Drop A Dime | Bitches on a Budget

Drop A Dime

Being a “bitch” means having fun, knowing what you want, not settling for second best. It means being savvy. Smart. In control. In other words it’s a way of living—NOT a way of treating others. Be a bitch without being bitchy. Be generous and share your money-saving tips with the rest of us. Pretty please? We’re in it together, after all. (If that’s not enough to convince you, there’ll be prizes…)

We have two contest winners to announce:

Congratulations to the winner of Grasshoppers for Earth Day and Cocktail Recipe Contest #2 , Quineka Pembrook for her healthy and sober entry! :

“My Earth Day Green Drink Recipe…

* 2 apples, cored
* 2 big handfuls of spinach
* 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
* 1 celery stick, chopped
* 1 thumbnail length of ginger root, peeled
* 1 lemon – juice only (use peel slice for zest)
* 1 medium cucumber
Place ingredients in a blender, add 4 oz. spring water or a handful of ice cubes, then puree quickly for one minute. Makes two glasses of Dr. Oz’s green drink.

The green drink has a strong taste and if you are used to drinking soda or sweet tea, the taste will take some getting used to.I suggest adding other items at first to sweeten the green drink to your taste. * 2nd cucumber
* raw carrot
* unsweetened fruit juice
* banana”

Congratulations to the winner of our Mother’s Day contest, Gwen Miller, who shared about her Aunt Sandie.

“My Aunt Sandie was the best, she died on March 12 this year and everyday I have to remind myself that she is not physically here to talk to for advice and support. My aunt was an active supporter of breast cancer and ovarian cancer research, she was a 18 year survivor of breast cancer and 7 years of ovarian cancer. Along the way she served on the Denton County Child Welfare Board, she was a volunteer at the SPCA, and the Susan G. Komen for the cure races. She inspired me and supported me in many ways such as, never telling me I made a mistake in adopting my boys from foster-care, and supporting me when I returned to school last year. She was more of a grandmother or me-maw to my children than their own grandparents. The way she did not let cancer rule her life was incredible, she never let it get her down. Even though she is gone I vow to remember her zest for life and keep her as a part of me always.”


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Michele Stone says:

June 4, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Wow! When my 5 year old son out grows his clothes i give them to the shelters for battered women and their children. I teach my son about recycling by supplying his teachers with our empty boxes, cardboard tubes, left over seeds, plastic containers, old shoes and clothes, etc. What doesn’t go to his school we turn into a game of who will make it to the recycling bins first.
I also help by teaching underserved children how to express themselves through art and curating their art throughout town.
Rhonda says:

May 7, 2010 at 10:00 am

Thai Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Make pizza dough a day ahead (I also marinate the chicken a day ahead, see below). I don’t include a recipe for the dough because it’s basic white-flour dough. Just remember it’s a thin crust pizza (about ten inches), and use corn meal to keep it from sticking to your pizza pan.

Also, remember to take your dough out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before prep-time in order to get it to room temp. Roll out a thin crust, poke holes in it.

Ingredients for sauce:
1/4 C peanut butter (I use crunchy)
2 T teriyaki sauce or marinade
2 T hoisin sauce
1 T brown sugar
2 T water
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce
1.5 tsp minced onion
1 minced garlic
1/2 crushed red pepper
1 tsp minced ginger root

Mix together sauce ingredients above and pour into a food processor. Blend for 20-30 seconds or until onions and ginger are in tiny pieces. Pour sauce into a pan and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Stir constantly and don’t overcook it.

Ingredients for toppings:
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1.5 tsp olive oil
1.25 C grated mozzarella
2 green onions (julienned)
1/2 C bean sprouts
1/2 carrot (julienned or grated)
2 tsp cilantro
1 T chopped peanuts

Cut chicken to bite-sized chunks and pour 1/3 of the peanut sauce into a container. Seal and marinate over-night.

Stir-fry the chicken 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.

Spread the remaining peanut sauce (not the stuff you used to marinate the chicken) onto the pizza crust. Some versions of this recipe call for a thin amount of sauce and states that you may have sauce leftover. I prefer to use all of the remaining sauce. In fact, I have doubled the sauce portion of the recipe and love the sauce-y version.

Top your pizza with 1 cup of the mozzarella; add the green onion. Add the chicken, the bean sprouts and the carrots.

Add the remaining mozzarella and cilantro and chopped nuts.

Bake for 10-12 minutes at 475*. Slice. Enjoy. Serves two. I usually make two pizzas so there’s not fighting over that last piece.
Tracie Smith says:

May 6, 2010 at 1:39 pm

I have a story about our Chihuahua named Honey – who very well may have 9 lives (like a cat)!

Our “vacation” turned into a nightmare. On the second night out, the engine quit right in the worst possible spot in the Neuse River so we bobbed up and down all night long. We got towed in to Oriental, NC the next day and it took all day for my fiance, Mark, and a friend of his who lives there to make repairs. We had planned to head to Wilmington but that day messed us up so we went to Cape Lookout. But as soon as we got there, we had a new problem. The engine was overheating so we couldn’t use it anymore. So the rest of our trip was under full sail (which Mark loves, but it makes for a lot of heeling over…..which makes me feel a little on the sick side). Then the kicker……..the dog went overboard.

We had been under high seas (which Honey doesn’t like) coming in from Lookout but we had returned to calm water and just after we went under the highrise bridge in Beaufort, we realized Honey was not onboard. She couldn’t have been gone more than two minutes before we realized she was missing. She didn’t have her life jacket on because she had been down below with me and she has never offered to jump in the 4 years she has been on the boat. With no engine, we were limited on how far we could look but we turned around and used the sails and anchored right in the middle of the channel thinking she would eventually drift or swim towards us since the wind and tides were pushing our way. But we looked for over an hour and there was just no sign of her anywhere.

I called the coast guard but they don’t rescue animals so I gave them our contact information just in case someone found her and called. I called the local shelters and authorities as well. So we cried and sailed all day and into the night and figured she had drowned even though we know she is a strong swimmer. I was upset because we had left the area but with no engine and needing the winds to get us home he said we had no choice. What an awful feeling and day that turned out to be.

BUT……..later that night, the coast guard called and said someone had rescued her from the water and she was with a lady who is involved with animal rescue and fostering pets. The guy who found her said she had swam against the tide and wind and was in the 60 ft. deep turn basin between Morehead City and Beaufort struggling to stay above water. At that point, we couldn’t sail back to Morehead with the winds pushing us away and towards home and we knew they were going to shift 48 hours later and it would take us that long to sail home with no engine. The foster home kept her for 3 days until we could get ourselves home and rent a car to go get her. We wanted thank him but we just weren’t in a position to offer any money other than their expenses incurred. But we were so grateful for their help. It’s like the guy was just in the right place at the right time on the right day.

Some vacation huh? But at least it ended well and we have Honey back. You can believe she will have her life jacket and ID tags on anytime she is on the boat from now on. We finally got the overheating problem fixed last weekend and went out for the day. I figured she’d be scared but it was as if nothing had ever happened!
Brenda Bond says:

May 6, 2010 at 12:07 am

Well, no tip really, just following orders to use this forum to brag about my totally badassed pug for that sexy doggie style hump day contest. So I have this pug called Fern and then I sort of have another pug off and on for months called Lily but don’t know yet if I get to keep her. All depends on who’s the bigger bitch: Lily, or the girlfriend of my ex-300lb-malignant-tumor-to-whom-I-was-once-married. Seems that the gf thinks he has one too many dawgs, funny, I was thinking the same dayumed thing. But I digress. Anyway, one evening I went on a date with this guy who had brain cancer—long story, and I got home all on cloud 9 cuz he treated me like a princess (clear evidence of the brain cancer) and I paid little attention to a) where I had put my evening back down b) closing the sliding glass door after letting Fern and Lily out. I fell immediately into bed with dreams of roses and chocolates and a new husband with brain cancer swirling in my head. Next morning, reality set in when my cell phone/alarm clock/life line went off and I had to scurry to work/hell/the eventual death of me. Guess what? Yeah, could not find my freakin purse from the night before. I tripped out. Searched for an hour like I was seeking the holy grail, then by happenchance, found the bag outside, in the garden, drenched in rainwater, with contents strewn all over creation. Perplexed, I checked for all my items and all were accounted for, aside from a small make up sponge that was torn into miniscule bits. Then, the tell-tale teeth marks brought me to the rude realization that this was pugs’ work. They had stolen the purse and tried to punish me by destroying my stuff. Fortunately, they have smushed faces and don’t destroy stuff too well, plus they like their sleep, so no doubt found themselves embarrassed to be snoring in the middle of the rain with heads propped on a purse, crept stealthily back through the open door, leaving the formerly super precious red clutch to the elements. To add insult to injury, I did not marry the man with brain cancer. I can’t even get a guy with freakin brain cancer for christsakes.
Heidi Lutz says:

April 16, 2010 at 12:37 pm

I started a group called “Dining Divas”. We eat out together once a month at a locally owned restaurant to contribute to our local economy. Every dinner participants donate $5 to our Philanthropy Pot which is used to help local women who are struggling financially. We also walk as a team for chartible events throughout the summer to raise money and awareness. There is nothing more powerful than a group of women…we support one another and we support our neighbors. Currently we have 75 members and are going strong!
Kimberly Galloway says:

April 16, 2010 at 11:42 am

Oops! Just realized that I replied to the wrong post. So here is a re-post (in the proper place of course!)

I’ve been actively involved in volunteering for years. Whether it was participating in collecting bears for kids with cancer, walking in the relay for life, sending textbooks to literacy programs for Africa, or feeding the homeless a Thanksgiving meal, I was front and center for years.

Unfortunately, as a grad student, and part-time clerk, I have had less time to donate. These days, I help raise money for St. Baldrick’s each year, as my boyfriend shaves his head for kids with cancer, I attend fundraisers and donate money to the local no-kill animal shelter and more recently, our cat hospital’s benevelant fund, and I donate about 10 hours of my time a week volunteering at the local library. I can’t imagine a time in my life when I won’t find something to keep me volunteering and actively involved!

~kimm
admin says:

April 16, 2010 at 10:51 am

The winner of Contest #9 is …. Shylah!

We love her clear and healthy vegetable soup recipe. Here’s her entry:

Asian Vegetable Soup

1 quart vegetable broth 1-14 oz. pkg extra-firm tofu 1/4 C soy sauce 1 tsp. ginger (I only had powdered on hand, but fresh would be even better.) 1 medium-sized head of bok choy 2 medium carrots 2 small zucchini 8 oz. fresh mushrooms 1 small can watercress Green onion for garnish

First, drain the water off the tofu, blot it to get rid of extra moisture, and cut it into long, thin pieces. Put it back in the container (or in a bowl) and pour the soy sauce over it. Let that sit and marinate while you do the rest of the prep work.

Next, give the bok choy a good rinse, cut off the bottom of the head, and give it a really rough chop, leaves and all. I did a rough chop on the mushrooms, too. This time around, I shredded the carrots and zucchini, but I think next time I’ll julienne them just so they don’t get so soft in the soup.

Dump everything into a large soup pot with about 2 tsp. of stir-fry oil and cook over high heat until the bok choy and mushrooms start to soften – about 5 minutes. Add the veggie stock, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. Add in the tofu, soy sauce and all, and let simmer another 5-10 minutes.

Makes about 8 servings. (Photo can be found here.)

Thanks to all who entered…. so many great ideas! Stay tuned for the next contest.

xo
The Bitches
Shylah says:

April 5, 2010 at 9:24 pm

Yay! Thank you so much!
Rachael Langley says:

March 27, 2010 at 3:47 pm

A great cheap scrub is CORNMEAL mixed with whatever you wash your face with, use 3 times a week for really smooth skin, use all over as a body scrub too!
Kayren says:

March 24, 2010 at 8:12 am

Was just sitting here doing my nails for the week, and after 3 coats of polish & 2 coats of top coat (yes thats 5 coats all together) how many of you use top coat on your nails? Do you have a fave? Is it a ‘cant live without’ item on your list? Is it a splurge?.. My choice at the moment (and this stuff is SUPER shiny) N.Y.C. Extra Shiny Top Coat #271A & it is also pretty cheap too!
Ethel (Ecky) minns says:

March 21, 2010 at 11:26 am

the tip of the day is to remeber to stop letting people put us down, and stop trying to keep up with everyone else buying those high price clothes when we could to t j max and ross and getting cars we cant afforde just to here people say nice car . when tax time comes we go out and get these cars and make these large down payments. and the car dealer laughhing all the way to the bank saying thank for the free money or renting this car for month because in a month it will be a reposession. because we forgot about we need to budget our money. because income taxes only comes once a year and thats why we are bitches on a budget..
Leslie C says:

March 16, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Fave HOMEMADE Salad Dressing:

For one large bowl of greens to feed about 4 people:

2 Tbs. Gulden’s or your favorite spicy/whole grain Mustard
1/4 C. Balsamic vinegar
3 Tbs. Honey (4, if you like it a bit sweeter)
1/3 C. (or to consistency/taste) Extra Virgin or Light Olive Oil
Fresh ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Whisk together until creamy (mustard acts as an emulsifier). Coat greens as desired; add as much as you like, but don’t “drown” your greens. I mix it with Spring greens, English cucumer, shaved parmesan, toasted walnuts, sliced Roma tomatoes and other varied veggies (whatever I’ve got). Dressing is GREAT to marinate chicken with before grilling!
Stephanie Wasson says:

March 12, 2010 at 5:46 pm

For Dessert Contest…

Death by Chocolate

1 9 x 13 pan brownise
1 large container coolwhipe
3 small boxes instant chocolate pudding, prepared
1 bag Heath bits

Break up brownies. Layer brownies, pudding, Cool Whip, Heath bits. Repeat layers and top with Heath bits. Chill a couple hours.

Nothing better after a bad day…
Rhonda says:

March 10, 2010 at 11:06 am

Broccoli Soup Recipe:
(Roughly, I don’t measure unless I am baking).

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped yellow onion, saute’ed in olive oil
3 T flour
1/2 C low-fat plain yogurt (make sure there’s not a lot of sugar or artificial sweetener in it -it ruins the flavor of the soup) OR you can use the same amount of low fat or fat free sour cream
4 cups water seasoned with vegetarian bouillon (Better Than Bouillon is my favorite brand)
2 cups diced potatoes (I used Fingerlings because of their nutty flavor)
4 C broccoli, trimmed & cut into 1 inch pieces
2 T dried Italian seasoning or herbes de provence
season with Kosher salt and white pepper to taste

Garnish: 1 slice Alpine Lace low fat or fat free cheese of your choice per bowl of soup.

Directions: Saute your onions in olive oil if you haven’t already; Add the flour. Once it’s mixed in remove from heat and add yogurt or sour cream and set aside.

Put the rest of the ingredients together (except the cheese) and cook on low to medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Turn heat to low and add your onion paste mix. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes or so. Garnish each bowl of soup with a slice of low fat cheese cut into strips.

The soup seems wrong without a giant loaf of crusty hot baked sourdough, but we’re dieting so we had a piece of whole wheat toast. Enjoy!
Budget tip: Always make this when broccoli is in season, but can be made with frozen broc. Also, asparagus can be substituted, just add more white pepper; puree’ the soup; and reserve a few asparagus sprigs to garnish and omit the cheese.
Honey Jones says:

February 23, 2010 at 2:48 pm

Hello, i use $0.99 honey lip gloss. that is the name of the gloss, it comes in a about 12 different flavors my favorites are strawberry, grape, cherry, or orange.

If i was too go out for the night with friends to party, i usually share their makeup. I use their eyeliner, blush, glitter, and lipstick. I rarely use the eye contacts but if i knew how to wear them better i would share the colored eye contacts.

Replacing cosmetics is just as easy when u bargain shop and hit flea markets especially in New York New York. I too do the walgreens/cvs 70% off clearance.

Just to note being a bitch has its advantages and i am the the bitch that loves to payless to get MORE. Everything has to be BIG or BULK.

thanks. Honey Jones Bitches.
Rikki Vetter says:

February 17, 2010 at 7:19 pm

hey girls! for a great manicure, splurge on a good topcoat. that will make or break your polish job. my two favorites are Seche Vite or Quick & Slick by Olan. both dry lightning-quick, both seriously prevent chipping. you can save on just about everything else, from emory boards to lacquer, but a good topcoat will keep it looking fresh days later.
Rita Encinas says:

February 16, 2010 at 1:48 pm

Wet and Wild lip liner # 666
matches any lips stick and it’s only 99 cents at a local drug store.
Have been using that for over 7 years.
EJ says:

February 14, 2010 at 7:30 pm

steal: the best all around item….petroleum jelly for lips before night time and as an all day lip gloss!
splurge: Kerastase hair products…my hair never looked better!
Ashley says:

February 14, 2010 at 6:49 pm

My splurge for cosmetics is anything with color that goes on my face- eyeshadows, lips, and blush, for example. If I can try it on, I know I am getting a color that works. I’d rather spend the money once than 3 or 4 times with the wrong shades. But I save with a lot of skin care. Most research I’ve done says there’s very little difference between the pricey stuff and what we can find at our local drugstore or Target/Walmart/etc. My favorite saving brand is Boots, which is available in the US at Target stores.
Cynthia says:

February 14, 2010 at 6:48 pm

steal- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Stick…this has been a lifesaver for my face and body when I get out of the swimming pool as well as i use it on my legs in the winter. it has been just as good as any other moisturizer.

splurge- urban decay’s eyeshadow primer…i worked at a cosmetic store eons ago as a second job and i used to have to be at work by 6am…I had another job where i worked from 2pm-11:30pm…one night i took a power nap which turned into 4.5 hours of sleep with my makeup on (i don’t recommend this at home kiddies)…and when i woke up, my eyeshadow was still in place.
Laura Andlauer says:

February 12, 2010 at 6:05 pm

My tip to all the other Bitchin Bitches is to make homemade gifts whenever possible. Both my Mom and my sister do so much for others by making quilts and crocheting beautiful afghans. It is so appreciated by everyone who receives their gifts. Both are on limited budgets but have found a way to share their talents with others.
Alison Hoyt says:

February 11, 2010 at 4:10 pm

This is more of a facial cleanser tip than a makeup tip, but it comes to mind because makeup removal is also an important (and potentially pricey) part of the whole beauty routine. I am 29 years old, and for about 7 years I have been washing my face with Baby Wash. A large bottle of off-brand baby wash runs me about $2-$3. It is a very mild, gentle cleanser. Since there are ‘no tears,’ you can wash that mascara and eyeliner off pain free. Over the years I have been complimented on my skin by friends, strangers, and estheticians, all asking, “what products do you use.” When I say baby wash they are always stunned.

Another item I find to be a great all-purpose product is baking soda. Three parts baking soda, one part water is a fantastic exfoliant. Put it in a bath for a relaxing soak, and add some to your daily tooth brushing for sparkly white teeth. Again, about $3 for a large box of off-brand product.

These are the secrets the cosmetic companies and facial product companies don’t want us to know!!
Samantha Robinson says:

February 11, 2010 at 2:26 pm

I have black hair at the moment, most of the clothes I wear are black, and my eyeliner is almost always black. Being the First Class Cheapskate that I am, instead of buying an eyeliner pencil, brow pencil and shadow, I usually always buy matte black cake eyeshadow. I invest in a good Max Studio eyeliner brush ($16 and top quality!), and use the black shadow dry or with a little water as an eyeliner, dry as eyebrow filler, and I even use it smudged on with my fingers for quick root touch ups! I also use a little bit blended on a small long handled paintbrush ($3 at a craft store), with another color of shadow to create a new shade.
Robyn says:

February 11, 2010 at 1:44 pm

I have two products that will help make your skin absolutely flawless!

*Go to your local dollar store and pick up a bottle of plain, uncoated aspirin. Coated works, but uncoated is better. Place 7-10 in the palm of your hand with several drops of warm water, crushing them with your fingers to create a paste. Apply this to clean, damp skin. Let dry and then lightly remove with wet fingers in a circular motion. The aspirin reduces redness, heals blemishes, exfoliates, and makes your skin glow. All for only around 10 cents! You can also add a squirt of aloe vera or honey if you want it to have moisturizing properties, too!

*Do you get red bumps when you shave your bikini line, but don’t want to shell out for the spendy Tend Skin? Guess what? Grab that bottle of aspirin and make your own!! Crush up 10 of the aspirin with the back of a spoon (get the powder as fine as possible) and add 3 oz of witch hazel. Put in a little squirt bottle and apply with a cotton ball!

*Revlon Colorstay Foundation is pretty much the best foundation in the world, for around $13! It offers really neutral colors and exceptional coverage. For a sheerer tinted moisturizer, mix a drop or two of the foundation in with your normal daily moisturizer and apply with your fingers!
Krystal says:

February 11, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Makeup steals:

ELF! There is no reason to spend tons on eyeshadow or bronzer. E.L.F.’s Studio line is very nice and in my opinion luxurious. I have found that the bronzer quad set and the E.L.F. studio single eyeshadows are great for everyday wear and last throughout the entire day. In fact, I skipped using my Clinique powder and just wear the E.L.F. bronzer on my olive skin. It looks great!
minnarie says:

February 11, 2010 at 1:41 pm

I signed up to be a Mary KAy consultant. It cost me $100, I got over $100 in free makeup and now I get 50% off the retail price. I don’t sell it, but I give all of my friends and family my discount!
Leslie C says:

February 10, 2010 at 10:59 pm

Pea soup on a budget…. One bag of frozen peas (purchased with a coupon, of course), one carton of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of milk, one garlic clove, salt, pepper and any other seasoning you like (I’m a sage girl) whirled in a blender and poured into a pot. You can do this with any veggies you like, though–and if you’re feeling carnivorous, toss in leftover chopped chicken or if you like more texture–whole, bite-sized veggies or pasta. If you like your soup more creamy, add more milk. Essentially, the puree of veggies thickens the soup and makes it low-fat. Unless you wanna add cheese, which is good, too. Simmer until you think it’s good and ready.
Bon Appetit!
Heidi Thorsen says:

February 2, 2010 at 2:03 am

For the baby savings contest, I’ve got to recommend EC (“elimination communication”). We bought a couple dozen plain cloth prefold diapers and I got some knit wool diaper covers as a gift, and with the EC we’ve gone from washing diapers daily (at birth) down to once every three days (around 7 mos), and we haven’t had to deal with poopy diapers regularly since he started solids at 5 mos. Since he goes on the potty most times during the day (he’s 9 mos old now) we don’t use baby wipes, we just keep a squirt bottle with water on the toilet and pat him dry with regular TP.

Huge cost savings for not buying disposable diapers or wipes, but the big thing is that having a toilet-trained baby is CONVENIENT!!! And it’s not difficult– it’s the cultural norm in other parts of the world but it just hasn’t caught on here.

And breastfeeding really kept the cost down, too– no baby food expense for the first 5 months. Savings over $500. Now I make my own baby food, it’s super easy since I just run dinner (or parts thereof) or leftovers through the food processor for baby, put it into 4 oz plastic containers and freeze. Cost is pennies per serving vs $1.00 for the organic baby food and it tastes better, too. Savings = about $100/month
Kayren says:

January 31, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Just ordered my copy of “Bitches on a Budget” from Amazon…cant wait to read it!!
Joyce says:

January 29, 2010 at 11:13 am

This is cool and there sure are alot of bitches out there and one big one here.(so my husband says)
Stacy Darlea says:

January 28, 2010 at 2:26 pm

just dropping off an updated photo of Misty Pup the Wonder Dog – Mom suggested I update it to show how they’ve both changed over the years Thank you again!!
joy says:

January 27, 2010 at 11:53 am

Here are my boys, Hank and Harley!

Hank is a Black Lab/German Shorthair, who was born on 07/07/07 and it has been very lucky for him! When he was just a baby, he got into and ate my partner’s Via*** – 5 of them! In a panic, I called the vet, who instructed me on how to make Hank vomit (a little hydrogen peroxide poured down his throat). 2 weeks later, he went missing for about 12 hours on a sub-zero Minnesota winter day – the neighbor had ran him over with his car and poor Hank lay unconscious for hours in the freezing cold at about 6 months old! We brought him into the vet and surprisingly, he was only bruised and cut up – no broken bones or internal injuries, thank goodness! The vet clinic did laugh when I told them that he was the infamous Via*** puppy! He’s been in numerous scrapes since then…

Harley actually belongs to my partner’s cousin, whom is currently serving in the US Navy. we’ve been “babysitting” for a year now. Harley is a 16 month old Bull Mastiff/Boxer who loves to snuggle and play with his “brother” Hank.

Both boys are quite spoiled and tend to think that they’re actually lap dogs…I often have 140 pounds of puppy in bed with me! They love to romp through the snow and play “hide and seek.”

We also have Molly, a nine year old Black Lab. Molly used to be a very agile and avid hunting dog. She loved to sneak outside (by opening the door herself) and would often be found on the neighbors’ house roof! Yes, the roof! Unfortunately, after having a litter of 10 HUGE puppies, finally getting fixed at age 6, and just getting a little old and lazy, she’s now topping the scales at 160+ pounds and has had to retire from hunting…she can’t get in the truck anymore – I actually have to help her get into the minivan!

We adore all of our dogs – our family wouldn’t be complete without them!
joy says:

January 27, 2010 at 11:51 am

As a single mama b of 3, I’ve had to stretch every dollar as far as I can! They are now 17, 15, and 10, and definitely not getting any cheaper!!

Make your own babyfood (peel and simmer fruits and veggies, whip up in blender or food processor, freeze in ice cube trays, pop into zip-locs when frozen, 1 or 2 “cubes” per feeding)

Buy diapers, wipes, formula, etc. in bulk when you can

Breast-feed (FREE!)

Shop at garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment stores. Use caution when buying baby equiptment such as car seats, etc. Purchase clothes/items the next size up when you find them at good prices. In the spring, I always buy the winter gear for the following year when it’s on clearance.

Use coupons and sign up for stores’ email/mail lists for extra savings. My local thrift store has a punch card – spend $50, get $5 off on your next visit.

Trade coupons and kids’ items with your friends and kids’ friends’ parents.

Babysitting co-ops: each member babysits the other kids so many hours a week/month in exchange for same.

Borrow books/movies from the library. Bring your kids to Story Time.

Watch for specials on EVERYTHING!

Grow a vegetable garden with your kids – they might even be more apt to eat them if they’ve grown them!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed! Free/low cost food shelves, free/reduced school lunches, WIC, church offerings, etc. Just remember to “pass it on!” What comes around, goes around!
Kayren says:

January 26, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Wanted to share our story of our cat Kalli, we found her along the road when she was about 5 weeks old, frozen & VERY hungry, when i picked her up she immediately started sucking on my clothes thats how hungry she was. We brought her home & fed her, she ate till we thought her lil tummy would bust. That night we shut her in our bathroom so she wouldnt get lost in the house (she was sooo tiny) Next morning i awoke to find the bathroom doors still closed & no kitty cat…seems somehow she got into the underneath of our sink (thru a hole we didnt know about) and wedged her lil body thru the hole that goes down to our basement beside the drain pipe…Hubby & I both accused each other of throwing her out during the nite, then we discovered the hole & he went to the basement to look, sure enough she greeted him with a great big ‘Meow’ and he brought her upstairs & again she ate like she couldnt get enough…afterward she lay on hubbys shoulder & sucked his shirt like he was her mama…a tradition she still does today at 2 years old! LOL She has him (and me) wrapped around her paw now, and she definitely rules the house…talk about being a B sometimes! She still loves to play & has toys as well as ‘beds’ throughout the house, for Christmas this year we both purchased her numerous toys during our shopping trip for each other, and she had a VERY full stocking…of course her favorite toy of all though…A Christmas bulb she stole from the tree!!! We love her so much & dont know what we will ever do if we lose her, she has been with us thru so many things in the past 2 years, cant imagine life with out her. Thanks for letting me share my story.
Bella W. says:

January 26, 2010 at 1:17 pm

While maybe not the most innovative, it sure save us some serious dough. No TV! That saves us about $70/month = $840/year. But the savings don’t end there. Because our boys (2.5 & 4.5) aren’t bombarded with advertisements, when it comes to christmas or birthday’s they’re totally happy with homemade presents. For my 2nd’s bday I made him a barn rather than purchasing a $120 one. It turned out cute and he plays with it often. For Christmas we made them treasure maps and magnetic stacking blocks. I’m sure if they watched all the commercials on tv they would have begged for “Diego this” or “Spiderman that” but we’re keeping it real by ditching the tv!
Shannon Dederich says:

January 26, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Not only is he the cutest Puggle out there, he is also my trainer. And… a lot cheaper! Every morning, when I hit that snooze button, I am hard pressed not to get out of bed with puppy breath in my face. He is a constant reminder that the morning walk is necessary! So, in finding my Otis, I have found a best friend and a cheap trainer on my small budget!
Patty R says:

January 26, 2010 at 11:39 am

My daughter who wears her fur coat year round is Coco-Nut, a 3 yr old German Shorthair who really is THE Bitch of the house! She can’t balance the checkbook, cook dinner, or do any really unusual tricks, but she is my best friend (especially when I’m eating lunch). She rules our house, if only in her mind. Being quite observant, she has figured out when its safe to sleep on the furniture (when papa isn’t home), and also when she can cruise the countertops for a tasty snack (which has included a whole birthday cake, roast beef, and a large pizza, etc) without being caught. We love her to death, but she is a challenge-always!
Suzy B-P says:

January 25, 2010 at 10:26 am

I love to bitch! In the best way possible, of course. I just discovered BoaB!
You want money saving tips? Well, there are two things I’d like to share:
1) Head to DailyWorth.com. You and founder Amanda Steinberg must get together! Sassy-ness rules… What’s that idiom ladies? Put your money where your mouth is? Just do it? Kudos on empowering a new (and old-er) generation of bitches. 2) Invest in reading — glasses, that is. I just bought a good pair. I spend way too much time reading small type on-screen; so in lieu of killing trees (not to mention my wallet), I’ve gone librarian. I no longer waste reams of paper, printing out all the articles I want to read. It saves a small fortune, you know.
Just got a copy for a gift!!! says:

January 23, 2010 at 10:13 pm

Loved the book bought it for a gift for a friend. I bought it at the Barnes and Noble in Torrance, California. Here is a photo of it on the table.
Stacey Calvert says:

January 23, 2010 at 12:10 am

My dog Sophie is one smart adorable cookie and has like the best little dog personality ever… I don’t think she knows she’s a dog. Besides being able to follow most commands, she knows how & does wipe her paws when she comes in from being outside, she gives kisses like a human without using her tongue or licking- all you have to do is ask for a kiss…:) But the most important thing she has done was saved our house & me from a fire… A skillet of grease had been put in the oven, and someone must of accidently turned the oven on… I was napping & didn’t smell a thing & the smoke dector battery was dead -we figured this out later, but she kept persistently nudging me with her snout over & over & whining- which she never does… I finally woke up and assumed she needed to go outside really bad, and she booked downstairs where it was extremely smoky and went straight to the oven that was on fire… I was able to use the estinquisher to put it out, the fire fighter’s said I caught it in just enough time to prevent MAJOR damage & that I was lucky she woke me up or I might not be here today…
Tarona says:

January 21, 2010 at 10:01 pm

Several years ago I decided that I would finally give in to my long-wished for Great Dane. I found a backyard breeder – bad situation – and took the runt of the litter home (bearing in mind that this is a giant breed and “runt” is relative). Big puppy means big problems and Lucy and my husband didn’t get along; she was truly wild for about the first year of her life. Her “happy tail” would leave welts across by baby’s face and broke more things than I can remember. Not to mention her counter surfing! One day, when the baby was about 2 and Lucy was a year and a half – I heard her barking, sounding very agitated and upset. She wasn’t in the yard (we have an invisible fence) and I found her across the street. Whatever caused her to knowingly be shocked by the fence must have been significant. It was. My toddler, who had gotten out of the house somehow, had actually the street and was heading toward a very busy road. And there was our Lucy, “herding” the baby to prevent her from wandering into the street. Her barking let us know something was definitely wrong.

Needless to say, she became the most favored of animals who ever lived at our house. She was the baby’s constant companion and my husband’s most trusted dog ever. Lucy died a couple of years ago and we still grieve for her. Our beautiful, gentle giant is irreplaceable and greatly missed.
Leslie W says:

January 21, 2010 at 9:48 pm

This is Lily and we adopted her on 9/7/08. I had wanted a dog for the longest time but my boyfriend (Mark) was hesitant. I started my search knowing that he would eventually come around and eventhough It took me awhile, on day while on Petfinder I came across Lily, (known then as Bubbles). I showed Mark the picture and he said contact them and see what they say (do I know my guy or what ) They sent me an app and I filled it out truthfully. Well I should have lied because what they had to say was not really what I wanted to hear. They initially declined us since we have a pool and Mark is allergic to everything. So, I took it as a sign from above and didn’t beg…at least not then. Over the next two months I looked just about every day and noticed she was still available. I don’t know why but I knew this little girl belonged with us, I just couldn’t shake it, I couldn’t get her sweet little face out of my mind. I begged co workers, family members and friends to apply for us but I knew I needed to do it. So I wrote another e mail, I only slightly begged and lucky for us they caved! Since that day we drove 2 hours to pick her up, there hasn’t been a dull moment. She wakes us up sometimes chasing god knows what in her sleep. She totally understands she nees her pink camo raincoat for a walk in the rain because it frizzes her blond locks and a fleece sweater to walk in when it’s cold. She loves other doggies and kitty cats too…but not all cats like her, she gets smaked sometimes. She didn’t bark for the first year we had her but now voices her opinion on a regular basis. She’s the sweetest 15lb little girl, and I know that us finding each other was meant to be.
BTW, the boyfriend that didn’t want her is completely wrapped her little paw.
Kim Bell says:

January 21, 2010 at 7:10 pm

During breast cancer awareness month, Oct. 08, through divine intervention and an MRI, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. During my treatments, when I was sick and could not move, my constant and loving companion was my dog, Truman. Always a very loving friend, he would accompany me to my many trips to the bathroom and keep watch. Where he used to lay his little head was on my breast, but now, he would lay it on my tummy, so not to hurt me. He would bring all of his little stuffed toys, which were many, into bed and I was surrounded by them. I couldn’t help but smile at his generousity. He never left my side. Truman gave me hope and positive energy and most of all, unconditional love. The pic is us on the way to the lakehouse! He loves to go boating!
Liz Krewson says:

January 12, 2010 at 8:11 pm

I’m a single mother on a tight budget but I always like to have a big bash for my son’s birthday. 2 years ago, we had just moved into our house and money was tight. So I did an olympic themed party. Instead of bags filled with junk – each child got a white oversize tshirt they decorated as their olympic jersey (we used fabric markers) and all of the party games were olympic events. At the end of the party we had a ‘medal ceremony’ and each kid got a little gold medal I found a party supply story. All of the decorations were the same decorations we use for the 4th of July with the American flag & the cake was an American Flag cake. It was the cheapest party I ever threw for him but was the biggest hit! Cousins & friends have stolen the idea.
ellen richards says:

January 12, 2010 at 6:06 pm

a great web site to get books at great prices. is alibris. They have a variety of prices, depending on new or used, reasonable and fast shipping, they also inclose a $$ discount coupon off for future purchases occasionally.

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