On the receiving end of Pay it Forward

Since our front page spread about "the Black Pants Project" appeared in yesterday's Valley Independent my phone has been ringing off the hook! Apparently this program has struck a chord and the outpouring of support has been tremendous. The most surreal encounter today came from a client that I worked with while employed with a drug and alcohol rehab center about 11 years ago. He called to tell me that he wanted to make a cash donation to the project because he remembered how much I helped him way back when and he wanted to pay the favor forward. I was shocked, stunned and humbled. For those of you who know anything about addictions treatment, us counselors are usually the "bad guys" because we confront clients with things that they really don't want to hear...it's tough love at the time...the means justify the ends. We used to joke around and say that if a client liked us then we must not be doing our job! So when I heard that this client was doing well, living a full life, and wanted to give back to the community, I can honestly say that was the best gift that I've gotten in a long time. How blessed I am to do be able to do this work! For a link to the full article about the project, please click here!

Target Walnut Bar Stools

Attention Goodwill Shoppers! The Belle Vernon Goodwill store has this set of 30 inch barstools in the back of the store for only $10 each! I was just there and they are in mint condition. The leather tops are covered in plastic, so they are in brand new condition. The are even put together already...BONUS! Go get em, tiger! These retail for $99 for the set!

Food or fuel?

With the price of fuel rising exponentially every day, families are forced to make hard choices in their daily lives. Some are cutting back on groceries, after-school activities for their children, and traveling to church. Not only are fuel costs rising, but the price of groceries due to fuel increases are steadily on the rise as well. In a discussion with my friend Stacey today she shared a tip with me that may help all of you stretch that dollar a little farther in such tough times. Every week she scours the grocery store sale fliers and circles what she needs on the flier that has the best price. She then heads to our local Walmart that will price match every item as long as you have that sale flier with you and it is current. Stacey reports she has saved hundreds of dollars this way and recommends this tip for everyone who is tempted to zig-zag between many stores to get the best deal. Considering the price of fuel, this makes good money saving sense on two levels...less travel and the cheapest prices. Good luck and hang in there! Hopefully this gas crisis will end very soon!

Thanks Stacey!!!

Gifts from your garden

My husband spent the weekend getting our garden plot ready for our much anticipated garden. Yesterday he planted fresh lettuce and tonight he will plant red and white onions. I'm so excited! He plants, I pick and consume...yum! With Mother's Day quickly approaching, a great gift idea that keeps on giving is an assortment of fresh veggie or herb plants. Depending on your Mom, you'll know what would be welcome and manageable. My mom loves fresh basil so I plan on buying a small basil plant at Lowe's and transplanting it into a nice decorative pot that she can keep on her sun porch. By the end of the season she uses the basil to make fresh homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch...I can taste it right now! Yesterday I paid $3 for three tomotoes...I'll be buying some plants later in the summer as well! Tomato plants make a great gift idea, too. But I'll save the tomato plant gift idea for Father's Day since fickle Pittsburgh weather often postpones the planting season for warm weather dependent plants . Summer can't get here fast enough! Now if I can just get through allergy season I'll be good to go...sniff, sniff:)

It's not easy being green...

Are you motivated to go green? If not, what is holding you back? Oprah said it best today during her show on green living. She basically said that the buzz words "going green" are as popular today as the buzz words "no carbs" were ten years ago. I believe that we can all return to a simpler and more economical way of living if we just make a few small changes in our daily routine that can potentially make a big difference for our children and grandchildren. Change is difficult, but when you find the right motivation, it won't matter why you chose to "go green" but more importantly that you chose to do something. No lie...my motivations are both financial and environmental. Here are my favorite top five ways to go green, save money and do great things with money saved:

1. Make the switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs: CFLs are now readily available at about $2.00 each. A bit more expensive on the front end, but they also last up to ten times longer than regular bulbs. That means that the average CFL bulb will save $30 in energy costs over the course of its life.
2. Clean or replace your air conditioning filter: An air conditioner with a clogged filter has to work harder, which means higher power bills. Running clean, you can save up to $150 each year.
3. Unplug idle appliances and electronic devices: Just because the appliance is not on doesn't mean it's not drawing energy. The average household can save up to several hundred dollars a year just by pulling the plug on idle tv's, computers, appliances, and recreational electronics.
4. Adjust fridge and freezer temps: Refridgerators eat up the most electricity in the home. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37 degrees Fahrenheit and Freezer at zero degrees.
5. Recycle your clothes: Meet monthly with girlfriends and host a clothing swap! Did you know the average American throws away 68 pounds of clothing per year? Have a heart for philanthropy? Donate your career-wear to the Black Pants Project

I think we all can afford to make a few small changes to improve our earth and our own well-being as well. If you only do one thing be proud that you are doing something and keep the good kharma going! Good luck and Happy Earth Day!

What should I wear today?

Imagine not having to make this decision day in and day out. How easy would life be if we could plan our wardrobe days or months in advance? Alex Martin did it successfully for an entire year. What's her big secret? Hold on to your socks...she wore the same little brown dress every day for an entire year!

Inspired to live a simpler and greener life, Alex chronicled her experience and success on her weblog at www.littlebrowndress.com. Read her story and you may be inspired to rethink your wardrobe woes once and for all. In honor of Earth Day 2008, her message is one that all of us bargain divas can use to improve our own lives and our environment as well.

Reading Alex's story has inspired me to refine our clothing ministry project at the Schooner Youth Center to include "The Black Pants Project." Imagine how many women we can dress for work with donations of black pants! We all know that black pants are a wardrobe staple and can be dressed up or down for the occasion. They are also very expensive, especially ones that you hope will last for more than one season! What better way to give ladies a leg-up (no pun intended) before they enter the workforce? Thank's Alex for the great idea!

Too bad I didn't know this info a few years ago..Buying clothing for my first job actually started my downward spiral into credit card debt. Hopefully we can help other women avoid this pitfall as well! I will keep you posted!

Discount Designer Website

I stumbled upon a new website today that will have all jean freaks like me seeing stars! It's called drjays.com and they specialize in urbanwear at discount prices. If you click on the women's tab, you will a laundry list of designers to choose from. Of course I recommend you check their sale page first! Everything from Diesel to True Religion...sigh...denim heaven! Click here to check out their sale page!
PS...this is NOT a sponsored post:)

My Unpopular Opinion...

After dinner tonight with my seventy-something parents, I realized how unpopular I must be with the boomer generation. I've spent most of my life advocating for youth and genuinely believe that they are a major solution to most of our problems. Of course my parents believe the opposite...stating youth, of course, create all of our problems :) Unlike most conservative Christians in my small community, I think broadly, creatively and optimistically about our future. Yes, I see the problems, but my brain is always looking to solutions. I am proud and convicted when I say I believe that engaging youth in our civic process will help us solve the majority of our problems and create new vitality in our communities. An idealist would believe that this will all happen tomorrow, but the realist and Christian in me knows this will take a lot of time, mentoring, and assertion. I hope I live to see the day when the seasoned politician and bright-eyed college student can work collaboratively together and make REAL change happen. Perhaps our youngest congress or President will all be elected by 2020...all under the age of 40. I just makes sense and I can see it clear as day. Let's all chip in and do our part to encourage our youth to make a difference and help them make things happen in your community. It's really amazing what kids can do if you just invite them into the process. Let's all be part of the solution by allowing a new generation to give real change a shot! At this point, what more do we really have to lose?

Visit The Gift Therapist on Ebay

Good news everyone! I will be posting eBay items that I am currently selling. Most of the future items will be purses, jewelry and accessories, but you never know what will land on this page. Every day I seem to find a new treasure so I thought I would share the love with all of you, too! I'm going to try to list at least one auction per week for now and many more as we get closer to the holiday season. If there are certain things that you are looking for or would like me to list, just let me know. I'll keep my eyes peeled while out and about for you!

This week we have a fantastic evening bag from Betsey Johnson. The picture really does not do it justice! Opening bid is only $9.99! Let the fun begin!

Every season must end...

I am horrible with saying goodbye. I actually avoid it at all costs, especially when I get attached to someone. This time of year I have to buck up and say goodbye to a group of faithful interns who have been working with me and the Schooner Youth Center since September of 2007. They work for an organization called GreaterWorks and devote one year of their lives to community service missions throughout the US and Mexico. Monessen is blessed to be one of their target communities and I am blessed to be inspired by their youth and selflessness on a daily basis for 8 months out of the year. Next week marks and end to their stint in Monessen and I'm very sad to see them go. I'm ashamed to say that I avoided an appreciation dinner that they hosted today because of my own adversion to saying goodbye...it's too soon!!! I promise to send them off appropriately, in private when that day comes, but until then, here's a tribute that basically says everything that I know I won't be able to say when they pull out to go home...LOVE YOU, GUYS!!!!

Addicted to shopping?

Let's face it...we all have our vices. Shopping was definitely an addiction for me until I took a close look at my behavior and realized things had to change. I was in debt, could not pay my credit cards, and just lost my job. Reality slapped me in the face. So how do you know when shopping is a problem? Simply put, like any other addiction, you know you have a problem when you continue the problem behavior despite the negative consequences of that behavior. If you are spending more than you can afford, compulsively buying to fill a void in your life, or if people closest to you confront you on your behavior, you may just need to take a look at your behavior. (Did I mention that I have a master's degree in counseling?) After years of working with families struggling with various addictions, I applied the techniques that I was teaching families to my own situation because I knew that I needed help. If you need help with a shopping addiction, I strongly urge you to seek professional help somewhere in your community before the problem snowballs out of control...and it will if you continue to remain in denial of the problem. My message is to shop responsibly so that you may enhance your relationships with yourself and others, but by no means to sacrifice or destroy the love and relationships that surround you every day. Giving from the heart does not always come with a price tag from a discount department store. Taking care of yourself and those closest to you is the best gift you can give...period!

Working Women's Closet Opening Soon!

Hello Fellow Shopaholics! The Schooner Youth Center is proud to announce a new program that will help low-income women and girls gain entry into the workforce by providing them with gently used and new career wear that is necessary to make a great impression for job interviews and new employment opportunities. If you have appropriate clothing that you would like to donate to this project, please visit us at the Schooner Youth Center next week and drop off your donations! We look to have our grand opening in late summer or early fall, so please keep the clothing coming each time you clean out your closet! Donated clothing should be:

* Cleaned and pressed
* New or gently used
* In style or a classic cut
* Blouses, pants, skirts, raincoats, and business like attire is welcome
* Ladies and teen formal wear will be accepted as well for those special occasions that require a formal outfit.

When: Saturday, April 26th from 12-3pm and Sunday, April 27th from 2-4pm.
Please park in the free lot behind the Schooner Youth Center and deliver your donations to the Gymnasium area. Receipts will be provided upon request.

Thanks and Blessings! Please help us spread the word!
Jennifer Melnick Carota
Executive Director
The Schooner Youth Center
701 Schoonmaker Avenue
Monessen, PA 15062

Great Gift for Mom's

I am a very big fan of the Entertainment Book. Even if I only use one or two of the coupons inside, I certainly get my money's worth! Right now you can get the 2008 Entertainment book for only $15 with FREE SHIPPING!!!! Buy one for your mom, or best friend who's a mom, or co-worker who is a mom...well, you get the idea! The savings are incredible. Just for the car wash and dry cleaning coupons it's definitely worth it! Good luck and happy shoppping!

Jewelry Clearance at Gabriel Brothers

FYI: The Belle Vernon Gabriel Brother's store is having a huge costume jewelry clearance in the back of the store with their other clearance items. Trifarri, Villager and 1928 jewelry is all marked down to $1 and they have a lot of it! They also have some very pretty inspirational bracelets that would make perfect mother's day or birthday gifts for only $3. Two different styles are available in light green or light blue stones...perfect for spring and summer! Be sure to check out their summer bags, too! They have a very nice selection right now. Who couldn't use a brand new purse? Think gift! Oh...and where else can you find a pair of designer sunglasses for only $2.99? Stock up new styles now!

A Watched Pot Never Boils...How to Make Pasta in the Microwave!

While strolling through Big Lots today, I gasped and scooped up four boxes of Barilla mini-penne pasta for 90 cents each. I swear I could eat pasta every day and not because it's cheap! Pasta is very versatile and when eaten in moderation, a great source of energy when accompanied with a protein dish of choice. Because I'm all about SIMPLE and have a touch of ADD, a years ago I discovered a no-fail way to cook pasta in the microwave. I always hated to wait for the water to come to a boil on the stove, then worry about it boiling over when I walked over to do something else, so this method suits my quirky personality to a T! And because you can't overcook Barilla pasta, this method will work every time even if you do leave it in the microwave a little longer than you anticipated! Here are the three super easy steps:
1. In a large microwave safe bowl (I use a corning bowl, never plastic) place desired amount of pasta and fill with with warm water. If you are using linguinni or angel hair pasta, break in half to fit inside the bottom of the bowl. Make sure water level is at least 2 inches above the dried the pasta because, of course, it will expand while cooking.
2. Add one teaspoon of salt and stir.
3. Cook uncovered in the microwave for ten minutes. Stir and cook for 5-10 minutes longer depending on the wattage of your microwave. My micowave is starting to poop out so I need to cook mine for about 18 minutes. Yours may take more or less. Remember, you are using Barilla so you can't really overcook it! Now drain pasta and add your favorite sauce! DONE!
While the pasta is cooking, whip up a salad, throw a steak on the grill, call a friend, take a shower:) You've got 20 minutes to multi-task without worry!

Here are some of my favorite combinations that I throw in with penne or bow-tie pasta for a classy and affordable side-dish:
* Chopped Italian artichokes (in a jar with marinade) with a sprinkling of Romano Cheese. This is wonderful hot or cold!
* Chopped sundried tomatoes and crumbled bacon
* Thawed frozen spinach, garlic, and fresh mushrooms with a splash of extra virgin olive oil
* Sliced or chopped roasted red peppers (drained from a jar), garlic and parmesean cheese.
* Ricotta cheese with a few teaspoons of Red Hot sauce. This is especially wonderful with grilled steaks or chicken for a spicy kick!

Remember to try brands that you can find at your local dollar store! And Aldi's is a great alternative to the high prices on cheese and condiments found at the larger chains. Shop cheap first...go retail later! Good luck and enjoy!

Dollar Store Dining

They beat me to the punch! This is awesome! Enjoy!

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=7391823

Shop Smart GIVE MORE Available on Amazon! It's Official...Finally!

Well folks, after three months of red tape and revisions, Shop Smart GIVE MORE is finally up for sale online at Amazon and Target! They haven't uploaded the cover art yet, but just seeing my book listed on these sites finally makes me feel that all the hard work finally paid off...I have arrived! Although I still intend on selling books out of the trunk of my car, it's nice to know that the Shop Smart GIVE MORE message will now be exposed to a nationwide audience. Six months ago, I had no idea that I would be writing a book. Thanks to the encouragement of friends and strangers, I sit here now sharing my joy with all of you. They say everyone has a book inside of them...why not begin yours? If I can do it, you can too! There is no better feeling than holding that finished product in your hands and being able to share it with the world. So what are you waiting for?

Peeble's Grand Opening

I knew before I left the house that Peeble's was going to be packed today. But the shopper in me couldn't resist! So I picked up my mom promptly at 9:30am and we were on our way. I must admit, I had high expectations so this trip was well worth the wait. My first impression was that the store was bright and very organized. Although you could barely maneuver the racks for the crowd, the merchandise was displayed nicely and I was impressed with their ladies selections. The prices were really no different than the major department stores. I guess I was expecting more of a TJ Maxx type store, but instead the store was more akin to a smaller scale Boscov's. The store itself is pretty small, and they carry clothing for every age and size, therefore, don't expect a wide range of styles to choose from. The majority of clothing is dressy sportswear and casual attire for ladies. My husband will be pleased with the dress pants, shirts and ties for men, but nothing on the career line for women just yet. I found the best bargains, of course, on the clearance racks. The fall/winter merchandise is 70% plus and additional 40% then at check out an additional 15% with the grand opening coupon. For $46 I bought a Calvin Klein jammie set, Liz jammie pants, Liz cargo pants, a sporty Rafealla trench coat, and two casual shirts for my husband. Not too shabby! Come on down and check it out! You just may find what you are looking for!

Bargain Diva's of SWPA

The weather cooperated with us today making our "Spring Fling" a complete success! Having such a small group really worked to our benefit this time around. Turns out that most of us have worked in the human services and education fields making conversation both ample and easy for us! If the group should grow, that's great! If it doesn't, that's OK, too! I met new four new friends today that made me laugh,smile, think and shop. PERFECT DAY!

Our next shopping tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th at the Waterfront in Homestead, PA. We will meet at Rock Bottom for lunch at 11am and hit all of our favorite stores on our own. If you would like to join our group or like to find out more information about us, please visit our page at http://bargainhunters.meetup.com/66/
We'd love to meet you!

PS...Large 19.8oz Yankee Jar Candles at Gabes for only $7.99! Get 'em fast...they won't last long!

Three More Days!

It's not to late to join the Bargain Diva's of SWPA for our first bargain shopping tour. This Saturday we will be meeting at Hoss's Steak House in Belle Vernon, PA to tour some of my favorite bargain shopping stores in my hometown. I'm so excited to meet all of you who have already signed up and hopefully many more of you in the future! Click our new badge to learn more about the event or check out meetup.com for groups that may interest you in your neck of the woods!

Click here to check out
The Bargain Divas of SWPA!