Money is Tight and Rover is HUNGRY

Check out this sweet deal on top quality food. Instinct by Nature's Variety is a great grain free diet for that pooch that deserves the very best!

When printing... make it 2x the size it is now AND cut it out! Don't include the blog post....please.


Valid until August 31st!



Our office dog eats Instinct and also their Frozen Raw line! If you haven't tried this in the past.... now is a good time to grab a few bags from differant stores. (yup I did suggest that...besides you aren't going to get a good test on how your dog does with the food until you have tried it for a month or two.)




For locations near you that carry Instinct please check out the Nature's Variety directory ! Then sign up on their site for more coupons like these!

You Are Running Low On Skincare Cream But Don't Want Drugstore Brand Lotion:

Did you know that Origins will take your old products/packaging, regardless of manufacturer and recycle them for you?!

It's true! Go HERE for more info.

Oh, and as a THANK YOU for helping the environment....you'll get a free High Performance skincare product from Origins.

How much does that ROCK?!

Why is it demanding more green to live "green" ?

Well, actually it's not. The marketing just makes us think it does. Before the green revolution there was the industrial revolution and before that...we were truly green. Now, mind you, I am NOT saying that we need to go to pre-depression ways of living HOWEVER we need to relearn what the basics really are and redefine our own needs from our wants.

Cleaning:

Do some household research. Go through your cupboards and rethink anything that says: poison, danger, warning, or caution. Do you really want these in your home? Do the benefits out weigh the risks? (Please don't just throw them away and PLEASE do NOT pour them down the drain. Call your local town and find out when the Hazardous Chemical pick up day is. Most towns have at least one a year. Then place these some place safe until then!)

Rediscover Vinegar, Baking Soda and Lemon!

Vinegar diluted 1-1 with water is a great disinfecting and deodorizing (yes, that vinegar smell fades after it dries. We swear you won't smell like a Fish and Chip stall) all-purpose cleaner! Incredibly affordable and safe on MOST surfaces (Full strength vinegar is acidic and may damage marble surfaces or eat away at tile grout). Try it in:

Kitchen- Clean surfaces such as the stove top, counter tops, back splashes and floor! Plus try it inside your fridge, microwave and the outsides of appliances.

Bathroom - Bathtub, toilet, sink, counter tops, mirrors (use newspaper to wipe the vinegar solution off!) Remember the acidic full strength vinegar?! Use it in the toilet to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to drop the water level and then spray the full strength vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub it down and voila! No creepy blue chemical dyes in your bowl or in the environment! Don't forget the floor. The dilution will eat away soap scum, hard water stains, and other grossness on your fixtures and tile! (spot check your tile first. Remember that marble and vinegar don't mix!)

Other Areas of the House-Door knobs, entryway floors, nurseries, offices! Got a laundry room? Vinegar is a natural fabric softener. Just ½ cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle not only softens but helps break down that detergent residue so your clothes come out really clean!

Lemon Juice
Uses:
Lemon juice cleans brass and copper, dissolves hard water deposits and soap scum and can even be used to polish your furniture (Mix with a Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains by slicing it in half and sprinkling baking soda on it! Scrub away! Then.... throw the lemon in the garbage disposal for a quick deodorizing trick! This works with any citrus fruit by the way!

What NOT to use it for?

I would AVOID using it as a furniture polish. (I have read of a lemon/olive oil mix in some forums and in my opinion the risk of rancidity and hazing to my furniture is just not worth it. Dust your furniture and use some mild soap on a rag occasionally. If you need a polish...use a paste wax. But check the finish first. If in doubt, get an experts opinion)

Baking Soda
Uses:
Best scrub EVER! Use it like you do Comet! We all know it deodorizes the fridge and freezer and closet! Sprinkle in the litter box too! Have you tried it to wash your hair with? There is a "No Poo" (as in shampoo) movement that works great for most hair. (worked great for me til I started highlighting it. Tends to dry it out a bit too much now...now I splurge on Korres which I can usually find at TJ-Maxx for $4 a bottle!)

YOU ARE USING WHAT???

Use washable MOPS, RAGS instead of paper towels and yes...it is time to give up on your reliance to the all mighty wipe. (I'm guilty. I switched from Clorox to Green Works and then to Method. But when this latest batch is done....so am I. Farewell my grapefruit scented wipes. How I loved thee convenience but not the cost.) If you need sponges PLEASE keep this in mind... the MAJORITY of sponges available in the U.S. are impregnated with a synthetic disinfectant. Now, the main one used is triclosan, which according to the EPA is a pesticide. Do you want to wash your home with this? Also be concerned about the frequent use of disinfectants and antibacterial wipes contributing to drug resistant bacterias. Yuck. That's a super bug I do NOT want in my home. So, for alternatives:

Twist

EcoSponge

Scotch Brite

(they have a new green line which is available at Target. I like it. The price point is good)

Dressing:

We all like to look good. Whether that is to follow a trend or create our own... clothes come with a price both literally and figuratively. I do not suggest we throw out everything in our wardrobe that says Made in China or some other third world country. I suggest that we we must make a new purchase we consider Organic, Recycled, Reclaimed and the point of origin for it's manufacturer (hello, carbon fuels people!) Also, don't think because it says 100% cotton that it's a great choice. Our friends at Lucky Dog Organics just posted on the amount of chemicals in the production of cotton. Check it out here.

So, you need something new to wear. Or the kids do for school. Let's practice conserving rather than consuming:

Excuse for potluck! Host a Swap-EVERYONE has something they are tired of, haven't worn in years (yes years) and/or don't fit into anymore. SO, get everyone together over some good food and trade. The remainder can be donated to a local shelter!

Virtual Swap-I checked out a few with mixed reviews but it's all subjective! Here are a couple:

Rehash

Swap Style

Meet Up

Commuto

Consignment/Second Hand/Thrift Shops- You never know what you might find here! I have found things for $5 that I knew went for $500! Think of it as an adventure!

Bust out that SINGER (sewing machine that is)-Re-acquaint or get a book from the library and become best friends with a sewing machine (don't have one? Look on Craigslist!) and hem, re-style (jeans to shorts or even skirts!), or refurbish! Then charge all your friend's to do their hemming!

Entertain Me!

Now that the house is clean and you are dressed to impress... where to go and what to do?!

Most cities and towns have tons of FREE events happening all around you. The key is to plug in to them. How, you ask? Well Google your town or city with the keywords "free public events". This should help. You can also contact your local town and city hall, as they usually have listings of everything pending!

So, it's raining and the kids are BORED. Well, our new favorite blog has some fantastic stuff to offer. The BudgetEcoist has great tips for summer crafts with kids that won't force you refinance your mortgage.

Need books, music, movies? There is always the library OR you can check out this service that we are addicted to called Swaptree. It is the best media swap out there! Check them out today!

...

I know that this barely covers the realm of going green but I hope it helps! Please feel free to leave me your own tips and I'll re post them in a follow up next Monday!

Thanks everyone!

Summer Vacation?! It MIGHT be possible....

Alright, so a vacation in Greece like the photographer of this photo Jon Rawlison took MIGHT be out of the question BUT that doesn't mean you can't still get away! Below are some options that range from a few hundred in the bank to maybe $40. The key is thinking outside the box!


Option 1: You got a few hundred and need a BREAK.

Home swap anyone? If you have a place in a desirable place that tourists might be interested in swinging through for a visit....consider a swap. Ever seen the film The Holiday with Jack Black, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz? Chances are you won't meet the love of your life or even someone that looks like Jude Law or Cameron Diaz while swapping BUT it can be a great affordable way or avoiding hotels, getting to really enjoy a town and it's people and relaxing! Like any thing in life...there can be risks BUT be smart and this could be an amazing opportunity. http://www.homelink-usa.com/

Check out http://www.lastminute.com/ for great ideas on quick getaways that are package deals. Pick hotel+flight+car , flight+car (if you have a place to stay already!), flight +hotel (if you are going to an urban area this can be great!) or stick closer to home and get the best deals with car+hotel! Based on double occupancy you can get deals for under $100 a night. Heck, bring a 3rd or 4th friend and share a room with two double beds and you are looking at under $50 a night per person! AND some hotels involved ALLOW pets!

If you live in an urban area...consider taking the rail system. You know, the TRAIN! There are tons of places just a train ride away that can be affordable and FUN! Keep in mind that most rail systems do NOT allow companion animals unless they are working animals. Boston's MBTA does allow well behaved dogs and cats in carriers on their commuter rail, subways, and buses. NYC does not. Don't know about other major cities. Anyone give us a heads up here?

Option 2: You have enough money to get somewhere but not to stay somewhere AND you are adventurous.

Hostels. I lived in one when I was trying to find sublets in NYC. They can be a great experience. Keep in mind that you should NOT leave cash or anything of value at the hostel while you are gone for the day. An ex did and this cost them dearly. Check out http://www.hostels.com/ and http://www.hostelworld.com/

Couch Surfing. If you go through a reputable site and choose individuals that have been well reviewed this isn't any different than staying with your buddies friend Chuck who you haven't met. Some have actual private rooms, some only have couches. There are couples that host, singles, dog friendly homes, allergy free homes.... anything you want. This can be a GREAT option if you are able to go outside your comfort zone a bit! Plus, many times you get a built in tour guide who already knows all the best food, drink and play spots! http://www.couchsurfing.com/

Option 3: Day trips

If you have a car, or even if you don't, there are tons of options within a few hours of where you live. Be a tourist without having to pay like one! Just google "day trip _________" with your city and get out there.

So, you don't have a car....

Again, I cannot stress enough the rail system! If you have one.... it's a great affordable day trip option. Another way to do a day trip is to rent a car from a car share. You can get a nice car (even HYBRIDS) including insurance and gas for as little as $7 an HOUR!!! Check out http://www.zipcar.com%20we/We are members of zipcar and LOVE LOVE LOVE them for their locations all around the country (and now in London, Vancouver, and Toronto!!)

So, get out there and explore! NOW

My kingdom for a fabulous 2007 calendar

One of my favorite things to do come autumn, which is fast upon us, is to begin thinking about holiday gifts for the people I love. Having been historically pretty broke during the holidays I have found creative ways to satisfy my nurturing gift giving urges without putting myself in a decision making situation of groceries or gifts.

To combat this I make tons of gifts but also I start buying early and from a variety of unique places in order to make sure that in the crunch of the holiday season I can enjoy a hot chocolate with my friends rather than fret having to go around town trying to find the perfect gift that also fits my very limited gift giving budget.
One of those places is BuyOlympia.com. An online artists cooperative, it features tons of amazing products made by artists residing in the Olympia Washington area and no doubt fueled by the best coffee in the world, Batdorf and Bronson!

The image above is of the cover of the 2007 version of my favorite gift of all time! The Nikki McClure calendar. Realistically everyone needs a calendar. Make sure they have a beautiful one rather than a boring one from some calendar store in the mall! This calendar by Olympia Washington artist Nikki McClure is something I give, and sometimes am given, every year. Her designs are simple, beautiful and profoundly startling and touching. Ms. McClure breaks down life in the simplest and most elegant of ways. Her designs are also available in a children's book, adult T-shirts, baby clothes, note cards and prints.

To purchase this calendar, or any other item by the very talented Nikki McClure, please go to the Buy Olympia site which is located at: http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Artist=Nikki+McClure

The poster is $16. This is a gift you will feel great giving knowing that your money helps to support the livelihood of an artist rather than a large corporate machine! Plus they are environmentally friendly! She uses soy ink in the production of her prints!

Ever tried to buy a home with no money down and very little credit history?

So, the last 4 months have been a chaotic nightmare of caffeine fueled document searching all niter's and dramatic angina causing phone calls from rural cabins in Vermont all because I was exhausted by the life known as renting.

So, that is where I have been. And I guess the bigger question is... how does all of this tie into the Poor Girl's Guide to Living Rich?

Well, I am buying a condo in East Boston, no money down, the seller paying closing costs and the first 6 months of condo fees. The mortgage is 100%, with no pmi (mortgage insurance), no points and an interest rate that allows me to only be paying a hundred dollars more than I paid for my apartment each month. .. and that includes the condo association fee. Now, when I started this Blog I was making 10k less a year, which is significant towards what you can approve for in regards to a mortgage but let it be known that if you are sick of dealing with insanity and willing to live small or live in an up and coming area, there are tons of deals to be had for under 150k in East Boston, Chelsea, Dorchester, West Roxbury, Somerville, Everett, Lynn, Salem, Quincy and Revere. With a car your options grow... I need public transportation close by and want to have a dog again someday so it was important to be close to the T and for the condo association to be any breed dog friendly. Some associations allow only dogs of a certain size or outlaw dogs of specific breeds such as AmStaf's and other bully breeds, some ban rotties, german shepherds or mastiffs.... and this includes those whom are mixed with these breeds. That wasn't acceptable to me so I found what I couldn't budge on and dealt with what I could. For the first time in 16 years, I have an electric stove.... but the utility company will bring the gas line to your home for free if the line exists 100 ft or less from your property. I have carpet; well I can rip it up. The cabinets are ugly and the ceilings have that horrible popcorn texture effect. These are all things that can and will be replaced. And I am okay with it all.

So, if you want to do it... buy a place, stop being a renter, and invest in yourself and your future rather than that of a landlord here are the steps:

First consider whether you want to attend a class from an organization such as NACA.
NACA is a nonprofit corporation whose goal is to stabilize neighborhoods and maximize home ownership opportunities for working people and families. Their Housing Consultants, real estate buyer's brokers/agents and other local and national staff offer comprehensive services throughout the home buying process. This can b very good but very time consuming. I attended the free introductory class and found it is only as informative as the attendees were inquisitive. SO... you can plan to do the process through NACA which can save you money over time or you can do what I have done.

1. Call mortgage companies and get a pre approval

2. Sign up for your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and define specifications. Each time a new property that meets your specs comes on the market you will receive an email.

3. Talk to people you know and find a good Real Estate Buyer's Agent. Make sure you like them and they understand what you are looking for and aren't pushy...you will spend a lot of time with this individual once you start looking.

4. When you find something, make an offer.... don't be afraid to offer low. You will need to put down a good faith deposit or earnest money deposit in the area of around $500-$1000 to show you are serious. This can often be returned later at the closing. The worst that happens is that they say no. There is always room to negotiate...closing costs, new carpet, fixtures, appliances, condo fees, etc...These are all things that you can ask for. But be realistic and don't ask for too much too soon. Figure out a strategy and work it. If they say yes...congrats and move ahead to 5, otherwise keep looking.

5. Order a home inspection. This will help determine whether the issues existing in the property are issues you can live with. This is one of the only times that you can back out of the purchase without losing the earnest money. If something in the inspection makes you very uncomfortable and you realize that maybe you might be in over your head.... follow that instinct and take your offer off the table, requesting the return of your earnest money as per the inspection stipulation in your offer. You and your buyer's agent will then repeat steps 4 and 5 until you find something you can live with. Keep in mind, a starter property isn't usually the thing you love- it is the thing you can live with. something you won't lose money on, you can build equity in and turn into something you really like and maybe might just love later. These days your first home is just that...for some of our parents their first home was their only home and the pressures to find the perfect home were so much more immense. Now that you have found something suitable...move to step 6... working with the mortgage company on closing the loan.

6. Welcome to the next 15-45 days of headaches, tears, anger, frustration, fear, confusion, bliss and torment. It isn't easy and just when it feels like it might be... you will get a call in Vermont while you are on your well deserving only vacation of the year and you will find out that some incompetent shit of a mortgage broker lied to you, tried to bait and switch you into a more expensive and more lucrative for them death trap of a mortgage and suddenly you need to scramble to get an extension on your close date which is only 7 days away, find a place to stay during the extension, contact 15 more competent mortgage brokers to desperately search for the best package for the situation and meanwhile cry, scream and ruin the vacations of the other people you are traveling with because every ten minutes you are screaming into your cell phone which you are rapidly incurring roaming charges on, what a dumb ass so and so is and how dare he tell your real estate agent that she should allow you to live with her when you are out on the street the next week due to his lies.

And yes, this really happened but now things are moving ahead.... step 7, I think, is the closing, in which you sign a lot of papers, develop a hand cramp and a heart spasm with step 8 being....open a bottle of champagne at the condo with your friends. However there are 4 days until I am to close...so a lot could still happen (knock on wood desk) I will keep you all informed.

Step 7... get another extension because your current new broker took too long ordering the appraisal and the underwriters needed one more thing that the mortgage broker forgot to have done and now Fannie Mae needs more time to do the final approval of the loan. Figure out how to close on a Saturday so that the broker has to interrupt his weekend of golf to work on the closing as a minor payback to how he has inconvenienced you.

Poor Girl cleans up well...and "cheap"!

Missha believes that cosmetics shouldn't be expensive or luxurious but affordable, daily products. How much do we Poor Girls love that?!!

With high quality products ... 500 of which are under $4.99, Poor Girls on any budget can find something (or many things) that they must have! Plus, since the company promotes recycling... you can feel good about your purchases!

Currently the only U.S. stores are located within NYC. My favorite is the SoHo store on the corner of Spring & Broadway. I walked out of there with a fabulous new bronzer, a face mask and tons of samples and spent less than $10!!!

You may order on line at http://usa.missha.net/

Life's little curveballs

It has been a long absence from my beloved Blog.... I am now returning. In the last 9 months so many things have occured but most importantly, my dog of ten years passed away from cancer and I have been on a very long and lonely journey through grief and mourning. For more information on Lucky go to: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=177112

She was a sweet sexy bitch with a love for all things meaty and fabulous. In the background is her good friend J from Germany. They were out for a walk and looking beautiful in the late winter sun.

Now that I am back I would love suggestions, submissions on topic with the Poor Girl's Guide and just a note or two saying hi!

Thanks everyone.... it's good to be back!


Poor Girl Michele