Inexpensive Halloween Costumes
Welcome back!
My sister and I getting ready for Halloween
I grew up in a lower-middle class home. We had the basic necessities but extras such as store bought halloween costumes were something that we just didn’t buy. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few time when we were able to do that. However we found that usually the quality wasn’t very good and the costumes did not last very long. My mother decided to instutue a new costume policy in our house, we had to make our own costumes. This may sound cueul but actually it was a blast! My sister and I were discussing this recently and she said, “half the fun was seeing who could be more inventive…and usaully i would lose.” Some of my happiest memories were putting together our costumes.
My sister and I would brainstorm for weeks about what we wanted to dress up as for Halloween. Once we had decided what we wanted to be, we would set to making our costumes. We would usually go the thrifts store and find pieces that would work for our costumes. The thrift store always had wonderful surprises for us. From there we would raid our closets and our mother’s closet. We could usually put together a costume for under $10. My mom would do our make-up to go along with our costumes. We would have so much fun that our friends soon joined in as well, and stated making their costumes too.
The funnest part of Halloween was making my costume with my sister. We always had so much fun.
Some of our thrift store costumes included:
A Geisha- made with a silk Japanese robe found at the thrift store
A 1950’s Woman- Made with a vintage dress and jewelry from the thrift store
A witch- Made with a black dress that we shredded ends of.
Fall (the season)- Made with sprigs of fall leaves from the dollar store
A mouse- Made with an old gray terry-cloth robe found at the thrift store, and a pair of store bought mouse ears.
Cleopatra- A large white sheet draped across like a Egyptian dress bought at the thrift store.
How to Go Out to Dinner on Budget
Photo From Flickr
This current recession has hit everyone hard, from the average jane, to retailers and even restaurants. People have been frugal with their money and have been eating at home. In most cases it is easier to buy from the grocery store and make a meal yourself, rather than pay someone else to cook it and serve it to you. As a result of these difficult economic times, restaurants have had to find a way to adapt in this challenging market. This means one thing, costumers are now eating cheaper.
My husband and I signed up for T.G.IF’s meal club card. It is not a credit card, you know how we feel about those here at austerity. Instead, for every dollar that you spend in their restaurant, you earn points towards a free meal, and other good coupons. Now I know that this restaurant is not considered fine dinning, but if you are looking for eating out on a budget, I would not suggest the five star bistro in your area, that is guaranteed to be pricey.
Jon and I have had our club card for almost a year now, and we have received almost 5 free entrees with our club card. We usually go about twice a month. The best thing about this club card is that every dollar counts, you can order just drinks, or just appetizers… whatever you want, it all counts as points! I usually order an appetizer when we go out, it keeps our bill cheap and the portion size correct.
I highly suggest looking to see if your favorite restaurant has a club card, or coupons. You would be surprised how many restraunts offer deals, aside from senior hour….
Here are My Favorite Tips for Eating Cheap at a Restaurant:
Order an Appetizer for Dinner
They are usually the yummiest things on the menu, and the least expensive. Ordering an appitizer also allows you to have adequate portion control, which is sorely lacking in most restraunts. I find that even with this portion size, I still end up taking some food home.
Watch What you
Drinks can be the biggest expense on the bill after a meal. As a rule of thumb, I won’t pay anymore than three dollars for a soft drink or beer. In some cases if beer is cheaper than soda, and you like beer, go for it. If you are interested in an alcoholic beverage, ask your server what the specials are for the evening. As a rule, if I am going to have a drink, I order good liquor, don’t settle for something that tastes bad just because it was cheap, it’s not worth it. If you decide not to order an alcholic beverage, ask your server if the restaurant has free refills.
Order a Meal to Share
This is an awesome trick to keep you bill down. If you are going with someone who is not such a big eater, or you are going somewhere that has enormous portions, consider spliting a dish. My in-laws do this all of the time. They are good eaters too, no one is walking away from the table hungry. If you are not sure if a meal is large enough to split, consider ordering a salad or bowl of soup prior to your meal coming. Both soup and a side salad will cost much less than a whole meal. I usually find that this works well when I go to lunch with a girlfriend.
Choose Where You Go to Eat Wisely
Some restaurants are pretty much a given that they are going to be pricey. Usually seafood restaurants, steakhouses, and foreign food tends to be pricey. However, this does not mean to avoid these places entirely. Go on a special occasion or not very often. Try not to order the most expensive item on the menu, and watch what you drink as well. Sometimes, you need a good meal, and you are worth it. If you splurge on your favorite French bistro every now and then, don’t beat yourself up over it… enjoy it.
I hope that some of these tips will help keep your bill affordable when you eat out. Bon Appetite
Boots… You Get What You Pay For?
Photo from Flickr
It is official, I am in love, with a pair of boots. I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of boots for almost two years now. When I say “hunt” I mean I have looked everywhere, just short of taking out a wanted ad in the newspaper. I have been seeking for the perfect boot, a cross between a motorcycle and riding boot.
My last pair of boots where given to me by my sister. they were black, pointy- toed, heeled boots, otherwise known as perfection. I loved those boots and wore them until they gave out. My beloved black boots tore away from the zipper on the side of the leg and that was the death of them. Ever since that terrible day, I have been searching for their replacement.
I live in the Chicago area, where we get winter and snow… lots of snow. So as my search continued, I decided that while my black heeled boots were perfect, perhaps a riding style boot would be more functional. After all, I am all about making the most out of what I purchase. The riding boot does not have a heel, which comes in hand on those icy city streets. A riding boot is also tall enough to cover my legs when the wind is whipping off of Lake Michigan. So as you can see a riding boot seems to be the most functional option. There is also the issue of comfort with a riding boot because it is a flat.
So, as my search continued, I found many boots that were wonderful but just too expensive. The majority of the boots that I found ran over $150.! I found boots that were less expensive but the quality of the boot did not compare to the more expensive ones. So I asked myself, do you really get what you pay for when it comes to boots?
In my opinion, I think the answer to my question is yes. On Saturday, my search for the perfect boots came to an end. I found the perfect boot for me, a cross between a motorcycle boot and riding boot, in beautiful carmel colored leather. The boots were made by Michael Kors.. which means one thing, expensive. I found the boots at my local Marshals. The ran $160. which seemed resonable for boots, since I have been shopping around for boots for the past two years. So I can officially say, that the price was fair, and taking into account that the boots were designer made, I would say that it is more than fair.
Believe it or not, I did not purchase the perfect boots. I left to think about it. I did not want to buy them on impulse. As I thought about it, I know they are the perfect boots for me. I hope to return within the next week to make my boot dream a reality. Like the Nancy Sinatra song says “these boots were made for walking.” and that is just what I am going to do.
Affordable Manicures…. do they exists?
Photo From Flickr
As the girly- girl that I can be, I love a treat in this bad economy to reward myself for being so tight with my pocket book. My ongoing reward has usually been a manicure. I love the feeling of being pamper, for a minimal price. I feel more put together with a nice manicure done. I have ran the gamete of different types of manicures as well, from acrylic to natural, I have done it all.
I stopped going to have my nails professionally done and recently to tried my manicures at home. I was surprised to find that I wasn’t half bad at it. My new reward became a bottle of good nail polish. (I prefer OPI) I invested in a nail file, nail clippers and a buffer as well. After a little while my nails began to look as if I was paying to have them done. After all, if I messed them up I always had a bottle of nail polish remover. I was completely happy doing my nails at home.
About two weeks ago my sister asked me if I wanted to go get my nails done with her. I thought about it and decided to go, because after all it had been quite a while since I had my nails professionally done. I had decided to just get a manicure on my own nails before I went. Once I got to the salon, my sister and the technician talked me into acrylic. My sister announced that this trip to the salon was on her, she was going to pay. I knew I did not want acrylic nails before I went in, but I caved and went with the acrylic nails instead.
Now it has been two weeks since I had my acrylic nails put on, and I had a choice to make, get them redone or take them off. The thing is about acrylic nails is that there is maintenance fees of about $25. bucks every two weeks to keep them up. I knew that when I had them put on, but I did it anyway. Today, I decided to take them off. I just cannot justify spending that kind of money. Especially when short dark nails are supposed to be “in” this fall.
I just knew I could not keep them. I should have listened to my gut instinct originally, I would not have sore nails now. I am going to return to my at home manicure, where the most expensive part is the bottle of nail polish (at about $9). The most affordable manicure is the one you do at home, it also comes with the biggest sense of accomplishment. And remember, don’t be intimidated, that is why nail polish remover was invented.
Here are some tips that I have learned for an at home manicure:
1. Remove all polish before doing anything else, soak your hands and use a pumice stone to take dead skin off.
2. Clip your nails then file them into a square shape, then buff them
3. If your nails are wavy or uneven put down a layer of clear top coat first.
4. Use 2 coats of whichever color you choose .
5 Finish up your nails with another layer of top coat, I prefer a fast drying one.
6. Do not use cotton balls between your toes, the fiber in the cotton sticks to wet polish… not good. I recommend foam toe separators, which can be found at most drug stores.
A new direction for Austerityblog.
photo from flickr
I have authored Austerity blog for the past year and I have loved every minute of it. I have tried to promote austere living and ways to survive in this difficult economy. I have tried to stay gender neutral while writing my posts. However, in staying neutral I feel that I have missed out on some really wonderful tips and secrets for my fellow females out there.
I would like to take Austerityblog in a more female oriented direction, that is not to say that the blog will be for female audiences only. I would like to share stories and tips that I have found with other women, and guys, when your wife, or girlfriend save money…so do you.
I still plan to share ideas and advice on how to make life more affordable for all of us. So, stay tuned and see what is to come. I hope you all enjoy this new direction for Austerity Blog.
Advertisers are listening
Ladies and gentlemen, the money back guarantee is back! I will admit, I watch a lot of television, what can I say, I’m hooked. Recently, I started to notice a phrase that was being repeated in commercials, “if you don’t like our product, send it back for a refund” or “our product has a money back guarantee.” While these claims have usually remained on boxes an bottle of the product, that guarantee is usually not advertised. There is usually a toll free number to call if you are unhappy with a product as well.
I must say that I am noticing the advertisement of this guarantee more and more in television commercials. I was surprised when I saw it the first time, and shocked when I saw it again. Now the money back guarantee has swept commercial advertising like a wild fire. Even car commercials in a way, are making generous offers to potential buyers.
I know times are hard for almost everyone right now, and advertisers are listening to that. I have noticed an overall shift in what is being advertised on television as well. I see mostly practical items being sold to consumers. I just wonder how easy it is to actually get your money back if you are unsatisfied by the performance of a product? Is this another gimmick? Well, only time will tell.
When It’s Time to Play “Hardball” With Cable and Internet Providers
I currently live in an area that has a monopoly by our local cable and internet provider. We have used this company for these services almost four years now. We have also had satellite television with both of the major U.S. carriers. Our current cable package includes our cable television and our internet. When we moved into our new house, we received an introductory rate for the first six months of service. The bill for the first six months under this introductory rate was very reasonable.
After our six months was up, our bill shot up well beyond $100. for cable television alone. We do not currently have the top “package” of channels, we have the mid-range package. My husband and I noticed that our bill was continuing to creep higher and higher for television. When the bill was totaled for our internet and cable bills, the total was astounding. My husband and I started to question what we were actually paying for. I finally made the decision to call my provider and downgrade my programming package.
When I called the company, I told them that I was no longer going to be paying over $100. for television, that’s just crazy. I inquired about any sales or deals that they were running that could help with the bill. I was told that I was not eligible for any of them. I must say that I did not believe what the man was saying. I found that I wasn’t getting anywhere with the man whom I was speaking with on the telephone. It was time to play hardball. I usually threaten to switch to satellite service, which usually prompts quick results.
The gentleman was still unwilling to work with me, until I threatened to cancel my service completely. Of course, this was a mostly hollow threat, but the man on the other end of the phone did not know that. This threat was heard loud and clear. The man on the other end of the phone completely changed his demeanor and offered me a very nice price on my internet and cable bills. I accepted his offer.
The bottom line here is that cable television and internet are luxuries.They are not necessities and when you keep that in mind, you are able to value what you are paying for in a different way. I strongly suggest that if you are not happy with what you are paying for similar services, that you call you provider and let them know it. Be
to play hardball with them. Remember, in this case the customer is always right!
Spring Is on It’s Way!
As I have mentioned in earlier posts, my husband and I recently moved into a new house. We have been in the house since last July. While that may be the peak growing season where we are located, we were both so busy settling in to our new house and working, we did not pay attention to what was planted on the property.
Today, was an unusually warm day so I decided to entertain myself in an austere way, with yard work. I raked up leaves that were missed in the fall and picked up sticks that had fallen from the large tree in my front yard over the windy winter. I also finally pulled out evergreen branches that I used from my Christmas tree, out of my flower boxes.
My biggest surprise came when I ventured to the side of the house, only to find plants sprouting! I do remember there were tiger lilies on the side of the house, but I don’t think that’s what they are. To be quite honest, I do not know what they are. Guess time will tell.
I also surveyed my yard for my next big project in our new house, a vegetable garden. This will be our first attempt at gardening. I have to say that I really do not have a green thumb, but during these economically difficult times, it just makes sense to give it a try. I would like to plant, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, onions, pumpkins, carrots and assorted herbs.
I have yet to even till the land to put in my first garden, but once I break ground, I will write about what I learn and the progress of the garden regularly. In these hard economic times, the “do it yourself” attitude is the way to go. So let’s hope my thumb turns green!
A Distorted Generation
Teens today grew up with luxuary as something common. Money was handed over at a moments notice. Designer clothes weren’t a big deal, nor were expensive cars that were given as gifts. Today’s American teenager is one of the most spoiled populations on history.
In recent years, wealth that was handed to American teenagers at an alarming rate. Often these luxuaries such as designer handbag, electronics and cars were given to teens without strings attached. They did not have any responsibilities, while their parents paid all of their bills.
They days of dropping a couple hundred dollars at the mall once a week are over. Many parents have dug themselves into a financial whole from which they’ll never recover. The money is not the real tragedy, what is the real tragedy is an entire segment of a generation has been distroyed. These teens were raised with unrealistic views on how the world actually works. Many are now only Bering their first views of reality as credit charges are being denied and their cars are being sold to help pay an enormous mortage.
While I would love to blame these kids for their misfortune, I have to ask myself who is really to blame? This mess falls squarely on the shoulders of parents who distroyed their children to use them as a show piece for their mock wealth.
I realize that not all teenagers have been raised in this manner, but there is a large majority who have and who strive to be like their wealthy peers. In coddling teenagers with such wealth, will they be able to function in our new “back to basics” trend in society?
Dumpster Diving Is Back
As a child I grew up in a home where we just managed to get by financially. Once a week my mom would pile us kids into the car to go “dumpster diving” in the wealthier neighborhoods in our area. I know this idea sounds repulsive to some, but it really isn’t. We would not go through the garbage bags, but instead keep an eye out for things set next to the rummage bin.
My sister and I used to love “dumpster diving night.” Believe it or not, we actually found some pretty cools stuff over the years, things that were in perfect condition. As I got older, we didn’t do dumpster dive nights anymore. However, I still do keep my eye out when I am driving. Once, I found a perfectly good Radio Flyer wagon in someone’s trash. It was old and a little rusty, but it worked just fine. I use it as a garden cart for when I am out working in my yard.
Recently I have been reading articles that say dumpster diving is back in a big way. This made me chuckle until the other night when I actually saw a guy doing it! I personally don’t care if someone wants to rummage through my trash, believe me all they’d find is coffee grounds and cat food tins. I am not condemning the man that I saw. Way to go for him, now that’s being resourceful.
However, like most things, dumpster diving has become more technologically advanced. Craig’s List has a free category on their website, the new modern dumpster dive. I have been amazed at the things people give away. I have seen beautiful furniture, appliances some working, and some for scrap, clothing. You name it, you’ll find it.
There are a few tricks to this modern dumpster dive. First, you must check often, especially on the weekends. Second, if you see something you want, contact the giver right away. Things can go very quickly on Craig’s List. It is okay to ask the giver a few questions about the item before you commit to taking it. This can be a great way to get what you need for free.
While Craig’s List is free, a word of caution, this type of dumpster dive can be dangerous. Most times when someone lists an item, they usually have you pick it up at their home. Please be cautious, take someone with you when you go. We have had two robberies in the area that lured people by using the free category on Craig’s List. The people showed up to pick up the items and instead, they were robbed and assaulted. So, please be careful when using Craig’s List. However, in giving this warning, I must say, I have used Craig’s List many times and I have never had any problems.
