The Frugalista Files

Free Art Party on Friday from 10 p.m. to midnight

PANGAEA LOUNGE AND THE MUSEUM OF ART FORT LAUDERDALE PRESENT....A FUSION OF ART AND NIGHTLIFE ON FRIDAY .

ARRIVE BETWEEN 10 PM. AND MIDNIGHT AND
RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION AND A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE

Start Time:	Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 5:00am
Location:	Pangaea Lounge
Street:	5711 Seminole way
City/Town:	Hollywood, FL

Phone:	9545815454
Email:	INFO@PANGAEA-LOUNGE

What are your weekend plans? Are you spending big money?

Complimentary Wine Tasting Tonight in Miami

Sauvignon Blanc Chilling Session at Bin No. 18
1800 Biscayne Boulevard # 107, Miami
Complimentary Tasting Tonight
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
                   

Goldwater, Sauvignon Blanc, 2007
The Goldwater Estate Marborough Sauvignon Blanc (previously New Dog ), consistently reviewed as one of the very best Sauvignons in the world, reinforces Marlborough's claim to be the world's finest region for Sauvignon Blanc.

Wairau River, Sauvignon Blanc, 2005               
Wine Spectator –                                                      Rating: 90 Points
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006 Fleshy and ripe, with very good intensity to guava, pink grapefruit, grass and wet stone flavors. Tart lime juice acidity streamlines the fruit through a minerally finish. Drink now. 20,000 cases made. -D.S.

La Doucette, Pouilly Fume, 2005         
Wine Advocate -                                                        Rating: 91 Points
The Ladoucette flagship 2005 Pouilly-Fume...presents the nose with gooseberry, cassis, peach, lime and positively sneeze-inducing pungency of lavender and catnip. As is always the case, at its best this wine achieves a superb combination of textural richness and ripe fruit with pungent herbal- mineral shadings, and refreshing citrus. There is real lift in its persistent finish of perfumed herbs, fruit pits, chalk dust, and citrus zest."

Free party on South Beach tonight

At Mr Chu's, 890 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, there's a First Friday Party for the urban professional. Two-for-one drink specials, $5 valet and free entry. Get there about 7ish. There's a DJ and the whole bit.

I love cheap, I mean, affordable wine

Since my college days of buying Wild Irish Rose for my friends on their 21st birthdays, I've had an affinity for affordable wine. In my opinion, as long as it's wine, you always seem a touch classier than say, gripping a 40 ounce of Olde English.  I've since graduated to finer alcohol (I love Patron), but I still like to keep my wine under $10. My favorite is a Schmitt Sohne Riesling. I can get it  for about $8.99 at the corner store. Works for me.

While at my journalism conference, I did some blog networking. I met the blogger from The Crushed Grape Report. I learned that she was a Frugalista, and that she wrote an awesome post on affordable wines to drink . Yay! See, that's why I had such a great week at my journalism conference. Where else can you learn about perfecting your craft and finding affordable spirits? :)

For my spirited people, where do you buy your wine? What's your favorite frugal wine? Are you a wine snob or a beer connoisseur? What's the cheapest wine you bought? Are you still hungover from it?

Ready for my journalism convention

Hello! I'm heading out to the Windy City for my journalism convention. I can't wait! I'm signed up for video training, so expect some more webisodes to come! I got my hair professionally done but painted my nails at home. Nixing the manicure/pedicure saved me about $40. It was time for my 7-week relaxer so that expense was in my budget.
I was all ready to wear a shirt in my closet to a party Thursday night, but my friend, Greg, made it clear that I've been seen in that shirt a few too many times.  I tried to convince him to let me wear a black dress I have in my closet and he hated that, too. I think Facebook is bad for Frugalistas. You take photos of your life, post them online, then everyone sees your hottest gear! Meh. So I found a cute dress for $40 at TJ Maxx. I wasn't super happy about the expense, but the dress is adorable. It's magenta! It's a good thing Greg got me into VIP at the party!
To save money while I'm at the convention, I'm staying with my family. Staying at home will save me about $300. I'm going to take the Metra train to the convention center. I really miss public transportation.  I packed one suitcase. The airline allows one piece of luggage to be checked in for free.  Frugalista for life!

For readers who travel to conventions, how do you manage your expenses?

Affordable fun for kiddies, grown folks

The weekend is almost near. Time for frugal fun! Tonight, there's a free concert to see neo-soul artist Janelle Monae perform at 10 p.m. at The Delano in Miami Beach. Click here for more info.

         

Also,  the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale has special summer hours and pricing through the end of September 2008. It is open daily 11 am – 5 pm and closed Tuesdays. The Museum is offering special summer savings:  Admission is $5, adults; $3.50 students (6-17), military and seniors 65+ (with valid ID); free, members, college students with valid identification, and children (5 and under). Visitors with Bank of America cards are admitted free the first weekend of each month. The Museum’s  Café Wine Bar, which offers gourmet food and wine, is open Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.  It has free Illy coffee in the mornings. Extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. For more information, call 954-525-5500. 

Do you tell people about your credit card debt?

I got sent this article about how people are reluctant to talk about credit card debt to people they just meet. I can agree with that. I'm a little financed obsessed right now, so I probably talk about the state of my financial affairs with friends more openly. However, if I just meet you, I probably won't give you the entire run down. If I'm dating someone, I'm sure I would want to know his credit card debt status. I would be open with mine, too. Heck, I post about my credit card  on the Frugalista Files monthly. Still, if I were at a dinner party, I would have to be really comfortable with the person I met before I give the run down. Talking about debt can be a downer, no?

Here are the most taboo topics, according to the poll:

1. Amount of credit card debt
2. Your love life
3. Your salary
4. Your mortgage, rent payment
5. Your health
6. The death of a loved one
7. Your weight
8. Your religious views
9. Your political views
10. Your age
11. Gas prices
12. The weather

Do you discuss your credit card situation to people you just meet? Is it tacky to do that?

Happy Frugal, Fabulous Fourth of July!

I hope you are having a frugal and fabulous holiday. Three cheers for Financial Independence! I just wanted a cheerful post today, and I love the color purple. :)

Staycation

Yep, the holiday weekend is among us. This time last year, I was hanging out at the Essence Music Festival. I had an awesome time. I saw Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Frankie Beverly perform. Roaming on the streets of New Orleans was big fun. I won't tell you more about my trip because what happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans!

Alas, that was the pre-frugal me. This Fourth of July, I'm going to my friend's condo to watch the fireworks from his high-rise balcony. All good. I'm doing what everyone calls a staycation . There are varying kinds. For some, a staycation means entertaining at home, for others it means being a tourist in your home city.  Here's some audio about staycations.

By staying at home this weekend, I'll probably save about $700. Yay.

What are your Fourth of July plans? How are you managing your budget this holiday weekend?

Find Out If He's a Cheat for Cheap

Today, we have a guest blog from dontdatehimgirl.com creator Tasha Cunningham.  Tasha launched the website that creates fear in mankind.  Tasha offers up some cheap tips on how to catch your boo cheating. I read through them. I must say, she's serious. I'm not sure if I would go to these extremes. I believe in women's intuition. Sometimes, though, a girl needs proof.

Here are Tasha's Tips:

1. Monitor his computer usage. You can do this by installing key logger software, which allows you to monitor every keystroke he makes on his computer including every e-mail he sends and receives, every instant message or text he gets and every website he’s visited. For less than $100, you can buy the popular WebWatcher software at www.WebWatcherNow.com or log on to www.ActualSpy.com and download their key logger software for free!

2. Monitor his cell phone. If he’s cheating, he’s probably using his cell phone to do it. If you get your hands on it, you can check out who owns numbers that you don’t recognize by doing a reverse phone look up. While there aren’t any companies that perform this service free, at a cost of $4.95-$14.95 per number that you look up, it’s still a cost-effective option. Try www.ReversePhoneDetective.com, which charges $14.95 to look up a number or AT&T’s www.AnyWho.com, which charges just $4.95 to look up a number and furnish you with information on who owns it.

3. Conduct your own surveillance. Doing it yourself saves you the cost of a private investigator. But before you do, invest just $10.85 and purchase a copy of The Private Investigator Handbook : The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Protect Yourself, Get Justice, or Get Even by Chuck Chambers, a 22-year vet of the P.I. business.  You can also buy another great book called The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Private Investigating by Steve Kerry Brown for $12.89 on www.Amazon.com!

What do you think about Tasha's tips? Are they a community service to women? Are they stalkerific? Do you have any frugal ways to find out if your spouse is cheating?  Comment early and often!

Teens drivers feel pain at the pump

The Boston Globe ran an article about teenagers cutting back on driving and complaining about gas prices. When I was a teen, I couldn't wait to get my driver's license. I was an angel. I always got driving privileges. Well, maybe saying I was an angel is a stretch. I just knew how not to get caught. ;)  The teens in the article are doing things like riding their bikes more. The thought of me at age 19 riding a Huffy. *shudders* 

What do you think about teens running on empty? Are our streets safer now? Or are kids missing out on the American rite of passage:keys to the ride?

Thanks G-Money for the tip!

Frugalista Files and SFBJA Happy Hour Photos

Frugalista Files Party Tonight!

Who: The Frugalista Files and the South Florida Black Journalists Association
What:  First Friday Happy Hour
When:  6 p.m. to midnight on June 6
Where: Mr. Chu's, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Cost: FREE!!!!!
Hook up: $5 valet parking, free appetizers and earlybird two-for-one drink specials. Live D.J.

Frugalista Files First Friday Fiesta Flyer!

 

Here is the flyer for my South Beach party. I am So excited. You better meet me at the bar!

Who: The Frugalista Files and the South Florida Black Journalists Association
What:  First Friday Happy Hour
When:  6 p.m. to midnight on June 6
Where: Mr. Chu's, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Cost: FREE!!!!!
Hook up: $5 valet parking, free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m. Live D.J.

For more info, email nmcneal@Miamiherald.com

Frugalista Files First Friday Fiesta (FREE!)

The party bug has hit me. I'm throwing a South Beach party with my journalism group. I did one last year and it was frugalicious. This time, it will be even better because it's a Frugalista Files production! We will have free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials.

Play that funky music!

Here's the run down:

Who: South Florida Black Journalists Association and The Frugalista Files

What: First Friday Happy Hour

When: 6 p.m. to midnight on June 6

Where: Mr. Chu's, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Cost: FREE!!!!! (free appetizers and two-for-one drinks from 6 to 8 p.m.)

Parking: $5 valet

Why: Because we need a GREAT time!

For more information, hit me up at nmcneal@miamiherald.com

Holiday Plans?

So, a three-day weekend is right around the corner. What are your plans and how are you going to frugalize? Here are some summer travel tips.

I have a pretty busy weekend planned, so I wanted to share and tell you how I'm watching my dollars.

Thursday-Going to see NPR host Diane Rehm speak. Luckily, the event won't cost me anything but gas will be a killer. It's still worth going.

Friday-One of my best friends, Mike, invited me and some other folks out for drinks. The hang out is at a trendy place which means $14 martinis and $20 shots of Patron. I'm going to nurse a Riesling all night. I think the wine will be under $10. This night has the great potential to be a money trap.

Saturday- A guy friend is taking me to the Marlins game and we are going to an after concert to see Lisa Lisa from Cult Jam. YAY! I can eat before I go, so Saturday won't be too costly.

Sunday- I'm going to a lounge for an attorney fund raiser /party to fight cancer. I'll give a $20 donation and it's a tax write off. It's a party with a purpose. Gas will be a killer driving there, but parking is plentiful and cheap in Miami's Design District.

Monday- While you all are grilling, I'll be working. I can't let the overtime go untouched. My social life and credit card could use the discretionary income.

Even though I'm not going out of town, I still feel like I have travel expenses because of all the driving I will be doing. This high-priced gas is a mess.

What are your holiday plans? Are you frugalizing? Did you cut back on plans this year to save money? Talk to me!

Free Concert at The Delano *update*

Hi. The free Jose James concert at the Delano on Miami Beach is May 28. I thought it was sooner, but it's not. Click here to RSVP.

Do your friends know how much you make?

My brother-in-blogging Keith at $ out of $.15  posted a New York Times story  about how young professionals are more apt to know the salaries of their friends. Yikes. I think that's a touchy topic. Now, for most of my media friends, I have a ball park figure of their salaries. I don't disclose what I make to my friends or family, but I think everyone has a clue. I am eligible for an economic stimulus payment; so, I'm not a millionaire. I have told my mentors what I make. I always seek their advice during salary negotiations. I know a reporter whose friend at work told her how much she made. It turned out to be WAY more than what the reporter made. The reporter marched up to management, pleaded her case and got a raise. Sharing salary information can have its perks.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Cheap Date

Happy Friday! Well it's Friday, the night many people think of as date night. I ran across this article about dating frugally. Trust, I enjoy a guy who splurges on me like the next woman. But, when it comes to long-term relationships, I would want to be with someone who had his finances together. I mean, even millionaires have to watch their pennies.

Renting a favorite movie, test driving a sports car and cooking a themed meal together are suggestions that work for me. I like these ideas because they are things I wouldn't do on my own. I rarely go to movies, drive sports cars or do serious cooking. These dates wouldn't feel cheap to me because I would feel like I was learning something/being upgraded.

The whole browse a ritzy museum gift shop idea wouldn't work for me. I would probably want a gift out of there. heheh.

So, do you date like a frugal? If so, what are your tips? Or, are you turned off by a date who is obviously a cheapie? 

A Sunday Frugal moment

So I went to church today with my friend, Monica. We had a frugal moment. Monica's been following along with the blog and is becoming more frugal every second. She's slayed her expenses and increased her 401k savings. She's going to a guest blog later to share how she's changed her situation for the better. We enjoyed church service. I gave more than a few crumbled bills, but I am no where near tithing.
Here's the frugal moment: after church, Monica and I went home. WHOA. That's huge. After church, many people get together to go to IHOP or their favorite soul food restaurant, heck even Red Lobster. But this time, Monica and I just gave a warm hug and headed home. I'm cooking today enough food to last me for a few days next week. Eating a restaurant feast after church won't help my frugal cause. All my fellowshipping must be done in church quarters. Sometimes being frugal means less of a social life, but really, it's worth it in the end.

Fruga, New York Edition: Free Party tonight

I'll be here tonight. It's at the Bam Cafe. It's FREE!!!!


Brooklyn Next—Soul Summit Music with Special Guests DJ Spinna and Strafe
Fri, Feb 22 at 10pm

Best known for their wildly popular grassroots music parties in Fort Greene Park, Soul Summit Music DJs Jeff, Sadiq, and Tabu come to BAM with a late-night dance party featuring underground hip-hop heavyweight DJ Spinna. Known for his “WONDER-ful” tributes, DJ Spinna’s beats have found their way onto records by Mos Def, De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, Talib Kweli, and countless others. Club music legend Strafe, beatmaster behind the dance floor classic “Set It Off” performs live in a rare NYC appearance. BAMfans get two free drinks!

› Listen (DJ Spinna)
› Listen (Strafe)

Fruga, New York Edition, MOMA for free on Fridays

So, I'm going to go to the MOMA in New York. From 4-8 p.m. It's free.
Here is the info.

Birthday Break ups, New beginnings

I need something free, fun and great to do on my birthday. Usually, I'm at Lucky Strike on Miami Beach bowling, throwing a party with my good friends. This year, I had planned to be in New York with the guy I was dating. Let's just say that he and I are no longer dating. The break up started on Monday and ended on Tuesday. Last week, I did a V-day post about state of the relationship. I can stand firm in saying today that's it's over. 

So, here I am, not able to splurge on my big day because of the no-buy month. I have only three days to plan. What can a girl do? Please offer suggestions. I'm a big birthday person. God's giving me another year, something I am thankful for. Time to rejoice, boyfriend or not.

Friend Freebies

Since I started no-buy month, I've gotten two friend freebies. My coworker, Mike, bought me (and another coworker) a drink at the bar and my friend B. took me to lunch and to an art festival. When I started this challenge, I knew I had to be careful about the free things I get because it could be perceived as cheating. Some of my other coworkers have offered to pay for lunch when they are getting orders for the office. I always refuse. If it's not a person who treats me normally, I don't accept. I've gotten quite a few emails from readers who have asked me out to drinks, but I decline those.

I decided as a single woman, I would let myself go on dates, even if they are friends. As for friend freebie debts, I don't have any. Mike always pays when we go out and he made it clear (he hit me up on facebook after reading the blog) drinks are on him. As for B., we hadn't seen each other in years, so he sponsored the trip. He made the first call. Now, some of my homegirls have tried to spot me hook ups, but I don't take those. I would most certainly feel obligated to pay them back. I don't consider myself a mooch, just a chick who is blessed to have people who don't mind paying to have her around. (in moderation) lol.

A Sunday Story/Tithing

I went to church today, the first time this year for me. I'm not a tither, but I give pretty decently when I do show up for service. But this time, I just gave the crumpled bills from my purse. Some people believe in tithing, regardless of the financial situation. Others think that tithing should be done when people have enough money to sacrifice.

The church I attend is big on tithing and giving. They also have an offering for the pastor. I can't lie, I checked out the worshiper next to me. She wrote a $25 check, of which $5 went toward a love offering for the pastor. Other times, I've seen folks in the pew write out $100 checks. It's a terrible habit, but I'm a journalist. I look around. I haven't made the leap to tither. One day maybe I will, but I'm just now getting a hold of my finances.

Yesterday, I went for a walk on Sobe sands with a good friend. She knows I'm doing no-buy month, and she's already an accomplished frugalista.  She's on the buy-your-car-with-cash program and have an "eff you" fund for just in case you want to quit work. We found street parking and had a good, healthy, sunny, sandy, sweaty walk. Fun times. My legs hurt.

After that, my friend B. called me. I haven't seen him in years. I was really glad he called because I know I need to reconnect with a lot of my old friends. I scooped him up, he took me to lunch in Coconut Grove and we hit the art fair.  When we hung years ago, we always used to swap paying for things. We met in college and both happened to end up in Miami. He sponsored the day as an olive branch. He says he may get down with the no-buy program. He just moved into a new apartment after a failed relationship. That first month/ last month stuff is draining on a budget. In all, a superior day for me. I deserved it.