How to Find Good Deals Without Going to the Thrift Store
Welcome back!
Every fall I set aside a little bit of money and I revamp my wardrobe. I try to replace articles of clothing that I have either ruined over the past year or have not held up. I usually try to stick to staple pieces, which are garments in a wardrobe that will not go out of style. A while button down shirt is an example of a staple piece for a wardrobe. I also usually buy a trendy piece or two for the season. I try to keep my trendy piece very inexpensive, because after all, who knows how long they will be in style.
This year before my annual wardrobe revamp, I took stock in what I already had in my closet and what was missing. I made a list and followed it strictly. Prior to shopping I went to the mall and just browsed. I purposely left my pocketbook at home. I know what you are all thinking… Jackie the mall is the most expensive place to shop…. Yes, the mall can be the most expensive place to buy clothing but, if you are dedicated you can find excellent deals.
When I did go back to the mall to actually buy clothing, I asked my sister to tag along. Having someone with you who will be brutally honest about how you look in something is very important when updating a wardrobe. As we walked through the stores, I was shocked at how pricey everything was.
My sister asked me if she could pick out an ensemble for me to try on and I said that she could. She picked a beautiful outfit; trouser jeans, a teal top and a cropped jacket. It looked like a million bucks, but it also costed close to it too. I really liked what she picked out but it was just too pricey. She was cross and remarked to me that I should go back to the thrift store. I disagreed with her and explained that there are deals to be found in the mall but one must be extremely choosy.
I ended up buying a pair of trouser style jean, which my sister had picked out. When I got to the register, I was informed that a second pair of pants were completely free! So, in the end, I found a great deal, I bout two pairs of trouser- jeans for under $50. The jeans were the only pieces of clothing that I purchased from the mall.
I finished my fall shopping at H&M. I highly recommend this store. Their prices are extremely reasonable. I ended up spending under $100 there and got everything I needed. While the thrift store can be wonderful, so can buying clothing from other stores. The main idea here is to keep in mind value. Is a shirt really worth $30? How much will you wear the piece? Will it last the test of time?
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.
Starbucks.. It’s OVER!
I know I have blogged about Starbucks before and my very expensive latte factor. However, I do occasionally treat my self to a latte every now and then. A few days ago my sister gave me a coupon to get a free pastry with a coffee purchase on July 21st. I thought to myself that this might be an occasion to go to Starbucks. Boy was I wrong!
The First Try
I got up early this morning (july 21st) to go redeem my free pastry from Starbucks. I got into line at the drive through and waited for about twenty minutes when I realized that I forgot my coupon on my desk at work last night. As I pulled up to make my order I mentioned this to the barista. She told me that I would not be eligible for the promotion without the coupon. Upon hearing that, I told her I would not be purchasing anything and I left. After all what was one free pastry to give away?
Let’s Try THis Again
When I got to work, I found the coupon on my desk and I figured that I would give this whole “free pastry” thing another go. Since I was now at work, I offered to redeem the coupons for my co-workers who had placed their orders with me. Each co-woker had handed me cash to pay for their orders separately. I made sure that I had the coupons for the pastries as well. (I was only using 3 coupons) I stopped to examine the coupons before I left, to make sure everything was in order. These coupons did not have bar codes on them or redemption codes or numbers, which I thought was odd.
When I got to Starbucks I went in and proceeded to place the first order and use the coupon. The barista at the cash register stopped me abruptly and said that I could only use one coupon per customer. I explained that my orders were for three separate people, and that I would be paying for them separately. The barista said that did not matter to him. Here is where I lost my cool. I asked the barista if he really thought that three totally different coffee orders were really just for me? Starbucks would not budge, I ended up purchasing the other two pastries that I had told my co-workers I would be bringing back for them, out of obligation to my co-workers.
STarbucks… It Is OVER Between Us!
Upon returning to work, I quickly decided that my disappointment would be shared in my twitter-shpere. As it turns out, I was not the only unsatisfied costumer today. I have been an avid Starbucks drinker for years. I am actually embarrassed to think about how much money I have spent in their stores. Well, folks… I have spent my last dollar at Starbucks! It amazes me to think that they have lost my business over two pastries…. bad call Starbucks!
A Beautiful Yard
I have always taken pride in how my front lawn looks. I believe that it is a representation of one’s home. In years past I have usually done the yard work myself. I have also spent quite a bit of money on my landscaping in the past. This year, however, my landscaping is going to have to be done on the cheap. I am collecting tips and ideas on how to make my yard look as beautiful as possible for as little as possible. I thought that I would share my what I have learned in the past couple of weeks with all of you.
First of all, I have learned that planting from seeds is much less expensive than buying plants that have already started growing. But, if you are like me, with only a slightly green thumb, this may not work for you either. Seeds seem a bit intimidating to me, they’re just to easy to kill. However if you are seasoned professional, go for it. I will be buying the already grown plants, in my experience, they’re a lot harder to kill.
Be imaginative when it comes to planting containers. Lots of things can double as a flower planter. If you like a more traditional look, keep an eye out for a good sale on them. In my experience, it is a good idea to buy a quality piece for a bit more money because the piece will last for many planting seasons. I caught a sale at Target a few years back, and the planters that I bought are still going strong. If you are however in need of some planters, I would suggest Ikea. They have wonderful plant pots and window boxes at very reasonable prices. I think I will be making a trip to my local Ikea and pick up some planters.
Overall, look for a deal when it comes to landscaping. Flowers can always be bought cheaply. I heard recently that The Home Depot is the place to buy flower this year. I saw a report on my local news saying that they had slashed prices even further to help those who are pinching their pennies. If you do the landscaping yourself, you not only have a beautiful yard to enjoy, but you will be left with a sense of pride of what you created. Be brave, go for it! I bet you will be amazed at what you can create.
If anyone has any ideas or tips to save money, on landscaping please let me know so I can pass your tips along. Happy Landscaping!
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!
Garage Sale Time
For many areas here in the United States, warm weather is returning with the spring, this means one thing, garage sale time! I am starting to notice more and more signs advertising garage sales. I have always loved garage sales. The saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is true.
I have found many great deals at garage sales. Last summer I bought an antique table for $10! I stripped the cotton-candy pink paint off of it and now it is a lovely dinning table. It took a little bit of work to make it right for me, but not only did I get a wonderful price on it, I have a sense of pride when I look at it.
I do have a few tips on how to make the most of your garage sale outings.
The Local Newspaper
My first tip is to get your local newspaper on Friday and Saturday mornings. In the classified ads, garage sales are often listed. The ad usually includes what will be sold at the sale and it will give you the address and hours. I also find that I can usually plan a route for my morning of garage sale shopping.
Get Up Early
The best things in a garage sale usually sell very early in the morning. Most people who do this as a serious hobby go very early to get the good finds. I usually try to be out by 7a.m. shopping and browsing local garage sales. The beauty of being out early is that if you see something you like, you do not have to buy it right away, you can return at the end of the day and usually buy the item at a cheaper price. However, if you do not want to risk that item being sold throughout the day, just buy it then.
Do Not Be Afraid to Haggle
Keep in mind, that most people have garage sales because they either want to get rid of stuff laying around the house or the want to make some money. Either way, they want to make a sale. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price on an item, remember you are not shopping at Macy’s you are shopping in someone’s driveway. Also keep in mind, that the worst thing that could happen is the person says, “no.” I always try to pay less than the item is listed for.
Bring a Larger Vehicle
You never know what you will find out on you garage sale adventure. I found my dinning room table while I was out on a bike ride with my husband. The couple we bought it from were more than happy to hold it for us so we could return with our car.
Take a Friend
Just like a day of regular shopping, garage sale days can be a fun event with a couple friends. If you are looking for something in particular, let your friend know, an extra pair of eyes may help you spot exactly what you are looking for.
The Silent Victims of the Troubled Economy
My husband and I recently adopted a yellow lab puppy from a shelter in our state. Rather than purchase a dog from a breeder we knew that it was necessary for us to adopt. We searched many different area shelters in search for our newest family member. We looked outside our community at many different shelters. Shelter after shelter was full of wonderful pets that had lost their homes due to the rough economy. There were so many cats in most shelters, that they weren’t accepting any more. My husband and I currently have three cats who were all rescues. To see all of these lovable animals in a shelter and not a loving home broke our hearts.
I also made sure to look in economically depressed areas that had been hit hard due to the recession. I found that these shelters were more eager to adopt out animals to loving homes. With the influx of animals and financial donations to shelters down, they are having a difficult time accommodating the silent victims of this recession.
I found that there were some very nice perks to adopting rather than buying from a breeder. I searched far and wide for our new puppy. We actually traveled almost 200 miles roundtrip to get him. While this does not sound fiscally responsible, let me start by saying that my husband and I actually spent less in gas and food than we would have spent at a breeder. Another plus to adopting a pet is that the shelters most often, have kept up with vaccination and some even spay or neuter at no cost to you.
We love our little puppy. So if you are looking to bring a new pet into your family, please try a shelter first. Pets are truly the silent victims of this recession.
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!
