Feeling the Gasoline Pinch?

Did you know that a bottle of water that you purchase at your local convenience store is actually more expensive per gallon than the fuel you put in your car? I did the math and if you buy one 16oz bottle of water at an approximate price (with tax) of $1.30, the price per gallon of that bottle of water is actually $10.40 or eight bottles of convenience store water in the 16oz size. Would you ever pay $10.40 for a gallon of gas? We would be outraged, but somehow the price of bottled water doesn't seem to upset us that much. Maybe American's value convenience more than necessity? Either way, it makes me shudder. Oh how much I could have saved and put toward my gas debt! Sometimes reality really smacks you in the face when you take the time to do the math :) That really puts things into perspective doesn't it? While many people are struggling to fill up their tanks to go to work, many of those same people are still paying outrageous amounts for convenience items that you can buy on the fly. Imagine how much you could save if you just swore off convenience store or impulse buys for just one month? Try it out and let me know how you do! I'll be right there with ya!

Comcast Newsmakers!

Just spent a wonderful afternoon at the Comcast Studios in Greentree with Tonia Cauruso and Natalie Ricchuito filming an interview for the Black Pants Project. I even received a large donation from a friend and Comcast employee, Bud Leaper, too! Wow, this program is really creating a buzz for itself! If you haven't checked out the blog for the project, please visit www.theblackpantsproject.blogspot.com for the whole story! Here are the details about our interview if you are able to watch:

Look for the Black Pants Project on Comcast Newsmakers during June 2008. Comcast provides a free forum for non-profit leaders to present events and issues important to the Pittsburgh Region. Comcast Newsmakers can be seen at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour on CNN Headline News, on Comcast Cable. More than 650,00 households in the Pittsburgh region can the interview during the month of June and will air approximately 60 times.


Thank you to everyone for your generous support!

The Gift of Sunshine

My husband and I just booked our annual trip to Punta Cana over Memorial Day at the Sunscape through Apple Vacations. Eight days and seven nights on breathtaking Bavaro beach in Punta Cana for only $699.00! With taxes and fees that comes to about $1,650 per couple. With the flight, meals, accomodations and transfers included, this is quite a bargain! Where else can you go, even in the US for this price. Oh and this include alcoholic drinks as well...and at Dominican Resorts they are free flowing all day and night. This is our third trip through Apple and I highly recommend them. Apple has a on site representative at every hotel that they book, so you can count on someone to be there and solve problems or translate for you if you have any issues with the resort. Definite bonus, especially because of the significant language barrier. Be sure to visit their site and check on the last minute deals section from you departure city to see if you can find a great deal from your city. Go to www.applevacations.com for more details! Adios amigas!
PS..this is NOT a sponsored post:)

So you think you can shop?

Attention bargain divas! In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, the Gift Therapist is issuing a shopping challenge! We want to hear and/or see your best "scores" for under $10! SHOW ME the MERCHANDISE! I will pick the top three entries and post them here for your consideration and vote! The winner will receive a free copy of "Shop Smart GIVE MORE" and your item of choice from the Gift Therapist store! All entries must be received by May 30th for consideration. Entries must contain the following in the body of your email, please no attachments!:
1. Your name, email and mailing address
2. A brief description of the item, where you found it, how much you paid and why this is a great bargain.
3. Link to the picture (i.e. from a photobucket or flikr hosting service)or video link if you choose to submit video.
4. Answer the following: "What do you do with all the money you save from shopping smart? How do you GIVE MORE?"

Please send your entries to jennifer(at)thegifttherapist(dot)com
Good luck and have fun!