West End Produce, which sells vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants as well as some breads and jams,etc., has found a new location! YEAH!!!
I was so dismayed when they closed the old location and hadn't heard if they had found a new location. Today we drove as we drove up Patterson Avenue heading towards Route 288, I noticed the new stand as we drove by.
The new location is still on Patterson Avenue (Route 6) but is about a mile or more further west on Patterson Avenue than the old stand, which was at Patterson and Gaskins . The new stand is on the south side of Patterson Avenue.
Living Frugal in Richmond VA: A blog on living green, frugal & simple in the Richmond Metro & Central VA area.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
COPING W/O INSURANCE
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/dealing-without-health-insurance-1.aspx
Bankrate's article gives advice on coping if you have no health insurance or have recently lost your insurance. You can also use the site to compare insurance plans and costs.
It has some ideas for the 47+ MILLION WORKING AMERICANS (shameful! just shameful!) who are un or underinsured. (Even with ACA.)
The state of medical insurance or lack thereof is the shame of America! We are the land of the free, the home of the brave and a country in which it seems many government & private concerns don't care if we live or die!
America is the only major 1st world, industrialized country that does not provide some sort of medical care and social safety net for ALL its citizens.
In America, you have to be rag-tag poor (esp. here in Virginia) to get help & then many people look down on you & think you are a lazy bum.
How can we purport to be a GREAT country if we treat a good portion of our citizens like beggars & instead, we reward greed?
America, our country is now reaping what we have sown in so many ways & unfortunately, the many are paying for the gross abuses of the few.
Bankrate's article gives advice on coping if you have no health insurance or have recently lost your insurance. You can also use the site to compare insurance plans and costs.
It has some ideas for the 47+ MILLION WORKING AMERICANS (shameful! just shameful!) who are un or underinsured. (Even with ACA.)
The state of medical insurance or lack thereof is the shame of America! We are the land of the free, the home of the brave and a country in which it seems many government & private concerns don't care if we live or die!
America is the only major 1st world, industrialized country that does not provide some sort of medical care and social safety net for ALL its citizens.
In America, you have to be rag-tag poor (esp. here in Virginia) to get help & then many people look down on you & think you are a lazy bum.
How can we purport to be a GREAT country if we treat a good portion of our citizens like beggars & instead, we reward greed?
America, our country is now reaping what we have sown in so many ways & unfortunately, the many are paying for the gross abuses of the few.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
FREE ONLINE CLASSES FROM GOODWILL
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
FREE ONLINE CLASSES FEATURING ACCREDITED INSTRUCTORS & CONTINUED LEARNING CREDITS & CERTIFICATES FROM GOODWILL.
The classes & skill levels are basic/beginner but I am sure many people could benefit from these classes. I could use the EXCEL classes myself.
The site even has some very basic Photoshop lessons!
FREE ONLINE CLASSES FEATURING ACCREDITED INSTRUCTORS & CONTINUED LEARNING CREDITS & CERTIFICATES FROM GOODWILL.
The classes & skill levels are basic/beginner but I am sure many people could benefit from these classes. I could use the EXCEL classes myself.
The site even has some very basic Photoshop lessons!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Shared Housing
Years ago there used to be lots of rooming houses and shared housing. I used to manage a rooming house in the Fan. This form of housing was extremely commonplace during the Great Depression and is still commonplace among new immigrants to the U.S.
Nowadays, however,it seems everybody and their blasted American brother feels they must own a McMansion for with enough space for three families, even though only a small family may actually reside in the place. A big part of the housing crisis stems from people buying over-priced McMansions and assuming more mortage than they could actually afford.
With the housing and mortage crisis and ever rising rents and utility costs and with the call for more sustainable living, perhaps it's time we revisited the concept of shared housing.
Shared housing has kept some people from foreclosure, others from homelessness.
Here's a link to a national effort for shared housing.
If you have a house with some extra rooms and need some more money or you are looking for a place to live, this might be a solution for you!
http://www.nationalsharedhousing.org/
Nowadays, however,it seems everybody and their blasted American brother feels they must own a McMansion for with enough space for three families, even though only a small family may actually reside in the place. A big part of the housing crisis stems from people buying over-priced McMansions and assuming more mortage than they could actually afford.
With the housing and mortage crisis and ever rising rents and utility costs and with the call for more sustainable living, perhaps it's time we revisited the concept of shared housing.
Shared housing has kept some people from foreclosure, others from homelessness.
Here's a link to a national effort for shared housing.
If you have a house with some extra rooms and need some more money or you are looking for a place to live, this might be a solution for you!
http://www.nationalsharedhousing.org/
Monday, December 29, 2008
WE THE SAVERS
In this uncertain economic time, being frugal is more important than ever.
Being a saver is part of the frugal lifestyle. Saving money allows us freedom from fear when unexpected expenses occur, allows us to buy things without going into debt and helps us secure a decent retirement and old age.
America used to be a nation of savers. No more! We are a nation of credit-crazy debtors, from the individual and family on Main Street to the head honchos on Wall Street and our own federal government.
The is no time like the present to start to reverse our fortunes, get out of debt and save, save, save!
It will take time, it will take courage and persistence but it can happen if we just start NOW! No amount is too little to start saving. Round up that change lurking between the couch cushions, save your change after purchases, pocket the savings from coupons and rebates. The more you do this, the easier it gets!
Go sign the pledge at We The Savers to get started.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Some frugal home remedies
Sometimes home remedies for your ailments work!
(In the interest of not getting sued, I am not a medical professional & don't claim that these remedies can diagnose or cure any illness or medical condition.)
Here are a few frugal remedies that I have personally found to be helpful:
~ Canned green beans for cold sores - At the first inkling of a cold sore eat canned green beans. Do not drain the beans and do not substitute frozen or fresh beans for canned. The cold sore will stop forming & if already started will be less serious & not last as long. Green beans work better than OTC remedies & as well as prescription remedies. Also, consider taking the amino acid Lysine, available at drugstores & health food stores.
~ Apples & apple juice for Fibromyalgia pain. I'm told it helps as much as many of the OTC & prescription remedies.
~ Artichokes for liver detoxification. Artichokes are a member of the Thistle family& contain the same liver detox herb, Silymarin, as the herbal preparation Milk Thistle. Two fresh, canned or frozen Artichokes twice weekly provide as much Silymarin as a daily 600 mg. Milk Thistle capsule.
~Magnesium for migraine headache prevention & to help prevent nighttime leg cramps. Potassium also helps the cramps. I've also heard that placing a silver spoon on the cramp or sleeping with a bar of Ivory soap under the calf of your leg can help.
~Vitamin E for leg cramps - It's the main thing that stopped my horrible leg cramps. A doctor recommended this to me.
~ If you get a cold take sub-lingual (under the tongue) Zinc Gluoccinate tablets. The Zinc shortens the duration & the intensity of the cold. Also, take a laxative & help flush the mucus out of your system & down the drain. And of course, there's always chicken soup!
~ Sambuccus (elderberries) To avoid or lessen the flu & other seasonal viruses such as colds.
~ For a stomach ache, take ginger ale or ginger tea or a piece of candied ginger. Ginger also helps nausea.
(In the interest of not getting sued, I am not a medical professional & don't claim that these remedies can diagnose or cure any illness or medical condition.)
Here are a few frugal remedies that I have personally found to be helpful:
~ Canned green beans for cold sores - At the first inkling of a cold sore eat canned green beans. Do not drain the beans and do not substitute frozen or fresh beans for canned. The cold sore will stop forming & if already started will be less serious & not last as long. Green beans work better than OTC remedies & as well as prescription remedies. Also, consider taking the amino acid Lysine, available at drugstores & health food stores.
~ Apples & apple juice for Fibromyalgia pain. I'm told it helps as much as many of the OTC & prescription remedies.
~ Artichokes for liver detoxification. Artichokes are a member of the Thistle family& contain the same liver detox herb, Silymarin, as the herbal preparation Milk Thistle. Two fresh, canned or frozen Artichokes twice weekly provide as much Silymarin as a daily 600 mg. Milk Thistle capsule.
~Magnesium for migraine headache prevention & to help prevent nighttime leg cramps. Potassium also helps the cramps. I've also heard that placing a silver spoon on the cramp or sleeping with a bar of Ivory soap under the calf of your leg can help.
~Vitamin E for leg cramps - It's the main thing that stopped my horrible leg cramps. A doctor recommended this to me.
~ If you get a cold take sub-lingual (under the tongue) Zinc Gluoccinate tablets. The Zinc shortens the duration & the intensity of the cold. Also, take a laxative & help flush the mucus out of your system & down the drain. And of course, there's always chicken soup!
~ Sambuccus (elderberries) To avoid or lessen the flu & other seasonal viruses such as colds.
~ For a stomach ache, take ginger ale or ginger tea or a piece of candied ginger. Ginger also helps nausea.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Special Help for Medical Bills in Virginia
If you are experiencing issues with health insurance, job retention, or debt crisis as related to your diagnosis of a chronic, life-threatening or debilitating disease, the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) may be able to help.
PAF operates many programs to assist with access to healthcare resources, one of which is the Virginia Cares Uninsured Program (VCUP).
VCUP provides case management assistance to uninsured Virginians diagnosed with a chronic, life-threatening or debilitating disease.
PAF also offers the Co-Pay Relief Program, which provides financial assistance to insured individuals who qualify medically and financially.
> Patient Advocate Foundation: 1-800-532-5274 > Co-Pay Relief Program: 1-866-512-3861
>This information came straight from the website of Virginia Department of Social Services, so I know it is both timely and accurate.
PAF operates many programs to assist with access to healthcare resources, one of which is the Virginia Cares Uninsured Program (VCUP).
VCUP provides case management assistance to uninsured Virginians diagnosed with a chronic, life-threatening or debilitating disease.
PAF also offers the Co-Pay Relief Program, which provides financial assistance to insured individuals who qualify medically and financially.
> Patient Advocate Foundation: 1-800-532-5274 > Co-Pay Relief Program: 1-866-512-3861
>This information came straight from the website of Virginia Department of Social Services, so I know it is both timely and accurate.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Country Market
Sometimes a short drive or day trip can yield some great finds:
Last Saturday afternoon, I went to the Country Food & Furniture Market on Midlothian Turnpike (US Route 60) in Flat Rock, VA. Flat Rock is between Midlothian and Powhatan, VA on Route 60.
The market is in a small strip shopping center, Powhatan Station, with a gas station, Henry's Texaco, on the south side of Midlothian Turnpike.This Mennonite run market features a deli that serves homemade sandwiches, salads and soups and a grocery that sells country-style cheeses, meats, Yoder Dairy milk, pastries, candies, various mixes and flours and herbs, spices and other seasonings. They sell homemade Whoopie Pies, which are the Pennsylvania Dutch version of the venerable southern Moon-Pie.
I bought some old-fashioned pop-it-yourself blue popcorn. It tastes so much better than the microwave stuff!The food is very fresh and is reasonably priced. As the store is Mennonite-run, it sells no alcohol and is never open on Sundays or Christian holidays.
A shop next door sells Mennonite hand-crafted furniture and crafts.
PHONE: 804-794-4454
Last Saturday afternoon, I went to the Country Food & Furniture Market on Midlothian Turnpike (US Route 60) in Flat Rock, VA. Flat Rock is between Midlothian and Powhatan, VA on Route 60.
The market is in a small strip shopping center, Powhatan Station, with a gas station, Henry's Texaco, on the south side of Midlothian Turnpike.This Mennonite run market features a deli that serves homemade sandwiches, salads and soups and a grocery that sells country-style cheeses, meats, Yoder Dairy milk, pastries, candies, various mixes and flours and herbs, spices and other seasonings. They sell homemade Whoopie Pies, which are the Pennsylvania Dutch version of the venerable southern Moon-Pie.
I bought some old-fashioned pop-it-yourself blue popcorn. It tastes so much better than the microwave stuff!The food is very fresh and is reasonably priced. As the store is Mennonite-run, it sells no alcohol and is never open on Sundays or Christian holidays.
A shop next door sells Mennonite hand-crafted furniture and crafts.
PHONE: 804-794-4454
Saturday, August 18, 2007
About posting comments on this blog:
I appreciate all your comments and ideas. However, I have one request for comment writers: please post your comments under the appropriate heading/area/post. Most of you have done this, but I occasionally find a comment under an unrelated post or heading. If you have any questions about where to post, just email me and I'll be glad to help. Your privacy will be respected.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Grocery & Other Coupons
Sometimes using coupons can save you lots of money; just be sure you are using the coupon for something you need anyway!
In the case of grocery coupons: Try to use your coupons on sales, on double-coupon days and on other discount days (such as senior discount days) to maximize their value. Check to see if using a coupon is your best deal or if buying a generic or store brand of the same item is a better deal.
Sometimes coupons can be the best deal, especially if you prefer the name-brand item.
Some places I've found coupons:
In the case of grocery coupons: Try to use your coupons on sales, on double-coupon days and on other discount days (such as senior discount days) to maximize their value. Check to see if using a coupon is your best deal or if buying a generic or store brand of the same item is a better deal.
Sometimes coupons can be the best deal, especially if you prefer the name-brand item.
Some places I've found coupons:
- www.valpak.com
- www.smartsource.com
- www.coolsavings.com
- In the Sunday newspaper and in mailers such as MoneyClip & Reach.
- Newspaper Websites
- Manufacturers and store websites.
- Email newsletters from manufacturers or stores.
- Back of packages & inserts in packages and on trial sizes
- Coupon dispensers on store shelves and flyers in stores.
- Coupon trading boxes in stores.
- Sign up for your local grocery's customer card. They will send you coupons or take coupons out of your grocery purchase receipt at the checkout.
- Check-out coupons at the grocery or drugstore and coupons on the back of your store receipt.
- Here's a site that thoroughly covers the topic of grocery coupon savings: http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/
- If you know of a great coupon source, please post in the comment section!
Discounts and Coupons, Etc.
It's possible to get discounts for various reasons:
- You are a senior citizen (age limit varies).
- You are a student.
- You are a kid under 12.
- You are disabled.
- You are a member of the armed forces or are a veteran.
- You work in law enforcement.
- You work in the medical area.
- You work for the federal, state or municipal government.
- From your employer.
- You are a member of AARP, AAA, VACU or various other organizations.
- You are a member of a certain church or temple.
- You are buying in bulk or as a group.
- And these are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head!
- Look around, Google and find other discounts.
- Please let us know by posting a comment on this blog!
Take Back Your Time Day!
Part of frugal, green living is simpler living; living that is not driven by workaholism (and that includes the endless unpaid drudge work of chores and household maintenance, as well a paid jobs,) hectic scheduling of classes, teams, religious meetings, whatever... Life ain't just about money, honey ;
How many people these days actually VACATE when they take a vacation, IF they take a vacation? How many people spend their vacation time catching up on household chores rather than traveling and visiting friends and family or going the the beach or mountains or a museum or a concert?
How many people spend that time preparing for their next work, their next class or such instead of indulging in recreation (RE-CREATION!) or a fun hobby or past time?
When, did we as a society, become such a nation of uninteresting, no-fun drudges??? WHY?
What happened to the ideals and leisure of the 60's? Why have we returned to our Puritan pasts?
Why with more labor saving devices than ever are we busier and working more ?
National Take Back Your Time Day (USA & CANADA) proposes some solutions.
Check them out!
While you are exploring this idea, also explore the idea of National Buy Nothing Day.
National Buy Nothing Day proposes that we sit out the national shop-a-thon frenzy of Retail Black Friday - the day after American Thanksgiving. Sure you can get great bargains on Black Friday, IF you get to the store in the middle-of-the-night and camp out in the cold and IF you are prepared to push & shove like a bunch of football holligans for merchandise that's probably already sold out and IF you are prepared to sacrifice precious holiday time away from your family and friends. And to me, friends, THAT'S NO BARGAIN! Besides, do you really need that super-duper wide-screen plasma TV, even if it is dirt cheap? If you must participate in such a frenzy, go online for Retail Black Monday and shop from the comfort of your home.
How many people these days actually VACATE when they take a vacation, IF they take a vacation? How many people spend their vacation time catching up on household chores rather than traveling and visiting friends and family or going the the beach or mountains or a museum or a concert?
How many people spend that time preparing for their next work, their next class or such instead of indulging in recreation (RE-CREATION!) or a fun hobby or past time?
When, did we as a society, become such a nation of uninteresting, no-fun drudges??? WHY?
What happened to the ideals and leisure of the 60's? Why have we returned to our Puritan pasts?
Why with more labor saving devices than ever are we busier and working more ?
National Take Back Your Time Day (USA & CANADA) proposes some solutions.
Check them out!
While you are exploring this idea, also explore the idea of National Buy Nothing Day.
National Buy Nothing Day proposes that we sit out the national shop-a-thon frenzy of Retail Black Friday - the day after American Thanksgiving. Sure you can get great bargains on Black Friday, IF you get to the store in the middle-of-the-night and camp out in the cold and IF you are prepared to push & shove like a bunch of football holligans for merchandise that's probably already sold out and IF you are prepared to sacrifice precious holiday time away from your family and friends. And to me, friends, THAT'S NO BARGAIN! Besides, do you really need that super-duper wide-screen plasma TV, even if it is dirt cheap? If you must participate in such a frenzy, go online for Retail Black Monday and shop from the comfort of your home.
Virginia Co-operative Extension Services
Virginia Co-operative Extension Services programs were designed with rural folk and farmers in mind, but their education site has tons of free information on gardening, health, money management and other topics that we city slickers can also use.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Target Shopping Strategies
I'm not usually a fan of big box discount retailers but I'm a fan of Target (even after the Target card hacking debacle!)
(Those in the know pronounce it Tar-jhay!)
Target has fashionable clothes,electronics & home accessories at reasonable prices. Some stores have groceries & pharmacies & dollar bins.
Some useful Target bargain hunting strategies can be found at Not Made of Money
I've found that clearances are towards the back of merchandise areas & on the back end shelves.
Target.com has a listing of weekly sale merchandise, discount coupons & merchandise and sales not available at a local brick-&-mortar Target store.
(Those in the know pronounce it Tar-jhay!)
Target has fashionable clothes,electronics & home accessories at reasonable prices. Some stores have groceries & pharmacies & dollar bins.
Some useful Target bargain hunting strategies can be found at Not Made of Money
I've found that clearances are towards the back of merchandise areas & on the back end shelves.
Target.com has a listing of weekly sale merchandise, discount coupons & merchandise and sales not available at a local brick-&-mortar Target store.
'TisThe Season for Local Produce !
It's almost summer & it's time for local produce!
Buying local produce is good for the local economy, usually good for your pocketbook & is a greener option than buying stuff shipped from another area. Fresh produce is yummy & a great addition to your healthy diet. Frugal, green, tasty & healthy; what's not to like?
During the colder seasons, most of these places close down except to sell Halloween & Thanksgiving pumpkins & Christmas trees.
I'm listing many, but not all local options for local produce.
I've shopped at all these markets & wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!
17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom:
100 N. 17th St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-0310
Thursday, May 3, 2007 through Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Saturday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Sunday Open Heirloom Market: 8:30am–2pm
Antiques, vintage & collectibles
Ashland Farmers Market:
On Duncan Street behind Town Hall (off Rt.54)
Saturdays May 5 - November 24
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
William Byrd House Community Market:
S. Linden St & Idlewood Ave ·
Downtown Expressway, I-195 South · Exit 186 (Belvidere St) ·
Next to Grace Arents Community Garden
Free Parking - Rain or Shine.
Tuesday,3:30 to 7 pm, May through October.
Goochland Rural Market:
Grace Episcopal Church -
2955 River Rd W, Goochland, VA
(Rt.6 or Patterson Ave./River Rd. extended)
Saturday May 5th through Sept. 1st - 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Labor Day through October 27th - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Pole Green Produce Stand
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
6547 Pole Green Road (Meadowbrook Road extended), Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-7732
Open April through Thanksgiving
(Weekends only April, October & November - Daily May-September)
Hanover Plant & Vegetable Farm
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices! Has a large greenhouse.
13580 Ashland Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
804-752-2334
Jim & Robins Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices in Henrico County
11120 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23233
804-754-0484
Cheryl's Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices
Rt 660 & Route 33(Staples Mill Rd.extended), Ashland,VA
804- 752-5846
Produce cart on Libbie Avenue just off Patterson Avenue:
During season a vendor sells fruit & vegetables at this location.
Hours: ?
Some links to listings of Virginia produce markets, wineries, pick-your-own-produce farms & food festivals:
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml
http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/index.html
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/organic/index.shtml
www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/pdf/frmsmkts.pdf
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml
Buying local produce is good for the local economy, usually good for your pocketbook & is a greener option than buying stuff shipped from another area. Fresh produce is yummy & a great addition to your healthy diet. Frugal, green, tasty & healthy; what's not to like?
During the colder seasons, most of these places close down except to sell Halloween & Thanksgiving pumpkins & Christmas trees.
I'm listing many, but not all local options for local produce.
I've shopped at all these markets & wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!
17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom:
100 N. 17th St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-0310
Thursday, May 3, 2007 through Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Saturday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Sunday Open Heirloom Market: 8:30am–2pm
Antiques, vintage & collectibles
Ashland Farmers Market:
On Duncan Street behind Town Hall (off Rt.54)
Saturdays May 5 - November 24
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
William Byrd House Community Market:
S. Linden St & Idlewood Ave ·
Downtown Expressway, I-195 South · Exit 186 (Belvidere St) ·
Next to Grace Arents Community Garden
Free Parking - Rain or Shine.
Tuesday,3:30 to 7 pm, May through October.
Goochland Rural Market:
Grace Episcopal Church -
2955 River Rd W, Goochland, VA
(Rt.6 or Patterson Ave./River Rd. extended)
Saturday May 5th through Sept. 1st - 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Labor Day through October 27th - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Pole Green Produce Stand
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
6547 Pole Green Road (Meadowbrook Road extended), Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-7732
Open April through Thanksgiving
(Weekends only April, October & November - Daily May-September)
Hanover Plant & Vegetable Farm
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices! Has a large greenhouse.
13580 Ashland Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
804-752-2334
Jim & Robins Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices in Henrico County
11120 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23233
804-754-0484
Cheryl's Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices
Rt 660 & Route 33(Staples Mill Rd.extended), Ashland,VA
804- 752-5846
Produce cart on Libbie Avenue just off Patterson Avenue:
During season a vendor sells fruit & vegetables at this location.
Hours: ?
Some links to listings of Virginia produce markets, wineries, pick-your-own-produce farms & food festivals:
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml
http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/index.html
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/organic/index.shtml
www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/pdf/frmsmkts.pdf
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Second Debut
I've not yet shopped at Second Debut, the new Goodwill in Carytown.
Their ad in Style Weekly says the store stocks fashions, home furnishing and accents.
What I don't know is if the merchandise has typically low Goodwill thrift store prices or if it is considered a 'boutique' store because of its location in expensive, trendy Carytown.
This thrift shop connoisseur is going to check it out a.s.a.p.
Please post comments if you have any opinions on the store.
UPDATE: I have been here and found a very nice leather belt for $5.00. I do find the prices a tad high (more like consignment) but they do have nice merchandise. My biggest beef is that it is hard to find anything decent at this store for anyone larger than a size 10 or 12.Goodwill Second Debut
3114 W. Cary Street
Phone: 254-7623
HOURS: Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Their ad in Style Weekly says the store stocks fashions, home furnishing and accents.
What I don't know is if the merchandise has typically low Goodwill thrift store prices or if it is considered a 'boutique' store because of its location in expensive, trendy Carytown.
This thrift shop connoisseur is going to check it out a.s.a.p.
Please post comments if you have any opinions on the store.
UPDATE: I have been here and found a very nice leather belt for $5.00. I do find the prices a tad high (more like consignment) but they do have nice merchandise. My biggest beef is that it is hard to find anything decent at this store for anyone larger than a size 10 or 12.Goodwill Second Debut
3114 W. Cary Street
Phone: 254-7623
HOURS: Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Some thoughts on frugality...
I hear various people complaining that they have trouble making ends meet. But when I listen further, I find that these people invariably have unnecessary, and often foolish expenses that are using up their paychecks.
(Before I get rude comments: I know people have unforeseen expenses such as medical bills, car repairs or a sudden loss of income. I know some people make peanuts and any normal expense is a stretch for them. That's not the people I am writing about here.)
Do you really NEED cable or satellite TV services or if you live in an area that won't receive tv without a dish, do you need the premium service? Do you need the fanciest cellphone and cell service plan? Do you smoke? Are you driving a gas guzzler and/or high-end car when you could drive an economy vehicle or take public transit? How about that daily latte at the coffee shop?
Think about these things!
Take smoking: Smoking wrecks your health and appearance. Your medical and dental bills go up, your insurance rates rise and you will lose your looks earlier and need fancy face creams sooner than a non-smoker.
Smokers: I must tell you this: your breath and clothes/hair/house stink! They reek! The awful stench alone should get you to stop smoking but maybe your sense of smell is diminished by your damn stinky coffin nails.
These days cigarettes retail for around $4.00 per pack (or a tad less if buy the bargain brand by the carton at an outlet or Costco.)
Say you smoke even one pack a day:
That's 4 x 365 or $1,460 a year up in smoke and eating up your lungs! If you smoke TWO packs a day, you spent around $2920 !!!
If you put that same amount in a high-yield savings account or invested it, you would be earning money and have a tidy sum.
When you are fretting about making ends meet, think of stopping the frivolous expenses. I'm not saying you should be a skinflint and deny yourself every pleasure ( I am not like that!), but when you get rid of the bloated expenses, you have more room for the fun stuff and can put the money saved towards your life dreams.
(Before I get rude comments: I know people have unforeseen expenses such as medical bills, car repairs or a sudden loss of income. I know some people make peanuts and any normal expense is a stretch for them. That's not the people I am writing about here.)
Do you really NEED cable or satellite TV services or if you live in an area that won't receive tv without a dish, do you need the premium service? Do you need the fanciest cellphone and cell service plan? Do you smoke? Are you driving a gas guzzler and/or high-end car when you could drive an economy vehicle or take public transit? How about that daily latte at the coffee shop?
Think about these things!
Take smoking: Smoking wrecks your health and appearance. Your medical and dental bills go up, your insurance rates rise and you will lose your looks earlier and need fancy face creams sooner than a non-smoker.
Smokers: I must tell you this: your breath and clothes/hair/house stink! They reek! The awful stench alone should get you to stop smoking but maybe your sense of smell is diminished by your damn stinky coffin nails.
These days cigarettes retail for around $4.00 per pack (or a tad less if buy the bargain brand by the carton at an outlet or Costco.)
Say you smoke even one pack a day:
That's 4 x 365 or $1,460 a year up in smoke and eating up your lungs! If you smoke TWO packs a day, you spent around $2920 !!!
If you put that same amount in a high-yield savings account or invested it, you would be earning money and have a tidy sum.
When you are fretting about making ends meet, think of stopping the frivolous expenses. I'm not saying you should be a skinflint and deny yourself every pleasure ( I am not like that!), but when you get rid of the bloated expenses, you have more room for the fun stuff and can put the money saved towards your life dreams.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Frugal Idea
Part of frugal living is wise use of money.
Here is a site that helps protect consumers against Internet fraud from too good to be true deals.
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/
Here is a site that helps protect consumers against Internet fraud from too good to be true deals.
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Cheap ethnic food
You can get certain foods much cheaper at ethnic groceries than at your local grocery or discount store. (An exception to this is that sometimes Big!Lots and Dollar General have discount Hispanic and/or Asian foods.) You can also find foods at the ethnic groceries that you probably will never find in a regular grocery, especially outside of sophisticated large cities.
~One the best Asian stores I've shopped is TAN-A Supermarket at Horsepen and West Broad Streets. TAN-A carries exotic produce, teas, sauces, meats and seafoods, frozen goods and some kitchenware and sundries for very good prices.
Avoid TAN-A on Sundays! Sunday is a mob scene at TAN-A.
*TAN-A
6221 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230
285-3569
~A near-by store is Far East Market, which is on Rigsby Road, just off Horsepen Road, one block from West Broad Street. At Far East, You can get fresh tofu for four cakes for $1.25 or a reusable plastic tub of 10 cakes for $3.25. What a bargain! Even on sale, fresh tofu rarely sells for less than $1.00 a cake! Tofu is healthy food and at this price, is dirt cheap healthy food!
*Far East
6317 Rigsby Rd
Richmond, VA 23226
288-9518~There are a couple of other Asian markets, several restaurants, Pho shops and an Asian bakery in that neighborhood.
*Tam Phat Market
6316 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA 23226282-1144*Asian & Oriental Food Store
6322 Rigsby Road, Richmond, VA 23226
282-6677
Shop around at your local Asian markets. Not every store carries the same merchandise and prices for similar items can vary store-to-store in the same neighborhood.
~With the influx of immigrants (legal and illegal) from Latin America, Hispanic markets or mercados/bodegas are popping up all over Virginia. Nowadays you can buy standard Latino products such as tortillas and masa harina at your local grocery cheaper than at the Latino specialty stores, but the Latino stores carry many products that the big chains will probably never carry.
The largest one that I've shopped, Tu Rincon Latin, is on West Broad Street about one block east of Horsepen Road. The mercado carries Hispanic foods, housewares and deli items. Shop here for plaintains, Mexican chocolate, queso blanco and other Latin goodies.
*TU Rincon Latino
6003 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 285-5850
Here are three tiny bodegas that sell some tasty treats:
*Bodega Latina
9020 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA 23229
(741-5800*Bodega Latina
12343 Gayton, Richmond, VA 23238
523-4995*Bodega Latina Llc
9042 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
747-0060
~The Richmond Farmer's Market sponsors a monthly 'Mercado' several months a year. The Saturday night Mercado features Latin music, dancing, foods, groceries and hand-crafts.
~Other available ethnic markets are Indian/Pakistani, Middle Eastern,African and Russian. Although I've not patronized many of the stores, Southside is full of Latin markets and boasts a couple of Asian markets as well.
~The European Deli on West Broad Street and features a deli and Russian and other Eastern European canned and baked goods, meats, cheeses, beers and hand-crafts. Not particularly cheap but they carry food and items almost impossible to find elsewhere.
*Royal Europe Delicatessen
9026 West Broad St
Richmond, VA346-8878~Three Middle-Eastern stores come to mind:
Danny's Grill is a small deli and carry-out with canned and deli counter foods. Very inexpensive & the deli food is scrumptious.
*Dannys Grill
8905 Patterson Ave
Richmond, VA
741-5761
2M is a tiny shop with friendly service, great food and canned goods. They have a frequent customer and customer referral discount program!
*2M Mediterranean Market & Deli
Dumbarton Square Shopping Center
7103 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, VA 23228
262-9950
I haven't been to MB&D since its re-opening on Quioccasin Road but previous visits found superb food and baked goods. Best variety of Mediterranean foods in the area. They have a drive-thru window. The website is well-designed and includes some great recipes.
*Mediterranean Bakery &Deli
9004 Quioccasin Rd.
Richmond, VA754-8895
www.mediterraneanbakeryanddeli.net
~ A selection of Indian/Pakistani stores:
*India Foods & Flavor Inc
2745 Hungary Spring Road, Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 346-8678
*Indo Pak Grocery Store
8101 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
346-4692
*Shreeji Supermarket
2757 Hungary Spring, Richmond, VA 23294
747-7454
*Shreenali Spices
8410 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228
(804) 266-4088 ngary Spring, Richmond, VA 23294
~An African market and variety store near VCU:
*African House
902 W Grace St
Richmond, VA 23220
355-6315
Halal Market on North Meadow Street at West Broad Street.
I've only seen this market from the bus and don't know the days or hours or phone/exact address, but I can safely assume the market is closed on Friday evenings through Saturday. A Halal market is a Muslim market that has been blessed by an Imam/cleric and is similar in concept to a Jewish Kosher market.
~One the best Asian stores I've shopped is TAN-A Supermarket at Horsepen and West Broad Streets. TAN-A carries exotic produce, teas, sauces, meats and seafoods, frozen goods and some kitchenware and sundries for very good prices.
Avoid TAN-A on Sundays! Sunday is a mob scene at TAN-A.
*TAN-A
6221 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230
285-3569
~A near-by store is Far East Market, which is on Rigsby Road, just off Horsepen Road, one block from West Broad Street. At Far East, You can get fresh tofu for four cakes for $1.25 or a reusable plastic tub of 10 cakes for $3.25. What a bargain! Even on sale, fresh tofu rarely sells for less than $1.00 a cake! Tofu is healthy food and at this price, is dirt cheap healthy food!
*Far East
6317 Rigsby Rd
Richmond, VA 23226
288-9518~There are a couple of other Asian markets, several restaurants, Pho shops and an Asian bakery in that neighborhood.
*Tam Phat Market
6316 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA 23226282-1144*Asian & Oriental Food Store
6322 Rigsby Road, Richmond, VA 23226
282-6677
Shop around at your local Asian markets. Not every store carries the same merchandise and prices for similar items can vary store-to-store in the same neighborhood.
~With the influx of immigrants (legal and illegal) from Latin America, Hispanic markets or mercados/bodegas are popping up all over Virginia. Nowadays you can buy standard Latino products such as tortillas and masa harina at your local grocery cheaper than at the Latino specialty stores, but the Latino stores carry many products that the big chains will probably never carry.
The largest one that I've shopped, Tu Rincon Latin, is on West Broad Street about one block east of Horsepen Road. The mercado carries Hispanic foods, housewares and deli items. Shop here for plaintains, Mexican chocolate, queso blanco and other Latin goodies.
*TU Rincon Latino
6003 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 285-5850
Here are three tiny bodegas that sell some tasty treats:
*Bodega Latina
9020 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA 23229
(741-5800*Bodega Latina
12343 Gayton, Richmond, VA 23238
523-4995*Bodega Latina Llc
9042 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
747-0060
~The Richmond Farmer's Market sponsors a monthly 'Mercado' several months a year. The Saturday night Mercado features Latin music, dancing, foods, groceries and hand-crafts.
~Other available ethnic markets are Indian/Pakistani, Middle Eastern,African and Russian. Although I've not patronized many of the stores, Southside is full of Latin markets and boasts a couple of Asian markets as well.
~The European Deli on West Broad Street and features a deli and Russian and other Eastern European canned and baked goods, meats, cheeses, beers and hand-crafts. Not particularly cheap but they carry food and items almost impossible to find elsewhere.
*Royal Europe Delicatessen
9026 West Broad St
Richmond, VA346-8878~Three Middle-Eastern stores come to mind:
Danny's Grill is a small deli and carry-out with canned and deli counter foods. Very inexpensive & the deli food is scrumptious.
*Dannys Grill
8905 Patterson Ave
Richmond, VA
741-5761
2M is a tiny shop with friendly service, great food and canned goods. They have a frequent customer and customer referral discount program!
*2M Mediterranean Market & Deli
Dumbarton Square Shopping Center
7103 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, VA 23228
262-9950
I haven't been to MB&D since its re-opening on Quioccasin Road but previous visits found superb food and baked goods. Best variety of Mediterranean foods in the area. They have a drive-thru window. The website is well-designed and includes some great recipes.
*Mediterranean Bakery &Deli
9004 Quioccasin Rd.
Richmond, VA754-8895
www.mediterraneanbakeryanddeli.net
~ A selection of Indian/Pakistani stores:
*India Foods & Flavor Inc
2745 Hungary Spring Road, Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 346-8678
*Indo Pak Grocery Store
8101 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
346-4692
*Shreeji Supermarket
2757 Hungary Spring, Richmond, VA 23294
747-7454
*Shreenali Spices
8410 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228
(804) 266-4088 ngary Spring, Richmond, VA 23294
~An African market and variety store near VCU:
*African House
902 W Grace St
Richmond, VA 23220
355-6315
Halal Market on North Meadow Street at West Broad Street.
I've only seen this market from the bus and don't know the days or hours or phone/exact address, but I can safely assume the market is closed on Friday evenings through Saturday. A Halal market is a Muslim market that has been blessed by an Imam/cleric and is similar in concept to a Jewish Kosher market.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Various discounts
Did you know that if you are a senior citizen (beginning age limit varies,) a member of the military or law enforcement, a state or federal employee or various other catagories, you may qualify for discounts and special rates at businesses?
Many businesses give AARP and/or AAA discounts.
For example, Kroger grocers gives a 5% discount to people over 55 on Tuesdays.
Local Goodwills give an over 55 discount on Sundays.
St. Mary's Golden Opportunity Shop gives an over 55 discount on Mondays.
NOTICE: GOODWILL discontinued all of its employee, senior, student, handicapped and military discounts as of August, 2006. Seems all the discounts were cutting into the profits that pay for its programs that benefit disabled and disadvantaged people. Since I only know one person besides me who knew of the discounts, I figure Goodwill employees must have been buying large quantities on discount or else like the Public Library sales, dealers come in on discount days and buy up quantites to resell on EBAY or in their second hand shops. What a shame. A few greedy sorts spoil the extra discounts for everyone. But since Goodwill is generally pretty cheap anyway, I will continue to patronize them.
And they do a good service for the community, so I hope discontinuing the extra discounts really does make a substantial difference in their bottom line.
Many businesses give AARP and/or AAA discounts.
For example, Kroger grocers gives a 5% discount to people over 55 on Tuesdays.
Local Goodwills give an over 55 discount on Sundays.
St. Mary's Golden Opportunity Shop gives an over 55 discount on Mondays.
NOTICE: GOODWILL discontinued all of its employee, senior, student, handicapped and military discounts as of August, 2006. Seems all the discounts were cutting into the profits that pay for its programs that benefit disabled and disadvantaged people. Since I only know one person besides me who knew of the discounts, I figure Goodwill employees must have been buying large quantities on discount or else like the Public Library sales, dealers come in on discount days and buy up quantites to resell on EBAY or in their second hand shops. What a shame. A few greedy sorts spoil the extra discounts for everyone. But since Goodwill is generally pretty cheap anyway, I will continue to patronize them.
And they do a good service for the community, so I hope discontinuing the extra discounts really does make a substantial difference in their bottom line.
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