Dinner and a Movie

It's the weekend. This is the time to catch up with friends, chill, let loose. But we all know how much it can cost us to simply have a good time.

Dinner $20-$40
Movie $10
Popcorn $5

...and don't try and go out for drinks afterward

Drinks $40

You've just spent on average $85. And you've only caught up with one, two...maybe three people. You've still got your "B" friends to hang out with, and it's only Friday.

It's cold outside, and despite what our beloved president says, we are in fact deeply in a recession. Don't believe the hype.

Host a Pot Luck!
Holler at your peoples, tell them each to bring a dish, a beverage, dessert :) You supply the space and the movie from your latest Netflix pick. Your friends show up, there's tons of food, drink, libations and sweets. It's warm and you've caught up with a whole bunch of friends. And when everything's all over, the leftovers go into your fridge ;)

If your place is too small, make the suggestion to a friend with a bigger place. And if they don't know how to host a party, you can always try this technique:



Now go put that $85 in your savings account, honey!

Save Money, Honey: Oscars Edition

DO NOT SHOP IN THE DAY-LEWIS/MILLER CLOSET!!


...now that I got that out of my system, we can move on.
Oscar night is full of glamorous gowns, jewels and little golden men. For some reason, this year, I totally got into it. I usually poo-poo on the over Hollywood-ification of the event, but I dunno, being robbed of the Golden Globes/the Writers Strike struck a chord in me that I didn't know existed. Because even if a year went by and I didn't tune-in to the Oscars, I'd still be bound to come across highlights of the best and worse dressed, who won what and who didn't kiss whom...speaking of course about Javier Bardem, accepting his award from last years best supporting actress, Jennifer Hudson. He just took the statue from her with a firm head nod - no kiss on the cheek, no half-hug, not even a smile. What's up with that? I'm just saying. In my personal experience, the Spaniards don't have the same reputation as the Italians when it comes to the sistas - catch my drift? I don't think the people of Cuba would be very happy that the man picked to portray their native son would have a problem kissing Jennifer Hudson. Maybe I'm reaching, but hey - I'm still traumatized.
What does any of this have to do with saving money? Glad you asked. These celebs we ooh and aah over - they are very wise people when it comes to dressing up for these special events. We can learn a thing or two from them. First of all - they don't pay for their gowns! Now, I know you aren't as lucky as Marion Cotillard to have Jean-Paul Gautier let you borrow one of these,


but if you think about it, there are tons of up and coming designers among us who want to get their names out there...what you need to do is be their friend. And since you've already done the Oscars, consider:

Asking a designer friend to lend a gown for your special event.
Wedding season is right up the block. Graduations, too. Often times as a guest to these special occasions, you have to worry about purchasing gifts, shoes, plane tickets, hotel rooms...who wants to also shell out 80, 120 or even 200 dollars on a fabulous gown (cuz you know everyone's going to be immortalizing you with photographs). So ask a designer friend to let you show off one of her/his wares, and keep your promise to tell everyone who made it and where they can get one of their own. Dry clean it and return.
If you don't know any designer friends, make some! Reach out to your community of friends and acquaintances, host an artists' showcase at your place, befriend owners of local boutiques. You know I know my share of designer friends. How else do you think I got to rock this $500 frock to my dear friend's wedding?



Now about diamonds...

D-d-d-d-DAMN!!!


Nicole took bling to all new heights. We need a new term.
Diamonds are absolutely beautiful, yes...but we all know somewhere deep in our conscience the atrocities tied to diamonds...conflicts over diamonds that are traded for weapons to fuel wars in poor, torn nations affected by the horrors of the imperialists. Indigenous people from Brazil to Botswana, Australia to Canada who have and continue to loose their ancestral rights to their land simply because companies like DeBeers want to exploit the diamonds found on that very same soil. The children in India who cut 70% of all the world's gem-grade diamonds...don't get me started. I'm in the midst of making a documentary about this.
There is no price high enough to pay for the suffering inflicted upon people we cannot hear simply to look good.

If you wear diamonds and don't know where they've come from, I suggest trading them in for a diamond that is truly conflict-free (don't believe the Kimberley certificate hype!!!) Here's a great resource: www.diamondsforafricafund.org
You can donate your diamond to Diamonds for Africa and they'll send you a tax-deductible receipt for its value as an in-kind donation to claim against your taxes. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the diamond jewelry will benefit affected communities in Africa.

Exchange your diamond for a conflict-free diamond, and get a 5% discount from:
www.brilliantearth.com

Or, you can get down with diamonds that have been grown in labs here in the USA. Brief science lesson...diamonds are essentially carbon that has been exposed to heat and atmospheric pressure to then become a diamond. Carbon is carbon is carbon. It is the backbone of all organic life on Earth. It came to us from the stars billions of years ago and has been here ever since - the same amount of carbon just traveling from life-form to life-form. So whether a diamond is grown in the ground or in a lab, it's still the same make-up. It's still forever. Check some of these lab-grown diamonds out:
www.apollodiamond.com
gemesis.com

Then there's always the Diamond Empowerment Fund:
(DEF) developed by Russell Simmons to raise money for the development and empowerment of the people and communities in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource. The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a non-profit international organization established by individuals and businesses in the diamond industry and others who are committed to empowerment for the people of Africa.
Check these out



Now get fabulous, honey. And post your pics for us to see...

Time is money. Marque dos.

We all dread those times when we have to call customer service at an airline or a department store or utility service. The "toll-free" part doesn't really mean anything anymore since we all mostly use cell phones with free long distance, and land lines have followed suit so 1-800 might as well be 1-252 or 1-301 or 1-787 for all I care.
And there's always a wait. They play corny music that somehow makes you hum along, and repeatedly play that woman's voice encouraging you to visit them on the web -- when it's pretty obvious that you are calling for a specific matter that can't easily be solved by reading the FAQ. (Wow, I'm getting a bit passionate over here. Just've had my share of customer service woes) A-hem.

My point is, when you call these 800 numbers, you normally hear that woman say "for English, press one. Para Español, marque dos." My Español is rusty, so I would usually press one. But after being on hold for over 20 daytime minutes while trying to reach a certain airline representative, I decided to try something new. I Marque dos -ed.

And instantly -- no elevator music, no annoying voice recording, no wait at all -- I got through to a human being who could help me. I figured, this person probably also speaks English, even if it is their second language. And as popular as outsourcing has become for American companies, it's highly likely that the person I pressed one for - and waited 20 daytime minutes for, is likely to also speak English as a second language.

So I encourage you all to Marque Dos, no matter how well or not well your Español. It'll save your precious daytime minutes so you can instead call a friend and start planning your spring vacation.

Saturday Morning

This is the time where millions of Americans fall into the rituals of weeky upkeep...household chores, grocery shopping, taking a trip to the beauty salon. These simple and necessary tasks can easily become so ritualized that we rarely think we can ever lessen the amount of money we spend on getting them done. Wrong.

Funky sponge?
Does your sponge smell like a breeding ground for unknown species and their feces? You may think it's time to chuck it, right? Wrong. Again. Just soak it in a bleach solution (1 part warm water, 1 part bleach) overnight - maybe even add a squeeze of lime. By morning, it will smell brand new! And just to make sure you've killed all the bacteria, stick it in the microwave for no more than 2 minutes (MAKE SURE ITS PLENTY DAMP!)



Now, as far as saving money tips at the grocery store are concerned...this is where I ask you to get a little adventurous. Do more than coupon clip. Bring an exotic hunter-gather flair to your dining experience.

Get to know your local Chinatown.
It's no wonder the Chinese economy is booming while ours us being flushed down the toilet. The Chinese know how to find the lower price. For example, in my neighborhood grocery store a pack of Nasoya Tofu costs on average $2.99 -- in Chinatown, I found a pack for $0.89! And looking even deeper, I found a Chinese supermarket in the suburbs of Long Island (Hicksville) that sold loose blocks of tofu 5 for $1!!!
Do you see what I mean, people? You don't have to eat tofu to know that you can save a hell of a lot more on your groceries if you travel to Chinatown. This is America. The Chinese have been in this country since 1820 and are 1.2% of the total population. So if you haven't already, get on the bus!

Meet Me at the Dumpster Dive!
While I realize this activity may not be for everyone...I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it --- Do you ever wonder what happens to those grocery items that no one ever buys? They can't stay on the shelves forever, because they've either passed a "sell by" date or simply, the grocery store has a fresh shipment of the newer foods. They get canned. Thrown away. Really, it's a sin -- as many people as there are in our hometowns who are going hungry, and our main food suppliers are literally throwing food away. Shameful.
But, lucky for us all, there is an organized movement underway that is on a mission to eliminate this waste. Freegans and foodies alike are covering major cities in search of these tossed treats. Dumpster diving is an all new activity wherein anyone can go to a local grocery store or restaurant and pick up the boxes and bags of discarded food to take home and eat. Find a dumpster dive near you by clicking here. And Bon Apetit!



P.S. If your ego gets in the way, bring a video camera and act like you're "making a documentary".
Or, at least follow the link to the Freegan website, print out the list of local dives and post it at your neighborhood soup kitchen.

And last but not least, a message to all you beauty queens (and I do mean that endearingly): you're beautiful and talented and deserve to be rewarded. But you don't have to spend money on these rewards.
Run a bath.
Once a week, after you scrub your tub with your fresh sponge, put the stopper on your drain, run some steaming hot water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and experience hydrotherapy. Baths are a gret way to relax your muscles and your mind.
Tweeze, please.
While I know there's a certain pleasure in paying someone to painfully wax or thread stray hairs away from your beautiful eyebrow line, I encourage you to make a one-time payment on a pair of tweezers. That way, you can get the job done the way you want it. Just make sure to moisturize your brows before you pluck.
Spa Cocina.
If you've missed some essential sleep this decade and its taking its toll on your face, don't worry, a solution is as near as your kitchen. Take the white of an egg and smear it all over your face. Wait for it to harden then wash it off with warm water. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil, reduce the heat and simmer and place your face over the steam that rises from the surface. Place a towel over your head to make sure the steam goes straight to your face. If you've got a cough, place some eucalyptus oil in the pot to clear your throat. And don't forget to put those cucmber slices over your eyes. Stings a bit, but it works, honey!

[Clothing]

It's February and it's fashion week in NYC. All the Fall Fashions are being revealed to the trendsetters and editors [trendsettitors]. And then there's me. I love fashion but I definitly cannot afford the latest garments that I see through my camera lens sashaying down the runway.
Between my college days and now living the artists' life, I've acquired quite a few options to keep me looking and feeling fabulous, current and new - all without breaking my piggy bank. And today, I am going to share them with you.

Option One: Get thrifty
While yes, this is the obvious option, I still think it's best to at least mention that thrift stores are a major necessity for anyone trying to look their best without spending the most. And I'm not just talking major cities. Some of my best finds are from Mom and Pop's and Goodwills in Washington, North Carolina. Never heard of it? My point exactly. Be old fashioned, look in the yellow pages to find your local thrift/vintage shopping experience. I recommend a good washing before wearing.

Option Two: Swap til you drop!
This has got to be the best idea ever to cross a human mind. You know those old clothes you don't wear anymore or those brand new clothes that have been hanging in your closet with the tag still on them for like a year? Those pants that never quite fit you right? Yeah, those. We've all got 'em. So why not swap 'em!?
Host a clothing swap! Basically, you tell all your friends (especially the fashionable ones) to come to your apartment with all the clothes, shoes and accessories they just don't wear anymore. Designate a room as the "swap room", arrange all the clothes like you would a boutique while your guests mingle and eat chips in another room. Then open the flood gates while you and your guests swap away!
(note that as the host, you get first dibbs while you set up)
Accessories swaps on the job are also a good way to update your jewelry box while bonding with the co-workers.



Option Three: Shop on time
Bee like the fashion industry pros, shop for your clothes on the off season. I'm all about the off season. For example, winter is coming to an end and all the stores are having their winter clearance sales so they can make way for all the new spring merchandise they placed orders for back in September. Now is the time to buy your fall/winter items for next winter.
A few years back, I bought a full length black down coat by Guess (essential for NY Winters) in late February. $50. Yeah. Now, I know there are those of you who want to stay ahead of the trends and not be the ones rocking last years' looks. Point taken. Designate your off season shopping for staples like turtle necks, jeans, coats, sweat suits, wool socks, thermals and boots. For the trendy stuff, go ahead and buy it in season, but don't spend too much, cuz it's not like you need it to last for more than a season anyway. It's called H&M.


Option Four: Do it your damn self!
Who doesn't love a crafty afternoon?
Okay, I don't always. When I have an 'afternoon' sometimes I just like to catch up on my shows/reading/cleaning. But for those of you who love to get handy, I recommend these.



Send your pics and shopping tales to: honey@wallet.com

P.S. You could always buy, wear with care and return at major chain stores. But you didn't hear that from me ;)