Week of 5/21/2008

A Big Weekend Ahead

The harbinger of summer is finally upon us -- Memorial Day Weekend. The kids, if not already, will soon be out of school. Dreams of travel fill the mind or maybe it's just two or three weeks of lazing around that tickles the fancy. This year, however, the family budget will be stretched far thinner than in other years if you plan to go farther than your front doorstep.

In many places across the country, gas has hit and passed that onerous $4.00/gallon. In other places, it's hovering at $3.99/gallon as if a penny will make a difference. This means that if your car gets 20 miles to the gallon (SUV owners eat your heart out), it will cost you $20 to go 100 miles, $100 to go 500 miles, $200 to go 1000 miles, and the cost just keeps going up the farther you go -- and that's just for gas! And forget airlines. Some are now charging for a pillow and a window seat trying to make up for the additional cost of jet fuel without having to raise prices too high.

So what's a person to do. Lazing around the house for a couple of weeks sounds better and better. Here's how to take a vacation at home.

• Start with a clean house and then just let it go for the duration of your vacation. (OK, clean up the dishes.)
• Don't start any projects. No cleaning closets, no fix-its, no lawn mowing. (You wouldn't be doing these things if you went away, would you?)
• Stock up on goodies and easy meals like frozen pizzas, cassroles made in advance, picnic fare. Take-out is good. (You're trying to avoid cooking.)
• Plan time to do those things that you love to do but just never seem to find the time for. Maybe it's a picnic in the park or a stroll through your local bookstore.
• Visit all the places you tell visitors to your area to go and see -- the zoo, museums, wildlife sanctuaries.
• Whatever you do, have fun. Take the kids to an amusement park and jump on some rides yourself. Take in a movie or try a new restaurant.
• Arrange for "me" time -- time that is for only you -- no kids, no spouse, no relative, no neighbors, no one. Do whatever you darn well please.

Guaranteed, you will feel far more rested and stress-free after a few weeks of this treatment than if you spend your summer vacation on the road and it won't cost you any more.

Weekof 5/12/2008

Look Good For Pennies

Cold creams, skin cleansers and all the other concoctions we buy to make us beautiful can cut a big swath in the budget. There are, however, more than a dozen ways to keep these costs under control with ingredients you normally have around the house. Here are a few:

• Instead of cold cream, use mayonnaise. It's a great skin conditioner -- much better than lotion. It has eggs to help firm the skin, vinegar to balance the pH level, and oil to add moisture. Another alternative, although a bit greasy, is lard which has been used to soften the skin since ancient times. Some top models swear by it.
• For sloughing off old skin, mix up your own cleanser. Take a tablespoon of cornmeal, dampen it with enough water to make a paste, add a few drops of liquid hand soap, and voila! Or, buy a cheap pair of exfoliating bath gloves. Made of mesh, these gloves will help to remove old skin and create a smooth complexion.
• Battle dandruff without specialized shampoos. Steep 1 heaping tablespoon of fennel seeds in boiling water and let sit until the water is at room temperature. Strain the seeds and pour the water over your hair. No need to rinse.
• Are you plagued with hair over your upper lip? You could go to the expense of having it permanently removed, or you could minimize the look with a homemade solution. Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (6% solution) with 1 tsp. amonia. Dab it on the hair and let sit for 30 minutes before washing it off. It will lighten the hair without damaging the skin.

Week of 5/28/2008

Primers For A Life Of Savings

Saving doesn't mean a life of deprivation. On the contrary, saving and a frugal lifestyle bring with it freedom to live an infinitely happier life. Take a clue from others with these great reads.

America's Cheapest Family - How a family of 7 living on about $35K/year beat th high cost of living. Listen to an interview with the authors.

Life or Debt - Shows you how to win your financial freedom in just 7 days.

The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road To Riches - Puts FUN into frugality and saving.

Living Rich By Spending Smart - Offers up a simple roadmap to living well by spending less.

For whatever you want in life, knowledge and wisdom are the stepping stones to get you there.

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