by Stephanie Berenbaum – August 25, 2010

Favorite Activities…for Free!

As summer is winding down, my household expenses seem to be in high gear.  A new HVAC system, one dog emergency knee surgery, and an emergency electrical rewiring (just for starters) has set us back a mind numbing $20,000 worth of unexpected expenses.  And with a few weeks left before school starts for my two preschoolers, I found myself searching for maximum fun – on a minimum budget!

Glancing back over some of my kids’ favorite activities from this summer, I realized that a lot of the activities I paid for could be easily replicated at home – for free, or almost free! So here are some ideas of how to recycle activities – without replicating the costs!

An Eye For Science

My kids love going to the science museum – and playing with those pricey ‘intro to science’ type kits. It occurred to me that the last one of these kits I bought cost about $25 – and was basically rendered useless after one time playing with it! When it came down to it, I realized I had spent $25 to purchase some plastic cups, utensils, and what basically amounted to baking soda and vinegar.  It is so easy to do the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano experiments at home – and you probably have the ingredients right in your own pantry!

Speaking of science, anyone remember the ‘Pepper Push’ experiment from their youth? Just pour some water in a bowl, sprinkle some pepper in and stick a bar of soap in the bowl (does anyone still use bars of soap?- A drop of  liquid soap would work too) and watch it repel the pepper away!  This is a great activity to do while you are cooking, and to help show your little ones the relationship between science and cooking.

Playhouse Money?

My friend Amanda spent $50 on a cardboard children’s playhouse. – It was great because it was recyclable, but not so great of a price – particularly when it only lasted a couple months before it got destroyed! Our Fab & Fru alternative – save big shipping boxes and create your own eco-friendly play structure – complete with tunnels, various rooms and anything else you can think of!  Then you won’t feel so bad about tossing it into the recycling bin when it cost you nothing!

Cultivate Your Young Artist

I was at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) the other day with my kids in the Boone Children’s Gallery.  They had a cool brush painting activity to help the kids learn more about the beautiful Asian art on display. We realized we could easily research and recreate art from other cultures at home too. I know it sounds simple, but honestly it never really occurred to me to do so before!  After being inspired by the beautiful brush paintings at LACMA, we plan on continuing the inspiration at home with art from many different cultures and traditions!

Recreate Your Favorite Museum Exhibit!

My kids just love the fabulous Noah’s Ark exhibit at LA’s Skirball museum.  It features super-creative sculptures of different animals, made out of the most unlikely materials! When we got home we realized we could recreate this amazing exhibit (ok, maybe it helps that I have a son named Noah).  We started saving up materials to sculpt with – anything from paper towels holders, to old shoe boxes, to old, worn out clothes that we cut into decorative pieces.  We also cleaned out our junk drawer and found a great use for all those lonely buttons and string! With a little glue and a lot of fun, we were able to make our own animals – from stuff we normally would have thrown out in the trash!

Group Shop & Save

Group buying sites are the latest online craze in discount shopping!  Members can purchase daily local deals on anything from restaurants & yoga classes to concert tickets & spa treatments.  There are many websites out there dedicated to teaming up with local vendors to promote and sell seriously discounted deals, but Groupon has catapulted this trend into a brilliantly huge business.  And while these interactive, game-like sites offer a fantastic way to discover amazing discounts on cool local products and services, the question remains: Are YOU really saving money?

We talked to Julie Mossler from Groupon to get the Fab & Fru skinny on how it all works, why the trend means great things for both consumers and small business owners, and how to get the most bang for your buck!

What is Group Buying?

Group buying sites partner with merchants around the world to offer consumers incredible savings on local products and services in their home cities.

Business owners agree to offer shoppers a specific product or service at a seriously discounted rate (often 40%-60% off- & more) if the group buying website generates more than an agreed upon minimum number of sales. Once the minimum number of sales is reached, the deal becomes official and all the credit cards of the shoppers who signed up for the deal are charged for their purchase and receive an email for a printable voucher to redeem it from the merchant. Example: I recently purchased six Pilates classes (valued at $90) for $40!  And Steph recently purchased a shampoo and blow dry usually priced at $35 for only $20!

If sales don’t reach the minimum number required, then the deal is canceled and no one gets the discount nor is anyone’s credit card charged.

The Birth of Groupon

Groupon was born out of a site called The Point.  The Point was created to organize collective action to accomplish something great, like renovating a school or donating money for a cause. Founder Andrew Mason realized the power of the group could be leveraged to gain discounts among local merchants, thus he created Groupon!

Why Do Shoppers Like Groupon So Much?

• According to Julie, “Groupon’s customer service is unparalleled – you can speak to a real human anytime! We also give you your money back, no questions asked, if any part of your Groupon experience (purchase or redemption) was less than satisfactory”.

• Groupon humor is a little weird and very funny – customers often read the daily email even if they don’t plan to buy the deal.

• Groupon is always trying to better their service.  Julie says, “we just announced Personalized Deals, currently in a handful of our larger cities, with plans to roll out to all cities within months. Personalized Deals determine what feature a customer will receive based upon preferences like zip code, gender, and previous buying habits. It means deals are fine-tuned to what you like: so no more mani/pedi deals for men!”

• Groupon is live worldwide in 165 cities and 22 countries. Chicago, Boston, New York and Seattle are the largest markets.  They are averaging four new cities every two weeks!

Get S’more Bang for Your Vacation Buck

It’s no secret that camping is one of the least expensive vacations you can take with friends or family.  Typically easy to plan, you can camp close to home for the weekend, or go BIG and explore the parks across the country.  Whether it’s the ghost stories around the campfire, a breathtaking vista, or the surprise storm that keeps you snuggled in your tent playing Gin Rummy for hours, camping trips are always fantastic memory makers and a great way to get back in touch with old mother nature. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the wimpy side when it comes to roughing it, or you’re an avid outdoor adventurist, there IS a campsite for everyone out there!

Get Ready, Set, GO!

If you have the itch for a last minute summer weekend trip, you can usually find a nearby campground with an open spot.  However, you’d be surprised to find that if you don’t want to pitch your tent right next to the bathroom, or if you’re interested in going to a popular park, planning well in advance is essential! Do your homework, account for any special permits you may need (like a fishing permit), and make sure you have all the necessary gear to make your trip a success – kids or no kids!

Budget

If you already own basic camping supplies or you’re headed into the wild with an experienced camper, your trip may just cost you the site fees, food and gas.  However, if you can’t borrow equipment or need to buy the proper clothing and supplies, plan to spend a good chunk of dough on necessary gear.  If you DO choose to make the investment to purchase a tent, backpack, cooking supplies and special attire, plan to LOVE camping and go often!  Initial costs are not cheap, but they will pay off down the line! -With purchasing modest gear & site rental fees-figure $600-$1,000 for a family of four & up to $300-$400 for an individual.

A Place to Pitch Your Tent

If you’re looking to go car camping (meaning pitching your tent next to the car- NOT hiking 2 miles into the woods to set up camp), commercial campgrounds are great for families and do provide some amenities like electricity, running water, and bathrooms.  These sites typically range from about $20 to  $40 per car, per night.  If you’re looking for a more rustic experience and plan to hike into the woods with your gear on your back, park fees range from $5 to $15 per person, per night.

Gear & Supplies

A tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food, water and the proper clothing & footwear are the basic essentials of any outdoor adventure.  If you don’t already have what you need, first try borrowing from your friends.  If you become a member of your local REI store, you can get deals up to half off the regular prices, and you’ll have a heads up on ALL of their store and online sales. 

The Basic Gear You Need

A Tent

All tents are not created equal! To avoid overspending, consider the season you will be using your tent the most, how often you’ll use it, and how many people you need to sleep (a 4 person tents start at about $150 new).

There are basically five types of tents to choose from.  Each type comes in a variety of sizes, weights, and prices:

• Car-camping tents
• Summer tents
• Three-season tents
• Convertible tents

• Mountaineering (winter) tents.

Join US and best selling author SOPHIE ULIANO on MAY 24th for the special  FAB & FRU Twitter Party–HOW TO STAY GREEN ON A BUDGET!.

We’ll be answering questions and sharing practical tips so you can stay green when money is tight.  Gorgeously Green’s Sophie Uliano will also share ideas from her new book DO IT GORGEOUSLY plus her favorite recipes for safe cleaning and beauty care products.

PARTY TIME & DEETS

WHEN: Monday May 24th

9p-10pEST, 6p-7pPST, 7p-8pCST

WHERE: On Twitter! #frugreen

**WIN FABULOUS PRIZES from Seventh Generation and more. PLUS  learn more about staying green and saving green!

A twitter party is a fast and fun virtual party, using the twitter platform. They typically last 1-2 hours and are a wonderful way for people to connect and discuss! Twitter users tweet with a specified Hashtag (#) for the party. Users use their tweet chat client to search for the hashtag and join in the conversation. Tweetdeck and Tweetgrid make following a twitter party much easier.

QT Equals Money in the Bank

Calling all bridesmaids!  Sure, it’s fun to get the girls together for some ‘Q’uality ‘T’ime before the bride’s big day.  But asking everyone to take on the expense of jetting to Vegas or renting a limo for a night on the town is downright daunting in this economy!

You and your friends can have a Fabulous time without spending a small fortune.  We chatted with event planner Sharise Finley from The Budget Brides Handbook- (Wedding Inspiration and Ideas for the Budget Savvy Bride) and sifted through our own experiences – to bring you these buck-saving bachelorette party ideas!

Passion Parties

If you’re not into the idea of an oily hunk peeling off his fireman uniform in your living room, Sharise suggests a playful twist on a Tupperware party.   Throw your friend a Passion Party. You provide some Fab & Fru bites and beverages, and www.passionparty.com sends a passion consultant, free of charge, to educate your guests on all things ‘pleasurable’.  She comes equipped with the sex toys, free gifts and tips. The Passion Consultant will give you and your friends a presentation on an array of sex toys that you later have the option (with no obligation) of buying.  There’s no nudity or grossness, just a straight up sales pitch and you provide the wedding night jokes at the bride’s expense.

A Day at the Races

If a Vegas weekend is not in the cards, how about dressing up and taking an adventure to the racetrack.  As long as each guest sets aside her fun money for the day, watching the horses can be a Fab & Fru daytime event.  You don’t even have to place a bet to have fun because it’s not just about the race itself – it’s about the experience.  Grounds are usually beautifully kept, with a clubhouse that offers anything from hot dogs to a more formal luncheon, depending on just how frugal you want to be.

Except for the famous races like Kentucky Derby or the Belmont Stakes, most standard races are very cheap. They make their money on the bets, so if you don’t bet you’re getting a good deal on an entertaining afternoon and an excuse to dress up. Discount packages are usually available that may include parking and food.  Most group parties at racetracks are for 45 or more people but depending on which track you’re visiting they may be worth inquiring about. Some will give you offers specifically for a Bachelorette Party.

Spalicious Pampering Packages

If the girls are looking for a little R&R, and everyone is up for a day at the spa, here are a few tips to make it a Fab & Fru afternoon:

• The ½ hour facial & ½ hour massage. Most day spas are open to customizing group deals and accommodating a special event.  For around $100 or less per person negotiate ½ rates for ½ the time for each treatment.  That means each guest can feel like they’re indulging in a full spa experience for the price of one!
• Negotiate the gratuity into the total price when you make the deal so there are no surprises at the end of the day!
• Provide the decoration, lunch, and the Champagne yourself. You will save a bundle if you bring in your own cheese and fruit platter or finger sandwiches.  *Most day spas provide complimentary tea,coffee and water.
• Book your spa excursion in advance to get the best rates and to ensure that everyone in your party can be accommodated.
]]> http://fabandfru.com/2009/05/fab-fru-bachelorette-party-ideas/feed/ 1 http://fabandfru.com/2009/02/amanda-eating-a-hole-in-your-wallet/ http://fabandfru.com/2009/02/amanda-eating-a-hole-in-your-wallet/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:54:30 +0000 admin http://fabandfru.com/new/?p=156

FAB & FRU MINI-MAKEOVER

NAME: Amanda
AGE: 27
CITY: Los Angeles
OCCUPATION: Journalist
INCOME: $40,000/year
PROBLEM: Has no idea how to save for new car
GOAL: Show Amanda how fewer pricey meals will add up to new wheels!

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It was a sad sight.  My friend Amanda was in tears over the fact that she lives paycheck to paycheck, has no savings, and no clue how she could ever squeeze one more dime out of her salary to put away for a much needed new car. After all, she said to me, she’s just living, “like all her friends are.” After reviewing Amanda’s spending habits, I had a sneaking suspicion I knew what was eating a hole in her wallet – quite literally.

Mandy’s road to financial recovery started when I asked her to suggest a meeting spot for us to chat over dinner – she recommended one of her favorite restaurants and unwittingly put my my plan into action.

When I showed up at the posh Asian Fusion spot, (a.k.a. “Pricey Rice”) I picked up a menu and saw her car adding up in front of me.  Mandy was spending on meals what she should have been spending on wheels! Still, no one likes a lecture…

Amanda rattled off her order, which consisted of a $10 drink (she would have three before the night was over), a $12 appetizer and a $30 entrée.  Adding dessert and tip she would have just chewed through close to $100!  I decided it was time to dive into her pricey culinary habits and make my friend aware of her reality.

“So, this is your favorite place, huh?”

“Oh, definitely – this is THE place to hang on weekends.”

Amanda then proceeded to tell me that she dined at Pricey Rice, or a comparable restaurant, every Friday AND Saturday night!   Interesting…

She went on to tell me how she has absolutely NO WAY to get the car she needs – she lives paycheck to paycheck and sees no way to get ahead.  Her current car has about a year left before it heads to the junkyard and she cannot figure out how to save for a down payment on a new one in a year’s time – after all, she’s not expecting a raise!  She was about to say something else but then turned to a passing waiter and ordered another $10 drink.

“You know what I mean?” she said with tears in her eyes. “I just don’t know how I’ll ever do it.”

It was then I realized that my dear friend was having a total disconnect between her day-to-day life and her big picture goals. The good news for Amanda was that the answer was right in front of her – within the pages of Pricey Rice’s menu, if only her financial vision was good enough to see it.

I grabbed a handful of edamame and prayed my pal would hear me out…

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