{budget}fab*

before traveling out of the country…

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by janelle.

…don’t forget to call your credit card company!

You’ll need to let them know your travel dates and destination. If you don’t give the company a heads up, any charges you make outside of the country may be considered fraudulent and they’ll put a freeze on your account.  We wouldn’t want something like that happening now would we…

Find out the foreign currency exchange fee applied to each transaction (or if there even is one).  If there is a fee it’s usually around 3% of the transaction amount.  Nominal, but something to consider if you plan on using your credit card and making sizeable purchases.

Just a few things to consider…

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fab* friday round-up

Posted on 12. Mar, 2010 by janelle.

Things behind the scenes at {budget}fab* have been a bit hechtic lately, so sorry for the light posting. We’ll be back to a more regular schedule next week.

For those in the DC area, we’re really hoping you’ll be able to make it out this weekend to the ShoeFabulous Shoe Drive.

Other {blog}fab*…

• Take a look at the budget decorating checklist from Holly Becker of decor8 on realsimple.com
• Great round-up of fab* Etsy finds for under $50 on Fashion Under $100
• Recreate a Sarah Jessica Parker look with help from Frugal Fashionista

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diy fab*: woven cork tray

Posted on 11. Mar, 2010 by janelle.

This fab* do-it-yourself project comes from Design Sponge.  Click here to see how you can get this look for your home.

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fab* friday round-up

Posted on 05. Mar, 2010 by janelle.

On {budget}fab*…

• Get Lala Vasquez’s blazer look for less!
• Feathers are in! Make a fashion statement with this trend.
• Check out pics from some of the events we’ve planned on Flickr.

Other {blog}fab*…

• Great DIY projects from Design Sponge.
• DC folks, West Elm’s downtown location is closing but they are selling their inventory at 20% off
• Nude is a big color again this Spring.  Check out this round-up of nude shoes.

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unexpected cleaners

Posted on 03. Mar, 2010 by janelle.

While perusing one of my favorite blogs, Young House Love, I saw a post on realsimple.com’s list of 10 unexpected natural cleaners.  A few of the items on the list include…

Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

Use oatmeal to: Scrub very dirty hands. Make a thick paste of oatmeal and water; rinse well.

Use club soda to: Shine up any scuffed and grubby stainless-steel sink. First buff the sink with a club-soda dipped cloth and then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Use rubbing alcohol to: Remove permanent marker stains from both solid-surface countertops and hardwood floors. It’s as easy as pouring rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and applying it to the stain.

Be sure to click the links above to see the entire list of simple, unexpected, wallet-friendly cleaners!

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eating out adds up

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by dara.

Last week I spent time in a training class away from my regular office. Since I was out of the office, and my usual routine, I ate breakfast and lunch out for 3 days straight. And while it didn’t seem like I was spending that much money, when I glanced at my bank account on Friday…my eyes popped out of my head.

In just 3 days, I managed to spend close to $40 on 3 meals! I wasn’t buying any and everything I wanted either, I just bought coffee and sometimes something to eat for breakfast and a regular lunch. I’ll admit lunch time was the killer, with an average of $8 per lunch…who wants to spend that everyday?!

I grimace at the thought of people who mindlessly spend these large amounts on eating out for at least two meals a day. Of course, if eating out is your thing and it’s built into your budget, go for it. But most people (myself included) don’t take the time to add up what it’s actually costing you to eat those meals out. Buying groceries and packing at least one of those meals will save you a tremendous amount of money. Then spend the rest of your lunch break taking a brisk walk or running errands.

Image courtesy of savingadvice.com

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fab* friday round-up

Posted on 26. Feb, 2010 by janelle.

On {budget}fab*…

• For all the fab* DC folks, join us at Simply Soles shoe store on March 13th for the ShoeFabulous Shoe Drive and access to an exclusive deal!
• Snag the budget-friendly version of Brandy’s chic look.
• Mad about plaid? Us too!  See how to pull a great look together around a plaid top.

Other {blog}fab*…

• Get out these amazing, make at home, ice pop recipes.
• NY Mag has an amazing lookbook slideshow of Michelle Obama’s outfits from 2008 - 2010
• Save money on bottled water with this “Brita on the go” portable water filter.

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overstock has tile!

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by janelle.

While reading one of my favorite home and design blogs, Elements of Style, I stumbled across some AMAZING news - Overstock.com sells tile!  And not ugly, hideous tile… Gorgeous, modern tile!  So, if you’ve got a DIY bathroom or kitchen project going on at home and you’re in need of tile, I’d suggest you check out what Overstock has to offer.

SomerTile Penny Marine Porcelain Tile Sheets, $67.99 for case of 10

SomerTile Flintstone White Gloss Porcelain Mosaic Tile, $75.99 for a case of 10

I know it can be tough to order something off the internet, but Overstock has a decent return policy.  Just be sure to read it and make you’re comfortable with their process.

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what to know before you invest

Posted on 24. Feb, 2010 by racine.

Deciding what stock to purchase can be tricky business.  Most people would rather close their eyes and simply pick something than go into deep research.    I recently found this great article while looking up some information for my investment club titled “Ten Questions Every Investor Should Ask Before Buying a Stock.”  This Fortune article was featured on CNNMoney.com and it lists some relatively easy to answer questions any person considering purchasing a stock should ask themselves.  Hey, if you are going to invest your hard earned money, you should at least do a little homework and feel comfortable with your investment. 

My favorite two pieces of advice in the article are to: 1) understand how the company is doing in comparison to  competitors and 2) know how the broader economy affects things.  So penny pinchers, make sure you do your homework before you invest!

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save on urbanoutfitters.com

Posted on 23. Feb, 2010 by janelle.

Pinch a few pennies on your next Urban Outfitters order!  Now through Feb. 28th you can get $10 off online orders of $75 or more with promo code JUSTFORYOU (<– affiliate link).  You can use the code multiple times on apparel (excludes furniture, electronics, gift cards, bikes, etc.)  For $70 ($80 - $10 promo) I’d snag this easy, breezy spring day outfit…

2 BDG Racerback Tanks, $24.00

Cooperative Solid Pull-On Skirt, $38.00 and Vintage Skinny Leather Belt, $18.00

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