http://www.savings.com/blog/featured.html Visit Savings.com for great deals and and advice on how to make your money go further. http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-John-Grisham-Ebooks.html <p>I'm a big fan of e-books. I used to read them on my PalmPilot, but now my iPhone is my reader of choice. Alas, I'm not a fan of e-book prices, which to me seem unnecessarily high compared with dead-tree editions.</p> <p></p> <p>That's why I'm jazzed about this new deal from e-bookseller Fictionwise (<em>which is now owned by <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Barnes-and-Noble-coupons.html">Barnes &amp; Noble</a></em>): When you buy any of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fictionwise.com/Z822H3330/ebooks/a55527/John-Grisham/?]">John Grisham's twenty-three novels</a>, Fictionwise will give you a 100-percent rebate.</p> <p>Yes, there's a catch. To take advantage of this offer, you have to sign up for a Micropay account. Think of it as a debit account: You add funds (<em>from a credit card or PayPal</em>), then draw on those funds whenever you buy a book.</p> <p></p> <p>However, the Grisham deal works like this: You buy, say, "The Associate" for $12.75, but you use your credit card or PayPal to do it. Fictionwise refunds that $12.75, but into your Micropay account--which you can then turn around and use to buy other books.</p> <p></p> <p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4445796613_290075faca.jpg" alt="Fictionwise_rebate" height="192" width="326"></p> <p></p> <p>I can anticipate your next question: No, purchases made with your Micropay account don't qualify for rebates. (<em>Otherwise you'd just rack up freebie after freebie. Hey, the company's gotta make something.</em>)</p> <p></p> <p>So in a way, this is kind of like buying a book and getting another one free. But it's still a solid deal, especially considering that Amazon charges $9.99 for "The Associate"--and doesn't offer any kind of rebate.</p> <p></p> <p>But wait, there's more: Fictionwise's 100-percent rebate deal also extends to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fictionwise.com/Z822H9130/servlet/mw/?t=nytlist&amp;si=0">New York Times bestsellers</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>You don't have to be an iPhone owner to shop at the Fictionwise store: the company sells e-books in a variety of formats, many of which are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fictionwise.com/help/ereader-overview.htm">compatible with a wide range of devices</a>, including BlackBerry, Palm, and Windows Mobile.</p> <p></p> <p>If you're new to e-books, my advice is this: don't knock it till you've tried it. Reading on a small, electronic screen may seem awkward at first, but for me, nothing beats the convenience of having a good book to read everywhere I go. And if it's a freebie to boot, so much the better. <br><br><p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-John-Grisham-Ebooks.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:55:45 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-John-Grisham-Ebooks.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-19T21:55:45Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ecommerce-vs-In-Store-Shopping.html <p>A couple of weeks ago, Derek mentioned a Lifehacker story about <a target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com/5482227/what-do-you-buy-online-vs-in-stores">what people buy online vs. in stores</a> as a part of his weekly roundup of favorite <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/37-Finance-Blog-Roundup.html">finance news</a>.&nbsp; It was quite an illuminating post since I would have guessed online shopping accounted for a much higher percentage of total retail sales.<br><br>As it turns out, the numbers are a bit misleading since the data represents 2007.&nbsp; Certainly in the last couple of years e-commerce has seen significant growth--in fact, in 2009 online sales were 6% of total retail vs. 3.2% in 2007.&nbsp; And according to Techcrunch, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2010/03/08/forrester-forecast-online-retail-sales-will-grow-to-250-billion-by-2014/">e-commerce grew by 11%</a> in 2009 vs. 2.5% increase for retail sales overall.<br><br>Obviously, we're spending more and more time shopping online...</p> <p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/total-us-e-commerce-by-category-2009-10">Forrester Research</a>, over half of e-commerce sales are in the categories of <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Apparel-coupons.html">Apparel, Shoes and Jewelry</a>, <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Computers-and-Office-coupons.html">Computer/Office Supplies</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Home-and-Garden-coupons.html">Home and Garden</a>.&nbsp; What seemed odd to me was the low percentage (3.5%) attributed to OTC medications and personal care.&nbsp; Given that's the category where I do most of my online shopping (<em>Hello <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-LuckyVitamin.com-coupons.html">LuckyVitamin</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Drugstore.com-coupons.html">drugstore.com</a>!</em>), I would have guessed that number to be much higher.&nbsp; The other surprise was the <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Food-and-Beverage-coupons.html">food and beverage</a> category which garnered a whopping 5% of money spent online.</p> <p></p> <p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4446258688_e87f833404.jpg" alt="Ecommerce by Category" height="291" width="500"> <br><br>What percentage of shopping do you do online?&nbsp; And on which category do you spend most of your online shopping dollars?&nbsp; Take the poll and voice your opinion in the comments below.<br><br></p> <p></p> <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/2924975.js"></script> <noscript> <a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2924975/">Which Category Do You Shop for Most Online?</a><span style="font-size:9px;"><a href="http://www.polldaddy.com">survey software</a></span> </noscript> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ecommerce-vs-In-Store-Shopping.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:39:13 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ecommerce-vs-In-Store-Shopping.html stella.louise 2010-03-19T18:39:13Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/March-Madness-iPhone-App.html <p>Can you feel it? Madness is in the air. March Madness that is. The sound of sneakers squeaking up and down the courts of College campuses will soon be echoing through televisions, and if you're really retro, radios across the country. CBS Sports Mobile has decided to offer another, better option again this year in the form of an updated On Demand iPhone app.</p> <p>USA Today's <a target="_blank" href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/03/watch-march-madness-on-the-iphone/1">Technology Live</a> blog just recently posted some info on the March Madness app that is now available for iPhone users. Last year's limitations have been removed and the entire offering has received a facelift. The full skinny is as follows:<br><br><ul><li>Watch the entire tourney using any network such as Wi-Fi or 3G that is iPhone compatible.</li><li>Switch channels to watch simultaneous games.&nbsp;</li><li>The higher the bandwidth, the better the quality of the video.&nbsp;</li><li>A connection to the Westwood One radio broadcasts of the games is also available for users who can't watch at a particular time. </li><li>2 services are available: free and premium. The free app is just for news and highlights. The premium app, priced at $9.99, offers a plethora of added bonuses. </li><li>CBS Mobile is also offering the service to users of the FLO TV Mobile TV service. Certain restrictions apply for FLO users depending on whether or not you are an AT&amp;T subscriber or not. </li></ul>So what do you guys think? Is this the greatest thing to happen to basketball since the slam dunk? Or is it just another app you'll never use? Discuss, comment, rant, whatever. <br><br>As always, you can follow my Twitter-rific tweets about all things consumer electronics and gaming <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/SavingsGCapes">@SavingsGCapes</a>. Until next time, Go Orange! (<em>Syracuse Orangemen that is</em>).</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/March-Madness-iPhone-App.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:18:41 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/March-Madness-iPhone-App.html GCapes 2010-03-15T19:18:41Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Budget-Workout-Options.html <p>Julia Newman, a 24 year old law student in New York, made headlines with her blog&nbsp; <a href="http://bunsofsteal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Buns of Steal</a>&nbsp; which documents her quest to acquire free gym workouts for an entire year. Her plan is to "hop" around the five boroughs, taking advantage of every free trial and coupon she can find. When asked how she felt about this concept of exercise on a budget, Lesley Voth, author of <a href="http://simplyfantasticbooks.com/" target="_blank">Simply Fantastic: Living Better On Less</a>, agreed with Julia on the fact that visiting gyms in your area on a trial basis gives you the advantage when negotiating a good deal. "<em>On the other hand</em>," she says, "<em>I see no sense in traipsing around the city, or countryside, looking for a free deal at a gym</em>."</p> <p></p> <p>The contributing writers on Julia's blog may disagree with Lesley; however, the price in gas, public transportation and time spent traveling are far more costly than any savings from gym hopping. If her PR stunts provide a book deal, Julia Newman may be laughing us all the way to the bank, but for now, there are many alternative ways to keep your fitness routine cheap.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nature</span></p> <p></p> <p>It sounds boring to some, but walking and jogging is an excellent non-costly way to stay fit. To add variety to your walk or run, "<em>use a backpack like soldiers do in military training</em>," suggests Lesley. "<em>I put different kinds of weighted objects in the bag</em>." Mountain climbing and water walking are also great ways to use nature to stay fit. "<em>Hanging from a tree branch stretches your spine and muscles and if you're able to hang upside down for a few seconds it is quite good for you</em>," she adds.</p> <p></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Household Items</span></p> <p></p> <p>Cans from your pantry can be used for bicep curls. They don't have to be heavy. Strive for maximum repetitions and feel the burn in order to tone your arms. Lesley advises that "using a can instead of a dumbbell exercises your gripping muscles more," due to the greater circumference. You can also add homemade weights to your walk or run routine by filling milk or orange juice jugs. "As a rule of thumb each liter of water weighs about 1kg or 2.2 lbs. and each gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 lbs, plus the weight of the plastic." Alternately, PVC pipes can be used to make dumbbells by adding sand and blocking the ends.</p> <p></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Purchase Cheap or Used Equipment </span><p></p> Often people will give their exercise equipment to the Salvation Army or Goodwill when they move or upgrade equipment. As well, you can sometimes get cheap equipment from a local gym when they upgrade machines or benches. Call around and tell the managers what you are looking for. Shop and compare online through Amazon, Cragslist, and eBay. Search the bargain section of places that don't specialize in exercise equipment, such as <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Borders-coupons.html">Borders</a> Books. There you can find yoga and resistance band kits complete with video and booklets for a fraction of the price you would normally pay, especially when combined with a <a href="http://www.savings.com/">coupon</a>.</p> <p></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Free Workout Plans and Nutrition Guides</span></p> <p></p> <p>Websites such as <a target="_blank" href="http://askthetrainer.com/">AskTheTrainer.com</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.prevention.com/health/">Prevention.com</a> have free videos and nutrition guides which can be used to develop your own weekly workout plan. Aim to mix up your exercises and confuse your muscles so that the body doesn't get bored. Ask your neighbor or friend if you can borrow a video plan they have been using and write down the weekly routine. After a couple months you should have it down and be able to give it back.</p> <p></p> <p>The quest for a fit body doesn't have to be time consuming or costly, it only has to be consistent.<br><br><blockquote><em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ballersonbudgets.com/">Ballers On Budgets</a> was founded in 2009 as a project dedicated to educating people on how to live within their financial means while increasing their social status within their community with the aim to provide resources, information, and alternatives to spending a lot of money while engaging in a socially active lifestyle. <br></em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Budget-Workout-Options.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:27:58 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Budget-Workout-Options.html BallersOnBudgets 2010-03-15T21:27:58Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Champagne-Buying-Guide.html <p>I had such a blast writing last week's blog post about the as-yet-untapped <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/A-Champagne-for-Every-Occasion.html">versatility of Champagne</a> that I decided we needed a follow-up. I also loved hearing your comments and learning that I am not the only person in the world who drinks Champagne on her couch alone, while eating popcorn. <br><br>Without further ado, please enjoy three more unexpected situations where Champagne is completely appropriate. And one more that's just not.</p> <p><strong>After the Kids Have Gone to Bed </strong>- <a href="http://www.korbel.com/Brut.aspx" target="_blank">Korbel Brut</a><br><br>Yeah yeah...I know it's easy to make fun of Korbel because of those old commercials. The ones that featured someone throwing her Champagne glass into the fireplace because, "<em>The Champagne's not Korbel!</em>" But for an everyday sparkler, this brand is hard to beat. Very crisp and refreshing, it's just the thing after you've read <em>Goodnight Moon</em> six times and thoroughly checked all closets for monsters. And if you think I'm exaggerating with the "everyday" thing... a certain couple I know (ahem, <a href="http://foodiedaddy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">FoodieDaddy</a>) happens to crack open a bottle of Korbel nearly every night after the kids go to bed. Now, even after a 10% case discount, that's well over $3,000 per year spent on Korbel. So I don't know if I can really get behind that sort of volume. But once or twice a week, why not?<br><br><strong>Chinese Takeout Night</strong> - <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FMionetto-Il-Moscato%2Fwine%2F36074%2Fdetail.aspx">Mionetto Il Moscato</a><br><br>You're tired from work, bored with what's in your cupboard and you sure as heck don't feel like cooking. Time to speed-dial your favorite Chinese place. Or Thai. Or Indian. It doesn't matter, all three pair swimmingly with sparkling wine, especially those that are off-dry. A teeny bit of sweetness goes a long way towards offsetting spicy foods. This fruity and fragrant Italian Moscato will keep your General Tso under control. Another great choice is <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FGruet-Rose%2Fwine%2F102582%2Fdetail.aspx">Gruet Rose</a>. Mostly for bragging rights--who doesn't want to be able to claim they've had sparkling rose from New Mexico?<br><br><strong>You've Washed That Man Right Out of Your Hair </strong>- <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FIron-Horse-Blanc-de-Blancs-2004%2Fwine%2F100420%2Fdetail.aspx">Iron Horse Blanc de Blancs</a><br><br>Ladies, I know it may seem like a pink sparkler may be the obvious choice to assert your womanhood and celebrate terminating your relationship with That Jerk. But trust me, a blanc de blancs is just what you need: the purity of the all white grapes (<em>blanc de blancs must be made with 100% Chardonnay</em>) is symbolically perfect for starting with a clean slate, and also for washing that bitter taste out of your mouth. The Iron Horse price tag of $35-$40 per bottle shows that this is a special occasion, but not so special that you won't have money left over for a mani-pedi or a good massage. Just be sure not to buy the <a href="http://www.ironhorsevineyards.com/wines/sparkling/wedding-cuvee.html" target="_blank">Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee</a> by mistake; you don't want to end the night all depressed.<br><br><strong>Funerals and Wakes</strong><br><br>Ummmm, no. Unless you are mourning the Widow Clicquot herself, the festive sound of a Champagne cork popping (<em>and the oohs and ahhhs that accompany it</em>) has no place in a house of mourning. Nor do exclamations of&nbsp; "<em>Cheers!</em>" or "<em>This is going straight to my head!</em>" Maybe, <em>MAYBE</em> if you are some kind of crime fighter and your archenemy has bit the dust, some bubbly is appropriate. Alone in your room, paired with sinister laughter, of course. But other than that, Champagne and the deceased are <em>not </em>a good match.<br><br>Tune in next week when I return to the land of the non-bubbly. Until then, be sure to follow my bubbly self on twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/SavingsHSimas">@SavingsHSimas</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Champagne-Buying-Guide.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:27:12 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Champagne-Buying-Guide.html HSimas 2010-03-15T19:27:12Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lenovo-IdeaPad.html <p>As you've probably heard, Apple just starting accepting pre-orders for the much-ballyhooed <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Apple-iPad.html">iPad tablet</a>. Before you plunk down your $499 (<em>or more, depending on which configuration you get</em>), ask if you wouldn't be happier with something a little more versatile.</p> <p>Like, say, the <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10548197?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.lenovo.com%2FSEUILibrary%2Fcontroller%2Fe%2Fweb%2FLenovoPortal%2Fen_US%2Fconfig.workflow%3AConfigureMtmAsItem%3Fmtm-item%3D%3A000000F3%3A000029BD%3A%26AID%3D10599884%26PID%3D1260291%26SID%3DS5-vYgoBCjYAAFjG3MIAAAJo%26CJURL%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fshop.lenovo.com%252FSEUILibrary%252Fcontroller%252Fe%252Fweb%252FLenovoPortal%252Fen_US%252Fconfig.workflow%253AConfigureMtmAsItem%253Fmtm-item%253D%253A000000F3%253A000029BD%253A%2526AID%253D10599884%2526PID%253D1260291" target="_top">Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t</a>, a netbook that's also a tablet. It normally sells for $699, but right now it's on sale for $649, and there's a <a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/394076-coupon.html#_coupon-394076">Lenovo coupon code</a> that drops it to $549. Shipping is free, so that's your out-the-door total.</p> <p></p> <p>Yep, your math is spot-on: For just $50 more than the price of the entry-level iPad, you get a dual-purpose PC running Windows 7.</p> <p></p> <p>On the netbook side of the coin, the IdeaPad offers an above-average feature set. It has 2GB of RAM (<em>most models have half that</em>), a 250GB hard drive (<em>the $499 iPad offers one-tenth the storage</em>), 802.11n Wi-Fi, and a four-cell battery.</p> <p></p> <p>It also looks like a traditional netbook, right down to the 10.1-inch screen and full-size QWERTY keyboard. These things are great for traveling light while still performing everyday computing tasks (<em>e-mail, Web browsing, Facebook, etc</em>).</p> <p></p> <p>The trick up the IdeaPad's sleeve is its hinged screen, which can pivot 180 degrees and then fold down over the keyboard. Presto! Now it's a touchscreen tablet, just like the iPad.</p> <p></p> <p>Well, not quite. You're still using Windows, though Lenovo bundles a basic suite of finger-powered software for things like browsing photos and reading e-books. I won't say the experience is anywhere near as pleasant or intuitive as using an iPad, because it's not. In fact, I'm still not sold on the whole idea of tablets, as I don't really see a need for one.</p> <p></p> <p>That said, if you like the idea of a tablet PC that can actually function as a PC, the IdeaPad beats the iPad hands-down. It offers a lot more capabilities for about the same money.<br><br><p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lenovo-IdeaPad.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:48:32 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lenovo-IdeaPad.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-16T21:48:32Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Say-No.html <p>Looking up at the calendar I have on my wall near my desk, I see that the next five weekends are booked. I also have at least three things scheduled each week after working 40 hours a week. No wonder I'm stretched thin! One way to clear your schedule is to learn to say no. Sometimes I say "yes" because I feel guilty about not seeing my friends as often, sometimes I say "yes" because I think I'm Super-Woman and I can do everything. More often than not, I need to say "no." <br><br>By saying no to one invitation a week, my schedule opens time to take care of myself, to get the laundry done, or to go to bed before midnight every once in a while! I need to learn to say no. Do you?</p> <p><ol> <li>Tell the inviter "<em>Let me think about that and I'll get back to you</em>." This gives you time to think about whether you really can commit that time. It also allows you to think about the positives and the negatives of accepting without pressure.</li><p></p> <li>Be truthful with "<em>I can't right now, my plate is overloaded</em>." Most likely, the inviter will understand--his or her plate is probably just as overloaded. We are all busy people and there are only so many hours in the day.</li><p></p> <li>Do you <em>want</em>&nbsp;to do what you've been invited to do but know that the timing is wrong? "This sounds great, but I don't have time right now. Can you check back in a week?" (<em>or a month, or three years</em>). This gives the inviter the opportunity to ask you again when the timing is right.</li><p></p> <li>Is the cost prohibitive for you? "<em>I'm sorry, I can't--that's not in my budget.</em>" You don't have to give the baby-shower pool $50 if you don't have it budgeted. I have personally used this technique and know that my friends understand. They also work to plan ahead so that I <em>can </em>budget things!</li><p></p> 5. If someone asks you to do something (at work, for example) that you don't think you can handle, remind your boss "I don't want to take on what I can't fully commit to doing well." Not only does this show your boss that you put your effort into your jobs, it could lead to a conversation about what you <em>could</em> take on and do well. </ol></li><p></p> Other things to remember:</p> <p></p> <p><ul> <li>Keep your priorities in mind. A Saturday spent helping a colleague move is a Saturday you're away from your spouse or children.</li><p></p> <li>Only say yes to things you truly <em>want</em>&nbsp;to do. If you aren't wholeheartedly interested, why spend your time on it?</li><p></p> <li>Keep appointments you've made with yourself (<em>staying in to read, soaking in the bath, catching up on reality TV</em>).</li></ul><p></p>What is your favorite way to say "no"?<br><br></p> <p></p> <blockquote><em>When she’s not writing for Savings.com, Sarah teaches health and science to high schoolers. You can also find Sarah at <a target="_blank" href="http://community.wegohealth.com/profiles/blog/list?user=SarahReede">WEGO Health</a>, where she is an advocate of improved health conditions for women and children of both the United States and globally and on her personal blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://sarahndipitea.com/">Sarahndipitea</a>.</em> </blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Say-No.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:06:56 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Say-No.html Sarahndipitea 2010-03-11T20:06:56Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Frugal-Money-Management.html <p>Almost 7 years ago I moved from San Francisco to a tiny town in northern California where nearly 10% of residents in the county were unemployed. I was able to get a job, but my income dropped 60% and my living expenses didn’t adjust nearly enough to accommodate my skimpy bank account. To say the least, I was stressed about my financial situation; however, I was also determined to make it through without going into gobs of debt or resorting to food stamps.</p> <p>Living paycheck to paycheck is a constant balancing act. I mostly credit budgeting software with getting my family through that difficult period of time. I don’t know how we could have lived on such a small income without going into enormous debt if I hadn’t planned out all of our spending. Similar to <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Mintcom-Personal-Finance-Software.html">mylitter’s experience with mint.com</a>, I found it incredibly helpful to see a pie chart of where all of my money was going. Once I knew where the money was going, I could more easily focus on addressing problem areas and decreasing any flexible areas of spending.</p> <p></p> <p>The first step in using financial planning software is to input all income and expenses that hit the bank account. In addition to recurring paychecks and bills, I included estimated expenses such as the occasional date night or a birthday gift for a family member. I have never been great at sticking to a strict budget, so planning some of my splurges ahead of time helped to lessen the impact of my impulsiveness. Whether the family is broke or not, the need for entertainment and enjoyment in life never goes away, so it’s important to know whether cutting down on Starbucks provides just enough extra cash for a vacation.</p> <p></p> <p>I love the ability to instantly balance my checking account and set limits on spending categories, but my absolute favorite feature is cash flow projection. By viewing a graph of my bank account three months into the future, I can spot challenging times of the month ahead of time so that I’m not surprised by an overdraft fee. The information is also helpful when determining whether I should ask the utility companies to adjust my billing dates or how long the family has to buckle down on spending so that the credit cards can get paid off. These are all things that a financial adviser can help with, of course, but the cost of their service may add to financial strain before making a positive impact.</p> <p></p> <p>There are many financial planning software options that can be enormously helpful no matter what your family's budget looks like. <a href="http://www.savings.com/user/profile.html?id=35246">Mylitter</a> uses the free <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mint.com">mint.com</a> service whereas I paid a fee to download the Microsoft Money program (<em>note: the software is no longer being produced and supported</em>). Get Rich Slowly has a great list of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/01/good-bye-microsoft-money-16-powerful-personal-finance-programs/">sixteen different financial programs</a> with varying costs. Which is your favorite?</p> <p></p> <p>How does your family manage money? What areas of finance management do you find most challenging?</p> <p></p> <blockquote> <em>Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig. When she is not parenting, writing as the San Francisco City Guide Editor for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.savvysource.com/">Savvy Source</a> and on her personal blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewokmama.com/index.html">Ewokmama.com</a>, or scoping out awesome deals, she can be found working at a software company in her favorite city.</em></blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Frugal-Money-Management.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:35:23 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Frugal-Money-Management.html Crystal.Ritchie 2010-03-13T06:35:23Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Pantry-Basics.html <p>Let’s talk about kitchen staples. These are the essentials that you should always have on hand, such as cereal, pasta and olive oil. They’re different for everyone, of course, but with them, in whatever form they take for you, you’re never without the ingredients for a meal--give or take some produce.</p> <p>My staples include:</p> <p></p><ul><li> Flour and cornmeal. I bake my own bread, so these are absolutely essential. </li><li>Rice. I keep several varieties, including sushi and brown. </li><li>Popcorn. Not only is this a great snack for the whole family, but it’s also a last-minute meal solution for my three-year-old. (<em>Okay, let’s be honest: for me, too</em>.) </li><li>Canned tomatoes. I use these for everything from pasta sauce and pizza sauce to recipes calling for fresh tomatoes to chili. </li><li>Onions and garlic. These are technically produce, so need to be purchased more frequently than dry goods, but they are cooking staples for me! </li><li>Peanut butter. Sometimes I buy other nut butters as well. </li><li>Canned goods, including beans (<em>for when I don’t have time to cook dried beans</em>), tuna and sometimes soups. </li><li>Frozen food. I keep chicken breasts and some vegetable or another, as well as a supply of stock. </li></ul><p></p> <p>And depending on the time of year, various other items as well.</p> <p></p> <p>As long as I have these items and some sort of vegetable, I can make a meal. Even without fresh items, I can scrounge something together--peanut butter sandwiches are always an option, and I don’t find myself needing to resort to them often; in fact, I only eat peanut butter sandwiches when I want to.</p> <p></p> <p>Keeping staples on hand cuts down on impulse buys, which is the number one way I know of to save money while grocery shopping. My advice is to buy dry goods in the absolute largest quantities you a) can afford, b) have room to store, and c) reasonably expect to use. Buy the five-pound bag of sugar so that you don’t run out and have to buy the half-pound box at the corner store, where the price per pound is double the bulk price. Ditto the 20-pound bag of flour, the ten-pound bag of rice, and so forth.</p> <p></p> <p>There are many options for buying in bulk. Discount stores like Costco are one option, and even if you don’t have a membership (<em>which can be costly</em>), chances are you know someone who does and will bring you as their guest. There are also non-membership discount stores in some areas, such as Smart ‘n Final. And don’t forget that nearly all health food stores have bulk bins, which can save you money on healthier options.</p> <p></p> <p>What are your pantry essentials? Any tips on buying? <br><br><blockquote><em>Annika Barranti is a writer living in Los Angeles and blogging at <a target="_blank" href="http://noirbettie.com/blog/">Through the Looking Glass</a>. She and her husband are raising two children and trying to eat well on a tiny budget.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Pantry-Basics.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:49:57 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Pantry-Basics.html annika.barranti 2010-03-14T05:49:57Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eco-Wedding-Essentials.html <p>At EcoStiletto, we always cry at weddings. After all, the typical U.S. wedding is not just an occasion for opulence and elegance--it’s also an occasion for excessive resource use, unchecked wastefulness and extreme environmental impact. "<em>The typical American wedding typically includes things like <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">conflict-sourced diamonds set in gold mined with cyanide</a>--the furthest thing from a representation of true love</em>," said eco-wedding planner Paige Anderson Appel of Los Angeles, CA based <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bashecoevents.com/">Bash Eco Events</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Paige recommends checking in with carbon-offsetter TerraPass’ <a target="_blank" href="http://www.terrapass.com/wedding/">wedding carbon-footprint calculator</a> when planning your nuptials, making <a target="_blank" href="http://www.organicbouquet.com/">Organic Bouquet</a> your go-to, and avoiding traditional wedding staples like pesticide-laden gowns, asthma-inducing paraffin candles, tree-gobbling invitations and non-recyclable gifts and favors.</p> <p></p> <p>No wonder we weep.</p> <p></p> <p>Wish your big day could have a smaller footprint, ecoista? Read on.</p> <p>RESOURCES</p> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4424949795_4bcc450afa_m.jpg" alt="recycled-bride-organic-wedding-400" height="150" width="195"></div> Think Craigslist with everything you want, and nothing you don’t: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.recycledbride.com/">Recycled Bride</a> is a free marketplace for brides who want to maximize their budget dollars while minimizing their carbon footprint. Just one surf through Recycled Bride led us to all kinds of prize finds: Gently used gowns (<em>like the gorgeous frock pictured above</em>) from in-demand designers Romona Keveza and Pronovias, Stuart Weitzman bridal sandals, silver cake knife sets, glass candle holders and much, much more. Buy, sell or just browse, and be sure to check out founder (<em>and recent bride</em>) Tracy DiNunzio’s super-cute Recycled Bride blog for inspired design ideas and practical recycling and repurposing tips. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/17, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a $100 Shopping Spree at RecycledBride.com.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4425714962_406cb98774_m.jpg" alt="green2-bride-guide-organic-wedding-400" height="144" width="200"></div> And if you’re going to buy one green-wedding-planning book, make it Kate L. Harrison’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140221345X?ie=UTF8&tag=savingscom03-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=140221345X">The Green Bride Guide</a> (<em>Sourcebooks, 2008</em>). Thoughtful, well-organized, perfect for to-be-wed couples in any shade of green, Harrison’s book is our favorite go-to guide for help with selecting invitations, reception locations, flowers--all the wedding essentials that typically add up to a big, fat carbon stomp. Want to save a few trees? Visit Harrison’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thegreenbrideguide.com/">GreenBrideBuide.com</a> for more of her smart, style-minded green wedding wisdom. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/24, five <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will win a $14.99 copy of The Green Bride Guide.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4424949855_c842d3163b_m.jpg" alt="invite-organic-wedding-400" height="133" width="200"></div> From its beautiful new store in Culver City, CA (<em>where brides can enjoy one-on-one consultations in a lovely Wedding Nook area created just for them, and enlist the talents of wedding photographer Kara Frans</em>), eco-luxe letterpress and paper studio <a target="_blank" href="http://www.copperwillow.com/">Copper Willow</a> takes green seriously--not easy for a purveyor of paper products. Using materials like tree-free, recycled-cotton paper and 100% soy inks, and letterpress machinery that’s greased up with Earth-friendly solvents, female-owned Copper Willow turns out some of the most beautiful wedding invitations and paper gifts (<em>hello, one-year anniversary!</em>) we’ve ever seen. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/31, four <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will win a $24 Copper Willow Tagged Convertible Greeting Card Kit.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> Finally, do you really need another toaster? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.depositagift.com/">DepositAGift.com</a> is a cash gift registry service that makes sure you get exactly what you need--and want. Much friendlier than requesting--or receiving--a check, the registry looks and feels exactly like a traditional registry. And it should: It’s modeled after the original gift registry that was started by Marshall Fields in 1924, with a database of images available to personalize the gift-giving process--including eco-friendly options like solar panels, an organic veggie garden, a composter, etc. Spending money wisely and with well-thought-out intention--that’s green. <p></p> ESSENTIALS <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4424949879_6d60d3638a_m.jpg" alt="conscious-organic-wedding-400" height="122" width="200"></div> Eco-fashion forerunner Crystal Miller has been working with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Fashion/comments/viridis_luxe_hemp_organic_cotton_bamboo_and_silk_clothing/">hemp fabrics</a> for 15 years, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getconscious.com/index.php">Conscious Clothing</a>, her fair-wage wedding line, is a testament to her experience with hemp/silk blends (<em>and, for the vegan vow-sayer, hemp/Tencel</em>). We pledge our love for the classic Strapless Gown, all ruffled cascades accented by a ruby-red ribbon, and for the wedding night, a noir hemp/peace silk-satin nightie trimmed in cream organic cotton lace with matching boy shorts. Yes, indeed. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/24, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a $190 Conscious Couture Hemp/Peace Silk-Satin Nightie and Boy Short Set.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> Demi donned their vintage wear for her wedding to Ashton. Nicole Kidman picked up some of their vintage under things for her wedding trousseau. If you love the idea of saying your vows in a wedding dress that has virtually <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/whatisgreen/">no environmental impact</a>--you’re giving it a new cradle, after all--you’ll want to pay a visit to celeb-favorite <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thewaywewore.com/">The Way We Wore</a>, for one-of-a-kind wedding gowns. Not only will you turn heads while you turn back time, but you’ll give a labor-intensive wedding dress a much-deserved second turn as well. <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4425715008_9cdbd5b755_m.jpg" alt="brilliant-earth-organic-wedding-400" height="159" width="200"></div> <p></p> If you’re as concerned as we are about the extreme harm inflicted by conflict diamonds (<em>which have historically been mined under brutal conditions and sold to fund wars and insurgencies in Africa</em>), and by the devastating environmental impact of diamond strip-mining and underground-mining, then look no further than <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brilliantearth.com/">Brilliant Earth</a> engagement and wedding rings. These are classic pieces, crafted in recycled metals with fair-wage diamonds sourced in Canada, where there’s no risk of inadvertently bankrolling terrorists. Bonus! <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 6/28, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a $100 Brilliant Earth Shopping Spree.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4424949925_57232ac8f4_m.jpg" alt="green2-diva-organic-wedding-400" height="227" width="150"></div> <br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.greendivabridal.com/">Green Diva</a>’s eco-friendly bridal jewelry collection is a blushing ecoista’s dream. These seriously beautiful pendants, chokers, earrings and bracelets eschew <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">brutally mined gems, toxic chemicals or exploited labor</a> in favor of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Fashion/comments/upcycled_fashions_from_playback_remadeusa_anamu_ashley_watson_fancy_pony_la/">100% recycled metals</a> with fair trade gems at oh-so-reasonable prices. Each piece arrives packaged in a pouch made from recycled wedding gowns--plus, Green Diva plants a tree for each sale. <br><br>This spring, Green Diva launches a jewelry rental service, where brides can bring high-end bling to their wedding ensemble without blowing their entire budget--and, perhaps, the down payment on their newlywed nest--in one go. Whoa. <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 6/7, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a pair of these $105 Green Diva Nutmeg Hickory Earrings.</em>**</blockquote></div> GIFTS FOR GUESTS <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4424949951_3f5d7bac4a_m.jpg" alt="organic-salvage-wedding-400" height="173" width="150"></div> <br>When it comes to your party, whether you place them in visiting guests’ hotel rooms, gift them to bridesmaids or use them to add subtle fragrance to reception-site powder rooms and suites, an <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maurapeters.com/">Organic Salvage</a> candle is a must-have. Presented in salvaged glass bottles and packaged with recycled materials, these candles are made from certified-organic plant wax--no petroleum or GMO soy here--for a clean and even burn. But all eco-friendliness aside, these candles look--and smell--absolutely gorgeous. <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 6/14, four <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will win a $35 Large Organic Salvage Candle.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4425715070_44782f778a_m.jpg" alt="beekman-400" height="164" width="200"></div> Looking for a wedding favor your guests will actually use? You can’t do much better than soap. And for pure, chemical-free, lovingly handmade goat milk soap, you can’t do better than <a target="_blank" href="http://shop.beekman1802.com/Goat-Milk-Soaps-Skin-Care_c8.htm">Beekman 1802</a>. The Sharon Springs, N.Y.-based mercantile handcrafts soaps in signature scents for every month of the year. Choose your wedding-month’s scent--April’s is reminiscent of wildflowers, August’s is lush with lavender, November’s captures the warmth of baking spices, and so on--custom-tag the soap with your wedding monogram or date, and you’ve got the perfect favor for special guests. <br><br>P.S. Look for founders Brent and Josh, urban transplants also known as “The Beekman Boys,” on the new Planet Green this spring, and check their site for “Mary’s Blog,” the personal diary of the four-year-old ghost who haunts their Beekman Mansion. Really. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 6/21, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a $75 set of Beekman 1802 soaps.</em>**</blockquote> </div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4425715098_2d9f1bb55f.jpg" alt="eberjey-organic-wedding-400.com_" height="281" width="175"></div> <p>HONEYMOONING</p> <p></p> <p>On your wedding night, slip into something slinky--and sustainable, too! <a target="_blank" href="http://tashilingerie.com/571-5248/Eco_Dream_Cami_Set">Tashi Lingerie</a>, founded by holistic nutrition and Ayurvedic medicine expert Natalie Steiner, carries <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Fashion/comments/sexy_and_sustainable_lingerie_from_urban_fox_enamore_ciel_pi_organics_and_s/">natural-fabric naughty bits </a>from some of our favorite designers. We particularly love Eberjey’s yummy Eco Dream Cami Set, made of 100% organic bamboo jersey and featuring lace-trimmed boy shorts. Hubby won’t know what hit him.</p> <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>From 3/15-4/15 get 15% off everything at Tashi Lingerie with code "PNU69589" at checkout.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4424950071_cf16798a0f.jpg" alt="yes-organic-wedding-400" height="283" width="175"></div> <br>And speaking of slipping…<a target="_blank" href="http://www.futurenatural.com/yes-organic-natural-lubricant.html?lnum=186861">Yes certified organic personal lubricant</a>, available exclusively from online organic beauty products emporium Future Natural, has got you covered on your wedding night (<em>and every night thereafter</em>). Completely free of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">parabens, glycerin, hormones, silicone and petroleum</a> products, Yes is hypoallergenic, condom-compatible and never tested on animals. A little “yes” got you here, Mrs. Bride. Now a little Yes will help you enjoy newlywed bliss just that much more. <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>Week of 6/21 one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will say YES to a $100 Shopping Spree at FutureNatural.com</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> A candle and massage oil in one-what could be better? How about a paraffin-free, petrochem-free, essential-oil-infused candle and massage oil in one? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.saloncarabella.com/">Carabella Organics</a>’ shea- and soy-butter candles are soot-free, provide hours of ambiance, and burn at just two degrees above body temperature, yielding a sensually-smooth, hydrating massage oil. Plus, they’re packaged in recycled glass accented with handmade, biodegradable paper. Light up one of these in your suite, and let the honeymoon begin! <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>Week of 5/10 ten <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will each win a $10 Carabella Organics Mini 20-hour Massage Candle</em>**</blockquote> <p></p> <p>AND, FINALLY…</p> <p></p> <p>In the hopeful event that "‘til death do us part" means just that, you’d do well to put your final farewells in the hands of Elizabeth Fournier, aka the "Green Reaper." She’s the mortician behind <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cornerstonefuneral.com/index.htm">Cornerstone Funeral Services</a>, which arranges green burials for those of us who wish our remains to return to the earth, naturally. Cornerstone’s burials utilize eco-friendly caskets made from naturally decomposing materials like bamboo, wood and banana leaves, and leave out stains, varnishes and formaldehyde embalming solutions. If this sounds like the way you and your beloved want to go, but you don’t happen to live in Boring, Ore. (<em>we couldn’t make that one up if we tried</em>), the Cornerstone site has good advice for finding earth-friendly funeral homes wherever your happily-ever-after may happen to be.</p> <p></p> <p>Um, no. We won’t be offering a giveaway.</p> <p></p> <blockquote><em>Savings.com Green Guru Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is a writer, producer and marketing consultant who focuses on sustainable fashion, beauty, lifestyle and parenting--and the creator of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com">EcoStiletto.com</a>, an online magazine which explains, in real-girl terms, how eco-friendly choices can help turn your carbon footprint from a ginormous Ugg into an oh-so-slender Manolo.</em><br></blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eco-Wedding-Essentials.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:16:35 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eco-Wedding-Essentials.html RachelSarnoff 2010-03-11T20:16:35Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Software-Programs.html <p>There's no such thing as a free lunch, but free software? Oh, yeah. With just a few clicks you can score some truly excellent stuff, including killer Windows tweakers, robust security tools, an automated backup service, and even a replacement for Microsoft Office. <br><br>Check 'em out:</p> <p><ol> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mywot.com">Web of Trust</a>&nbsp; - Scary but true: Your computer can fall victim to a virus or spyware infection just by visiting a Web site! Okay, but which sites are safe and which ones are potentially dangerous? That's the question answered by Web of Trust, which adds a kind of red-light/green-light filter to your Web browser. Specifically, when you run a search in, say, Bing of Google, each resulting link will include a red or green marker. That's how you'll know at-a-glance if a link is safe to click. This must-have add-on is available for Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer.</li><p></p> <li><a href="http://antibody-software.com/web/software/software/wizmouse-makes-your-mouse-wheel-work-on-the-window-under-the-mouse/">Wizmouse</a> - Hey, Windows! How come after all these years, my mouse wheel still doesn't work wherever I point my cursor? Instead, a window must have “focus” (<em>meaning I’ve clicked in it to make it the selected window</em>) for the mouse wheel to function. That’s insane! Fortunately, there’s WizMouse, which enables the scroll wheel to work in whatever window is under your cursor, plain and simple. It's free, it works, and it makes your Windows world a lot more pleasant.</li><p></p> <li><a href="http://www.stardock.com/products/Fences/">Fences</a> - Tired of dozens or even hundreds of icons cluttering up your Windows desktop? Ever wish you could hire a maid to organize them all? That's Fences in a nutshell: It corrals icons into semi-transparent windows you can resize and rearrange to your liking. Cooler still, when you double-click an empty area of your desktop, everything disappears (<em>except that lovely wallpaper you chose, which you can now enjoy to its fullest</em>). Don't worry: Another double-click brings it all back.</li><p></p> <li><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/">Microsoft Security Essentials</a> - This may come as a shock, but Windows 7 doesn't require a lot of extra security software. Right out of the box, it defends against hackers, phishing, pop-ups, spyware, and other common threats--everything except for viruses and other malicious software. Fortunately, Microsoft recently released Security Essentials, a surprisingly robust utility that protects your system from all manner of malware. It works quietly in the background, notifying you only if there's a problem, and barely impacts system performance. It may be the only extra security software you need.</li><p></p> <li><a href="https://mozy.com/registration/free">MozyHome Free</a> - Here's why most people don't make regular backups: They're a pain in the neck. (<em>The backups, not the people.</em>) MozyHome saves your most important stuff--files, photos, music, etc.--to secure online servers, and does it all automatically, at regular intervals, without any involvement from you (<em>save for a one-time setup</em>). A free account nets you 2 gigabytes of storage space, which may be enough. If not, you can get unlimited space for a very reasonable $4.95 per month (<em>or $54.45 annually</em>). No more excuses--start making backups!</li><p></p> <li><a href="http://symphony.lotus.com/software/lotus/symphony/home.nsf/home">Lotus Symphony</a> - Let's face it: Microsoft charges an arm and a leg for Office, but what can you do? You really and truly need to do word processing, spreadsheets, and/or presentations. Fortunately, there's a perfectly good free alternative: Lotus Symphony. It offers all three of the aforementioned functions, and it can open and save files in the various Microsoft Office formats--so no need to worry about compatibility. I even think the interface is easier to use than Office. Symphony sounds too good to be true, but it's the real deal. I'm a huge fan.</li></ol></li><p></p> Got any free must-have software apps to recommend? Add your suggestions to the comments below! <p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Software-Programs.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:43:15 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Software-Programs.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-12T21:43:15Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Daylight-Saving-Time-Disadvantages.html <p>This Sunday everyone in the U.S. (<em>with the exception of the lucky souls in Hawaii and most of Arizona...</em>) will "Spring forward."&nbsp; Yup, it's that time of year again when we set our clocks ahead one hour (<em>before you go to sleep on Saturday night...</em>) and wake up an hour earlier the next morning.<br><br>Ugh.</p> <p>This is not my favorite time of year and for all the perky morning people who chirp, "<em>I love getting an extra hour of sunshine!</em>," I want to scream:&nbsp; "<em>You're not getting extra daylight!&nbsp; You're waking up an hour earlier!</em>"<br><br>I mean, couldn't all these daylight-lovers just wake up earlier to enjoy the sunrise without inflicting it on the rest of us?<br><br>The practice of clock-changing originated in the U.S. in 1918 as an energy-saving measure after World War I.&nbsp; It wasn't consistently practiced across the country until 1966 with a federal act that officially set Daylight Saving Time to begin on the last Sunday of April and to end on the last Sunday of October.<br><br>Since then, Daylight Saving Time has been experiencing something akin to the infamous <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Black-Friday-Deals.html">Christmas Creep</a>, gradually moving up the time it starts and pushing back the time it ends over the years.&nbsp; Now, with a mid-March start date and beginning of November end date, DST is now officially longer than so-called "Standard Time."<br><br>What's up with THAT?!!!<br><br>As for the alleged energy savings--well, that may be just a myth.&nbsp; According to a recent post on Walletpop, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/12/daylight-saving-time-saves-12-in-electricity-per-year/">Daylight Saving Time savings amount</a> approximately $12 a year.&nbsp; <br><br>Not nearly enough to balance the cost of the extra Starbucks coffee you need to wake you up an hour earlier each day!<br><br>Over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mainstreet.com/article/lifestyle/daylight-saving-time-haters">Mainstreet</a>, they enumerated a list of reasons Daylight Saving Time costs more than it saves:&nbsp; from increased accidents to decreased productivity, DST may have outlived its benefits.&nbsp; I've heard that the so-called "extra hour" was so that kids who lived on farms could help out after school with the aid of a longer day, but we're no longer an agricultural nation.&nbsp; I've also heard that the meat industry perpetuates the lingering light as it encourages people to barbecue more, but that sounds a bit conspiracy theorist...<br><br>Whatever the reasoning, I think the practice needs to be reviewed and revised.&nbsp; If it doesn't save energy, why the heck are we putting ourselves through this disorientation twice a year?&nbsp; Personally, I'd like the whole "Spring forward, fall back" thing to be eliminated. How do you feel about DST?&nbsp; Take <a target="_blank" href="http://poll.fm/1oy1y">the poll</a> and/or vent your spleen in the comments below.</p> <p></p> <p><embed sap-type="flash" sap-mode="checked" sap="flash" allowscriptaccess="never" saveembedtags="true" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="beta3" salign="tl" scale="autoscale" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="p=2843494" src="http://i.polldaddy.com/poll.swf" height="500" width="252"></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Daylight-Saving-Time-Disadvantages.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:58:46 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Daylight-Saving-Time-Disadvantages.html stella.louise 2010-03-12T20:58:46Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Her-Room-Famous-Footwear-Giveaway.html <p>Last week we announced our <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Hatley-Giveaway.html">Hatley giveaway</a> in which one lucky Savings.com blog reader would win a raincoat and rain boots, in their choice of size and print. Turns out quite a few folks are looking to keep their little kiddos warm and dry this spring...75 folks to be exact. <br><br>From the 75 entries we received over the last week, we've chosen one winner. And that winner is...</p> <p>dewarfamily. Congratulations! You mentioned in your entry that you've got two girls that would be thrilled to get this set...how are you going to decide between the two?&nbsp; Perhaps a coin toss? Or one gets the boots and the other gets the coat? Good luck divvying up the loot!<br><br>Now to announce this week's giveaway prize...oh, I mean <em>prizes</em>. Yes, that's right. This week we're giving away two gift cards to a single lucky blog reader. The winner will receive a $50 <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-HerRoom-coupons.html">Her Room</a> gift card to stock up on some lady underthings, as well as a $50 gift card for <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Famous-Footwear-coupons.html">Famous Footwear</a>. Shoes and lingerie...sounds like a killer prize pack to me.<br><br>To enter this week's blog giveaway, simply comment on this blog post by the end of the day next Thursday, March 18th. On Friday, we'll choose and announce the winner, along with the next weekly blog giveaway prize.<br><br>¡Buenas suerte!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Her-Room-Famous-Footwear-Giveaway.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:27:38 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Her-Room-Famous-Footwear-Giveaway.html WiscoVixen 2010-03-12T20:27:38Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Mintcom-Personal-Finance-Software.html <p>First, I would like to say that I have no affiliation with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mint.com/">Mint.com</a> and they have no idea that I am writing this post or suggesting their company!<br><br>As the Mother of six (<em>almost seven...</em>) children I spend many a late night up at the computer, searching for good deals, reading the news or looking for tips on how to get baby&nbsp;vomit out of a new linen shirt. One sleepless night I came across a new budget planning site called Mint.com. I was immediately interested because I felt comfortable only giving them my email address to set up my account.<br><br>Obviously as a Mother I am pressed for time! Mint.com was so simple to set up, they did everything for me. I was thrilled to see the super impressive graphs and charts giving me a shockingly clear view of where our money was going....sorry kids, your fast food snacks are a thing if the past! I loved the budgeting part the best, I had a clear vision of where I wanted to go and where I should be. I also liked the positive messages that were sent when I made payments, "<em>Congratulations you are $300 closer to paying off debt!</em>" <br><br>As parents, we don't often get much praise!<br><br>My husband likes Mint for the more advanced features, tracking net income, net worth, IRA's etc. As a former financial adviser he was surprised that this site was free and was very impressed. Mint was able to synchronize all our accounts at all our financial institutions, it gave us a clear picture that we had never seen before. <br><br>The last feature that my simple little mind loved, was the new Mint.com iPhone app. also, for Blackberry, and Droid, it was really an eye opener to have all the information at my fingertips all day. It has changed the way that my family spends money. Overall, this is an amazing free site. I would be willing to pay for it as it has really changed our spending habits and caused us to save so much money. <br><br>Two thumbs up!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Mintcom-Personal-Finance-Software.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:01:10 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Mintcom-Personal-Finance-Software.html mylitter 2010-03-10T04:01:10Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-iPhone-Case.html <p>If you're walking around with a "naked" iPhone, you're asking for trouble. It's just a matter of time before the slippery little guy flies out of your hand and lands with a scary, expensive CRACK.</p> <p></p> <p>That's why it's crucial to add a little armor, a case that offers both drop protection and a slip-proof grip.</p> <p>Today only, <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-HandHelditems-coupons.html">HandHeldItems</a> has the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=137512.128132&amp;type=2&amp;subid=0">XGear Body Shield Case</a> for iPhone 3G/3GS for $4.99 (<em>plus around $3 for shipping</em>). That's after applying coupon code <strong>xgear3gbody</strong> in your shopping cart. <br><p></p> Available in Black &amp; Grey, Frost &amp; Black, and Red &amp; Block, the Body Shield is made of soft but durable silicone, which I greatly prefer to a hard-plastic shell (<em>which itself can shatter if dropped hard enough</em>). It features a docking-port flap to help keep dust and other detritus out.</p> <p></p> <p>I've seen cases like these in Apple Stores and elsewhere selling for as much as $20. Indeed, XGear sells the Body Shield directly for $19.99. So getting out the door for under $8 is a deal indeed.</p> <p></p> <p>If you get here too late and miss out on the HandHeldItems offer, fear not: <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Meritline-coupons.html">Meritline</a> has a basic-black silicone <a target="_blank" href="http://www.meritline.com/iphone-3gs-skin-case---p-41602.aspx">iPhone case</a> for just $1.99 shipped.&nbsp; Shipped! It's not nearly as snazzy, but it does afford the same basic protection. I've got one of these myself, and what it lacks in style, it makes up for in dirt-cheapness. <p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-iPhone-Case.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:18:19 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-iPhone-Case.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-09T19:18:19Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Workout-Podcasts.html <p>If you're anything like me, you like you like time to pass quickly while exercising. Whether it be a television in the gym, your iPod blasting tunes in your ears, or talking with a friend, the time goes much quicker when you're not staring down the calorie-tracker on the treadmill.</p> <p></p> <p>My favorite distraction is my iPod. Whether I'm listening to Taylor Swift, Elton John or The Little Mermaid soundtrack, I have my headphones in and am humming along while I train. More often than not, though, instead of listening to my iTunes playlists, I'm listening to a podcast.</p> <p></p> <p>A podcast is digital audio or video file is released through iTunes or a host website. You then download it to your media player. You can learn a language, master English grammar, learn to budget, hear the news, or even download workout music for your training program.</p> <p></p> <p>In my current podcast rotation, I have four different exercise-specific series:</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pilatesonfifth.com/video/">Pilates on Fifth Video Podcast</a> - A NYC Pilates studio put together over 140 video segments of Pilates moves used to strengthen your core muscles. These podcasts are updated weekly with new moves and are easy to follow.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.c25k.com/" target="_blank">Couch to 5K</a> - Train to run a 5K in just nine weeks with the help of this tempo-based podcast. With specific tones that tell you the music is about to change pace; you never have to worry about setting your pace - the beats per minute do it for you! </p> <p></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/">Podcasts for Running</a> - The creator of this set of workout music didn't mesh well with the Couch to 5K training, so he made his own set of beat-specific music to run to. So far I have found that this music is often a little faster than the others, but it's good for hard training days.</p> <p></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html">PODRUNNER</a> - Out of my four exercise-specific podcasts, PODRUNNER is my favorite. The downloads are set up in three sections; "First day to 5K," "Gateway to 8K" and "Freeway to 10K" sets. This encourages you to keep training, even after you've hit your 5K mark. Most of this music is techno-based but is distracting enough to keep me going.</p> <p></p> <p>If I'm working out on a machine at a gym, I prefer a podcast I can watch, and so I check out the many free video podcasts available on iTunes. My favorites there include the Dirty Jobs Video Podcast, LibriVox Audiobooks (<em>volunteers read well-known works of fiction chapter by chapter</em>) and the many different 'Stuff' Podcasts (<em>Stuff from the Science Lab, Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Stuff You Should Know</em>). All of these podcasts can be found for free on iTunes.</p> <p></p> <p>Do you focus on your training or do you prefer to be distracted while exercising? What is your favorite method of distraction while you're working out?<br><br></p> <p></p> <blockquote><em>When she’s not writing for Savings.com, Sarah teaches health and science to high schoolers. You can also find Sarah at <a target="_blank" href="http://community.wegohealth.com/profiles/blog/list?user=SarahReede">WEGO Health</a>, where she is an advocate of improved health conditions for women and children of both the United States and globally and on her personal blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://sarahndipitea.com/">Sarahndipitea</a>.</em> </blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Workout-Podcasts.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:07:36 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Workout-Podcasts.html Sarahndipitea 2010-03-05T20:07:36Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Scrapbooking.html <p>I remember spending hours upon hours as a child leafing through shoe boxes full of photographs. My mom collected hundreds of photos of people and places over the years, yet she often forgot the stories behind the snapshots. She also started baby books for each of her three children, but the books were left blank halfway through when life or another child demanded more attention. The child archivist in me became a scrapbooker as an adult in an attempt to record memories in writing as well as on film. Of course, I hoped that I would find more time to catalog my adventures than my mom did...</p> <p>Thanks to the digital camera, film development is mostly a thing of the past. Printing digital photos is fairly inexpensive, partly because photographers are saved from printing out of focus shots. Unfortunately the materials for scrapbooking are costly and a completed scrapbook regularly rings in at $100 or more. That $100 looks extravagant when compared to the need to feed and clothe a child. All of that is aside from the actual time it takes to complete a scrapbook--anywhere from a few weeks to several years!</p> <p></p> <p>I'm always lacking time and money as a parent, yet I am still set on documenting important memories. I feel lucky to have found a service perfect for the multi-tasking, time and cash-strapped mommy in me: <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Shutterfly-coupons.html">Shutterfly</a>. The online service allows me to upload digital pictures, create and maintain a free website to keep out-of-town family updated on my little guy’s development (<em>saving me money on postage and long distance calls</em>), and publish everything in a photo book with as much journaling as I want. Furthermore, in contrast to the extra time and materials it would take to assemble multiple scrapbooks at a time, I can order several copies of my photo books and use them as personalized gifts without the extra work.</p> <p></p> <p>Last year another benefit to my online photo account came to light when my computer’s external hard drive got corrupted. I seriously thought I might have a heart attack when I thought of losing all of my son's baby pictures! Luckily I remembered that every picture I had ever taken of my son was stored in my Shutterfly account and could be put onto a disk at any time. Thank goodness for that! The best part? The backup photo storage was free…as opposed to the money I slapped down on that failed hard drive.</p> <p></p> <p>Shutterfly, <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Snapfish-coupons.html">Snapfish</a>, <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Picaboo-coupons.html">Picaboo</a>, and Blurb are just a few of the many custom book publishing services. Some services are completely web-based whereas others require users to download (usually free) software. For those who are less creatively inclined or just very pressed for time, look for an option to let the service do all the work of assembling your digital album of photos into a photo book for you with just the click of a button. Busy families can create photo books in a matter of minutes!</p> <p></p> <p>Does your family use online photo services to save time and money? Are there other benefits to these services, as well?</p> <p></p> <blockquote> <em>Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig. When she is not parenting, writing as the San Francisco City Guide Editor for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.savvysource.com/">Savvy Source</a> and on her personal blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewokmama.com/index.html">Ewokmama.com</a>, or scoping out awesome deals, she can be found working at a software company in her favorite city.</em></blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Scrapbooking.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:42:31 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Scrapbooking.html Crystal.Ritchie 2010-03-08T03:42:31Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Pantry-Staples.html <p>My family doesn’t have disposable income, so I cook most of our meals. Keeping the pantry well-stocked with staples and avoiding throwing away anything I can re-use helps me to cut down on last-minute purchases and impulse buys. I’ll share a few of my tricks over the next few weeks. <br><br>Here are two:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stock </span><p></p> I never buy stock for cooking, but I make lots of soups and risottos. How? I make my own stock with leftovers. Whenever we roast a bird, like Thanksgiving turkey or a roast chicken, I save as much of the carcass as I can (<em>I draw the line at stealing bones from guests’ plates...</em>) and store it in the freezer. I also save onion and garlic skins and any other vegetable detritus that works for soup--carrot skins and tops, leeks, fennel. When the freezer is overflowing, I take out my two big stock pots and fill one with vegetable matter and the other with fowl bones and whatever vegetables don’t fit in the first pot (<em>I make sure to at least include some onion for flavor</em>). Cover with water and simmer for one to four hours, then strain once cool. I store the liquid in the freezer, either by pouring it directly into freezer bags in two-cup portions or by freezing it in ice cube trays and transferring to freezer bags. It really comes in handy!</p> <p></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Coffee</span></p> <p></p> <p>My husband and I love coffee. I’ve given up the caffeinated variety because my nursing baby can’t sleep if I drink it, but I love the flavor and ritual too much to give it up altogether. So I drink decaf, and my lovely husband drinks it too so we can make just one pot to share. Still, sometimes we end up with a partial pot of coffee. Maybe he didn’t have time for a cup before work, or maybe one of us was up early and we wound up making a second pot. Maybe I had a rough afternoon and needed the minute amount of caffeine that’s present in decaf. Whatever the reason, we had a dilemma. What to do with the leftovers? It’s easy to just dump them, but what a waste! </p> <p></p> <p>So I keep a 32-ounce mason jar in my refrigerator. Whenever there is extra coffee, I dump it into the jar. If I need an afternoon cup, I get it from the jar and microwave it. And on hot days, I’ve got ready-made iced coffee. Just pour and sip.</p> <p></p> <p>Got any tips of your own? I’d love to hear them.<br><br><blockquote><em>Annika Barranti is a writer living in Los Angeles and blogging at <a target="_blank" href="http://noirbettie.com/blog/">Through the Looking Glass</a>. She and her husband are raising two children and trying to eat well on a tiny budget.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Pantry-Staples.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:54:34 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Pantry-Staples.html annika.barranti 2010-03-07T16:54:34Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegan-Fashion.html <p>Want a fashion update that won’t harm the planet? Go <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/whatisgreen/">vegan</a>. Vegan products contain no animal ingredients such as wool, fur, leather or even silk (<em>unless it’s peace silk--more on that later</em>), nor are they tested on animals.</p> <p>As livestock and poultry production tipped the scales in 2009, claiming responsibility for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">51% of greenhouse gas emissions</a> (<em>according to the Worldwatch Institute</em>), many environmentalists began to avoid animal products as the next step in an ongoing search to shrink their carbon footprints. Who’s gone vegan? According to the Vegetarian Times, nearly one percent of Americans--more than one million people--neither consumer nor use any animal products, while seven million of us are vegetarians, and more than 22 million primarily follow a plant-based diet.</p> <p></p> Veganism isn’t a science, and those who live cruelty-free make their own decisions when it comes to what they will or will not wear. Some flat-out won’t wear anything made from animals; others will wear “humanely-harvested” wool, or ahimsa, also known as “peace silk,” in which the worm is allowed to live out its lifecycle, rather than killed, to extract the silk inside its cocoon. <p></p> Vegan celebrities include Alanis Morrisette, Alicia Silverstone, Alyssa Milano, Andre 3000, Chrissie Hynde, Daryl Hannah, Elijah Wood, Ellen Degeneres, Emily Deschanel, Erykah Badu, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jenny McCarthy, Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Harrelson and Zooey Deschanel, to name a few. And you can be sure these red-carpet regulars aren’t skimping on style. To prove it, we put together a short list of our favorite animal-friendly designs that show you can be as sexy and sustainable as the next ecoista--without harming a soul. <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4412643034_302b7c4bf2_m.jpg" alt="vaute_couture" height="221" width="175"></div> <br>Take <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vautecouture.com/">Vaute Couture</a>. Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart started the line when she realized that, with most coats made from wool or down, vegans in her hometown of Chicago, IL spent their winters shivering. (<em>After all, there’s only so much you can layer for a snowstorm</em>...) Leanne’s gorgeous coats are made from recyclable fabrics and vintage buttons, and she uses excess fabric to create limited edition, couture pieces--like an origami-inspired windbreaker dress that she’s giving to one lucky EcoStiletto Member. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/16, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> can win one $150 Limited Edition Vaute Couture Windbreaker dress.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p> </p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4412643000_bf9f16cc5d.jpg" alt="wholegarment" height="263" width="175"></div> <p><br>Or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecoskincollections.com/ecoskin/index.html">ecoSkin</a>, which showed in the Vegan Fashion Show that we produced as part of last year’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/photos/C12">Green Blogger Convention</a>, and whose new WHOLEGARMENT collection is the first-ever to completely eliminate textile waste from its manufacturing process. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, each piece in the collection is woven entirely from French organic cotton yarn—no cutting, sewing, scraps or seams--to create gorgeous, sexy dresses and tunics that cling in all the right places. No wonder style-savvy boutiques like Fred Segal Emphatic are snapping this line up for spring.</p> <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 5/24, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can win a $176 ecoSkin WHOLEGARMENT Organic Cotton Tunic.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4412642812_0a4959fd6d_m.jpg" alt="babylon" height="88" width="200"></div> As the founder of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.olsenhaus.com/">Olsen Haus</a>, which created <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Fashion/comments/the_holy_grail_of_ecostilettos_from_olsen_haus/">2009’s Holy Grail of EcoStilettos</a>, Elizabeth Olsen spearheaded the environmentally conscious vegan shoe and accessories movement in the U.S. Rather than depending on dioxin-emitting PVC, Olsen Haus looks for synthetic materials made as part of a closed-loop process, which emit no <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">water or air pollution</a> and biodegrade as fast as animal skin. This year, she launched a line of Babylon ballet flats crafted in faux suede made from recycled television screens. No, really. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 3/8, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> will win a pair of $150 Olsen Haus Babylon Upcycled flats.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4411875283_5c697290e1_m.jpg" alt="mattandnat" height="98" width="200"></div> Sold at high-profile stores like Kitson and Saks, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mattandnat.com/">MATT &amp; NAT</a> manufactures statement bags with a vegan twist. Their new spring collection--all custom studs and decorative zippers, with linings made from upcycled plastic that averages 21 recycled bottles per bag--remains true to the cruelty-free ethos that they launched with in 1995. When you consider that leather requires an estimated <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">225 toxic chemicals</a> in its tanning process, those leather bags people invest in are So Not It. <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 6/7, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can win this $85 Matt by MATT &amp; NAT Vegan clutch.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2706/4412642768_742a8cc3a2_m.jpg" alt="angelrox" height="120" width="200"></div> Made from slinky bamboo, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.econsciousmarket.com/women-s/clothing/dresses-skirts/angel-rox-bamboo-wrap.html">ANGeLRoX</a> wrap defies the mind: It becomes a skirt, dress, cape, shrug or top with ease, and looks seriously sexy in each and every incarnation. Don’t believe us? Check out the photos below or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.angelrox.com/videos.htm">watch the video</a>. Ingenious! <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 6/15, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can win a $158 ANGeLRoX Bamboo Wrap.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4411875167_0c51572df3_m.jpg" alt="imposter" height="101" width="175"></div> Forget fur. In addition to the sheer horrific cruelty of its manufacturing, animal pelts destined to become fur coats, blankets and more are treated with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">formaldehyde, chromium and napthalene</a>--all toxic, all the time, and so not pretty. In contrast, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imposter4animals.com/">Imposter</a>’s new line of faux fur accessories, created in partnership with Farm Sanctuary and benefiting the Humane Society, are completely cruelty-free and bear an IM logo that may just be the only thing between you and a splash of red paint. (<em>Their gorgeous hat is pictured above.</em>) <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/24, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can win a $68 pair of Imposter Earmuffs.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4412642834_30bda09d6e_m.jpg" alt="beyond_skin" height="135" width="200"></div> <br>The U.K. based, all-vegan, all-the-time <a target="_blank" href="http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/index.php?cat=c10_SOLE.html&ampXTCsid=b2tkmgqh3grqkb917708rgodp4">Beyond Skin Sole</a> ballet flats are fair wage handmade in an Indian factory that is currently going through <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Fair-Trade-Valentines-Gifts.html">International Fair Trade Association</a> certification. With uppers made from 100% post consumer waste faux suede, and soles made from fair trade natural latex, these are flats to flip for.<br><p></p> <p></p> <blockquote>**<em>During the week of 5/17, two <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can each win a $130 pair of Beyond Skin Sole Ballet Flats.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4412642914_c0621beb14.jpg" alt="dahlia_macfee" height="355" width="175"></div> <br>Need a vegan evening gown? With silk dominating the category, it can be hard to find. Thankfully, 99% of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.daliaonline.com/">Dalia MacPhee</a>’s new eveningwear collection--sold at mainstream outlets like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom--is vegan (<em>as indicated by a “V” next to the style number in their online store</em>). And although this means she designs using some not so eco-friendly, silk-alternative fabrics like polyester, Dalia is beyond conscious of her carbon footprint, and plants a tree in Tahoe’s fire-destroyed Tree of Life Grove for every gown she makes. Gorgeous! <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 5/31, one <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto member</a> can win this $275 Dalia MacFee Evening Gown.</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4411875129_d70eb287e4_m.jpg" alt="hemptress_sonja" height="149" width="175"></div> We love the Hemptress’ totally vegan Sonja Large Clutch, fair trade made and lined with recycled PET, with zippers made from recycled materials and a tiny flash of gold on the strap. Not all Hemptress accessories are vegan--some feature recycled leather trim and silk linings--but they are all made from hemp, an incredibly sustainable crop that’s still <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/">banned in the U.S.</a> because of archaic drug laws that side-step the fact that our founding fathers--Jefferson and Washington, among them--were hemp farmers. But we digress. With its detachable strap, the Hemptress Sonja is all vegan, all the time. Cute, no? <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 6/14, two <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will each win a $104 Hemptress Sonja Large Clutch.</em>**</blockquote></div> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4411875047_10c2d24530_m.jpg" alt="c_marchuska" height="217" width="175"></div> <br>Some designers begin crafting vegan collections because they’re inspired to prevent animal cruelty; others come at it from a socially conscious perspective. Such is the story behind C. Marchuska, which was created by Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan after the two were raising funds and awareness for Safe Horizon, the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. The two joined forces to create an environmentally friendly line and quickly realized the quickest route was to use organic, vegan fabrics like cotton and bamboo treated with non-toxic dyes, and to manufacture locally in their home base of New York City--they even tie-dye their current collection by hand at Brooke’s parents’ home in upstate New York. Now that’s thinking locally. <p></p> <blockquote><br>**<em>During the week of 6/7, two <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/site/membership/">EcoStiletto members</a> will each win a $45 C. Marchuska Organic Cotton Tie-dyed Scarf (but we love this dress so much we had to show it!).</em>**</blockquote><br></div> <p></p> <blockquote><em>Savings.com Green Guru Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is a writer, producer and marketing consultant who focuses on sustainable fashion, beauty, lifestyle and parenting--and the creator of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ecostiletto.com">EcoStiletto.com</a>, an online magazine which explains, in real-girl terms, how eco-friendly choices can help turn your carbon footprint from a ginormous Ugg into an oh-so-slender Manolo.</em><br></blockquote> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegan-Fashion.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:20:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegan-Fashion.html RachelSarnoff 2010-03-07T00:20:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-Replacement-Phone-Battery.html <p>It's a fact of life: rechargeable batteries wear out over time. And if your cell phone is more than a year or two old, chances are its battery doesn't hold a charge nearly as long as it used to.</p> <p>So it was with Mrs. Tech-pert's Palm Centro. It needed recharging every single day, and all too often she'd reach into her purse to find a dead phone.</p> <p></p> <p>"<em>Let me get you a new battery!</em>" I'd say.</p> <p></p> <p>"<em>No, it's too expensive, I can live with it</em>," she'd answer, the sweet little frugalista. </p> <p></p> <p>And it would be expensive, too, if we bought it from the usual suspects. Palm charges $39.99 for a new Centro battery, and Sprint's only option is a battery/charger combo for $49.99.</p> <p></p> <p>Fortunately, the Tech-pert knows better: When shopping for batteries, always shop online, and always look to smaller resellers. With a little Google searching (<em>"Palm Centro battery"</em>), I found Palm-branded replacement batteries in the $10-15 range. Nice.</p> <p></p> <p>But something told me I could do better. And, sure enough, a quick visit to eBay later, I'd ordered a new Centro battery for just $4.40--shipped! No way Mrs. Tech-pert could complain about that price.</p> <p></p> <p>Your mileage may vary, of course, depending on what kind of phone you have and what kind of battery it takes. But in my experience you can always get a better <a href="http://www.savings.com/t-batteries-coupons.html">battery deal</a> when you shop online.</p> <p></p> <p>By the way, if you're an iPhone owner, you probably know that its battery can't be replaced--not easily, anyway. But if you're handy with an X-Acto knife and your iPhone is out of warranty, you can perform a little do-it-yourself surgery and <a target="_blank" href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10253445-233.html">replace an iPhone battery</a> for as little as $6. <br><p></p> Have you ever scored a sweet deal on a phone battery? Or discovered that you paid way too much for one? Tell me about it in the comments! <p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-Replacement-Phone-Battery.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:29:20 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cheap-Replacement-Phone-Battery.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-06T16:29:20Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Oscar-Best-Picture-Winners.html <p>This Sunday in Los Angeles is an event that is Christmas, New Years and senior Prom all combined.&nbsp; I am talking of course about the 82nd annual Academy Awards, otherwise known as "Oscar night."&nbsp; Twenty-four awards (<em>not including almost half a dozen "special" awards...</em>) will be parceled out over a mind (<em>and buttocks</em>) numbing three to four hour time period.&nbsp; Or even longer if you tune into the pre-Oscar Red Carpet coverage...<br><br>Given that the Oscars are the finale to a long drawn-out awards season that starts with the Golden Globes and includes the Director's Guild awards, Writer's Guild awards and Screen Actor Guild awards, much of the anticipation and mystery surrounding "<em>Who will win?</em>" has been eliminated.&nbsp; Unless of course, you're dying to know who's gonna win for "Best Sound Mixing."<br><br>If you're planning a get-together to watch the annual marathon, Walletpop had a great post on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/03/how-to-host-a-cheap-oscar-party-thats-as-good-as-gold/">how to host a cheap Oscar party</a>.&nbsp; I personally plan on skipping the televised festivities--opting to utilize those four hours in a much more entertaining fashion...</p> <p>In the 3-4 hours of time consumed by an Oscar broadcast, you could watch an Oscar-winning movie--maybe even a double feature!&nbsp; Interestingly, many of this year's Best Picture nominees have money-related themes:<br><ul><li><strong>A Serious Man</strong> - The lead character in this latest film from the Coen Brothers deals with money issues in a number of ways, including being bribed and then blackmailed by a student and his father.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Up in the Air</strong> - George Clooney starred as a guy who (<em>WORST. JOB. EVER!</em>) fires people for a living.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><p></p> <li><strong>Up</strong> - The subtext of this film may encourage better retirement planning--as tying balloons to your house and floating to South America is only possible in Pixar movies...</li><p></p> <li><strong>The Blind Side</strong> - A poor, underprivileged kid gets adopted by a wealthy family.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Precious</strong> - A poor, underprivileged kid remains poor and underprivileged.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Avatar </strong>- In which James Cameron manages to break box office records of his last box office record breaking film, Titanic.&nbsp; Oh, and there are evil Earthling trying to co-opt the resources of an alien planet for--you guessed it--money.</li></ul>As an alternative to watching the Academy Awards, you could spend the time watching one of these money-themed Best Picture winners from Oscars past:<br><ul><li><strong>You Can't Take it With You</strong> - Frank Capra directed this 1939 Best Picture winner about the meeting of an eccentric group of oddballs and a stuffy, upper-class family who come together when their children become engaged.&nbsp; Cast features Jimmy Stewart and Lionel Barrymore who starred together nine years later in another money-themed movie, It's a Wonderful Life.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Around the World in 80 Days</strong> - The entire plot of this 1957 Best Picture Oscar winner is set in motion when Phineas Fogg (<em>David Niven</em>) bets he can transverse the globe in...well, you know.</li><p></p> <li><strong>The Sting</strong> - Speaking of bets, there's more than a bit of gambling and grifting going on in this 1974 Oscar winner starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Oliver!</strong> - I'm a sucker for Charles Dickens, musicals and pint-sized pickpockets.&nbsp; This 1968 Best Picture winner also features money-themed musical numbers including "Boy for Sale," "Who Will Buy?" and "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two."</li><p></p> <li><strong>Rain Man</strong> - A journey of self-discovery and connection between Tom Cruise's character and the institutionalized autistic savant brother he never knew (<em>Dustin Hoffman</em>) begins with his disinheritance and culminates with Raymond counting cards in Vegas with this 1989 Best Picture winner.</li><p></p> <li><strong>No Country for Old Men</strong> - Should have been titled, "There's no such thing as a free suitcase filled with stolen drug money..."&nbsp; If nothing else, we learned to make sure to remove all tracking transponders from ill-gotten gains so as not to be relentlessly tracked by the likes of the creepy Javier Bardem in this 2008 Oscar winning film.</li><p></p> <li><strong>Slumdog Millionaire</strong> - Life lessons from last year's Best Picture winner:&nbsp; dreams do come true, hiding in a bathtub filled with money is not particularly effective and there IS a game show host even more annoying than Regis Philbin.&nbsp; Oh, and that "millionaire" winners in India (approximately $400k) couldn't even afford a decent condo in L.A.</li></ul>Are you watching the Oscars this Sunday?&nbsp; Who are you rooting for?</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Oscar-Best-Picture-Winners.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:54:28 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Oscar-Best-Picture-Winners.html stella.louise 2010-03-04T20:54:28Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Job-Interview-Wardrobe-Tips.html <p>If you're hunting for a job, you may have noticed that <a href="http://www.savings.com/about/job_opportunities/">Savings.com is hiring</a>. With a competitive job market there's really no detail or stone you can leave unturned, so as the Savings.com Fashion Diva, I'd thought I'd offer some helpful hints for dressing to success in the interview.</p> <p>If you want to look at it scientifically, first impressions are formed in about the first seven to thirty seconds of a meeting, so nonverbal cues--such as appearance--do become a large factor in a first meeting. All the more reason to err on the side of caution and go with slightly overdressed as opposed to under dressed.</p> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4404887222_2f2152b674.jpg" height="281" width="200"></div> <p>If at all possible, do some research. Do you know anyone who works at the company? Ask them what type of attire is typical in the workplace. Obviously clothing will vary at a tech company versus a fashion company. Scour the company's website. Is there a dress code policy posted there? </p> <p></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.emilypost.com/about/peter.htm">Peter Post</a>, co-author of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etiquette-Advantage-Business-Personal-Professional/dp/0062736728">The Etiquette Advantage in Business</a> and grandson of etiquette guru Emily Post, offers this handy tip: "<em>Your clothes should not draw attention to do you.</em>" <br><br> Post is right in erring on the side of caution. Avoid large pieces of jewelry or any loud accessories that could distract from the all important interview itself. And, just to be safe, you may want to cover that tattoo that professes your love for mom.<br><br>And as for the tricky terms, "<em>professional dress</em>" and "<em>business casual</em>," you should follow these simple rules:<br><ul><li>Professional dress should always err on the side of conservative. For a woman, that means a pants suit, or a skirt suit (<em>of appropriate length, meaning your skirt should reach your knees</em>), or a conservative dress with a blazer and jacket. For a man, this means a full suit, or a dress pants, a blazer, and a tie.</li><br><li>Business casual is perhaps the trickiest term out there. If you watched the Super Bowl you watched a few office workers take business casual too far. Again, always err on the side of being dressier than you think you should be. Men, you should be wearing a shirt with a collar and dress pants (<em>well-pressed, or ironed</em>), or a polo shirt with dress pants, and depending on the season, a sweater. Ladies you can wear a dress. but again be cautious with the length and err on conservative style, i.e.; not what you would also wear in a club.</li></ul><p></p> Finally, as cheesy as it sounds, wear that smile, and wear it with pride. Post says, "<em>It takes guts to approach strangers, but if you do it with charm, those you meet will be impressed by your sociability.</em>"<br><br>Finally as my mom says: Get up, dress up, and show up. Good luck!</div></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Job-Interview-Wardrobe-Tips.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:47:35 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Job-Interview-Wardrobe-Tips.html coupiedoll 2010-03-03T18:47:35Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Makeup-Show-LA.html <p>Leopard print hair, body paint, and crowds and crowds of people talking about glitter.&nbsp; No it's not Burning Man, it's the Makeup Show LA!&nbsp; I braved the sea of palettes, potions, and pots to bring you the biggest makeup trends of the moment and to figure out what products are worth your hard-earned dough.<br><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div><div id="refHTML"></div></p> <p>The biggest trend this year seemed to be towards HD Makeup (<em>with brands like <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=32532.1199942&amp;type=2&amp;subid=0">Make Up For Ever</a></em> leading the charge), natural makeup (<em>Mineral makeup abounded</em>), and shimmer and glitter.&nbsp; I'll tell you all about these trends and more next week.<br><br>But you don't want to fork over your hard earned money on just TRENDS, you want something TRIED AND TRUE.&nbsp; I hunted around to find out the most popular products from various lines to you could know your purchase was approved by makeup artists and everyday women alike.</p> <p></p> <p>I started off with a trip to Smashbox to find out about their heavy hitters. I spoke with Lori who told me all about <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1651317-10649663?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smashbox.com%2FHALO-HYDRATING-PERFECTING-POWDER&amp;cjsku=HALO+HYDRATING+PERFECTING+POWDER">Halo</a>, Smashbox's mineral powder, <a>O glow</a>, their innovative blush gel, their breakthrough<a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1651317-10649663?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smashbox.com%2FPHOTO-FINISH-FOUNDATION-PRIMER&amp;cjsku=PHOTO+FINISH+FOUNDATION+PRIMER"> primer</a>, and more. </p> <p></p> <p><object sap-type="flash" sap-mode="checked" sap="object" height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8p9uWXAaUxk&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed sap-type="flash" sap-mode="checked" sap="flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8p9uWXAaUxk&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></object></p> <p></p> <p><br><br>If you're intrigued after the video, be sure to checkout these<a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Smashbox-coupons.html"> Smashbox coupons</a> for great savings on these cutting edge products.<br><br>I'll bring you more fun videos and hints from The Makeup Show soon! Until then, follow me on Twitter for the best beauty deals <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SavingsMBones">@SavingsMBones</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Makeup-Show-LA.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:36:17 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/1-Makeup-Show-LA.html MBones 2010-03-02T19:36:17Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/NeatReceipts-Scanner-Deal.html <p>It's tax time again, which for me means another sad, annual realization that I'm hopelessly, endlessly disorganized. <br><br>But 2010 is going to be different. That's because I'm now using a NeatReceipts scanner to scan, store, and organize all my receipts.</p> <p>This USB-powered, travel-friendly device (<em>which can be used for more than just receipts</em>) normally sells for $199.99, but Buy.com has <a href="http://affiliate.buy.com/gateway.aspx?adid=17662&amp;aid=10388132&amp;pid=1651317&amp;sURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buy.com%2Fretail%2Fproduct.asp%3Fsku%3D205811797%26listingid%3D23130827">NeatReceipts</a> for just $139.99 plus about $8 for shipping.&nbsp; (<em>Using a <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Buy.com-coupons.html">Buy.com coupon</a>, you can get $5 off $100 or more--which makes shipping less than $3...</em>)<br> <br> Sheet-fed scanners like this one have been around for years, but where NeatReceipts is concerned, the secret is in the software. Just scan a receipt and the software automatically recognizes the date, the name of the store, the amount of the purchase, and so on. You can categorize your scans (<em>business, personal, etc.</em>) and even tag them with specific tax-form information.<br> <br> When tax time rolls around, you can export the data to an Excel spreadsheet, Quicken, TurboTax, and other programs.<br> <br> NeatReceipts can also work its scanning magic on bills, business cards, and everyday documents. It's the first step toward the paperless office technology's been promising us for years. I'm a big fan of the product--especially when it's available for sixty bucks off the list price.</p> <p><p></p><blockquote> <em>Self-proclaimed cheapskate <a target="_blank" href="http://broida.com/">Rick Broida</a> has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the <a target="_blank" href="http://news.cnet.com/cheapskate/">Cheapskate blog</a> for CNET, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/blogs/id,60/hasslefree_pc.html">Hassle-Free PC blog</a> for PC World, and technology stories for Popular Science, Wired, and other magazines.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/NeatReceipts-Scanner-Deal.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:29:44 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/NeatReceipts-Scanner-Deal.html Rick.Broida 2010-03-02T21:29:44Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Grand-Canyon-Budget-Vacation.html <p>Now let's get something straight...when I say "Grand Canyon on a Budget" I'm not talking unheated cabins, beef jerky, travel by mule or God forbid, camping. I'm talking hotel rooms, buffets and fully heated airplanes and trains.<br><br>If that's your kind of roughing it, read on for my review of AAA's popular Rails to the Rim package. I will do my best to give an unbiased review of the package itself, ignoring the fact that despite my careful monitoring of the weather forecast, I ended up at the Grand Canyon during a near whiteout and 48 hour blizzard warning. And yes, it did blizzard for just about all 48 hours of that warning.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.aaa-calif.com/apps/travel/TdbFamilySpecials/specialdetail.aspx?oid=174101" target="_blank">Auto Club Rails to the Rim</a> package originates in historic Williams, AZ, which is 65 miles south of Grand Canyon Village. I'm not positive what makes Williams historic, but I think it must have something to do with the train because there's not much there besides the train depot and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, where we spent our first and third nights. Rails to the Rim basically takes care of your lodging, transportation from Williams to the Grand Canyon and back, a motorcoach tour of the canyon and several meals for 3+ days.&nbsp; You also get a $20 gift certificate for the Grand Canyon Railway gift shop. Winter rates were $296 per person, which I thought was a very good value for all you get.</p> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4401153293_b2339ccf21_m.jpg" alt="Grand Railway Hotel" height="150" width="191"></div> <p><br>We arrived on Saturday afternoon, and the <a href="http://www.thetrain.com/grand-canyon-railway-hotel-grand-canyon-hotels-lodging-5686.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon Railway Hotel</a> was gorgeous. The included dinner buffet was not quite as gorgeous, but I can't really complain when there was a pasta bar and unlimited ice cream. I made a quick stop--and I mean quick--at the hotel's "gym" (<em>a few cardio machines and that one strength station that all hotel gyms have</em>) before we settled in for the night at our very nice room overlooking the train depot.</div></p> <p></p> <p>The <a href="http://www.thetrain.com/grand-canyon-railway-route-location-5682.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon Railway</a> left early Sunday morning for the canyon, after tasty buffet #2. Unfortunately, due to the snow that was steadily falling, a scheduled shoot out between the town sheriff and several bad guys was canceled. Really. Your package normally includes the shootout, where the sheriff captures the bad guys, then a train robbery later on, after the bad guys escape. Due to the inclement weather the bad guys were unable to rob us on horseback later in the day, and instead were rather awkwardly dropped off in a truck, at which point the train picked them up. But everyone enjoyed the faux robbery all the same. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone except my husband. We also had some musical entertainment courtesy of <a href="http://www.cclearwater.com/" target="_blank">Clarence Clearwater</a>, a talented Navajo who sang several songs in his tribal tongue, then French, Japanese and English. Impressive indeed.</p> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: left;"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4401919380_4c9242be4e_m.jpg" alt="Grand Canyon whiteout" height="133" width="200"></div> <p>The train ride to the canyon is a leisurely 2 1/2 hours, during which we saw antelope and elk, which was very exciting for me. When the train arrived we were immediately shepherded onto our bus for the motorcoach tour, which lasted about two hours and included buffet #3. This lunch buffet was the weakest of the lot, but even a picky vegetarian like me could find something to eat (<em>more unlimited ice cream!</em>). The bus tour stops at several usually scenic spots, and the snow and mist lifted a few times to give us some fleeting glimpses of the canyon. <br><br>After the bus tour, we were on our own for the next 24 hours. We spent the rest of the afternoon walking the Rim Trail, since my dream of hiking into the canyon down the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail would have to wait. You know, because it was blizzarding. Dinner this night was not part of the package, and we dined at the Maswik Lodge Pizza Pub. The pizza was good but not great, as was our room at the Maswik Lodge. </div></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div style="float: left; width: 100%;"> <div style="padding: 10px; float: right;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4401942278_9ea9393e53_m.jpg" alt="Grand Canyon Clear" height="133" width="200"></div> <p><br>A meal that <em>was</em> great was our breakfast the next morning at the swanky El Tovar Hotel (<em>also not included in the package</em>). We got there extra early and got a table right next to the fireplace and the gigantic picture windows. You would never guess there was a canyon of any size out there, due to the swirling mist and snow, but it was nice all the same. After breakfast we walked the Rim Trail in the opposite direction from the day before, stopped in some Grand Canyon Village gift shops and in the afternoon were on our merry railroading way. I should mention that the skies cleared about fifteen minutes before boarding time, and the canyon was absolutely breathtaking all covered in snow.<br><br></div></p> <p></p> <p>When we got back to Williams we spent our gift certificates on a lovely pewter Christmas ornament and a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097009731X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=097009731X">Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon</a>. We ate buffet #4 for dinner, spent the night at the Railway hotel (<em>where our luggage was waiting for us--the railway transports your luggage for you</em>), had buffet #5 for breakfast, a quick dip in the indoor pool and drove back to Phoenix for our flight home.<br><br>I highly recommend this package for anyone, especially families with kids. Customer service was excellent across the board, from hotel staff to the train hosts to the bus driver to the pub manager who spent 15 minutes searching for USA vs. Canada Olympic hockey on TV, before realizing he didn't get MSNBC. You don't spend much on food with all those included buffets, and it's great to not have to worry about park fees and parking once you get to the Grand Canyon. And even in a near whiteout, the Grand Canyon does not disappoint. All in all, a very good deal for $296 a person. <br><br>Anyone have any good Grand Canyon war stories, or a great travel package deal to recommend? Please, weigh in below!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Grand-Canyon-Budget-Vacation.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:50:55 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Grand-Canyon-Budget-Vacation.html HSimas 2010-03-02T01:50:55Z