The Suburban Wife

This guest post from Doris Dillon

I’ve lived in Dallas all my life but when we moved out here to the suburbs I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’ve always either lived within walking distance to cool shops and restaurants or actually in a condo IN the city – I’m not used to having so much…space? We bought this house because my husband needed a shorter commute and I’m pregnant with our first baby. It just made sense to have more room to spread out but man, adjusting to life in the ‘burbs isn’t easy. I spent the first few weeks getting the house in order – looking into Ambit Energy in Mathis Texas and talking to the neighbor about whether or not we needed a satellite dish. I took the dog on walks and made a lot of cakes – basically just bided my time until my husband got home from work. I really wish I had more things to do out here but I’m used to just taking a book to a coffee shop down the street and reading when I’m bored. Here it’s a 15 minute drive to anything of note and that’s just not something I’m up for now that I’m so pregnant. I know it’s good for us to have a bigger house and a yard and a whole extra room for guests to stay in when the baby comes. But at the end of the day it’s been a tougher adjustment for me than I thought it would be and I want my husband to feel like his wife is stable, not in tears every other day! I know I’ll get used to it out here and it really is a great community, it’s just not what I’m used to. Between the cliques and the big yards and the driving culture, I’m out of my element. There are perks to living out in the suburbs though, I know it. I just have to figure out what they are…

Make your next event TRULY memorable!

Would you like a way to make your next event memorable and unique? A photo booth rental provides fun, memories, party favors, and a way to share the fun of your party, all wrapped up in a neat package. 

Fun - have you ever ducked into a photo booth with a friend, giggling while you struck a series of comical poses and waited for the camera to flash? Bring back those fun times but in a more professional way using a larger booth that can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 8 adults at a time. 

Instant party favors - Your guests can print out their photo strips instantly, and have the option of adding text or graphics for even more fun. Everyone can take home reminders of the event! Photo booth rentals include unlimited photos, and duplicates of each strip printed so you can add a copy of everyone's photos to your scrapbook and let them take a copy for themselves. 

Share Memories - Photos are uploaded into an online gallery so guests that weren't able to attend will see all the fun they missed by not coming to your party (just kidding!). Long distance family and friends will feel included by being able to "visit" your party. Photos can also be compiled into a DVD for sharing with everyone, and giving you one handy place to store all of your event photos. Entertain your party guests with slideshows of everyone having a great time in the photo booth.

Photo booths have come a long way too. These aren't the grainy black-and-white shots with boring backgrounds that you get from mall photo booths. Instead you can expect high quality digital images shot against color backgrounds that pop, producing images you'll be proud to add to your scrapbook, wallet, or photo frames. 

You also won't see the tiny, dingy box-like booths like the ones tucked in fair midways and shopping malls. These rental photo booths were designed with weddings and other very special events in mind, and are tastefully designed to complement your theme and decor. They can even be personalized inside and out to reflect your personal style or highlight your event (which makes them great for corporate events too, since you can include logo graphics and more). 

So the next time you are planning an extra-special event and are shopping for a way to entertain your guests and provide them with memories than will make your event stand out in their minds, keep the new photo booth rentals in mind. They may be just the ticket!

Best Deals in the month of April

April showers bring May flowers, and deals on some great items. Others are pricey right now, and should be avoided.

Here's what you might want to look for on sale this month:

Spring clothing ... not always a great deal this time of year, but with March having been so cold this year, the stores' inventory which came in around the end of January in most stores has barely been moving, so more sales are available this year. Typically you can find some discount available in April, with even better prices offered in May.

(But while you're preparing for spring, try to hold off on large outdoor purchases, like patio sets, barbecue grills, and other outdoor entertainment items. Everyone wants them now, so stores aren't motivated to cut prices. The next good deals on these items will show up for the 4th of July, and after that, it will be clearance time near the end of summer.)

Japanese electronics, since their fiscal year just ended. Last year's models will be greatly reduced, if you're in the market for a television, etc.

Digital cameras are expected to be offered at some of the lowest prices of the year over the next couple of months.

Apple's iPad is expected to be updated this month, so older models should see drastic price reductions. The KindleFire is also being offered at near-manufactured cost, and you can very likely find one for the best prices ever offered.

Will you be shopping for jewelry for Mother's Day gifts? Typically sales are offered in April and May, leading up to the holiday. However, there are penalties for last-minute shoppers - the sales just before Mother's Day will not be as good as the ones offered during April, so be sure to buy early if you're planning to get Mom something sparkly for Mother's Day!

Running shoes are a great buy during April as well, since many of the large retailers offer deep discounts to cater to returning runners and those participating in corporate and charity runs.

If you enjoy thrift stores or yard sales, there should be a new flow of inventory as many people do their spring cleaning around this time, and sell or donate lots of items.

Speaking of spring cleaning, you'll often see advice to buy a new vacuum cleaner in April. However, if you can hold off until October-November, there should be many more deals with steeper discounts available then.

Another sale you might want to steer clear of is mattresses. There are often sales offered in April, but the prices usually get even better in May, around Memorial Day.

And lastly - a new home. This can be a good/bad time to buy, but generally most trends are favorable for April. Prices are still somewhat low coming off winter, a much larger inventory is usually available, and it's also a lot more pleasant to look at homes as spring begins to show off their good side. The only downside is there can also be a great influx of new buyers as well as sellers, so competition can be against you. This is where doing your homework online, and having a great agent can really pay off, but that's for another post.

Until next time, be a Savvy Shopper!

FREE MOVIES from Redbox

(and that's not the only free movie deal available!)

Do you rent movies from Redbox DVD rental kiosks? They are pretty much everywhere, and a movie rented from any of them can be returned to any of their locations, so you don't have to visit the video store to return your movie. And the prices aren't bad either, at only $1.20 per night for DVDs. You have until 9pm the following night to return your movie to avoid paying an additional day's fee.

Compared to local video stores, that makes Redbox a much more savvy choice, since video stores usually charge about $3 on average for a new release, and you must return your video to the same location even if you weren't going in that direction two days in a row - if there is much driving involved, the price of gas will figure in.

But wait ... did you know that you can rent from Redbox at an even better price? How about FREE??? (That's my kind of deal!) And it's completely legal and ethical. Redbox and some of the locations that host the kiosks offer free rentals to customers with the use of codes.

Each code will work once on each credit/debit card that you use. If you have more than one card, you can re-use the code to get additional free rentals.  (This is one I haven't tried, since I only have a single debit card.)

Some of the codes offered are reported to be standard codes - always available to every customer, and not supposed to ever expire. They are:

• DVDONME
• BREAKROOM
• REDBOX
• DVDONUS
• RENTONME

Some codes are offered by the hosting businesses, and work only at Redbox kiosks at those locations.

At HEB

• REDBOXHEB

At Walgreen's

• DVDATWAG
• WALGREENS
• BREAKDOWN

At Kroger

• DVDATKROG
• DVDATKROGER
• DVDKROG

At Sonic Drive-ins

• DVDATSONI
• DRIVEIN

In addition to all those one-time-only free movies, there are other promotions coming out all the time. Right now Redbox is offering a code for a free video game rental that doesn't expire until December 31, 2012. To receive that code, text JUSTDANCE to 727272 (if you don't have free texting, your carrier will probably charge you).

You can also visit the Redbox website and sign up for either email or sms updates (or both) and you'll get a message with a code for a free movie every week, and other freebies and specials as well.

After you've done that, if you still want more free movies, check with other sites that offer coupon codes. Here are a few I found:

• redboxcodes.com - when you register, you receive access to codes, as well as current information from other uses about which codes are still active; you can also follow along on Facebook. 
• retailmenot - has a section for redbox codes with comments from users about which worked 
• also check insideredbox, which used to be one of the better redbox code sites, but it appears not to have been updated recently
• and dealspl.us was only marginally useful, but may offer better codes at some other time, so you may want to check them out

You should have a number of codes ready before you head to the rental kiosk, since sometimes codes may expire or be restricted in some way. That way you'll have a back-up and hopefully still get your free rental. Or if you have a smart phone, you can bookmark this page and have access to all of the information once you get there. 

I've heard of close to 100% success with the "always good" codes I listed first (and maybe the ones that couldn't use them had already used the code on that card and just didn't remember?). And if you sign up with them, Redbox will continue to send you freebies weekly. 

And for anyone who has concerns about this being unfair or illegal ... these are not "hacks" as some have called them. They're legitimate codes offered by Redbox, and you will be invited to share them with friends when you receive them by email from Redbox. The ones offered by Walgreens, Sonic, etc. are in the hopes that you'll visit them and buy something while you're there, but it's not a requirement. If they didn't want you using them, they could easily discontinue them or institute a one-per-mailing address policy. There is nothing about this that is cheating, stealing, or hacking, so relax and enjoy your free movies!

'Tis the Season!

Are you hoping to wow your recipients with unique gifts this Christmas season? The internet provides you with access to so many shopping opportunities, all just a click away. Or if you want to be even more savvy, you may like to search for ideas for gifts you can make yourself. Just put in a few terms related to the person you're searching for, click on images, and see what comes up!

sweetbeadstudio's copper washer bracelet

One of a kind handmade jewelry is always a good bet. We love this bracelet made with hammered copper washers. If you are crafty, copper washers and other supplies can be ordered in bulk to make lots of gifts, or even offer your own jewelry for sale and earn a little money to spend on other gifts. Copper is an especially sought-after metal in handmade jewelry, with its warm tones and the beautiful way it takes on a patina, or shows hammer marks when an antiquing medium is applied.

If you're looking for DIY gifts, a good option are gifts in a  jar. Choose from hundreds of recipes for everything from chocolate chip cookies to vegetable soup mix to scented bath salts, buy a case of mason jars and the necessary ingredients, layer everything in the jars and print out a pretty label (don't forget any instructions for cooking or using), and decorate by tying on a candy cane with pretty ribbons, a Christmas print fabric swatch under the lid, or a big bow. You may want to include the recipe you used to make the gift, in case it becomes a favorite. Or you can just keep that a secret for yourself and make it a special gift that can come only from you!

How about something practical, that they aren't likely to buy for themselves? Something like this hand-mounted LED light from Solutions that frees up your other hand from holding a flashlight. Anyone who has ever tried to accomplish repairs under the hood of a car after dark, or  anything else that requires you to use your hands outside in the late evening can appreciate how helpful this device would be!











Or for the cook in your life, something equally practical. Fingertongs are a big hit, protecting the hands from heat in the kitchen while letting you grip and manipulate foods.

There's still plenty of time to seek out (or make) unexpected gifts that are perfectly suited to the special people in your life. You'll have their heartfelt appreciation, and they'll think of you each time they use the unique gift you so thoughtfully selected just for them.

Eight things you should buy in October to get the best deals!

October ... time to buy these things!

Almost everything in the retail world runs on a revolving schedule, and that means the price you pay for most things will rise and fall. Buying at the right time can net you huge savings! So ... if you're in the market for the following, consider buying this month and pocket the savings - just in time for Christmas shopping!

Air conditioners - prices fall when demand drops, and the best deals are found on last year's models. If your air conditioner is on its last legs, you'll save by replacing it now instead of waiting for premium prices next spring. And if you expect your current air conditioner to keep running, extend its life by planning to keep it well-serviced - but don't call yet. Service calls are usually the best deal in February, when the demand is low. Mark your calendar now.

Gas grills, outdoor furniture, boxed pools and pool supplies - sales are grinding to a halt on these items at the end of the summer season, and stores are anxious to clear out inventory to make space for Christmas trees and other seasonal inventory. Many retailers take steep discounts and sell these items for 50% of their regular retail cost, sometimes even less. If you can store it in such a way that the weather won't ruin it, now is the time to buy these items.

A new car - after the new year's models come out, the current year will begin to be discounted. From now until the end of the year can net you big savings on a new car, though October will give big discounts along with a still-decent available inventory to choose from. Don't buy JUST yet though, at the end of the month when dealerships are trying to meet their quotas, they are likely to offer bigger discounts and better incentives.

School supplies - we have not seen the super-deep discounts that were offered several years ago in August, though they are still on somewhat of a sale. Now it seems the best time to buy school supplies, if you can project what your children will need. Most stores are anxious to clear out expanded back-to-school inventory in anticipation of the holiday season.

Toys - if you aren't looking for the projected "hot" items. Last year's toys will be offered at varying discounts from August through October, and time is winding down for the stores to clear out old toys in order to have stock on hand for the favored Christmas toys. If you are planning to buy a particular toy for Christmas, start watching prices now. You might find a good sale, but your best bet is probably going to be the day after Thanksgiving - Black Friday - if you can stand the crowds.

Seasonal produce - always a better deal and at the peak of freshness and best-tasting when bought in season. Depending on your location, October is the season for:
apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, cranberries, cucumbers, dates, figs, grapes, kale, leeks, lettuce, okra, onions, oranges, parsnips, pears, peppers, pumpkins, quince, radishes, shallot, spinach, squash, star fruit, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, zucchini

As noted, produce will depend on where you live. There are online tools to check what is in season for your location - try Epicurious for the interactive map.

Saving money in the kitchen - recipes 101

One of the best ways to save money on your grocery bill is to make more of your basic ingredients yourself instead of relying on convenience foods. Every cook should be able to make recipe basics, such as cheddar cheese sauce, chicken broth or soup stock base, tomato-based sauce, cream-based sauce, and a thickening sauce. These few sauces can be mixed with simple ingredients such as meats, vegetables, pasta and rice to make a wide array of dishes.

You'll also want to consider your own spice mixes, if you rely on prepackaged mixes. They are usually very heavy on salt (which is a cheap ingredient) and may contain additives you'd rather avoid. Besides, if you mix your own you can adjust it to your own tastes.

You can even make up advance "mixes" for biscuits, cornbread, pancakes, brownies, and whatever else you like to bake by mixing the dry ingredients (in the case of biscuits and similar doughs, you can go ahead and cut in the butter until it reaches a crumbly stage) and store your dry powder, adding eggs and milk before baking. If you've seen the variety of simplified recipes you can make from prepared biscuit powder, you'll see what I mean.

Not only will your pocketbook thank you, but your body probably will as well. Making recipes from basic "real" ingredients instead of relying on packaged alternatives means that you can control what goes into the food, and into your body. You can avoid all the additives, preservatives, and other ingredients with names impossible to pronounce. Instead, your dinner can be made of real cheese, whole grain pasta, fresh tomatoes, and ground beef.

Another advantage to making up recipes like this on your own is that they also make great gifts - google "gifts in a jar" if you've never heard of them. A pretty layered mix in a decorated jar with instructions for baking can make a thoughtful gift, saving money on upcoming holiday gifting as well.

You saved $47.18 (84%) ... did you really?

I love saving money on groceries. I tend to visit some stores only to buy the loss-leaders, and I also know where to go to buy my staples for the best prices.

Recently I went to one of my "staples-stores" ... HEB. It's a regional chain. Sale prices can be pretty good, regular prices are fair enough. I don't buy EVERYTHING I need there (unless it's just a couple of extra items that I won't save enough on to justify the gas of going elsewhere) but one of the main things I really like about HEB is there are certain items I won't buy anywhere else. Their tortilla shells are freshly made and taste FAR better than packaged versions anywhere else, and I can also buy ready-to-cook tortilla shells. Their ketchup tastes great, is a good price, and contains REAL ingredients with no HFCS. Their orange juice is far better than any other brand I've tried. They have a pure-cane-sugar soda that costs about the same or less (with coupon, much less) than Coke, and I prefer the taste. They also make my favorite flavor of ice cream. Many of the store brands at HEB are far superior to anything I can buy anywhere else at any price, so I will buy those ONLY at HEB.

Recently I stopped there for a few things I needed. The shopping cart was full, and I was getting everything at what I'd consider a good price, but there wasn't a great variety of items. I bought potatoes, but I was buying 40 pounds, for example. When I left the store, I glanced at my receipt, and I noticed I had "saved $2.04" ... ONLY two dollars, which amounted to a 4% savings.

Did I get a good deal? You bet I did. I bought almost all items that were NOT on sale (would have been reflected in the percentage), but they were still a better quality and better price that I could have gotten elsewhere. Those potatoes, for example, were $2.24 for 10 pounds. I can rarely find them at 25 cents less, and the usual price is as high as $4.50, depending on where I go. And when I have gotten them for 25 cents less (usually in discount ethnic markets) it seems I always get a bad potato somewhere in the bag that causes a few others to rot, even though I open them right away. So the 25 cent savings is NOT a saving, and even though $2.24 was the regular price, it was by far the best bargain I could get on 10 pounds of potatoes locally.

Contrast that to another store, closer to me. Brookshires. I LOVE their sales sometimes, but I would NEVER do my regular shopping there. Their prices are just too high, though I will admit the quality there is quite good. When they do have a sale though, it is sometimes a real bargain (and sometimes not at all). When they put meats on for a good price, I usually go there and really stock up. I also buy things like packaged sausage and bacon for $1-$2, which is more than 1/2 off. When I shop there, I also get the percentages on the receipt. Sometimes the cashiers are even astonished because I guess they have to read it to you. I pretty much always save at least 50% and generally closer to 80% off the total. It does SOUND impressive, and I do consider it a good deal, since that's how I stock up on some of my meats.

But how does 80% off at Brookshire's compare to 4% off at HEB? Should I always shop at Brookshire's since I get the better percent off there? Not at all. HEB's prices are lower to begin with, so any savings there adds zero percent to my total savings.

The lesson is ... don't let those bottom lines fool you. Just because it LOOKS like you can get great deals at a particular store, it may mean the exact opposite -- their regular prices are so much higher that what you're willing to pay is 80% off regular price, instead of what is really a good deal without even being on sale elsewhere.

Best way to save thousands of dollars per year

For most families, the biggest single monthly expense is their housing cost. This is why saving money on your monthly rent or home mortgage can boost your monthly bottom line, and because the savings multiply every month, over the course of a year, the boost to your household finances can be significant.

In the current economic climate, many families are still struggling to meet their monthly bills. For these families, finding low income housing is one of the best ways to get back on their feet.

While eligibility for low income housing programs generally has a cut-off income level that you must fall below in order to qualify, that threshold can vary depending on location, number of dependents, and various other factors determined by the agency offering assistance, so don't simply assume you wouldn't qualify without checking into your options.

Programs may be available from state, local, and federal governments, various kind of foundations, and even private real estate concerns. A source like the Low Income Housing Authority that helps you connect to all of these programs will simplify your search and most likely open up options for you that you may not have found otherwise.

Another advantage to websites that let you search all local options is the possible greater number of choices available. Low income housing is often located in less desirable neighborhoods, but that isn't always the case. Websites that can help you search for subsidized or rent-controlled housing allow you to compare available homes and apartments, pinpointing properties that are likely to fit your needs - location, monthly rent, square footage, amenities, and more.

Be sure to explore all options available to you, and you may find a perfect fit that saves your family hundreds of dollars per month, which can translate into thousands per year, and that's always savvy!

Help paying for education - from unexpected sources!

Is college or university in the plans for you or anyone in your family? If you've been shopping around and getting sticker shock at the cost of an education, don't despair. Help is available, and sometimes from unexpected sources!

Scholarships and grants are the gold standard for education currency. Depending on guidelines, they are often usable to pay for textbooks, lab fees, and even living expenses as well as tuition. Unlike student loans, they don't need to be repaid.

Are you a hotel employee? You're in luck, there's a scholarship available especially for you and your children. Planning to study Italian? There's a scholarship just for that as well. A citizen of Atlanta, Georgia? Scholarships are waiting just for you. There are even scholarships just for vegetarians!  (Now, imagine if you're a vegetarian living in Atlanta Georgia whose parents work for a hotel and you're planning to major in Italian!)

My point is, there are scholarships of all kinds available, based on your ethnic heritage, your course of study, your place of residence, you or your parents' field of work, and a host of other factors. You could qualify to apply for all sorts of scholarships you may never have heard about.

Websites such as ScholarshipsOnline.org provide information about hundreds of scholarships available and can be your best resource in searching for help to pay for college or university expenses. If anyone in your family is planning to attend school in the next couple of years, it's not too early to start researching possible scholarships. Do your finances a favor and begin looking into financial aid options now.

Savvy Wardrobe Shopping - How to get the most Fashion for your Dollar!

We all like to find a good sale when shopping for clothing, but if your only focus is price, you can end up with a closet full of clothes that cost less than retail, but still limit your ability to put together a look.  Instead, make sure your closet contains a few wardrobe essentials and you'll be able to pull together a great outfit for any occasion. Versatile and timeless pieces, such as the classic little black dress, a great-fitting pair of jeans, a slimming turtleneck, and a crisp button-down shirt are a few of the building blocks that will help you create the perfect look.

• Little black dress - THE classic piece. It should fit well, accentuating your best features. Suitable for office wear with a blazer or cardigan, pumps and pearls, and converts easily to evening drama with a bit of jewelry bling and heels.  Suits any color accessories. 
• Great pair of jeans - splurge on a pair that fits and flatters your figure. They should be comfortable and fashionable. Suitable for casual wear, but can be dressed up with a blazer and heels. Will go with almost anything, so offers you a great base for expressing your individual style. 
• White button-down shirt. Opt for a fitted, feminine style with elegant touches, like long cuffs. Best to avoid frills or ruffles on your basic shirt though, to keep it more versatile. Choose one that can be worn either tucked in or left out. This shirt can be worn with a skirt, dress pant, or jeans, under a blazer, or over a cami or tee, either buttoned up or left open and belted, or not. 
• Turtlenecks - in a fabric light enough for summer wear, but suitable for adding extra warmth in winter when layered. They tend to be very slimming, and can be worn alone, or under a vest or blazer or even a button-down. Buy your first one in white, but if budget permits, get one in black as well, and then in as many colors as you can afford and love. This is a great way to add color to an outfit, and is a very versatile garment. 
• Blazer - if you have only one, a fitted black blazer will give you the most options. It's better to invest in a good one than spend the same money on a variety of lesser pieces. Because the blazer will usually carry you into at least office-level formality, you want it to look great, so quality is important. If it suits your figure, a fitted blazer that falls near the hips is the most versatile, but longer styles can dress up everything from jeans to skirts and more. 
• Basic t-shirts - or camis. Choose some in a nice fabric and a basic cut, then feel free to go crazy on colors. These are great for adding color to outfits and can be part of an outfit as casual as jeans and a tee, or can be dressed up by wearing under your blazer or button-down. 
• Fitted trousers - black is the most versatile color. Just a bit dressier than jeans, these are great for dressing up with your blazer, or for less formal situations just pairing with your button-down. Choose a style that flatters you so that you'd be comfortable wearing just a tucked-in shirt or something layered over the top to give you the most wear. 
• Basic skirt - again, black is the most versatile color. A-lines are flattering for most body types, or you may opt for a pencil if it suits you. Again, can be quite casual when worn with flats and a T or turtleneck, or dressed up with pumps and bling. 
• Cardigan - if well-chosen, you can wear this to everything from business dinners to simply tossing it around your shoulders "just in case" a summertime theatre or restaurant are super air-conditioned. 

Those are a few of the basic pieces that can be paired with just a few accessories to 

Love ... at a price? Tips for saving on weddings

Giving of rings, a party of wedding attendants, flower-bedecked venues, a lavish dress - much tradition surrounds the important milestone of marriage. Not only that, but brides usually have their own wish-list for their special day. All of these can add up to staggering costs - so what's a couple on a budget to do?
Presented By Moissanite.com visit moissanite.com


No one wants to be thought of as "cheap" and especially since weddings are such an important time in our lives, they deserve to be special. So what are some ways to maybe spend not quite so much, but still create a day to remember?

The rings - while the diamond solitaire is the most traditional engagement ring right now, no one said it was a must. Some brides may find other styles or even other stones more to their taste. For myself, I have a trio of aquamarines surrounded by 4 diamond chips, selected to go with a diamond-crusted wedding band. The overall effect is just as sparkly and stunning as a large-carat diamond but more pleasing to my taste, and the colors and numbers of the stones have special significance to me. Another option are Moissanite or similar rings.

Flowers - choosing flowers in season will be much more economical. Consider replacing large floral displays with potted plants or potted flowering plants (with the added bonus that they can grace the couples home or garden after the ceremony as a living memento). Consider displaying them on columns or pedestals and perhaps with tulle accents. Instead of a bouquet on every table, we used pillar candles on borrowed silver bases, a lace runner, and glass florist beads to make a beautiful display for tables at the reception. Incidentally, we used a nice quality silk garland cut apart to decorate the chairs. Covered with white seat covers, they were gathered at the back and tied with a ribbon with a bit of the flowers tucked in. This touch alone drew many compliments and the photographer was so impressed he took close-ups.

Venue - shopping around definitely pays off. Using the church we attend was the perfect solution for our wedding, and the pastor returned the facility rental as a wedding gift. They also provided chairs, tables, table covers, and chair covers, as well as having a number of table and decor items for our use as well. Prices will vary widely between various locations, some being free or nearly free (beaches and parks come to mind) while some more in-demand locales may command a premium price. Perhaps if someone in the family associated with a local country club, botanical garden, or other establishment they can secure a better rate.

The dress - this may be distasteful to some brides, and if the suggestion is not for you, feel free to ignore it. But there are many high-end designer dresses available for a tiny fraction of the original price tag as second-hand wedding dresses. Typically they have been worn for only hours, or in some cases not at all, so may require only a light cleaning and freshening. They may be available online at such sources as eBay, through second-hand shops, or through bridal boutiques (though at a higher price at the boutique). I wore a dress worth thousands for only a few hundred dollars - in fact, the alterations cost more than the dress itself!

Entertainment - if it's important to have a band, then interview a number of them and compare prices. We had a dear lady who played piano perform all the music during the ceremony, and made a mix for a DJ to play during the reception. The DJ's fee was nominal, and the songs cost only $1 each to download.

The cake - after putting down a deposit to secure the LAST available slot at a local establishment, I was pointed to a friend of a friend who did several wedding cakes a month so was experienced and reliable enough, at 1/6 the price. I decided to go with her instead and, since my deposit was non-refundable, put it toward a really decadent cake to be taken on the honeymoon.

Speaking of honeymoons - again, there are ways to spend a fortune, or not much at all. I think we arrived at a very nice compromise. Because it was such a special night, we stayed in a honeymoon suite the first night. We stayed in nice B&B's along the way of the "planned" part of our honeymoon, visiting a historic village and several other things up and down the coast. Then for the "unplanned" part of our honeymoon, we stayed in more modest hotels. Many "attractions" are free or very inexpensive, such as the historic village we visited, a seafood wharf where we ate freshly caught seafood to the accompaniment of the sea lions wresting for position on the rocks below, a miniature horse farm we found along the way, botanical gardens, historic buildings, and art districts with specialty shoppes. Others were a bit costly, but since they were in our home state, we got discounts on some and bought season passes in anticipation of returning to others, like zoos and amusement parks.

Of course, the size of the wedding party and the guest list will dictate much of the cost of clothing for attendants, gifts, and catering costs. These may not be negotiable for the couple, but make sure you are getting what YOU want, and are not being pressured into adding 8 extra attendants to make distant cousins happy and having to spend hundreds extra in the process. Caterers vary in what services and foods are offered, and if you talk to several you should find ways to keep it more reasonable. Don't overlook experienced cooks offering help, or semi-professional caterers who are able to provide references that they can indeed do the job. This is not a place for the bride to step in to try to save money - there are far too many last-minute things that will be vying for the bride's attention to allow her to cook for a crowd.

These are just a few ideas we hope will help you make your special day one you will remember forever and still not break the budget.

Pampering on a budget

While we're all about saving money and savvy shopping, one thing I have learned over the years is that it's important not to overlook things that make you happy. Little luxuries in life go a long way! One of my favorites is a huge, soft fluffy towel so I bought a few really well-made, wonderful towels at a factory outlet for not much more than I'd pay for cheap towels at a discount store, and every time I step out of the shower I'm wrapped in luxury. The nice towels far outlast cheap towels too, so it's possible to pamper yourself AND save money at the same time! Fluffy make-up brushes were another indulgence that has really paid off over the years, since the quality of the materials has made it outlast dozens of cheaper brushes.

As you might notice, I love things that FEEL nice. Finding a QUALITY material that offers ultimate softness and luxury can actually be a savvy investment, since you won't have to replace the item repeatedly. For that reason, another favorite of mine were a pair of sheepskin rugs that my mother once gave me. I placed one on the floor next to my bed, and every morning I'd sink my toes into the delicious warmth of the rug, and start my day feeling special. I also love a sheepskin rug in front of a fireplace because my living room floor is hard. 

If rugs are too pricey, consider the wide variety of other sheepskin products available. How about some comfy sheepskin-lined slippers? Or sheepskin boots to keep your feet toasty warm in the coldest weather? Maybe a pillow to toss on your soft for snuggling into while enjoying your fireplace? For the ultimate in sleep comfort, maybe a wool mattress cover?

So don't forget, pampering yourself with quality materials can actually SAVE you money in the long run, and make your life much more enjoyable at the same time!

What was I thinking?

Thanks for the guest post by Jo Levy

Since moving here I’ve spent a LOT of time working on this house. In my head the idea of a fixer upper always sounded charming and quaint but in reality it means a lot of late nights and never really feeling clean in your house even once you’ve taken a shower! I think it’s important to note that I didn’t really have any kind of construction experience so I’m really winging it here . . . my brother is a contractor so thankfully he’s been helping when he can and giving me advice when I need it. I started with the easy stuff … looking at the Electric Companies Texas had to offer online and finding out what types of permits I needed for what. But at the end of the day it’s really putting a strain on my free time to constantly be working on this place and it’s certainly not helping my weekly budget, either! I wish for once that I had thought this out before I jumped on it but I’ve always been impulsive and this house was just too good to pass up. It’s got ‘great bones’ (or at least that’s what everyone keeps telling me) and it needs sprucing up, really. I’ve been weighing the options and decided to add in a third bathroom but I tell you what, tiling may or may not be the death of me. At least I’ve got a functioning kitchen – I read about a family of four on a message board the other day that’s been eating take out for over 8 months! I don’t really know what I got myself into but the real estate market’s too grim here to sell right now, anyway. I’m sure it’s going to be great when it’s done but right now this place feels like more of a money pit than home sweet home if you know what I mean! I should have listened to my brother when he told me I needed to do more research before I put an offer in …

Design plus function = PURE PLEASURE

"Design is the search for the magical balance between concept and detail" ...

Once you have the concept of an overall design, finding the details in furnishings to complete your masterpiece can be a frustrating search if you can't find what you desire, or a delightful and rewarding journey when you discover wonderful sources. This can be especially true when searching for the perfect bathroom accessories, as options can sometimes prove to be very limited.

It is always a pleasure to find a designer that offers unique and beautiful pieces that express your personal style and fit perfectly within your decor. It is even more a pleasure to find one that also understands the importance of function as a part of design. This is particularly important in bathroom design, since it is basically a functional room. Various items such as towels and bathing needs must be stored in easy reach, and sometimes in limited space.

Sleek combination units that offer shelf surface space above a towel hanging bar are especially smart, and we love this sturdy design, fitting for a variety of style choices. Having various finish options allows for even more versatility and an even better fit with your chosen decor.

Teak is a wonderful material choice for the bath, due to its naturally water resistant properties. Wood lends its warmth, while this stylish, sleek design is both functional and stylish. Pieces like this can lend a masculine touch or make an impression that is rich and earthy at the same time.

Speaking of materials, we love the open-weave design of these water hyacinth baskets. Just as pictured by the supplier, they are a beautiful way to show off natual sea sponges and offer a funky, highly-textured accent in more casual, beach-themed, or naturalistic designs. These are some of our absolute favorites!

Once you've done the work of setting the stage with color and all the hard design, finding the right accessories finishes the room off perfectly. Sometimes they can be hard to find, but when you stumble on a source that offers such a rich diversity, what can be a chore becomes the fun part of decorating!

Saving money on your grocery bill - quick tip

Sometimes saving money on your food bill isn't only about shopping. Look for money-saving, nutrition-boosting options like vegetables you can grow yourself.

Once it's time to harvest, storing your bounty saves money too. Food that goes bad is like money thrown in the garbage. To keep foods like onions and garlic fresh for months, hang them in net bags made by stuffing them one at a time into a pair of pantyhose, and knotting the hose between each onion. Just snip off what you need and the rest are still safely hanging. Stored in a cool, dry place they will last for months! (Garden-grown onions last longer than ones purchased at the grocery store) - If you can't grow them yourself, look for them at farmer's markets and buy when in season for the freshest produce at the best prices!

Welcome baby with a special blanket

A perfect gift for a new baby is one that is practical and will be used, offers a hint of luxury for baby, and is delightfully cute, making everyone who sees it smile and ensuring it will remain a treasured memory of a special time in family life. Finding a gift that fills all of these requirements can be a challenge, especially if you aren't sure if the infant will be a boy or a girl.

I've found cotton baby blankets make ideal gifts. While a baby's tiny clothing may inspire "awwww" reactions, the fact is babies grow so fast, they often don't get to wear some of their first wardrobe. Even if they do, it will be outgrown in no time, but favorite blankets may be used by the child for years. I always kept a stack of baby blankets in the linen closet because they are handy for so many things as a child grows (a lap cover in the car, rolled up as a neck pillow, a shade cloth drape, a clean place to set the baby, etc.). 

This practicality is an important advantage of baby blankets. A gift that is used over and over is one that will be remembered. Diapers are useful too, but a cozy blanket will make your gift associated with much more pleasant memories!

Choosing a blanket that is soft and gentle against delicate skin helps make your gift one that will be a favorite with the baby that receives it. Make sure it is one that will wear well, since favorite blankies usually must endure many washings. Finding one with a beautiful or whimsical print will make your gift stand out and may earn it a place in either the baby's keepsake box or as a permanently useful item. Even though my daughter is almost grown, I can still clearly recall the designs on a dozen of her favorite blankets, and the ones we used for years. It's also easy to choose an appropriate blanket even if you don't know the sex of the baby, since most designs are equally suitable for baby boys or girls. Another special touch to consider is to have the blanket monogrammed or embroidered with the baby's initials, name, or a special quote, making it even more personalized. 

Because there are so many options with baby blankets, they are easy to buy, and because they are so practical, they will likely be used for a long time. They are usually associated with quiet times of comfort in a baby's life and trigger fond memories of the gift and the giver. What more can anyone wish when selecting a gift? 

Savvy shopping - entertainment options

Are you considering a cable, satellite, streaming, or other television service? The increasing number of choices available offer more chances to tailor your channel lineup and features to your own tastes, and save money at the same time, but it can also be confusing for customers to navigate the maze of options. Satellite providers may be one of the the only choices in some markets that aren't within the coverage of a cable service provider. Still, with competition stiff even in most rural markets, customers are left with a dizzying range of choices.

The two main factors that usually first come to mind when you begin comparing providers are channel options and price. It is often a good idea to also consider things like available technology, features, and reliability.

In deciding what kind of channel options fit your viewing style, ask yourself which networks are your favorites. What is most important to you, and what else is a must-have? Are sports your top consideration? Is local channel access important to you? Do you usually spend your TV time watching movies? How about documentaries? Which specialty channels most interest you - history, sci-fi, children's programming, nature, home improvement, and so on.

If you have favorite networks, you may or may not find a package that offers ALL of your favorites. Often there are similar competing networks that may fill the void for ones you would like but can't have when choosing a particular provider. Look for those before you write off what might otherwise be a particularly good deal.

Many providers offer packages designed with particular viewing styles in mind. If you love sports, you may find a package that offers a wide assortment of sports options, as well as a decent variety of supplemental channels that would fit your needs perfectly. Similar packages are often available to fit other tastes as well.

If you are at all interested in accessing local news and weather, as well as network programming, be sure the service you are considering offer the local networks, as not all of them do. If you don't, you may find yourself with a digital antennae attached to your set, fiddling around and trying to pick up digital signals, not to mention having to switch between your paid service and antennae every time you want to change the channel.

Price is a consideration as well, and we won't try to advise there. Be sure to check for current specials, and read all the fine print. What is most cost effective changes with time and between markets, and will depend on how much you are willing to pay and what you want to watch. But if one of the networks you are considering offers freebies thrown in (say special sports events) that you might pay for otherwise, remember to calculate the savings as part of your overall bill.

Finally, don't overlook available technology, which can have an effect on picture quality, speed of transmission, reliability of service, and special features. For example, we found offers for a  DVR that can be programmed to record even while away from home using a mobile ap (in case you forget to program it to record your favorite program, or you end up being gone longer than you expected). Such features offer great convenience and flexibility. Reliability and speed can be an issue in some locations. Your best advice probably comes from neighbors who already use the service you are interested in, and can let you know of loading issues, any effects of weather on the system, and how quickly the local technicians respond in case there are any problems. Personally all of my internet and television services are currently run through satellite, and I've been pleased with the overall performance of my providers, but I have spoken with others who lose their connection each time it rains. 

If you look at your options with these things in mind, you will be well-equipped to choose a service that meets your needs for a price you can afford.

Selecting car dealerships in the UK

We recently discussing searching for cars online in the UK, focusing on finding information about the cars themselves. Before buying a used car, buyers will certainly be wise to make sure the vehicle in question is free from hidden problems and potential pitfalls. However, that is only one side of the equation. The dealership selling the vehicle is a partner with the buyer in the purchase, and deserves careful selection as well. Potential car buyers in the UK can also access sites that helps them compare dealerships. Judge Service offers access to a searchable compilation of actual customer reviews of dealerships throughout the UK.

You may select reviews by make of car, location of dealership, or dealer group. Reviews that fit your selection are displayed with their full text, along with star rating, customer name, date posted, dealership name, web address, and contact information. The reviews range from simple recommendations to in-depth descriptions of strengths and weaknesses of the dealership. There is a separate area for service reviews of each dealership as well.

While visiting the site, be sure to check out the blog. There are interesting tips for car buyers as well as dealerships. While we found it focused slightly more on the dealer, there are also tips for buyers wanting to haggle to save money on a new car, what to look for in a used car, and more. Although I don't necessarily agree with the advice of purchasing a vehicle with a powerful diesel engine if you plan long trips, the advice to search for details in the body that might indicate a previous accident is something that is often overlooked and useful information. The advice given to dealers actually makes me appreciate the site even more, since it includes such suggestions as the value of knowing your customer's complaints (constructive criticism is often the most helpful).

Buying a car ... online?

 

While there are online classified and other possible sources to search for vehicles on the internet, there are several major online avenues available for car buyers in the UK. These include Autotrader, Motors.co, and Trusted Dealers.


In comparing these three main sources, we found some important differences. Autotrader and Motors.co both offer a service allowing individuals to list cars. While there may be some attempt by the managing site to do a background check on the vehicles, not all vehicles are checked - and even if they are, that only refers to the car's history as far as having been scrapped, imported, etc.

On the other hand, we found Trusted Dealers to be unique in that it is a site owned by a network of auto dealers committed to upholding a set standard. With Trusted Dealers, EVERY car is background-checked to assure it has not been scrapped or reported as stolen, that the odometer reading is accurate, and that no outstanding debt is owed against it. Each car is also inspected for mechanical faults and any necessary repairs made.

When buying a car from an individual, the risk is on the buyer for all of these points. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who will take advantage of buyers and sell them a car that can have hidden problems.

Because Trusted Dealers consists of automobile dealers, they offer benefits unique to dealerships that an individual is unable or unlikely to offer. Financing is available, or you can trade in your old car. New cars are offered as well. Warranties are included on every vehicle sold.

We do recommend a test drive of any vehicle you may be considering, and of course it may be prudent to have your own mechanic take a look and give a second opinion, but when deciding where to begin your search for a vehicle online, why not choose a site that takes much of the risk out of buying a used car?