Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tips on Garage Sale Shopping.

(Photo: ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com)
My Uncle John is the Garage/Yard Sale King.  Every year around May he asks me for my list.  Actually, he demands it.  Yes, he gathers garage sale lists from everyone in the family and puts them in his special garage sale book.  It's like having a free personal shopper and the goods are cheap!  So, I've consulted my uncle and put together some garage sale shopping tips to share with everyone.  This is what the "Garage Sale Expert" told me with a spin of my own, of course.

Finding the sale.  A lot of people having garage sales will post ads in different places.  You can look in newspapers (a lot of which are online), on craigslistgaragesalestracker, and yardsalesearch.  However, some people will not pay for ads and may not post online, so keep an eye out when you go to one for other signs leading to other sales.  Also, subdivisions will often have a bunch of homes having sales all at once, this saves you gas and time by basically one stop shopping.  

(Photo: discountedbabyclothesreview.com)
Why you should look for kids' clothes (if you have kiddies).  Don't be scared.  I know a lot of people don't like the idea of buying other people's clothes.  Here are a few reasons why you should reconsider.  First of all, kids grow so fast that paying full price for clothes they may only wear once can be very expensive.  So you can save money by shopping at garage sales, just be sure to wash everything first.  Now, if you're completely opposed, and I can understand that, you should still reconsider because a lot of sales have brand new clothes.  This is for the same reason, kids grow fast and may not be able to wear all the clothes they have.  So it can't hurt to take a look; you might save yourself some dough.  

Best times and best prices.  Most garage sales begin at 8 or 9, so if you know a sale has something you want, try and get there in the very beginning so it doesn't sell.  A lot of people are die hard garage sale shoppers like my uncle and show up really early to catch a deal.  However, if you are just looking for good prices but not looking for something specific, it might be best to go to sales at the end of day or the last day of the weekend to get a better price.  When people really want to get rid of all their stuff, they will often lower prices at the end of the day.  So plan accordingly. 

You can always negotiate.   Almost all of the people having garage sales are willing to negotiate because they want to get rid of their old junk.  So don't pass something up just because of the price.  It can't hurt to ask if they'll take less.   But you also don't want to get annoying and ask for everything to be lowered because people can get offended and you're never going to get a deal.

Make sure you are getting what you pay for.  When buying electronics, don't just take the seller's word for it, unless the price is THAT good.  Ask them if you can plug it in for a second to test it out before you buy.  When buying a game or other packaged item, open it up and make sure everything is there.  Sellers are not necessarily being dishonest, but may forget to check that something has all its pieces or that every case has the dvd or cd in it.

(Photo: walworthcogetaway.com)
There are more than just garage sales to check out.   Estate sales, which used to make me a little uncomfortable, can be great places to find larger items like appliances and furniture for a good price as they are selling everything in the house.  There are also flea markets all over, which have loads of different booths of different people selling all sorts of different things.  It's like one huge garage sale and you can find almost anything.  Churches and other organizations will also have rummage sales that are worth checking out and everything is usually very inexpensive. 

Thanks Uncle John for your tips!  Save on my friends, save on.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Weekly Bet Ya Didn't Know: Putting Butter on a Burn and Other "Old Wives Tales"

While growing up I lived with my grandmother and she had all sorts special remedies for health issues, such as putting butter on a burn and feeding a cold but starving a fever.  I learned long ago that putting butter on a burn is the exact opposite of what you should do.  And now I wonder how many of her other medical theories were "old wives tales," because to this day I worry that I'll catch pneumonia if I don't wear my coat.  Let's see how knowledgeable granny really was...



 1. Never put butter on a burn, or anything else really.  Apparently putting butter on a burn can cause it to get infected.  To me it seems like putting anything on a burn would just keep it warm and continue burning, which sounds like a terrible idea.  I also found that you should not put alcohol or peroxide on an open wound because it kills healthy cells and slows down the healing process.  I had no idea that was wrong too!  The best way to clean wounds for burns, cuts and scrapes, from what I read on the Reader's Digest website, is to run it under cool water.


(Photo: howshealth.com)

2.  Feed a cold and starve a fever is not exactly right.  When you have a fever you most likely won't be very hungry, but having fluids is really important.  So starving yourself is not the way to go.  Drink lots of liquids and if you are hungry, then you should eat.  For me personally, I know it takes a lot more than a little pesky fever to keep me from eating.  If you have a cold, the same rules apply.  You want to drink lots of fluids and eat something if you're hungry.  So simple. 


3.  You should wear your coat even though it does not affect whether you will get pneumonia.  Throughout every winter I would hear "You'll catch pneumonia" over and over again from my grandma.  I assume she was trying to scare me and it worked.  It turns out I was scared for nothing.  Being exposed to the cold or going outside with wet hair will not cause you to get a cold or the flu.  Short periods of time in the cold does not break down your immune system either.  Basically, you just need to stay away from people that have colds or the flu and all of the things that they have touched.  This just further supports my "germaphobe" tendencies.  Thank you very much. 


(Photo: http://funmazaplus.com/)

 4.  It is not as simple as an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  So upsetting, I know.  This was always one I had hoped would be true.  If only we could solve all of the world's health problems with apples! Apples are still good for you, like most fruits, they just aren't the "cure all."  Apples help reduce the risk of some cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure.  They're also good for your teeth and help boost your immune system.  So at least they can HELP keep the doctor away. 

It looks like my grandma wasn't much of an expert.  But she did live until she was 88, so I guess she was doing something right.  


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Save Money on Your Utility Bills


I am fortunate enough to have the heat and gas bill included in my rent.  But now as summer approaches I have to worry about a skyrocketing electric bill from my air conditioner.  I have been toying with the idea of cancelling my internet or cable, but I would be so sad and bored without The Real Housewives and this blog.  So I looked into other ways to save money on my utilities.


ELECTRIC BILL:
1. Have your fan spinning in the right direction.  I always forget which direction the fan is supposed to go in the summer and which way it goes in the winter.  Therefore, I looked it up again.  In summer, the fan should be rotating counter-clockwise, helping to get a bit of a breeze and therefore making it feel cooler.  In the winter, the fan should rotate clockwise, to help circulate warm air.  Remembering to do this with the change of season can ease up on your air conditioner or heat use.  However, I found that you should not leave the fan going while you are gone because it does not actually heat or cool the room.  

(Photo: acservicerepairmiami.com)
2. Properly use the air conditioner:  Turn your air conditioner OFF when you leave or at least turn the temp up.  I was surprised to find this out.  This is because air conditioners work best and most efficiently when at full pace.  Therefore, if it has to turn on and work a full speed when you come back home, it is working most efficiently.  The air conditioner will most likely last longer than if you were to leave it at the same temperature all the time.  Also, note that you save 3-5% for every degree warmer you have your air conditioner set at.  


3. When to turn the lights off.  Incandescent lights should always be turned off when you're not using them.  The general rule for fluorescent lights is to turn them off whenever you will be gone for more than 15 minutes.  Fluorescent lights are more expensive and the less you turn them on and off, the longer they last.  

4. Turn everything off when not in use.  There is no reason to have your microwave or coffee machine plugged in all day and night, unless your cat likes to have a latte and t.v. dinner while you're at work.  So save yourself some dough and unplug them when you're not using them.  Be careful with televisions though, because some of them work harder and use more energy to turn on.  So turning then on and off in a short period of time may be more costly.  



 GAS and WATER BILLS:


(Photo: http://www.norcalblogs.com/)

1. Turn down the hot water heater.  If you live in a house or an apartment with the hot water heater in unit, you can turn down the temperature of the water.  This will lower the temperature that the water is kept at, in turn using less gas.  This is a good idea during the summer as you probably do not have the hot water turned up all the way when showering and therefore don't need to have the heater set as high.  Then when winter returns, you can turn it up if needed.

2. Use your dishwasher.  Generally, dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing.  It uses less soap and water, which means you're using less gas and saving money on soap.  How much you'll save depends on how energy efficient your dishwasher is.

3. Other ways to use less water.  As we learned in grade school, remember to turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth.  It's good for the environment and your wallet!  Taking shorter showers and not having your shower water warm up for longer than necessary helps too.


References:  http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/built-in-dishwasher-vs-hand-washing-which-greener.php, http://housewares.about.com/od/coolingheating/f/ceilfanrotation.htm, http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/lighting_daylighting/index.cfm/mytopic=12280, http://www.rodale.com/efficient-air-conditioner-use?page=0%2C1.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Weekly Bet Ya Didn't Know: Why Do Beer and Wine Taste Better Cold and What Temperature is Best?

(Photo: concurringopinions.com)
Yes, folks.  Only pressing issues addressed here.  Now, my family makes wine, so I should have known the answer to this, but I did not.  Here is what I learned.

(Photo: beer100.com)     
Everyone knows beer tastes better cold, right?  Well, not necessarily.  I don't like beer, so my theory  has always been that because beer tastes so bad in general, the colder the beer the more you can hide that yucky taste .Apparently, I'm not completely wrong.  But, my original thought that beer tastes better cold was not exactly correct.  If you actually like the taste of beer, then you might not mind having it on the warmer side.  Serving beer cold does in fact mask it's flavor and smell, so you don't really taste that beer taste the colder it is.  Also, some beers are made to be served cold, so it just makes sense that they will taste better when you serve them cold.  It seems to be a mental thing as well.  Drinks just feel more refreshing to us the colder they are.  So it really depends on preference.
  
Test your knowledge of beer with this fun little quiz http://www.chacha.com/.

Red wine just below room temperature and white wine chilled.  While this is the general rule, it's a little more complex.  It seems as though the richer the wine the warmer it can be served and the lighter and fruitier the wine, the cooler it should be served.  Room temperature is too warm for all wines though.  Red wine can just be chilled for a few minutes to help bring out the flavors so that it won't taste as soft and vinegary.  For a detailed graph of types of wine and temperatures, go to  http://www.bettertastingwine.com/.

(Photo: tuftsjournal.tufts.edu)
But Why?  So we know the rule, but I want to know why light and fruity wines taste better cold and richer wines a little warmer.  Generally, the darker the wine, the more tannins it has and therefore, needs more time to "breathe" and warm up to release it's aroma.  The flavors also soften and increases the taste.  White wines taste better chilled because they are more tart and the cold will make them taste less tart.  White wines should be allowed to warm just a bit before serving to let out it's aroma, as a huge portion of taste is it's scent.  However, do not let the wine get too warm because the alcohol will evaporate affecting the aroma of the wine more than you want.  It seems to be quite a delicate balance so that the wine smells and tastes best.

Cheers!

References:  http://www.ratebeer.com/http://www.wine.com/ and http://www.thatsthespirit.com/.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

For the Hate of Cabs...Save Money on Gas or Take Public Transportation

(Photo: flickr.com)

"Say no to cabs!"  Why would you spend more money on getting to and from the restaurant or bar  than actually at the place?  I just don't get it.  So rule numero uno, of course, is to take public transportation or drive yourself whenever possible.  Here are some tips on how to save money by driving or taking public transportation.  Either way, no taxis!

(Photo: usatoday.com)
Cutting Gas Costs:  Gas prices have become outrageous, almost painful.  There's a few things you can do to get better gas mileage, which have other benefits too.  I've noticed that keeping my car in good condition gives me better gas mileage. For example, getting the oil changed regularly, rotating the tires and keeping the tires inflated.  There are plenty of places with deals on car upkeep.  For example, some places will either give you a discount or include multiple other services for one price if you go early in the morning or if you join a mailing list.  So do your research to find a deal on getting your car taken care of  and it may return the favor by giving you better gas mileage.  So everyone's happy!  Also, Speeding and rapid breaking or accelerating use more gas.  Driving safely has multiple so many benefits.  The less weight in your car, the better mileage you get, so try and keep your car as empty as possible.  See www.fueleconomy.gov for more ideas on what you can do to get better gas mileage.

Car Pooling.  Not only is it boring to drive places alone, but it's also more expensive.  You save money on gas by sharing rides with people going the same place and can also save money on parking.  It just doesn't make sense for 10 people to drive 10 different cars all to the same place.  People in general don't like to drive by themselves anyway, so ask around and share the drive.       

(Photo: www.dreamstime.com)
No Car?  Take the Bus or Train.  Not only is it cheaper, but taking public transportation is better for the environment too.  Now, calm down, taking the bus is not that bad, you will be ok.  I promise.  Plus, while you're on the bus or train, you can read a book or your  kindle, listen to music or my personal favorite, people watch.  In Chicago, the bus and el/subway are only $2.25 per ride and transfers to other buses and trains are only 25 cents.  Monthly passes and transit cards are also available which may cost you even less.  Go to http://www.chicago-card.com/.  The Metra system also has monthly passes or 10-Ride passes that can save you money on your train rides. See www.metrarail.com. Taking public transportation will save you the cost of gas, car upkeep and parking if you were to drive or it saves you on the outrageous fee to take a cab, which includes that extra $1.00 they include because of gas prices and the cost per additional rider.  And if you're a germaphobe like me, just remember to bring your hand sanitizer for the ride.  :)

If you still insist on taking a cab, at least know how much money you're going to waste beforehand.  I found a site where you can estimate the cost of your cab fare ahead of time.  Check out www.taxifarefinder.com before you hail that taxi.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Weekly Bet Ya Didn't Know (or just didn't care to find out...)

Could Those Crosswalk Signal Buttons be Just a Sham?    

(Photo: googcelebrity.blogspot.com)

As the boyfriend and I were on our way to meet his new baby niece, we were at a stop light and watched as some guy (on a Segway, by the way) furiously pressed the crosswalk button on the traffic signal post.  "Was all his effort to get a walk signal just a waste?" I pondered.  And so I needed to find out.  The short answer.  Yes, it was most likely a waste, but I don't know for sure.  Hmph.

In an article on nytimes.com, it says that in New York the buttons were first installed to make the traffic flow more efficient.  However, now most of them seem to have been disabled as new traffic signals have been installed and they haven't removed the useless buttons for cost reasons. That's New York, now, what about everywhere else? 

(Photo: realsimple.com)
Ugh, it gets more inconclusive.  I looked at numerous other sites which couldn't give me an exact answer, or at least one that I thought could be trusted.  Some suggest that the buttons are just there as a placebo to prevent what I call "sidewalk rage" (see youarenotsosmart.com).  That site refers to an ABC story done, which only found one working crosswalk button in each of these three cities; Austin, Syracuse and Gainsville.  You can watch the video of that show at http://abcnews.go.com

So, my conclusion?  Some might work, but it looks like most do not.  Whether it's the government's way to control people and keep them happy, I have no idea.  Check with your local conspiracy theorist. Even though I hate when there is no straight answer, it looks like we aren't going to get one here today.  So keep on pressin' and maybe, just maybe, it will work.  Good luck and farewell.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

It's Wedding Season! How to Celebrate Without Going Broke.

(photo: jayreillyweddings.com)
Wedding season is upon us.  There's the engagement party, wedding shower, bachelor/bachelorette parties, the actual wedding and hotel rooms for the out of town wedding.  Chances are you have at least three or four weddings coming up this summer, adding to a total of about 20 events.  And if you're in the wedding party, even more.  Of course, you love the couples that are getting married and want to be there to celebrate every moment with them.  At the same time, you are worried about being able afford more than Ramen Noodles by the time you've been to all the events.  At least, that's how I'm feeling.  So here are some tips on how to prevent a year of Ramen for dinner and still be able to enjoy all the wedding festivities.

Go in with others on the wedding shower gift.  If I know other friends going to the wedding shower, I will offer to go in on one nice big gift for the bride and groom.  That way it's less expensive for each person, but the couple still gets something really nice.

The bachelor/bachelorette party, you don't have to do it all.  If there is a dinner, an event after dinner and even more partying after that, you can just pick and choose.  I think it's perfectly acceptable to let them know that you can only make it for dinner or that you'll meet up after for drinks.  That way you are still celebrating with them, but can keep the cost within reason. 

Preparing for Wedding Day.  Thankfully, it is not a requirement to buy a new dress or suit for every wedding you go to.  However, I'm not going to lie, I'll look for any excuse to buy new clothes.  But there's a way to do it on a budget.  If you have the simple black dress (yes, black is ok to wear to a wedding, but white is still a no-no), buy a new necklace, earrings or even a pair of heels, making it look like a whole new outfit.  If you have a suit, just get a different button down or tie to change things up. 


(photo: weddingnuance.com)
 Wedding Bells, Time for the Wedding Day Gift.  Now is the main event and you'll need to bring your wedding gift.  I always wonder what the appropriate amount to give is, especially if I'm bringing a guest.  So I did some research and here's what I found:  According to the Wedding Gift Ettiquette Guide on smartmoney.com, you should plan on spending about $75, double that if you are bringing a guest.  It also says that if it is a close friend or relative, $100-150 should be given.  Some other factors that they mention to factor in are your personal budget, if you have numerous weddings in a short period of time and whether it is a destination wedding because the couple understands you spent money on travel and hotel to be with them.  I personally prefer the answer I found on http://www.topweddingquestions.com/, which said that the gift should not be based on the cost per plate at the wedding but that the gift should be "from the heart and within your budget."  I have friends that have created beautiful paintings for weddings gifts, accompanied by a smaller check.  Those types of gifts can often mean the most to a couple.  :)

Staying at the Hotel.  The bride and groom usually reserve some rooms for guests at a nearby hotel for a discounted rate, but it can still be pricey.  If the wedding is in a bigger town, you can go online and look for a hotel nearby with a cheaper rate.  I do this when I don't really know anyone else at the wedding and don't mind not staying with all the other guests.  My favorite sites for finding hotel deals are travelocity.com and expedia.com.  Another alternative if you do know other guests, would be to reach out ahead of time and see if anyone is willing to split a room with you. 

Lastly, these people love you and that's why you were invited.  Meaning, they'll understand if you aren't able to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts and celebrations.  What matters most is that you are there to share the special moment with them.