Lowering the Bar (bill)

Filed Under Travel and Entertainment | 2 Comments

drinking One of the great mysteries of life to me is alcohol consumption. First, in general, I don’t get the appeal — I usually get heartburn and/or fall asleep before I get a buzz. But mostly, I am just blown away by how much people spend on drinks, and even more fascinated by the appeal of an open bar. I mean, most people have a full bar, or at least a collection of their favorites, at home. They can drink at home for practically nothing. In our house, there are at least 3 bottles each of vodka and rum, about 10 of wine, and a small assortment of others, and we rarely drink. So, while I do understand why people will pay up to $12 or even more for a cocktail at a bar or dinner, more for the social aspect than the taste of the liquor, I just don’t get why an open bar turns people into liquor sponges.

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.

Mar

27

100 Under 100 (cents)

Filed Under Shopping | 7 Comments

99sign It seems that just about every magazine does a “40 under 40″ or “50 under 50″ article at least once a year, highlighting the Young Turks in any particular industry. Well, those are all nice and inspirational, but these days not as important to me and you — we need to save some money before we can get famous! So, here for the first time, the I LOVE a Good Bargain’s Guide to 100 things you can buy at the 99 cent store that are just as good as buying anywhere else. And a few that are not.

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