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!