Join my journey as I attempt to become a starving artist, instead of just a starving grad student.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Going to Hawaii
That's right- tomorrow morning at 5:30 I'll be getting on a plane to begin my journey to Hawaii. For amazing photos in the near future, make sure to check out Stalking the Wild Snark. Or, you can stay tuned here for advice on fun, inexpensive (or even free) things to do while traveling to and staying in Hawaii. My first money-saving tip is don't check a bag. If you only bring a carry-on, you can save money and time (and maybe some frustration and days of waiting for your belongings, too). Yes, you can travel for more than a weekend using just a carry-on. It's pretty easy, as long as you know how to pack and TSA carry-on regulations. Don't believe me? Learn how to pack your bags correctly!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Frugal Living Tip #5 - Forage for Free Food
No, I'm not talking about dumpster diving or becoming a freegan. There are an amazing number of free, edible plants growing in most areas, including cities. Some of the most annoying, invasive 'weeds' are actually nutritious food! If you want to know more about how to forage for food, even if you live in a city, check out my hub on urban foraging. You may walk past a free lunch every day and not even realize it!
A word of caution, though, after you learn a bit about edible plants, it may become impossible for you to stop looking for them everywhere! I can't even go for a jog without wanting to stop to collect edible plants - that is how abundant they are, even in a city.
A word of caution, though, after you learn a bit about edible plants, it may become impossible for you to stop looking for them everywhere! I can't even go for a jog without wanting to stop to collect edible plants - that is how abundant they are, even in a city.
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| The edible tip of a catbriar vine, one of the most common edible plants |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Cheap, Easy Meal Ideas - the Ramenttata
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Frugal Living Tip #4 - Save Money by Planning
I just came across the article on HubPages. It is a thrifty mom's suggestions on how to save money on back to school supplies. Her children are young, but adult students can benefit from these tips, too. I'm returning to grad school next month and I need back to school supplies. Everyone knows the stereotypes about starving grad students! Well, they have their basis in fact. I can certainly put her advice to use when I get printer and notebook paper.
TwinsTimes2, the hub author, has another fantastic suggestion. Most office supply stores offer a rebate on empty ink cartridges. I used to work at Staples and I frequently processed used ink cartridges and helped customers earn rewards that can be used like cash in store. The hub author and a friend went in together to purchase 500 used ink cartridges on eBay. They paid $40 each. Then, she took the maximum allowable amount (10) to Staples and ten more to Office Depot. She earned $20 at each store for the month to spend on anything in store. She already made back her investment. Now, she can return 10 to each store every month for 'free money' to use in the store. Why did I never think of this?!
The author also shares her secrets on how she plans ahead and only purchases items that are on sale in the weeks leading up to school. Stores have pens and pencils on sale one week, paper the next, and so on. Instead of rushing in and buying everything at once, she returns for several weeks to make the most of the deals.
I can't wait to find some used ink cartridges and turn them into cash! They only need to be in good repair and capable of fitting in a currently in-use printer and you can get the in-store equivalent of $2 for each one.
TwinsTimes2, the hub author, has another fantastic suggestion. Most office supply stores offer a rebate on empty ink cartridges. I used to work at Staples and I frequently processed used ink cartridges and helped customers earn rewards that can be used like cash in store. The hub author and a friend went in together to purchase 500 used ink cartridges on eBay. They paid $40 each. Then, she took the maximum allowable amount (10) to Staples and ten more to Office Depot. She earned $20 at each store for the month to spend on anything in store. She already made back her investment. Now, she can return 10 to each store every month for 'free money' to use in the store. Why did I never think of this?!
The author also shares her secrets on how she plans ahead and only purchases items that are on sale in the weeks leading up to school. Stores have pens and pencils on sale one week, paper the next, and so on. Instead of rushing in and buying everything at once, she returns for several weeks to make the most of the deals.
I can't wait to find some used ink cartridges and turn them into cash! They only need to be in good repair and capable of fitting in a currently in-use printer and you can get the in-store equivalent of $2 for each one.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Create and Market Seasonal Items
It seems silly and overly obvious, but if you're trying to sell items on Etsy, eBay, or anywhere else, pay attention to the seasons and holidays. I don't think anyone is going to forget about Halloween of Christmas, but pay attention to the 'smaller' holidays, too.
I have knot work items for sale at The Silver Puffin in Charleston, SC and on Etsy. Last night, the store owner shot me an email to let me know several of my items had sold and wanted to know if I had white coasters I could package with the blue and red varieties for the Fourth of July. I could have kicked myself! I didn't even think about putting special "patriotic"items on Etsy, and now it's getting too late to list anything for the holiday online because of shipping times. Luckily, I still have time to bring a few things down to the Puffin.
If you want to sell more items, make sure to have some seasonal offerings. Unless it's a really big commercial holiday, like Christmas, you might want to consider somewhat 'reusable' seasonal items. For example, red, white, and blue markets well for Memorial Day, the 4th, and even holidays like Labor Day and Veterans' Day. Fall items with leaves and pumpkins can be made to sell well all season long, not just for Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you sell your items online, make sure to list the items with sufficient time for customers to feel certain their merchandise will arrive on time. I know I hesitate to purchase anything online starting at a week, or even a week and a half, out because I don't trust the postal service. Don't go crazy and list your things two months early, but two or three weeks early is a good idea.
I have knot work items for sale at The Silver Puffin in Charleston, SC and on Etsy. Last night, the store owner shot me an email to let me know several of my items had sold and wanted to know if I had white coasters I could package with the blue and red varieties for the Fourth of July. I could have kicked myself! I didn't even think about putting special "patriotic"items on Etsy, and now it's getting too late to list anything for the holiday online because of shipping times. Luckily, I still have time to bring a few things down to the Puffin.
If you want to sell more items, make sure to have some seasonal offerings. Unless it's a really big commercial holiday, like Christmas, you might want to consider somewhat 'reusable' seasonal items. For example, red, white, and blue markets well for Memorial Day, the 4th, and even holidays like Labor Day and Veterans' Day. Fall items with leaves and pumpkins can be made to sell well all season long, not just for Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you sell your items online, make sure to list the items with sufficient time for customers to feel certain their merchandise will arrive on time. I know I hesitate to purchase anything online starting at a week, or even a week and a half, out because I don't trust the postal service. Don't go crazy and list your things two months early, but two or three weeks early is a good idea.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Family Meal Ideas
Family friendly meals should be tasty for kids and adults, make plenty for everyone to have seconds, and have easy to store leftovers. I made macaroni and cheese and invited my sister and her (also) musician boyfriend. It was fun and delicious! My way of making mac and cheese is slightly unconventional, but well worth a try if you've never used cayenne pepper, onions, or Ritz crackers in/on macaroni and cheese before. One of the advantages of inviting two musicians over for dinner is that you have plenty of entertainment while waiting for your food!
My sister was wearing a shirt for "The Trippin Tones," a student-run a cappella group at the College of Charleston. Evidently her boyfriend directed the group for two years and is also a composer. I found out he even has a capella arrangements available for sale online! How cool is that? Though it is a little depressing to feel so talentless when compared to a younger sibling...
My sister was wearing a shirt for "The Trippin Tones," a student-run a cappella group at the College of Charleston. Evidently her boyfriend directed the group for two years and is also a composer. I found out he even has a capella arrangements available for sale online! How cool is that? Though it is a little depressing to feel so talentless when compared to a younger sibling...
Thursday, June 21, 2012
It Runs in the Family
I just found out I'm not the only member of the family aspiring to starving artist status - my sister has a new website advertising her singing services here in South Carolina. She's not just a singer - she's a soprano, to be exact.
According to the altos of the world, there are two types of sopranos: divas and ditzes. My sister is not a soprano diva, not at all. So...please don't take offense if you read this, sister, but you are a bit of a soprano ditz. I don't mean it badly. She's just always (as far as I can tell) thinking about music. She's the only person I know who can wear headphones and sing along in key. Out of all the people I've lived with in my life, she's the only one who ever sang opera in the shower. She's kind of a music nerd and really enjoys taking on difficult pieces. The harder, the better, as far as I can tell. That's where her slight soprano ditziness comes from - her love of music. I don't hold it against her, though, she really can't help it. She's also an astoundingly good person who spends her limited free time volunteering and wouldn't take a pack of crackers home from a restaurant.
If you're looking for a singer for an event, wedding or otherwise, in South Carolina, please take a look at her website. At the time of writing, her music samples are not yet available online, but they will be soon. You can already see her experience and send her a contact form.
http://tatianahoover.com/
According to the altos of the world, there are two types of sopranos: divas and ditzes. My sister is not a soprano diva, not at all. So...please don't take offense if you read this, sister, but you are a bit of a soprano ditz. I don't mean it badly. She's just always (as far as I can tell) thinking about music. She's the only person I know who can wear headphones and sing along in key. Out of all the people I've lived with in my life, she's the only one who ever sang opera in the shower. She's kind of a music nerd and really enjoys taking on difficult pieces. The harder, the better, as far as I can tell. That's where her slight soprano ditziness comes from - her love of music. I don't hold it against her, though, she really can't help it. She's also an astoundingly good person who spends her limited free time volunteering and wouldn't take a pack of crackers home from a restaurant.
If you're looking for a singer for an event, wedding or otherwise, in South Carolina, please take a look at her website. At the time of writing, her music samples are not yet available online, but they will be soon. You can already see her experience and send her a contact form.
http://tatianahoover.com/
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| Tatiana - Soprano |
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