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Beauty & Grooming
Confessions of a Bitch On a Budget
February 18th, 2010 | Comments
Contest #3: Steals and Splurges
We are nothing if not in touch with the yin and the yang of being a bitch on a budget. The careful saving for the occasional splurge. Our hands are always doing so many jobs that nail polish just doesn’t last. We’ve found that Sinful Colors If you’ve finished our book (arms crossed, foot tapping) you’ll know how strongly we feel about good foundations in all things. Recently we stumbled upon a foundation from Fresh cosmetics that is the best we’ve tried in years and now ranks #1 in our splurgeworthy category in make-up. It’s not cheap for $42 bucks, but we love it. Our contest this week is for you to tell us what your steals and splurges are in all things make-up. Share your secret tricks and indulgences. Go to the Drop-A-Dime box to submit your entry. The winner will have their tips featured and win a copy of Bitches on a Budget. Contest ends 2/18.
February 11th, 2010 | 30 Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming
nail polish we buy at the local drug store comes in loads of luscious colors and lasts just as long (at least on our busy digits) as the premium brands. For $1.99 a bottle it’s a bitchin’ steal.
Make-up for make believe.
Who wants to live in the real world all the time? A bitch is in touch with her fantasies. Yep, we’re big fans of role-play… especially thrifty role-play. We’re on a budget, after all. When you think role-play, you probably think leather-clad dominatrix or sexy nurse or Catholic schoolgirl—meaning your mind goes right to the dirty stuff. We forget that we “play roles” all the time, that tiny tweaks in our attitude and appearance can be just as thrilling as hard-core stuff. We forget that we can do it to please ourselves—not only to please him. With that in mind, here are some ideas: MAD MEN. Fan of this terrific TV show? Love the mid-century style? Maybe you long to play role of Joan, that gorgeous curvy secretary—totally self-possessed, totally sexy, totally calm and in control. You may not have quite the same body (who does?!), SNOW WHITE. Isn’t there something refreshing about playing the virgin? (C’mon, ladies, we know you can make believe). If you get a thrill playing the role of innocent, dewy-ripe maiden, go no further than your neighborhood drugstore. Loreal Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumped Red (under ten bucks) gives you that just-ate-a-popsicle look of your youth… fresh and young and effortlessly sexy. Apply, smile demurely, and feel (act?) ten years younger. CATWOMAN. OK, there’s just something awesome about Catwoman. She’s stealthy, in control, sleek, purr-fectly (sorry) villainous. For most bitches, wearing a black leather cat suit to the grocery store may be a little much. Another way to channel this kick-ass character? Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer (around six bucks). That’s right, girls—get the feeling of Catwoman with cat eyes. You need just a steady hand and a some guts—both of which can be learned. Check out this tutorial. Be glamorous and empowered. Embrace your inner bitch. What naughty (or nice) roles get you excited? What thrifty products/techniques/articles of clothing put you in touch with your fantasies? We want to know!
February 2nd, 2010 | Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Shopping
but you can channel her killer sex appeal and confidence by wearing a garter instead of pantyhose at the office, just like in the days of yore. Forget the expensive stuff. Target’s Gillian & O’Malley brand makes a wicked cute garter. H&M also offers reasonably-price retro-feel lingerie. Try it and see how it makes you feel. Saunter through the office, knowing how strong and sexy you are. (And knowing that cute copy guy would weep if he could see…)
B’s Give Back. Saturday Profiles.
On January 12, much of Haiti was destroyed, thousands and thousands of Haitians killed. On that same day, by coincidence, we happened to write on our blog about bitches giving back—about the ways we can all be philanthropists, even when we’re on a budget. Many of you wrote in, describing the bold and creative and compassionate ways you care for others. We’ve already profiled one of our fans and the ways that she gives back and we’ve decided to add this as a regular Saturday feature to our Bitches on a Budget blog. We’re asking you to write in and tell us about what you do for others. Tell us about your acts of kindness and how helping others makes you feel. Do you spend time caring for aging parents or ill relatives? Do you volunteer in a soup kitchen, at a school, a nursing home or a pet shelter? Work in your community garden, at your local library, clearing litter from the side of the road? Share your stories in the comment section at the top of this post. We’re excited to read them! Next Saturday we’ll start to share your stories and pictures in this space.
January 30th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Travel & Entertainment
To Buy or To Borrow ‘The Bitches’?
That is the question. Once you actually read your copy of Bitches on a Budget, you’ll find out we’re wild fans of the library. There are few places on earth we feel at such peace as when we’re nestled into the big stacks (hey, wait, that doesn’t sound right…). But if you can shell out a little for a new paperback (or have some gift cards from the holidays still to use), we’d love you to grab ours. Here’s why: 1. Well, let’s be frank: it helps us! The bitches need to eat. 2. More seriously, we genuinely believe you’ll refer to this book again and again! We want you to underline it, dog-ear its pages, drop it in the tub, read it to friends, make notes in the margins. This isn’t the kind of volume that’ll gather dust on your shelf or be wedged under the leg of that annoyingly rickety table. Nope. Keep it on the bedside table. Keep it next to the tub. Hey, one of our favorite fans says we’ve received the highest honor in her house–she keeps it in the powder room. Just keep it out of sight of friends—it’s the kind of book women are always stealing. (Trust us—all our extra copies have mysteriously disappeared…) 3. Also, how cool is it to own a book knowing you can just email the author with questions? Our kick-ass Facebook community shows how desperate people are to live well on a budget… to reinvent themselves in a sane, green, affordable way. It rocks that we now have thousands of other bitches to share ideas with. By investing in the book you support this community! If you’re in the market to buy, Amazon offers a good discount. We’ve been so popular Barnes and Noble has put us out on their tables in the front, although a few fans have written that not all the stores got the memo, so ask if you don’t see it. Also available at Borders, Indie Bound, Powells– to name a few. Of course if your budget is really tight, we can’t fault you for getting it at the library! We’re huge fans of the library, after all— However you get it, thanks for reading– and don’t forget to let us know what you think.
January 29th, 2010 | Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Decorating, Food & Spirits, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
DIY Winner is… Kim!
We never imagined how hard it’d be to pick a winner of the DIY contest! Oh my. So many amazing entries…. so many thrifty, hands-on bitches. From appliance installation to jewelry making to curtain design to furniture refinishing to one vodka recipe that got us licking our lips…. After much debate we selected a winner, but we think other entries need to be highlighted too, so check back regularly for more about the “runner-ups”! Without further ado. Our winner is Kim of Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s how she describes herself: “I’m a mid-to-late 20′s modern Southern lady living in Atlanta, Georgia where I work in the field of international sports journalism for a big ol’ cable network. I’m a natural DIY-er; when I was little I liked to salvage mundane things and try to make them more interesting (yes, a lot of glitter and glue was involved). I also loved to thrift shop for the clothes and objects I wanted- because it would stretch my allowance money! These days, I make a little more than that five bucks a week- but it’s still fun and important to figure out ways to be financially conscientious (without skimping on life’s luxuries) and to recognize I have the power to do many things for myself.” Here’s her DIY entry: I haven’t been to a hair salon in about two years and my hair looks better than ever. I discovered forum.blackhairmedia.com where professional stylists mingle with do it yourselfer’s, and I’ve now (more…)
January 11th, 2010 | 3 Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Contests, Health & Fitness, Shopping
Contest #2: Good Things Come To Those Who Do It Themselves
The only way to get surefire pleasure? To get that special, private satisfaction of meeting your own needs on your own terms? Three little words, baby: Do it yourself. A bitch has two hands and shouldn’t be afraid to use them. Oh, get your head out of the gutter. We’re talking home projects, grooming products, wardrobe ideas. We want to know how you please yourself, what you make, how you make it, what you save, and (most importantly) how it brings you bitchin’ pleasure. So today we’re announcing… drumroll/trumpet solo/tambourine shake/kazoo squeal… it’s officially DIY MONTH! We’re so excited to launch into our second contest, and we want to hear from you. Tell us what you do yourself. Be specific. Include a pic if you want. Post your entry in the Drop-a-Dime box (scroll down to the bottom of this page) by January 10. Best entry wins fame and fortune! Well, a copy of BITCHES ON A BUDGET, anyway. Plus its author and her (or his) ideas will be featured on our blog! Enter now. Enter often. You know you want to.
January 3rd, 2010 | 19 Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Decorating, Food & Spirits, Health & Fitness, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
IT’S HERE!
Over the last few weeks, our fan base has been growing, our message getting out. And now, after lots of begging (read our blog! become a fan!), teasing (sneak peek of chapters), heavy breathing (we’re pretty exhausted), titillating images (cabbage, anyone?), hot links (vibrator supply company being just one)…. well, it’s finally come. Sweet release! Our book!!! It’s out!!! We’re here!!! BITCHES ON A BUDGET: SAGE ADVICE FOR SURVIVING TOUGH TIMES IN STYLE. In bookstores now. Thank you to all the bitches around the world who’ve joined our party. We can’t wait to hear what you think, and we’re so hopeful you’ll find this a useful guide to living a fulfilled, glamorous, and STYLISH life, even when your bank account is dwindling. These are tough times. We’ve heard from lots of women who are out of work… struggling to make ends meet, pay the mortgage, get food on the table. We’ve heard from women who love style, who love beautiful things and great food, but who feel stuck in a rut, out of energy, worried about the future. And we’ve heard from some of you just dying to get your hands on our little gem for the sheer fun of reading it. (It is amusing, if we do say so ourselves.) We hear you all! We bitches refuse to compromise, and our book will show you how to live a fuller life, even when times are tough. And, since we cover ten chapters worth of ideas, we offer loads of advice on lots of things, so don’t get nervous and think we’re telling you to go buy everything we write about. We’re a guide book about living with style, and our goal is to show you a different way to think about how to shop, how to spend, where to go, and what to do. Look, we’re realists too. We know you can’t always do everything you want. We know that change happens in stages. But our book is about finding little (and big) ways to keep your look sharp and mood up. To help you feel empowered. To keep your life full. All without spending lots of dough. No money is no excuse! Join our movement. Say with pride: “I’m a Bitch on a Budget.” We want to see just what we can accomplish. Get out to your neighborhood bookshop or order a copy online. Help make us all #1!
December 29th, 2009 | 2 Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Decorating, Food & Spirits, Health & Fitness, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
Bitches on a Budget: Chapter 10
One more day til the book’s release! Yee-haw! It’s been a true labor of love. . . it’s SO thrilling to see it actually appear in the world! Help us celebrate—join the party. Order one today and let us know what you think! ** In our final chapter we come to your very favorite bitch—no, not you! Your dog. Pamper the Bitch reminds you that sweet yapping Maxie still deserves some special treatment (even when your bankbook is whimpering). But you’ve gotta be smart. No overpriced doggie clothes or mani-pedis. We give you tips on affordable feeding, medical treatment, travel, entertainment. And if there’s no pet in your life, we outline the most economical, ethical ways to acquire one. Don’t worry– we’ve got stuff for feline-lovers, too. We’re bitches after all, and know how you like to pamper your pussies. Here’s a sample: Have fun like a dog. (Can you keep your mind clean for just one minute?) In these tight times dogs are the perfect companions. They remind us what’s important. They teach us to appreciate FREE things: friendship, play, the natural world. They require absolutely nothing but company, good nutrition, and exercise. So enjoy having Maxie. Get humble. Let her teach you a new way of being– this is a valuable lesson any time at all, but especially in a rough economy. Find pleasures in the little things. You know, snuggling, stroking, black leather collars… Bitches on a Budget is being published by the New American Library division of Penguin Books. Ask for it at your local bookshop.
December 28th, 2009 | Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Health & Fitness, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
Bitches on a Budget: Chapter 8
Just three short days until our book is released. By this point in our book, you’ll have loads of fun ideas for going out without blowing the wad, you’ll have cleared out the clutter and freshened the look inside your house. Now, it’s time to stay in and enjoy the free comforts of home. In Chapter 8, Get Comfortable: The Cheap Pleasures of Home we remind you of all the fun stuff you did as a kid, but now it’s all fun and games with a twist. Here’s a little taste from Bitches on a Budget about making your own reality: You’re watching too many reality shows. You really believe there is a Chairman and a Kitchen Stadium. You’re desperate to audition for The Real Housewives of Fargo (if only they would come to your town), The Millionaire Matchmaker (if only you lived in L.A. and weren’t already married), American Idol (if only you could sing)… But, For sitting on your ass watching other people living, you really are the biggest loser. So, Play pretend with your own versions of the reality shows. Act them out at home. Like your own version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show–but you don’t have to start at midnight or follow the script. You could dress the parts of your favorite characters (Tyra? Paula? Kim?), even play them…set the stage and have a banging good time. Remember– life is short and fun is free.
December 26th, 2009 | Comments
Tags: Beauty & Grooming, Decorating, Food & Spirits, Travel & Entertainment
Bitches on a Budget is being published by the New American Library division of Penguin Books. Ask for it at your local bookshop.
