Saving dough at the supermarket

Saving money at the grocery store -- is it possible?


I don't know about you, but I'm constantly amazed at the grand total that pops up when I'm checking out at the grocery store. It just doesn't seem possible.


I read an interesting tip in the current Real Simple magazine. It says if you want to save money at the grocery store -- look everywhere except at eye level. More expensive brand names tend to be positioned at eye level (in fact, some companies pay "slotting fees" for that privilege). Find the more affordable versions above and below eye level. Who knew? I'm going to test the theory out this weekend. Let me know if you've had luck with this strategy.


-reenie

Too good not to share

I've been hearing about this website... this site that lets you sign up for weather alerts. It's simple, it straightforward -- it answers the question: "Do I need an umbrella today?" I logged on this afternoon and I'm hoping for my first text alert in the morning.

Best for those of us who go to the trouble of straightening our hair. I don't know about you, but nothing makes me feel more like I wasted time than if I straighten my curly locks -- only to have them get wet and curly before the day is out.

The site is great, too, for folks, like my daughter, who ALWAYS carry an umbrella in their bag for 'just in case' moments. I don't know about you, but I'm hoping to carry smaller bags as I get older, not bigger ones.

So, if you want to check it out, visit umbrellatoday.com. I tried typing in my zip code and found that I needed to use the more central one for my city, not my outlying one. It does ask for your cell phone number (so please don't be surprised -- your umbrella report comes via text message). Theoretically I will start knowing tomorrow morning and every day thereafter if I need my umbrella.

Here's to straight hair staying straight, and handbags getting lighter.

-reenie

What colors look best on you?

I had breakfast with a dear friend the other day. She looked beautiful. I mean she's always been an attractive woman, but she was sparkling, and all before 9:30 in the morning. (I looked more like a lone 30 watt bulb trying to light up a warehouse.) I wasn't sure what was different, so I asked her. (I've known her that long -- so not awkward at all.) She told me about this great service she had found. She had her colors done. Before you groan and say that is so 1980s -- hear me out. (By the way, I groaned inside when she said it, but, given her appearance, was intrigued enough to listen). She went to her color analyst and walked away with new make-up, but even more importantly, a small, easy-to-fit-in-your-purse portfolio of color swatches that were her best picks when selecting clothing. It was working for her. Seriously working for her. The simple blue scarf she had around her neck was part of the sparkling process.

Guess what? I've made my appointment and have convinced another pal to join me. I'm going to use the new swatch tool in my bi-annual closet cleaning ritual. Every late March, cold-weather clothes get moved to my storage closet and get replaced with warm-weather clothes from that same storage closet. The colors that don't 'fit' me are getting a one-way ticket to my local consignment shop. The pal who plans to join me says she is going to use the tool to go shopping while there are so many sales going on. I could be convinced to do that too. Go ahead, twist my arm.

-reenie

At Home - Inside and Out

I have home projects on the brain this week. I am not a gardener, but long to have beautiful flowers and plants outside. Trouble is I seem to have a black thumb and most things I select die slow, painful deaths. So, I've kind of given up.  Well, turns out I might not have to.  I just heard about this new product -- it's been all over the media in the last couple of weeks.  It's called the EasyBloom Plant Sensor.  It's a gadget that precisely monitors sun, soil, temperature and humidity conditions in the place you want to add a plant.  It will tell you if you're over-watering or under-watering.  Whether the plant needs different light or soil conditions.  You plug it into the soil you're considering for 24 hours.  Then you plug it into the USB port on your computer and it gives you the scoop on your soil, and even suggests the best plants for that plot of land.  This black thumb may turn green after all...

I love Spring and the first visit to the garden center to pick up new stuff -- imagine how much more fun it could be if you knew the things you purchased would make it through the whole season.

Speaking of an item that has been in the media -- this one, too.  For inside.  It is the coolest ice tray I have ever seen.  It's a vertical ice tray from Fusionbrands -- called the iceorb.  Take out the inner bucket and fill the outer bucket with water... then replace the inner bucket so the water heads for the 21 pre-formed cubes.  Easy to pop the ice out when you're ready.  Store your cubes in the bucket, or use the inside as a chilling place for wine, fruit, dip, etc.   Perfect addition as you start thinking about more outdoor entertaining. Yes, I know we have a few more long weeks until Spring, but a girl can dream of lovely parties on her deck, right?  I can't wait to spruce up the deck (needs a good power wash and coat or 10, yes, I meant to say 10, of sealant).  Some new deck furniture wouldn't be bad either... and from what I understand, this is a good time to start thinking about those things if you need them.

-reenie

American Heart Month

It's Fitness Friday (and the day before Valentine's Day), and I thought it would be appropriate to remind folks that February is American Heart Month. I've always wondered how months get named or turned into celebrations, so I did a little digging.

Here's what I found on this particular event:

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month."

Why include this info here? Well, I was recently approached by a dear friend's daughter who was fundraising for the American Heart Association this month because she recently lost her Grandmother to heart disease. My friend, and his daughter, suffered a direct loss and they're doing something about it from a research-support standpoint.

But - as individuals - we can choose to do the same, and/or we can choose to be in charge of our bodies, and do the things that make us healthier -- even if our genetics seem stacked against us.

Are you exercising regularly - either at home or a local fitness center? (February, by the way, is a great time to look at gyms.)

Are you making food choices that support healthy heart guidelines? It doesn't mean you can't eat out again -- it means you need to learn tips and strategies for how to enjoy your restaurant outings while also taking care of your heart health. Learn great food-selection tips from the Mayo Clinic here.

For a complete list of ways to help your heart, visit the American Heart Association. This page offers a variety of links to diet, fitness and educational resources.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner -- this is a matter of the heart we all need to address.

-reenie

Auto Daze with our Presidents

I have to tell you... I'm getting that 'I want a new car' itch. I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger, but feel like I would be remiss in not mentioning with our upcoming Presidents' Day Holiday so close by -- as that is where, in my mind, the new car fun begins every year.

I have a lot of different cars on my must-test-drive list, but thought given the nature of this blog, I should focus on cars that can save you money from an energy standpoint (but also have you consider the tax implications when comparing models).

Consumer Reports rates the most fuel efficient vehicles in two categories (cars and SUVs). Here they are:

Most fuel-efficient cars and their overall mileage

1. Toyota Prius Base (44 mpg)


2. Toyota Prius Touring (42 mpg)


3. Smart for Two Passion (39 mpg)

Most fuel efficient SUVs and their overall mileage

1. Subaru Forester 2.5x (MT) (24 mpg)


2. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (24 mpg)


3. Toyota RAV4 (base, 4cyl) (23 mpg)

The Consumer Report chart also notes the average gas mileage over a 150 mile trip. Those numbers tend to be significantly higher than the overall number shown here.

The other thing to keep in mind when determining whether an alternative vehicle will save you money -- is the associated tax credit (when still available). The IRS has a long chart on how to determine if a credit is available for your new car (and it must be new to qualify), and how much the credit is worth (determined by your purchase date). The whole qualifying system seems a bit complicated, so best to check the IRS chart when making your savings calculations.

Here's to an upcoming weekend of some fun test-driving.

-reenie

February Deals

It's early February and time to think about the best ways to save money during this month. I checked out a few different sources and have what feels like a pretty good list. Aside from looking for discounts in the easy places, hint-hint, keep these items in mind as you plan your February budget (remember, Presidents' Day joins Valentine's Day as a reason to shop this month -- and lots of special sales revolve around both days):

Jewelry

Chocolates (especially post February 14 -- though this year, retailers might have plenty of holiday deals in place)

Fragrances

Resort and cruise wear

Furniture and housewares

I know I've already started to see tons of commercials for furniture, and plenty of jewelry ads, as Valentine's Day approaches.

Saving money can be easy if you pay attention to the great deal that are out there.

Happy saving,

-reenie

Tech Tuesday -- for the ladies

You know... I almost feel guilty including this. I saw this item on one of the blogs I follow. They were kind of making fun of it, but I think it's pretty cool in a I-have-extra-dough-what-can-I-spend-it-on kind of way.

Bagtv, based in the UK, offers the woman-on-the-go a whole new concept in handbag design -- complete with high-tech flare.

"The first in a range of new products, is a beautifully crafted ladies handbag, which comes in a range of cool colours, leathers, and fabrics, integrated with a high quality 7" TV screen combining, DVD, and Mpeg player.

The screen sits behind a protective transparent shield and enables the owner to literally watch Films/Videos either on DVD or downloaded to the bag.

The system comes with full connectivity for use with computers or digital cameras through USB port and SD card slot, allowing the playing of scrolling photos on the bag.

Use on the move, on the way to and from work, for holidays, on trains or in the car.

Use at night in bars, and clubs to show off your latest photos, or favourite videos.

The smart light weight battery system, allows the player to play up to 2.5 hours, movies, video, photos before re-charging.

It comes equipped with its own re-charger unit for use with the mains or in car, together audio/video cables for connectivity with TV."

I do like a one-of-a-kind handbag. This one might just take the cake!

-reenie