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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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  1. Heidi says:

    Great ideas and congrats to all!. Leslie I knew you would win!!

  2. Susan says:

    I enter sweepstakes!! (like this one!) .. I’ve won a ton of stuff but my two biggest wins were: a Mini Cooper convertible from a bottle cap and a $400 Oriental area rug from a flooring company.

  3. ray says:

    Don’t be a broke bitch in the new year. Pay yourself first! Put away a little every pay check in your minor child’s savings account, not linked to an atm card, tax free! Forget you even have it. At the end of the year you can choose to invest in higher interest bearing accounts and get a tax write off. Or you can choose to have those monies taken pre tax out of your check and put into an IRA for example.

  4. Joy Anderson says:

    I am starting a crrafting business. Why not get paid for something I actually like to do. Turning my hobbies into a business (on the side) will help out a lot when TAX time rolls around!

  5. Honoree Courage says:

    Buy your clothes and shoes in December (after Christmas) and July/August. that’s when all the good stuff goes on clearance!

  6. Michelle Laramie says:

    1. Do a pot-luck dinner and/or game night (or fav TV show) with your friends and/or family once a week or once a month. The crowd doesn’t have to be enormous … 5 or 6 will do. All you have to do is cook 1 item and everyone gets to bring home left overs, which will give you at least 1 more meal. If you do a game night with the pot luck, everyone can bring 1 small gift (you can get it at the dollar store or find something cheap at Walmart or Target). If it’s a TV show that everyone is a fan of, then it’s even cheaper since you will only have to bring an item for the potluck.
    2. If you have the time, sign up for the websites that pay you to take surveys and read emails. It takes a while, but once you accumalate a certain amount, usually $30.00 or so, a check is mailed to you! Free money for being on the internet.
    3. Sign up for websites that give you free products (usually samples and coupons)
    4. Clip your coupons. You can sometimes save in groceries what you spent in gas getting to the grocery store (or more)
    5. If you have the room, shop at BJ’s or Sam’s Club. You do have to do your homework though. Not all items are bargains.
    6. Bring all your unwanted and in good condition items to the Salvation Army. You can receive a tax write off.
    7. Have an at home makeover party with your best friend. Buy boxed hair color and a new shade of nail polish. You can give each other a new hair color and mani/pedi. (Plus it’s alot more fun than going to the Salon and cheaper, too!)

  7. Erin from Long Island says:

    I plan to “green” my beauty routine with things like oatmeal, salt, sugar, egg whites, tea, and herbs. I made a flavored apple cider vinegar to give for xmas with sage, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs hae antiseptic, antibiotic, and astringent qualities (as does the vineegar). This potion works better on my (still thinks I am 15) skin better then anything else I have tried, and I have tried pretty much everything! There are tons of recipes and ideas out there, just a little google will point you in the right direction. So easy, so cheap, and so effective!

  8. Erin from Long Island says:

    Have books you no longer need? Want new ones? I am a read-a-holic and found half.com is a great way to get rid of the old and afford the new. They even buy/sell college books. No more long-ass-lines or getting ripped off by the school book store for me!

  9. Megan M. Patterson says:

    My son’s pre-school does a monthly gift certificate fundraiser, in the earlier pre-holiday months i stocked up on lettuce entertain you, starbucks, sephora, old navy, children’s place, gap, grocery store and many other retailer gift cards etc…yes it put a damper on my wallet in august/september but it saved me from running out and making purchases as the holidays approached! The truly nice thing is not only did I already set aside holiday gifts, but I gave back to my son’s school and my clients and family loved the gift cards and were able to post holiday shop and buy twice as much!

    Another great money saver…American Express rewards points, not only did I find great gifts for my husband, I was able to splurge on a little something for myself and still have PLENTY of points left for next year!

  10. Lisa says:

    I like to allot my funds in cash at the beginning of the week and place the cash in an envelope which stays in my purse for the week. During the week I’m only allowed to spend money out of that envelope, no debit card, credit card or checks-just the money allotted in the envelope.

  11. Heidi says:

    P.S. If we were to vote, my vote goes to Leslie Vincent-Martinez. You go girl!!!

  12. Heidi says:

    I shop at resale stores. It doesn’t matter if I’m shopping for work,play,being lazy or being sultry I can find whatever I need and don’t come close to retail prices. I raised three kids this way and I resolve to continue. I look just as great as any other woman..(my man says even better) just a bitch on a budget!! Love it!!

  13. Cherie Youngblood says:

    Wal-Mart, and other stores, have all Christmas decorations and other Christmas items at 50%-75% off after Christmas. Wal-Mart also has a box of recyclable Christmas cards. Each card has a smaller card on the front that can be planted, and it grows into a beautiful tree! How cool is that!?!

  14. Vicki Adams says:

    Going from a 6-figure income to a 5-figure income in the past few months….I’ve given up my choo’s. They are stylish but also…will be “so last yea”r…very soon.

    I’ve discovered Shoe Dazzle.com. Ew…its Kim Kardashian and ew….they’re not Choos. BUT at around 35$ a pair. They are super cute! You get a new choice every month and I get MORE compliments on them than I did my Choos! At 35 bucks…..I don’t care if they are outdated in 9 months!

    Vicki

  15. Annette says:

    Great All Purpose Cleaner – All the hotel shampoos you collect and don’t actually use, put in a spray bottle with water (1 part shampoo, 2 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide). When using on carpet or fabric, check for color fastening. Great on grease and stain removal.

  16. Cherie Youngblood says:

    My new year’s resolution is to eat ramen noodles for dinner, until May. This will allow me to save up the money I need to make it to my best friend’s wedding in Hawaii. But there’s a bonus…Eating ramen noodles will help me to lose weight so I don’t look like a beached whale when I get to Hawaii. Hey; it worked in college!

  17. Sara Ward says:

    Shop your friends first!!! I’m usually pretty quick to run out and get something I want, but in this economy it’s not the wisest choice. Need a necklace to go with the little dress for the party? Ask your artsy friend who always has the best accessories! Don’t have the perfect height heel for the perfect date? You know who wears your size shoe! Ask, and you just might receive (if not for always, at least til the date is done!).

  18. Deanna says:

    If you have a few bucks to spare after the holidays, hit up your local target and walmart stores and stock up on birthday and christmas gifts for next year. I was able to do this last year and got so many items 75% off because they were trying to get rid of them. My son had tons of gifts on christmas from Thomas the train sets to a delux step 2 wagon and I spent under a $100.00. I plan to do this again and will begin next week. Storage can be tough but the saving make it well worth it.

  19. Crystal says:

    I spend coupons (free money) combined with products on sale and buy things that I use when I don’t need them at the lowest possible price. That way, when I need it, I can get it from my stockpile and not have to run out and spend full price because I ran out. visit http://www.crystalclearsavings.info to find out more!

  20. Karen says:

    My boyfriend and I are learning to “roll our own sushi” it saves alot of money and we have a lot of fun together in the kitchen!!!

  21. Corinn says:

    New Years Resolution:
    Workout….. in stilettos! This will increase my endurance for dancing in high heels all night at the club with my friends. Therefore if I do pay to go somewhere I will be able to get my money’s worth!

  22. Cel Petro says:

    New Year’s Resolution: Drink more and drink cheaper. This Pinot Noir is really, really good: Grande Reserve Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2006 and it’s $10.99!

  23. Amanda Garcia says:

    Instead of buying greeting cards, save wrapping paper, bags, construction paper, buttons, colored paper clips, all the little things you would normally just toss with a little construction Paper or Card stock you can create a beatuiful unique greeting card that your friends and family will value more than one you bought

  24. Leslie Vincent-Martinez says:

    A Tale of Four Bitchen’ Babes (well, ok, we’re all Grandmas, but we’re still bitchen’ babes!) Who Have a Long Tradition of Celebrating the New Year Together — Our Fun and Money Saving New Year’s Resolution, Changing How We Bring In the New Year:

    New Years Eve Option 1:
    Dinner out, $240. Four tickets to our favorite New Year’s Eve dance party, $220. Drinks while at party: $100. Hotel required because of drinks at the party: $280. Total: $840.

    New Year’s Eve Options 2:
    Large tray of sushi and maki rolls: $80. High-end cheese, crackers and appetizers from the gourmet foods place: $70. Alcoholic beverages and assorted mixers: $50. Dance music, Wii, Rock Band, and other sources of entertainment: Free. Total: $200.

    It’s Option 2 all the way, baby! We started doing this several years ago and haven’t looked back. Sure it was nice having a DJ, but now we get to be our own DJs and can dance as if nobody’s watching (except for the rest of us, anyway). We treat ourselves to some delicious foods and beverages, and we have a BLAST.

  25. Janelle Spencer says:

    Instead of spending $1000 or more on a new play house for our 4 children, we salvaged items from different sources…siding from my parents garage that was no longer wanted, 4 windows and a door from different peoples “trash” (we call it recycling!), wood from a fellow freecycler, roofing from an old barn being taken down, a school size chalkboard for $3 at a garage sale, etc. And for the things that we did spend money on (like fun yellow paint!) we had a garage sale and the kids had a lemonade stand. We spent less than $100 on it and it is beautiful! And our neighbor is making curtains for it!!

  26. Joyce says:

    When you change your decor, and end up with some “stuff” that no longer fits …invite some friends over with their “stuff” from their redecorating…have a SWAP party…..one bitch’s trash is another bitch’s treasure !!!

  27. Grace Farmer says:

    EBags is a great source for all manner of accessories. However….EBags prices are NOT the same every day. Troll the site, find what you like and then every morning at 6AM check the price, shipping (sometimes it’s free) and by all means join Bing cash back and EBags rewards for more savings. You may have to follow an item for a couple of months but that’s how I got the 119.00 rolling laptop bag for 59.00. Well worth the effort.

  28. Jessica says:

    My New Year’s resolution is to start styling my own hair again, and just stick to one brand of hair products. It is going to save me time and money, because I am no longer going to have to drive to the hair salon, saving my gas, and I won’t have to pay a beautician. Plus the more you buy some certain products, the more free samples, and discount coupons too!!!! I am going to get to plan the perfect little wedding!!!

  29. Tracy says:

    Craigslist, Craigslist, Cragislist. Yes there ARE scams there, but you can also find GREAT deals there too!!!! Also Freecycle!

  30. Nancy says:

    A New Year’s Resolution that is fun might be to give out 5 hugs a day! Write one thank you note each week to someone thanking them for something they have given you, said, shared, etc.
    These are easy to do and will give you and your loved ones great joy!

  31. Amanda says:

    This year, I will make all my bread. Not only is it a lot cheaper (.50 a loaf compared to $3.00 at the grocer) but kneading the bread is great therapy and can actually be quite relaxing!

  32. Martha says:

    Never spend another dime on gift tags… take Christmas cards you received last year and cut the front off of the card. As long as there isn’t a personal note to you on the other side, you can write your To/From on the back and tape it to your package! voila!

  33. Janessa says:

    Dig through Dollar General !! Wow really some nice stuff if your bitch ass has some taste!

  34. Donna says:

    Make nice with your employer so that when you have to travel, you are allowed to select the hotel brand and airlines. Why you ask? So that you may join the ‘frequent’ traveler programs…and earn points or miles. Then you can use the earned points to have semi-free vacations. I went on a 10 day vacation one year, free flight and 7 free hotel nights(2 nights were spent with friends). The only cash I needed was for food/drinks and fun.

  35. Varick says:

    I use the library to get all my media as opposed to paying for DVD rentals and buying books that I will never read again. It is silly to pay for books that cost $20 and pay monthly rentals of $14 when that money could be going into a retirement or college account for the future. If and when I do buy books I use amazon and buy used for a 10% of what the original cost was. I have never been disappointed!

  36. Varick says:

    I am a mom with three kids who could pay for my hair to be done but don’t! I signed up with Bumble & Bumble in NYC and get my cut, color and styling for free PLUS $10 credit when they offer it for product (it is usually $18-$30). This has saved me TONS of $$ and they do a great job. If you don’t have this in your city use the hair schools near you and they always have a fabulous deal and saves you lotsa cha-ching to spend on stuff you want!

  37. brazilnut says:

    I watch for estate sales in my area and only go the last day when everything is half off, I get there when the doors open and have scored some amazing things. le Cruset pans for five dollars, sterling silver cuffs for two bucks!
    I also use my community Freecycle and give and get things for free, you can also post for wanted items there and usually someone has what you need.
    We have had a garden and compost pile for years, there is nothing more satisfying than going to the store and seeing tomatoes for $5.99 a pound and yours cost less than a dollar for seeds and you have many many pounds!

  38. Nicole Wilbanks says:

    We have switched to cloth diapers for our daughter. They come in designer fabrics and luxurious textures. We’re helping to save the planet AND our wallet! Not to mention, she’s one couture cutie while wearing them.

  39. Andrea Fassiotto says:

    I sign up online at the manufacturer’s website for products I use a lot. They will often send you coupons, free samples, and let you know when new products are coming out or when they are having a sale.

  40. Andrea Fassiotto says:

    When I travel, I always go online to the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau website. Sign up for emails and deals. They want you to spend money in their city so they will send you the best deals ahead of time!

  41. Marissa says:

    I shop at Burlington, TJMaxx & Marshall’s. You can’t beat brand names for less! I got a Chinese Laundry bag for only 10 bucks & the original price was $45!!!

  42. maria martinez says:

    Shop at garge sales, you’d be surprised at what you might find. Go to the nicer areas sometimes people just want to ge trid of stuff and make a lttle cash.

  43. Gianna says:

    New Year’s Resolution:
    Make recipe booklets for friends to give as Christmas gifts in 2010.
    Get 3×5 cards a hole punch & metal rings. Let your kids color on the “unlined” side of the 3×5 cards. Neatly write in recipes on the “lined” side. Punch holes in 1 corner of the cards and attach them together with the metal rings. Voila!

  44. teresa powell says:

    one thing i do is trade clothes with my girlfriends when the kids outgrow something hand them down to a friend,,, keep the line going and it saves everyone money….been working for us for 14 years now and my kids look forward to looking through the gently used clothes that they get…saves me alot of money cause then I only buy new what they don’t get in bags.

  45. Beana b says:

    My new years resolution is to walk into my newly purchased home in 2010. To be and live freely. To become a great mom!

  46. Wendy Dabish says:

    I have a money making tip. I have been selling some of my clothes to resale shops and have made tons of money. I don’t like to be seen in the same thing TOO many times. My resolution this year is to go thru all of my clothes (I have bags and boxes of them) and sell them!

  47. Jessica Aradia says:

    I watch food places because different ones have kids eat free on different nights so we can eat out much cheaper.

  48. amy says:

    Remember this holiday season to label unwanted gifts with the giver’s name and re-gift it now or put down who it would be perfect for someone’s birthday. I got a gift at a party that I am going to regift to my child’s teacher this year and keep the storage down for next year!

  49. Kelly says:

    As a mom with a 2 month old and someone who loves to bathe and shop, i have learned that the baby wash is a way to go when washing up. It leaves you smooth and clean and it comes in awesome smells.It is also pretty cheap to buy when you are on a tight budget.

  50. Margaret says:

    For crafty and creative holiday gifts check out etsy.com!

 

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