Happy New Year, dear readers, and I hope you like the new word I am using. Frugalicious is the term for living the lifestyle of the rich and famous on an ordinary person’s budget, and we’re going for it big time in 2009. But first, a confession: I am so embarrassed — in the frenzy of the holidays I went to the supermarket and paid full price for everything! I felt like I was cheating you guys by not living the lifestyle I am teaching you, but I guess the lesson there is that sometimes, time and sanity win out over bargains and thriftiness. (Not always, not often, but sometimes!) Anyway, sorry for being off track, and watch in the next few days for my special report on starting the new year with some great new money-saving habits. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous 2009. See you soon.

Are the savings really so great?  What drives people into the shopping frenzy?

I first pose the question to Therese, a Canadian ex-pat working at Diamonds International (the ubiquitous port of call jewelry retailers) in Costa Maya, Mexico.  “Let’s put it this way,”  she says.  “Would you wake up on a Tuesday morning at home and go shopping for a diamond?  It’s part of the cruise experience, and there is a great selection…but no, the prices are really not the best you can ever find.  But people enjoy it, and it gives them something to show when the trip is over.”

I next approached Phil, our charmingly English cruise shopping guide.  “Oh yes,” he said, “the prices really are so much lower, since everything is duty and tax free.”  He recounts the tale of many couples, newly engaged or honeymooning, who are dismayed to find that the rings they just purchased stateside are far less expensive in the islands.  But, he added, it’s hard to compare when your’e dealing with stones.  The proof, he continued, is in the prices of the branded items.  For example, if someone wanted to buy a Breitling watch, they could instead take a cruise, buy the watch in a port, and essentially get the watch for free, based on the list price compared to the actual island price.  I will, when I return home, do a little research on the validity of that statement, and will report back on my findings.

Diane, a frequent cruiser and former jeweler, loves to buy jewelry when she travels, although she is clear that the savings are not all they’re said to be.  But she buys anyway, citing unique designs and uncommon stones as her reason for purchasing.  Anna, another frequent cruiser, agrees.  But for every Diane, Anna and Therese,  there continue to be dozens, maybe hundreds, of uneducated, free-spending travelers who believe that they could never find such bargains anywhere else.

Besides, they say, it’s fun to tell people, when they admire the new pieces, that they bought them in Mexico, St. Maarten, or the duty-free shop on the cruise ship.

Me, I’ll buy a t-shirt.

Back to civilization this weekend, back to the search for Health Insurance on Monday.  For now, though, the jacuzzi awaits.

Meanwhile, for more on discount cruising, click here.

I recently had the pleasure of attending Miami’s first Rum Renaissance, run by my friend John Lermayer, one of Miami’s top celebrity bartenders.  As a friend, I received 2 of the $45 tickets for a birthday gift, and while I really don’t know how many people actually paid to get in, I do know that there were a ton of people with little glasses “tasting” upwards of 50 different rums.   There were also buffets and seminars, but let’s face it, most people were there to get drunk.  And a fun time was had by all.

Of course, sitting home and drinking by yourself is not a very social thing, and usually not a healthy behavior.  So where do you find the balance?  When we were younger and went to bars in NY (where you do not have to drive, although who knows what the cab driver’s been up to) we used to meet at a friend’s apartment and start our drinking at home before heading out.  Sometimes, we would also sneak in little bottles of booze and pour them into the soft drinks we ordered, much cheaper than ordering a mixed drink.  But, as an adult, that’s not a very elegant option.  So what do you do? 

First off, my friends and I still espouse the warm-up drinks at home (except, of course, for the designated driver, which is often me, since I don’t drink a lot anyway).  If you need to stock your bar, you should check out Drink Up for Less which has a fabulous collection of less-expensive wines — and they often have great specials and closeouts too.   Making friends with the bartender can’t hurt — there’s always the buy-back.  And of course, flirting is always an option, but often requires some kind of a payback.  

You can make your own!  There are some great kits for making beer, root beer and hard cider at Mr. Beer.  And there are many wine-making kits as well — I will research and find some to try. 

Then there’s events, like the Rum Renaissance.  You can find them in your local events columns in newspapers and online. Charity events often include an open bar, and you’re both making a contribution and getting a tax deduction while you feed your habit.  And there is always the option of happy hours, where drinks are 2-for-1 or a special price, and there’s often free food to help fill your belly and sop up the alcohol. 

Which brings us to the topic of eating for less.  But that’s another, bigger story for later on.  For now, please send us any other tips you have for drinking on a budget.  And before you take your first sip, visit Drinkin’ Mate, for a free sample of a new hangover cure. 

Here’s to your health, and to frugalistic living!

To read more on eating and drinking, click here.

1. Balloons — filled with helium, and for another buck you can get a coordinating weight.
2. Socks — for the whole family.
3. Body Scrubbies — though sometimes not as fluffy as the drugstore store brands — squeeze first.
4. Reading Glasses — not for reading War and Peace, but perfect for leaving around the house.
5. Painting Supplies — avoid the brushes if you’re a perfectionist, but trays, mixers, tapes, etc are fine.
6. Room Fresheners — smell as good as the others.
7. Paper Party Goods — for general and theme specific events
8. Fake Flowers — if you’re going to go fake, please don’t spend a lot on them.
9. Candles — scented and un, different shapes and colors, light ‘em up. 
10. Scrubby Sponges — The sink doesn’t care where they came from.
11. Storage  Bins — I especially like the shoebox sized ones.
12. Carpet Cleaners — sprays and powders, really work!
13. Plastic Pitchers — clear ones are also good for making tea in the sun.
14. Bubbles — I can’t believe I once paid more in a party store.
15. Plain Glass Vases — keep the design simple and no one will ever know.
16. Scotch Tape — as long as it’s brand name and strong.
17. Furniture Polish — just spray and dust.
18. Correcting Fluid — who really needs it anymore anyway? 
19. Straws — just make sure they’re not too skinny to get a good gulp.
20. Wind Toys — spinners and more.
21. Toothpaste — I really can’t tell the difference.
22. Plain White Envelopes –some even have that stuff to hide what’s inside.
23. Dryer Sheets — millions of uses.
24. Manicure Implements — but go for the separate ones, not the whole set for a buck.
25. Petroleum Jelly — as greasy as the name brand.
26. Lunch Baggies — also good when flying.  Double bag for safety.
27. Batteries — someone should do a study to see if the long-lasting ones are really longer-lasting.
28. Presentation Boards — work for most projects.
29. Water — if you’ve got to buy bottled, at least buy it here.
30. Bathroom Cleaner – a Scrubbing Bubble by any other name….
31. Name Brand Candy — at least you know where it came from.
32. Laundry Detergent — many types to choose from.
33. Rain Ponchos — two for a buck here, or $15 each at a theme park; you decide. 
34. Gift Wrapping — tubes or sheets, plus a bag o’ bows.
35. Super Glue — great for fixing nails too.
36. Stickers — of all kinds.  And sticker books to put them in.
37. Glue Sticks — sticks as well as the others. 
38. Pencils — plain and fancy.
39. Deodorant — but only the ones with names you recognize.
40. Dish Scrubbers — all shapes for your particular needs.
41. 3-ring binders — to hold the budget paper.
42. Rocks — for floral or fish-bowl design.
43. Candlesticks and Holders — just keep them simple style-wise.
44. Dental Floss — I personally have never had to buy this, but if you must…
45. Freezer Bags — have many many uses.
46. Beach Pails and Shovels — they’re going to break or get lost anyway.
47. Shmushy Ball Toys — only for kids who are old enough to know not to eat them.
48. Mirrored Small Plates — add a glittery touch under candles.
49. Hanging Baskets — but don’t put anything too heavy in them.
50. Measuring Spoons — very cute, actually.
51. Coloring Books — for children of all ages.
52. Antibiotic Ointment — be careful though with cortisone. 
53. Scouring Powder — the large sizes usually cost more at the market.
54. Sharpies felt-tip pens — should never cost more than a buck.
55. Tissue Paper — for wrapping and stuffing, in white or colors.
56. Floss Picks — one should never be out of the house without one.
57. Baby’s First Books — they’re fun and bright, just keep them out of baby’s mouth. 
58. Puzzle Books — you’re going to throw them out when you’re done anyway.
59. Santaria Candles — We need all the help we can get.
60. Shelf Liner — paper or plastic, the same as anywhere else.
61. Packing Tape — clear, brown or …
62. Duck Tape  – the man’s man’s tape of choice.
63. Baby Oil — mineral oil in a pink bottle.  Grab it while it’s still a buck.
64. Baby Powder — oh, so soothing.
65. Wedding Accessories — too cute.
66. Bottle Grippers — for opening the tight ones.
67. Desk Accessories — a neat desk is a thing of beauty.
68. Cough Drops — you can find both branded and not.  Pick your favorite flavor.
69. Toilet Bowl Brush — how much more do you really want to spend on your toilet anyway?
70. Fabric Rose Petals — for weddings, costumes or a romantic evening.
71. Photo Frames — no plastic, no scratches please.
72. Calculator — another thing that’s usually free, but if you do need one…
73. BandAids — Get the fun ones here, with characters and colors, but check the glue first.
74. Hand Cleaners — and refills, a dollar each.
75. Dishes — plan and fancy, can really dress a table nicely.
76. Plastic Food Storage Containers  – all sizes.
77. Hair Accessories — many styles and colors, just as tight on the head as the expensive ones.
78. Gift Bags — combine with tissue papers for a custom look.
79. Index Cards– in white and colors
80. “Green” reusable shopping bags — an easy way to help save the environment 
81. Writing Pads — plain, decorated, big, small, even legal!
82. Plastic Cups — perfect for parties and for dishwasher-free homes.
83. Umbrellas — extras, not primaries.
84. Plastic Kitchen Utensils — just beware of too-soft spatulas.
85. Gardening Supplies — from soil to pots to stepping stones.
86. Nail Polish Remover — with acetone or not.
87. Little Mushy Stuffed Toys –nothing says I Love You like a mushy little toy.
88. Colored Chalk — great for sidewalk artists.
89. Rubbing Alcohol — please do not drink.
90. Peroxide — for cleaning, not your hair. 
91. Bleach — ditto. 
92. Moth Balls — for that fresh-out-of-storage scent.
93. Hula Skirts — for a kid or a table. Complement with …
94. Leis — for that tropical feeling
95. Greeting Cards — when you care enough to send the very cheapest.
96. Silly Trendy serving pieces — like glasses with trees as stems.  Disposable.
97. Swimming Pool Noodles — as good as the $2 ones.
98. Outdoor Plastic glasses and stuff — Bright colors, fun designs, hard to break.
99. Holiday Decorations — this stuff is great! And at these prices, you can do it again next year.
100. Costumes — buy ready made or make it your own; I love my $1 purple wig!

And,  10 things we would NOT buy there:

1. Pregnancy Test
2. Tampons
3. Internal Cleansers
4. Q-Tips
5. Razors
6. Photo Paper
7. Clothespins
8. Baby Toys
9. Hair Color
10. Any perishable food.

Enjoy your Shopping!

Photos: DollarTree.com and my cellphone

It was pouring rain here in South Florida last Friday, steam is rising from the streets — a perfect day for a little self pampering, courtesy of my bank and credit card loyalty programs. I pull into the very ritzy hotel and spa just minutes from my house, valet park the car, (self parking, which would have been my first choice, is unavailable due to construction), and head into the lobby. At the spa desk, I have my valet ticket validated (always ask!) and proceed to have a beautiful day at the spa. First, a workout in the luxuriously appointed gym, followed by an invigorating shower in a booth with jets on the ceiling and walls, and one of those big raindrop showerheads which gives me a cold blast in between hot cascades, then soothing jacuzzi, a few minutes in the sauna, a cup of tea in the calming waiting room, and then…

a full body scrub followed by a relaxing, yet invigorating massage. But wait, there’s more — one of the best facials I’ve ever received, where I speak with the aesthetician about life, business, husbands and bargains. Of course, this is one of my best topics — and this day was one of my best bargains! How did I do it? To begin, my credit card offers a cashback bonus on money spent. Instead of cash, however, I choose a gift certificate, where I get even more value than the cash. So for $180 I receive a $250 spa certificate good at several international hotel spas. Then, I find an ad in a local magazine for 20% off my spa services. Since they add a 20% service charge, then take off the 20%, it’s like not having to pay extra for a tip. So, all this for $265, plus $5 for the validated parking, plus $1 tip for the valet, less the gift certificate for $250, gives me a luxury spa day for $16! Ahh, I DO love a good bargain!

Advice for the day: always be on the lookout for multiple discounts for the same things. ALWAYS sign up for cash-back and other incentive programs. When you need a new credit card, or are just looking to lower your rates and/or get bonuses, try to find some that offer you good rewards. I’m looking for a good place for you to start and will report back shortly. And we’ll definitely talk more about credit cards soon.

Life is good.

For a  long, long time, I knew that I had a talent for finding just what I wanted, at the price I wanted to pay — and it was always way less than you’d expect.  And it’s not just about the stuff!  I’ve eaten at the finest restaurants, traveled the world, done lots of fun things and made a few great investments to ensure a safe and abundant future.   Now, I’ll teach YOU how to do the same.  Rule #1 — make it fun.  

For a little more about me, please click here.  Check back often, as I will be sharing lots of tricks I’ve learned over many years of bargain shopping.  And please, write to me too — I’d like to know some of your tricks and triumphs, what was your Best Bargain EVER, and what info you’d like from me.  

Till next time, 

Robin