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Queen B
January 17th, 2010 | Comments
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We received so many impressive entries to our DIY contest. One woman stood out in particular. A Texan… a natural-born DIYer… a smart, savvy, creative, hands-on bitch whose willingness to take on big home projects really impressed us. Ladies, meet Shaelyn Neal.

Her job title? Chief Creative Chick.

That’s our kind of woman.

Here’s how she describes herself:

I’m good ol’ Texas girl, mother of 4 awesome kids and married to an amazing man who cooks :) My mom was the QUEEN of budget bitches – and I mean that in a good way. I have money saving in the blood.


I was a corporate event planner for 15 years until I started my own invitation design and photography business. So now I commute 10 seconds upstairs to my studio and have lots of time to shuttle my kids around and truly do what I love. I also get to hire stay-at-home moms who are super artistic and crafty to help with my production – which gives them a chance to earn money AND stay home with their kids. Win-win all the way around.

And here’s her wisdom about doing it yourself:
I think so many women are a little intimidated about taking on home improvement beyond hanging pictures and setting up their shoe racks. A few years ago, one of my co-workers was telling me about how she was rebuilding her entire porch – HERSELF! All I could think of was – holy crap,  I’d never be able to do that. So I’d ask her about a few repairs I needed done around the house and she told me she knew I could do it. Well, she gave me enough confidence that I figured I probably could (and of course I kept her on my speed dial in case I totally screwed it up). Well, what do you know – I installed my first light fixture without electrocuting myself, and I never looked back.

Here is the message that I think all good DIY bitches need to know. The main thing you have to do is just stop being AFRAID. Take on a small project first. Once you get a taste of success, than put on your big girl panties and try something a little harder. I figure that I might as well try it – if I screw it up too bad, then I’ll call the repair person I was going to call in the first place. So far I haven’t destroyed my house and I’ve saved over $700 in installation fees – and that’s a big chunk of change sista! I’ve installed my own garbage disposal, kitchen faucet, dishwasher, and new lighting and sink fixtures in almost every room of my house. Let me tell you – the absolute thrill I get every time I turn on my garbage disposal or run my fabulous new dishwasher is better than a shoe sale at Macy’s! Not only have I saved a ton of money – but I’ve learned something new and shown myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.

A lot of my friends tell me they have no idea how to start a project. In this day and age there is so much information out there—it’s amazing how easy it can be. My first major install was my garbage disposal – granted, it took me three hours to get it put in, and I’m sure my plumber would have laughed his ass off if saw me. I am sitting under my sink with the instructions from the disposal, printouts from an online guide, and my laptop with about three YouTube videos queued up. But hey – I saved $200 and had a pretty good time doing it.


My next project is re-tiling my master bath shower and bath- that one is a little scary so I hired someone to do it AND teach me at the same time. – I’ll keep you posted :)

Yes, stay in touch Shealyn. You’ve inspired us, and probably lots of our readers. One question: Can we keep you on speed dial?

Check out more of Shaelyn’s work at her shops:
www.socialcircles.etsy.com
www.socialcirclesdesign.com
www.snealphoto.com






Mr. Noodle’s Super Cleaner
January 15th, 2010 | 3 Comments
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Trust us, of all our fantasies about what we wanted to grow up to be, a modern day Heloise was not among them. But we’re always looking for ways to save a penny here and a penny there so we can go out and splurge on the really good stuff.

We were gifted this formula by a really nice professional carpet cleaner after he had been over once too often to clean up after the supersized poodle, Mr. Noodle.  Instead of that $99 dollar carpet cleaner’s visit, this solution, dubbed “Mr. Noodle’s Super Cleaner,” costs just pennies and is (almost always)  just as effective.  A big fat disclaimer: test this on a corner of the carpet to make sure it doesn’t wreck the fabric or turn it to some odd neon green color.

First remove whatever the mess is you are trying to clean.  Vacuum the area.  Fill a jar with 2 parts water, 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part alcohol, and 1-2 tablespoons Woolite.  Shake vigorously.

Once the area is cleaned, soak the stain with “Mr. Noodles” formula.  Use a clean white towel, apply pressure and blot up the liquid. Repeat this until you see most of the discoloration come up. (You may need several towels and lots of pressure. ) Then cover the stain with a thick wad of paper towels and place a stack of very heavy books on top.  Check back the next day.

Let us know how it works for you, and send us any other clever (or not so clever) household tips you’d like to share.






Sweet Charity: B’s for Good
January 12th, 2010 | 17 Comments
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A bitch gives back. Yes, even in this economy…and, yes, even if she’s on a budget.

Remember that old boyfriend who kept insisting it’s not the size of the boat but the motion of the ocean? He was right (sort of, uh-we’ll save this discussion for another day).  When it comes to charity, it’s the motion—the act—the generous gesture—the habit– that matters way more than size.

Giving back has become part of the fabric of how we live and we go out of our way to buy products and use services that not only share our views but support causes we care about in the process.

For those of you who have been following us from the beginning you know we have a sweet spot for Baking for Good. We’ve taken to ordering their delicious treats for friends and family instead of sending flowers.  Based on the idea of a bake sale, Baking for Good sells all-natural, made-to-order brownies, cookies, and other treats, and 15% of every purchase goes to a charity you choose.  That’s right, bitches, you can send cranberry-orange shortbread to Aunt Marie and support the ASPCA in honor of all her cats, or order chocolate crackles for your nephew Johnny’s birthday and support First Book.  Yes, this can be a little pricey for us B’s on a budget, but it’s like giving several gifts at once; you get to give to charity, to a friend and to yourself. You save precious time because it sooo easy. (Face it that’s why you sent flowers and yummy treats sure beat sending limp, overpriced, you’re never sure they’ve been delivered bouquets.)

Then there’s Bidding for Good, a totally genius organization that let’s you buy and sell virtuously- virtually. In the words of their CEO John Carson, “By aggregating thousands of silent auctions online we can both help schools and charities make more money (sometimes a lot more money) while giving consumers a place where they can find unique items, get some great deals, all while knowing that almost all of their spending is going to help schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, arts organizations, etc.”  We’ve found baseball tickets, travel deals, Sunday brunch bargains; it’s one stop-auction bidding at your fingertips. Check ‘em out; it’s worth the click!

Philanthropy, girls, it’s in the air. Figure out what works for you…big or little…give money or time or stuff.

Tell us: how do you give?






Contest #3: Birthdays on a Budget
January 10th, 2010 | 13 Comments
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One of the most expensive things about having a kid (well, after diapers and food and college) is birthday parties. How to throw a raging bash that’s thrifty, healthy, exciting, and not (Chuck E.) cheesy?

This week’s contest:

Send us your approach to an amazing b-day bash that’ll blow little minds without breaking the bank.

Theme? Decorations? Food? Party favors?

We’re looking for a creative, thrifty, and child-friendly (duh) entries.

Submit yours in Drop a Dime box by Jan. 17. Winner gets her entry posted and her very own copy of Bitches on a Budget.

(And don’t worry,  on Tuesday we start a contest about throwing a great bash for the grown-ups, complete with awesome cocktails—yes, we know you’ll need a drink after the gang of kids leave.)






A Simple Pleasure.
January 7th, 2010 | Comments
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Outside of our cute pooch, nothing brings a smile to our face as fast as a dozen bright yellow Gerbera daisies or a single red anemone waiting to greet us. (Well almost nothing)






Contest #2: Good Things Come To Those Who Do It Themselves
January 3rd, 2010 | 19 Comments
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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.






IT’S HERE!
December 29th, 2009 | 2 Comments
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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!






Bitches on a Budget: Chapter 8
December 26th, 2009 | Comments
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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.


Bitches on a Budget is being published by the New American Library division of Penguin Books. Ask for it at your local bookshop.






Bitches on a Budget: Chapter 4
December 22nd, 2009 | Comments
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Wait, have we mentioned we have a book coming out soon?

Here’s a teaser from chapter 4 (Home Remedies to Get You Out of Recession Depression), all about updating your home on a shoestring. We’ll give you the lowdown on what to toss, how to re-purpose, where to buy, and when to splurge.

On linens:

Bitch, you spend more time in the bed and bath than anywhere else. Outside of your toothbrush, which objects gets more up close and personal? Do you need reminding of a few basic facts? OK, here goes. Things suck. Life is short, wars rage, money’s tight, jobs are sparse. These days, the only legitimate way to pamper yourself is with everyday objects—the things you use constantly. The things that know your skin and curves better than any man ever could…

On the Mid-Century Modern Craze:

Mid-century modern became hot by skipping a generation. No one wanted the old furniture from those 50’s ranch houses, so it was cheap, cheap, cheap. All the very cool hipster, creative types who couldn’t afford pricy antiques bought it because they could afford it…. Be a contrarian and think of the rush to modern as your opportunity to get back in touch (a little) with the frippery and finery of another era. A bitch is nothing if not in touch with her paradoxes…

On Mirrors:

Think Grandma’s place in Miami: the walls of mirror, the gold furnishings, the plastic cover on the sofa…. We can go without the plastic, but those mirrors? Love ‘em. They’re a perfect, simple, and cheap way to enhance any room. We’re not talking Poconos ceiling mirrors (although we like your thinking) but well-placed, space-enhancing, light-reflecting mirrors…

Bitches on a Budget is being published by the New American Library division of Penguin Books. Ask your bookseller when they will be putting it on their shelves.






Bitches on a Budget: Chapter 1
December 19th, 2009 | 3 Comments
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It’s almost showtime.

Sorry, we’re not talking Christmas, we’re talking book release–just ten more days! Like little kids who can’t wait to open our wrapped presents, we just can’t wait to share our book.  So we’re going to give you a little sneak preview as we head toward December 29th. Besides, doesn’t a little teasing makes everything so much more delicious?

Chapter  1

Shopping Out of the Apocalypse

Bitches, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: Women might only make $.78 for every $1 men make, but we’re the ones who drive the economy.  We’re the ones who decide what to buy and when to buy it. You think we’re kidding? Just turn on the television.  It’s talking to you, bitch.  And even when it’s not—Rogaine and boner pills—it’s still about you.

Forget free market capitalism. Estrogen drives GDP. And, as with most things, only we can fix this mess. So it’s time for us to stand up straight, toss our hair back, and do what we do best—stimulate this economy.

Believe in Looks, Not Labels!

While it’s your patriotic duty to keep the economy stimulated, it’s your civic duty to cast off the outdated, more-is-better style of the nineties and aughts.  No modern bitch wants a big footprint.  Yes, it’s time to get America moving. It’s also time to throw out the ostentatious ($2,000 Chanel boots), the excessive ($20,000 Hermes Birkin), the ridiculous (Paris Hilton clothing).  It’s time to buy and spend wisely.

Bitches on a Budget is being published by the New American Library division of Penguin Books. Ask your bookseller when they’ll be putting it out on their shelves!






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