tuna coupons coming out in Sunday’s paper. So, you might want to keep an eye out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="color: magenta;">Kellogg’s Raisin Bran</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> will be on sale for $2/box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you register <a href="http://www.better-coupons.com/kellogg/index.html">here</a>, you can print a coupon for 70 cents. When doubled, that’ll be 60 cents for the box. I love Raisin Bran, but could finish off the box in two sittings, so I will be skipping this one myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I’m hoping to pick up some BOGO <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="color: magenta;">blackberries</span></span>. And <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">cabbage</span></span> will be 33 cents per pound. I’m making a new stuffed cabbage recipe next week, so that works well for me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Oh, and I see <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="color: magenta;">Tribe hummus</span></span> will be $2.99. Don’t know if this will include the “Origins” variety. There was a coupon for $2 off one tub awhile back, and 99 cents for hummus isn’t bad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Looks like <span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="color: magenta;">Simply Orange</span></span> juice will be $3 each. There was a $1 printable coupon last month that doesn’t seem to be available now, but if you printed it, $2 for this juice is a pretty good price.</span></div>savingandthesinglegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524591099459423712noreply@blogger.com0