Movies cost an arm and a leg

While watching the Oscar’s last Sunday, I had an epiphany. Although I hear the numbers every weekend, I was in utter shock! The highest grossing movie…362.1 million dollars domestically… didn’t win best picture! I can’t believe the amount of money Americans spend to be entertained. The Husband took the offspring to see a matinee on Saturday and it cost $25! I already had dinner planned so I told them not to buy popcorn. Good thing because that popcorn would have been their last supper. That brings me to this week’s blog. Entertainment is not free. It may cost you an arm and a leg.

Most people are paying for cable or satellite channels in their home. Thanks FCC. In my house, we have at least 200 channels even though we can only watch one channel at a time. Use these channels to your advantage. Call over some friends and entertain them with a movie via pay-per -view or premium channel movie. Sharing an average cost of a pay-per-view movie of $4.99 between 4-6 people is a lot more economical than $8 a piece. Movie night at home is a great way to save money and build friendships.
Here are some elements for movie night entertaining:

• Try to choose a movie that is showing on your premium movie channels. If you are already paying for it; use it.
• Turn down the lights to create a movie theater glow.
• Make some popcorn and add seasonings from your own cupboard. Sprinkle a little garlic, parmesan cheese or even sugar to create different flavors. I like extra buttery.
• Have a pot luck dinner and turn movie night into “dinner and a movie”.
• Plan ahead. Watch the TV guide for movie premiers. If you are purchasing, DVD or Blue Ray release dates often comes with price cuts. 
• Instead of purchasing a movie from the store, rent one. If you are not a repeat movie watcher, it may not be in  your best interest to purchase. 
• Remember the classics. Classics movies are often on the discount shelves in stores.
• Visit your local library. That right check out up to date DVD’s for free.

Until next time,

Smooches

State Fair Food

A couple of weeks ago The Husband and I went to our monthly couples gathering with a few of our favorite duos. Honestly my day prior to the outing was a complete bust so I wanted to go home and vegge. But I couldn’t stand up one of my favorite Diva Friends and her Mr. Diva. Fortunately they did not disappoint us. The food, company and atmosphere were perfect for an evening with good friends. It was just what I needed to unwind and relax. I have to give credit to my Diva Friend for throwing a swanky party without all the frills.
This month, the hostess used a theme of The State Fair. In the south, the State Fair is a huge event in which people buy new clothes, plan out the fair walking route and even use as first dates. The State Fair is also the one place where you can find all your culinary vices in one location. I’m talking about corn dogs, sausage dogs, polish dogs and Italian dogs. Did I cover all the dogs? You can dine on fine pastries such as elephant ears, fried Oreos and homemade donuts. Let us not forget the fried mushrooms and french fries. Yes, the state fair is a place that lives in the heart and mind of every Southerner. After The State Fair, the cholesterol lives in your heart too. Ah… the memories…
Diva Friend made a few of our favorite State Fair delights right in her kitchen. Her fried mushrooms were made with ordinary button mushrooms and tempura batter. Our elephant ears were created with regular refrigerated canned biscuits that are flattened before frying in hot oil. Of course we added powered sugar and cinnamon. As if we needed more calories, she made homemade caramel and candy apples topped with nuts. Wow! We were able to experience the fair in February (usually in Fall) without the cost of a pricey entrance ticket or rides that you haven’t ridden since you were ten. When entertaining, sometimes it only takes a theme to make a party fun. Spending time with good friends is a lot more enjoyable than spending lots of money to entertain them. Dang it! Now I want an elephant ear.

Smooches

You might be cheap if...

How do you know when you are being cheap or just frugal?  This very thought crossed my mind when I realized I drove over 5 minutes to save only 2 cents in gas.  I was just being cheap.  I must fight the urge to cross the border into Cheapville.  Frugal living is not about finding the lowest price at any cost.  It is wisely budgeting and seeking the best value for all aspects of life.  I have comprised a top ten list to help us maintain our citizenship in Frugal Town and not visit Cheapville.

You may be cheap if:

1. You waste gas by driving out of your way to save on less expensive gas. 
2. You celebrate holidays the day after the actual holiday so you can get gifts half off.
3. You make your own lemonade at a restaurant by ordering a glass water, asking for lemons and adding sugar.
4. You only purchase items at Target on the 75% off rack even though it doesn’t quite fit.
5. You haggle on the price of a knock off designer
6. You force your family to wear coats and blankets indoors because you don’t want to turn up the thermostat
7. You preference your purchases by saying “it’s not that bad, I can fix it up.”
8. The store clerk immediately directs you to the expired baked good section. 
9. Your idea of a vacation is only visiting places where your family lives so you don’t have to pay for a hotel. 
10. You keep the coffee cup from a restaurant in hopes of getting a free refill.

Don't be a Cheap Charlie!!

Smooches

Birthday Mooch Patrol

Although my birthday has come and gone, the celebration continues. I’ve told you guys before that signing up for discount cards at stores is a great idea. You might think you will get a lot of emails or junk mail but if you are living on a budget, the benefits of store coupons are priceless. This week, I’ve been on Mooch Patrol. I can’t tell you how much I racked up in free gifts. That’s right, free gifts from businesses that just want to say happy birthday! All I had to do was add my email to their mailing list.


My first “mooches” came by way of emails from World Market, CVS, and Moe’s Southwestern Grill. World Market sent me a coupon for $10.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more. All I had to do was pay the sales tax. I was able to get some gourmet eats for my special birthday evening for 96 cents. Next was Moe’s. “Welcome to Moe’s” was music to my ears when I ate my free entrée for lunch. The nice lady behind the counter even threw in some queso dip for my free chips. Now that is some good eatin’! CVS is one of my personal favorites. CVS gives me a coupon every time I walk in the door. I just scan my rewards card with their handy machine and out comes a coupon. For my birthday, CVS was so kind as to send me a $2.00 off coupon. Wouldn’t you know it? We happen to have been out of lotion at home. See, coupons really do work. I am so glad because ashy legs are not very diva like. Signing up for rewards cards saves you money and gets you free gifts.

I must confess: the best mooch of all came by way of a Goddaughter’s 2nd birthday party. She happens to have been born a day after my birthday. Her mom provided delicious free hot dogs and cake. Yet, that wasn’t the mooch. The mooch occurred when I was able to act like a silly 2 year old and no one knew it was for me; not the kid. Nothing feels better than playing with toys for your own enjoyment but passing it off like you are entertaining the youngsters. Now that living life to the fullest!

Smooches

3 Tips to Stay Ahead of the Game

Its my birthday!  As a present to my followers, I've asked guest diva Courtney Young to grace us with her words of wisdom concerning business marketing on a shoestring budget. Courtney is one of the sharpest minds in public relations and cause marketing.  Her company, Foresight, LLC, is making some great moves in non-profit and small business marketing.  If you're interested in staying ahead of the game, then open your present! Surprise!

Smooches~ The Shoestring Diva

3 Tips to Stay Ahead of the Game!
Courtney Young

You made it through 2009 and here are three tips to stay ahead of the game in 2010!


1) APPRECIATE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Sure you know your business, but do you know your customers? Well… if you don't, you should. If you think you do, it's time to check in or check your bottom line, because that's your truth teller. Customers are the very lifeline that keeps your business operating. Their changing taste and preferences vary from time to time so it's up to you to keep them interested. That is if you want them to keep your business open. For example, you could offer a free gift to repeat customers; establish a referral program with a discount attached to encourage new customers with similar taste. The point is keep up with them and they will keep up with you.

Remember: Keep it simple. Give them what they want, but don't break the bank.

2) SHARE YOUR ADVERTISING COST

Do you have a business neighbor that has a non-competing product line? Sure you do. Why not share the HIGH cost of advertising with them. In this economy, quality and impactful marketing are vital for any business venture, so why not get the most for your money? If you're hosting an event to introduce a new product line, consider inviting a neighboring business to split the advertising cost by sharing the advertising space. Picture this: a magazine advertisement with your business offering on the right and theirs on the left! Examples of cost-share partners include: Boutiques (shoe - clothes), Health/ Beauty ( hair salon- massage spa), Special Events (pastry baker- event planner), etc.

Remember: Its business. You’re getting bigger bang if they share in paying the bucks!

3) BE CONSISTENT

The high cost of losing customers far out ways keeping in touch with them! It's pretty simple. Set yourself a six month plan of action to keep your customers informed about product releases, changing trends, discount offerings, and/or product line reminders. This tactic will vary based on your product or service offerings, but the theory is consistency. For example, you can send out a monthly email with product promotions, a postcard with birthday discounts, or even host private showings on new product lines.

Remember: You want to stay ahead of the competition and sometimes all it takes is to stay on their mind.

I'd wish you all best of luck! If you use the simple tips in your marketing plan, then you won't need luck!


Courtney Young

cyoung@fcllc-online.com