Tashi's comments

Junk Mail and the Environment - Blog Entry

21 Jul 2009 01:27 PM

Agree 100% -- contact the companies directly. While I submitted my name and address long ago to be taken off of junk mail lists (it was free, and unfortunately, I can't remember where I wrote), I still occasionally get something, especially from magazines. When a publication insists on sending me numerous offers for subscriptions (I'll refrain from naming one in particular. I sure would love to divulge their name.), I take everything, and I mean eberything that they sent me, including the envelope, and send it right back to them. Many times, there is a "No postage required -- will be paid by addressee" envelope, so I don't even need to use postage of my own. I usually write a short, but firm AND polite note, stating I'm not interested, and to please take me off of their lists. It usually works. But sometimes, a few efforts are necessary. I'm guessing that on occasion, my other responses just haven't been opened or processed.

Frugal Picnic Night - Blog Entry

15 Jun 2009 09:27 AM

Er, I meant, "...either hard or soft taco shells." My bad. :-) Who wants wilty taco shells, when they're supposed to be hard and crunchy?

Frugal Picnic Night - Blog Entry

15 Jun 2009 09:25 AM

I'm just a single chick with no kids, so please forgive me if this idea would, in reality, not work for you. How about browning up some ground beef, preparing some shredded lettuce and chopped up tomatoes, packing up some shredded cheese, and bringing along wither hard or soft taco shells? Too messy, etc.? :-) Just the first thing that popped into my head. Good luck!! Nice article, btw!

How to Save Money on Entertainment - Blog Entry

28 Apr 2009 01:09 PM

I would *love* to work for the Minnesota Twins, just to get in for free. But all of the ushers at the ballpark I've seen, are almost always standing by seating sections, facing the crowd, and not the game. While the idea sounds great, *I'd* be too distracted by wanting to watch the game, instead of preventing someone from stealing seats that aren't theirs, breaking up fights, or preventing some nut from leaping over the wall and onto the field.

How to Get Free Stuff - Blog Entry

28 Apr 2009 12:57 PM

My favorite way? Getting tips from friends, especially those who are parents. They always seem to know how to get the deals. I do have a friend (single and an auntie, just like me) who always seems to somehow root out the occasional freebies deals, for which I am grateful, to say the least. So I heed her advice, if the product or service applies to me and my lifestyle or needs.

Just today, I signed up for the rewards card at CVS, partly due to a friend's info. Time will tell if it is worth it to *me* in the end. I love getting free samples anywhere I can. A store I used to work at often gives away free samples of cosmetics and other beauty products, even some leftover premiums, like cosmetic bags they're trying to unload. I'd recommend asking store personnel if they have any samples or premiums they're giving out or wanting to get rid of. It works sometimes! :-)

Money Saving Decor Projects - Blog Entry

28 Apr 2009 12:49 PM

Great ideas, thanks! I recently bought the latest Real Simple magazine, as well as the latest Redbook. I can't remember which mag I got this tip from, but it is great -- use a winter mitten that has lost its mate for a glasses or sunglasses holder. I laughed when I saw this, since I have done this. The idea makes total sense to me. While the case may be unconventional, and perhaps look silly in the middle of July, who cares? At least you're re-purposing something that would otherwise likely end up in the trash. Or in my case, a doggy chew toy. :-)

Getting Scuff Marks out of Linoleum Floors - Blog Entry

28 Apr 2009 12:44 PM

I don't have this problem on my floors at home. However, I have a white purse that has some nasty scuff marks on it. I've been trying a bunch of things, with no luck. But at least I haven't ruined it yet! It's vinyl, and not expensive, so it's really no big deal if it becomes a lost cause. I will try my small handheld steamer, and maybe even the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (both, with extreme caution). I heard from a gentleman who works at a local hardware store, that rubbing alcohol may work (for my purse), but have yet to try that method. I'll let you know if the steamer or Eraser work for me! Thanks for the tips!

Avoid Nitpicking for a Happier Marriage - Blog Entry

28 Apr 2009 12:38 PM

Wow, I'm glad you got away from your previous nitpicker! Some people would see the sun rise, and still argue that it didn't come up at the right angle or spot in the sky, and then yell at it to shape up. An extreme example, sure. I have a relative who nitpicks everything I do, and even calls me names. It's not right. But I have learned to brush it off as much as I can, and "kill them with kindness", even when inside, I want to scream lots of things in retaliation. But why lower myself to their level? I'm fine with myself, and I realize that that person's ire is rooted in *their* issues, and isn't because of *me*.

Tips in the Kitchen - Blog Entry

21 Apr 2009 11:29 AM

My favorite kitchen tip? This may not exactly qualify as such, but it's something that works for *me*: USE your cookbooks! :-) Don't just buy them or collect recipes -- USE whatcha got. Otherwise, donate, give away, or sell the cookbooks, as they're certainly not being put to good use in your home. I treasure all of mine and use them frequently, even modifying or adapting the recipes on my own, or using the authors' tips.

How to Organize Home E-Mail - Blog Entry

20 Apr 2009 03:31 PM

Great piece! While I don't have online access at home right now, I learned many of your tips, or similar ones, from my most recent boss. She really gave me some great ideas for categorizing and making sub-folders for e-mails. Being we worked with lots of clients and other important e-mails, it was critical to keep track of the communications, especially for fear of any legality issues, contracts, projects, etc. It may take time to make sub-folders, and then plop e-mails into their new, rightful homes (if only temporary, even), and time to delete unnecessary messages, but it sure saves time and grief in the long run, for sure!