Friday, November 4, 2011

Frugal Foodies: How to Save on Dining Out

Enough with the home-cooked meals. It's time to get out of the house and let someone else prepare your food for a change.
In response to tight budgets, frugal advisers have recommended for some time now that we stay at home to save money. But such deprivation grows old fast, so maybe it's time to consider these six tips to help you spread your dining wings without crash landing your budget.
1. FourSquare Deals
Members check-in to various locations on their mobile phones using this service, but did you know you can also receive offers for freebies and discounts simply by letting FourSquare know where you are? Check out a recent segment on FOX & Friends for a "how to" on using the app for restaurant savings.
2. Track Daily Deals
Restaurants are one of the most common frequenters of daily deal offerings, so it pays to keep an eye out for vouchers that can greatly reduce the cost of dining at a new or favored eatery. Just make sure you read the small print and are aware of expiration dates and exclusions. For example, most restaurant vouchers don't include drinks.
3. Get Happy
Eating early isn't just for our elders. Happy hour ad early bird deals have become more common as restaurants try to fill in slow-traffic times. For example, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill offers full-size appetizers for under $5 before 6 p.m., plus $3 drink specials.
4. Split It Up
American restaurants usually overload our plates -- unless they're into nuvo cuisine -- so there's often enough food for two in a single order. You can cut your costs down to around $20 by simply sharing an appetizer, entree and dessert with a friend or date.
5. Gift Yourself
We tend to think of gift cards in terms of what we can offer others, but they're actually very useful for individual purchases. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com let you purchase gift cards for several restaurants at a discounted rate, yielding immediate savings of up to 50 percent.
6. MatchPin
If you live in one of nine major cities, you might download the free MatchPin app. Membership brings you offers, rewards, contests and announcements from a variety of local restaurants.



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http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-friends/
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friends@foxnews.com

http://www.twitter.com/matchpin
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http://www.tinyurl.com/matchpin

http://www.giftcardgranny.com/buy-gift-cards/
http://www.facebook.com/GiftCardGranny
https://twitter.com/giftcardgranny
http://www.facebook.com/foursquare
http://www.foursquare.com
http://twitter.com/foursquare
http://www.flickr.com/photos/foursquare/
http://www.meetup.com/foursquare/


QR Codes on HSN Yet Another Innovation in Mobile Commerce

If you watched the Home Shopping Network (HSN) this weekend, you might have noticed QR codes appearing in the corner of your screen. These codes are the strangely patterned squares -- similar to bar codes -- that provide data on a product or service when you zap it with your smartphone or tablet.
You've seen the codes littered amongst print publications, in shop windows, and even on restaurant menus. Well now, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, the QR codes have come to TV. Scanning the code on your screen brings you to a product page on the network's abbreviated mobile website or to its application, where you can easily link to the checkout page.
QR codes have come a long way since their inception. Major brands like Rachel Zoe and Ralph Lauren have added color and their own logos into the standard black-and-white mix.
The system is very slowly catching on, but other older forms of mobile commerce have become second nature for many shoppers. For example, technology research firm Gartner predicts mobile application downloads will reach 17.7 billion in 2011, up 117 percent from the estimated 8.2 downloads of 2010.

1. Orvis Is On It -The outdoor-adventure retailer is leading the merchandising pack with an upgraded system launched last week for iPhone and Android apps to complement its mobile commerce site. While the apps appear similar to their m-commerce site, complete with an internal search engine, they also include a store locator function that uses smartphone GPS capabilities to identify the closest store.
2. Cashing in With Coupons -Coupons are cool once again, thanks to high prices, low incomes and a certain TLC reality show. One innovative app comes from CouponSherpa.com, which also uses GPS technology, but in this instance to locate nearby coupons. Access is instant and includes bar codes and grocery coupons exclusive to the Coupon Sherpa app. Users can customize coupons based on their favorite stores and products and new coupons are added daily.
3. The Perfect Fit - Macys.com is taking the pain out of shopping for jeans -- at least for women. In early October, the department store chain began offering digital help to recommend clothing based on the shopper's body type. The "True Fit" platform, found on the retailer's e-commerce site, asks women the brands and sizes of pants they already wear and which ones fit best. The user then describes their body type (curvy, boyish, etc.) and Macys.com direct them to a "Shop True to You" section for recommendations based on the data.
4. Subway Orders Up Contactless Payments -You'll still have to deal with a human sandwich-master at Subway stores in 7,000 locations, but you'll soon be able to pay by merely tapping a smartphone against a reader. In partnership with MasterCard and Google Wallet, the sub shop will accept the card brand's PayPass contactless payment by March 2012.
5. Text Your Prescription -More than two-million Walgreens' customers now receive text alerts when their prescriptions are ready for pick up, but the pharmaceutical chain now also sends messages letting subscribers know when it's time for a prescription refill, to which they can simply respond "refill." The new service picks up on the momentum built from the original texts, which included 25 percent of all online prescription refills.


COURTESY OF :
http://www.kinoliinc.com/
info@kinoliinc.com
Andrea Woroch
  Nationally Recognized Consumer & Money-Saving Expert
andrea@kinoliinc.com
http://www.andreaworoch.com/
http://twitter.com/andreaworoch
http://www.facebook.com/AndreaWoroch


http://www.couponsherpa.com/
http://www.facebook.com/CouponSherpa
http://www.twitter.com/CouponSherpa

http://m.hsn.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HSN
https://twitter.com/HSN_Official
http://www.macys.com/
http://www.facebook.com/macys
http://twitter.com/macys
http://community.macys.com/
MACY'S BACKSTAGE PASS

Thursday, November 3, 2011

6 Frugal Tips for Super-busy Superwomen


 Women lose sleep over lots of things, like kids and work, but a new survey released by Manilla.com reveals money matters keep them awake much more than men. In fact, the study conducted by Catalyst Group revealed "Financial worries are the biggest reason women stay up at night, with nearly one in three females saying they burn the midnight oil over money woes."
Asked what keeps them awake, 35 percent of men replied "nothing."
Ah, to be a man.
Lack of time to pinch pennies is a real problem for most women, particularly those forced into the supermom role, buried in the sandwich generation, or serving as home CFOs. Here are six tips to help all you superwomen make the best use of your time to save money.
1. Co-cook Share cooking duties with another family by creating super-large batches and dividing it for future consumption. You'll save money on supplies by buying in bulk and have the pleasure of a partner's company while you cook.
2. Avoid Multiple Shopping Trips Take advantage of such inexpensive services as Hoseanna, which delivers a run-free pair of pantyhose to customers' doors every month. Or you can reduce time and money on food runs by opting for home delivery of groceries from sites like AmericaGrocer.com.
3. Use Mobile Coupons Extreme couponers spend untold hours organizing and preparing for a shopping venture. Why put yourself through that when you can use mobile coupon apps right in the store? Check out PCWorld.com's list of "15 Shopping Apps That Can Save You Big Bucks" and stock up on digital must-haves.
4. Try Manilla.com The free, web-based service Manilla helps consumers better manage all their household accounts -- including finances, utility payments, subscriptions and travel-rewards programs -- in a single, secure, online location.
5. Reduce Paper Clutter Lack of organization drives more women crazy than men, according to the survey. Roughly half of female respondents said they felt relaxed and 40 percent happy when organized. One way to reduce the clutter that creates havoc is to pay bills online so you can just electronically file the receipts. Best of all, you don't have to write and mail checks, which always entails that lengthy hunt for stamps.
6. Shop for Presents All Year This sounds impossible, but a little organization early on means less frantic shopping at the last minute. Which also means you won't grab an expensive item just because time is running short. And if you do find yourself panicking mid-December, don't forget about Free Shipping Day on Friday, Dec. 16. With free shipping offers from 2,000 merchants, this one-day event gives supermoms the added power of making last-minute purchases for arrival by Christmas Eve.


COURTESY OF :
Andrea Woroch
  Consumer and Money-Saving Expert for Kinoli Inc.



750 Merchants Signed Up for Free Shipping Day

http://www.facebook.com/freeshipping.org
http://www.freedelivery.org/
http://www.freeshipping.org/
https://twitter.com/freeshippingorg
The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently reported free shipping offers -- one of consumers' favorite holiday promotions -- will abound this holiday season, with nine in 10 retailers (92.5 percent) planning to offer the service this year. In addition, 56.3 percent of retailers upped their free shipping budgets "somewhat or significantly" over last year, in anticipation of increased online shopping volume.
This trend in free shipping is further exemplified by merchant participation in the fourth-annual Free Shipping Day, scheduled for Dec. 16. With just 42 days before offers go live, the online event has already registered over 750 merchants who will offer free shipping for the 24-hour period with delivery by Christmas Eve.
Major players who've already jumped on the bandwagon include Lands' EndJCPenneyCabela's, Kohl's, Macy's, DSW, REI, Barnes & Noble and many more.
The numbers from 2010, coupled with the NRF's prediction that online sales will increase 2.8 percent over last year, suggest 2011 will likely be an even bigger record buster. More than 1,750 merchants participated last year, helping the event blow the doors off Black Friday by nearly $300 million in sales, for a total of $942 million in online sales. That single statistic earned Free Shipping Day 2010 a place in history as the third-heaviest day of online shopping ever.
Media coverage of the event has always been overwhelming, with mentions including such major outlets as CNN and news programs for FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS, as well as pieces in The New York Times, USA Today, Woman's Day and the New York Daily News, to name just a few.
Keep an eye out for future announcements, as Free Shipping Day continues to climb towards its goal of featuring over 2,000 participating merchants. 
Free Shipping Day is a one-day shopping event during which participating merchants offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. Visit www.freeshippingday.com for more information. 

COURTESY OF :
http://www.freeshippingday.com/
HOLIDAY SHIPPING TIPS & SAVINGS EXPERT
Kendal Perez  

 
kendal@freeshippingday.com



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Soles4Souls To Rebuild School & Complete Community Center in Haiti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Elizabeth Kirk, elizabethk@giveshoes.org
            615-391-5723      

SOLES4SOULS IS ‘MAD’ ENOUGH TO REBUILD SCHOOL AND EXPAND COMMUNITY CENTER IN HAITI

The Shoe Charity announces a ‘Making A Difference’ in Haiti campaign and needs the public’s support

Nashville, TN – Soles4Souls announced a new campaign this week and hopes the public will rally behind their MAD in Haiti efforts.  With the 2nd anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti only a few months away, Soles4Souls is launching a ‘Making A Difference’ in Haiti (www.MADinHaiti.org) holiday campaign to help rebuild a school in Leogane that was flattened by the earthquake and renovating and operating a community center  that will focus on youth in Haiti.  With 74% of primary aged girls not enrolled in school (UNICEF) and 800,000 still living in tents (CNN), Haiti needs the support of committed organizations like Soles4Souls to continue to recover and make progress.

The school and community center plans are in addition to the 3-pronged approach for sustained support Soles4Souls has already provided in Haiti since the earthquake.  The charity has distributed more than 1 million pairs of shoes to residents, established a micro-enterprise program for local shoe vendors that provides rare employment opportunities, and sent more than 15 teams of volunteers to distribute shoes and spend time with victims and orphans of the earthquake.

“We promised a sustained effort in Haiti when the earthquake struck, and two years later we continue to find new opportunities to help,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “One of the things we realized was missing after several relief trips was a place for youth to seek leadership, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities, which is why we feel the community center is so important.”

The general public can support MADinHaiti by cleaning out their closets, hosting a shoe drive in their local community or business, or by pledging their monetary support at www.giveshoes.org.

“Education and Community are two important parts of creating opportunities for the youth of Haiti.  We need partners in this endeavor to help change Haiti for the better,” Elsey added.

Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls®
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty.  Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.  Visit www.giveshoes.org www.clothes4souls.org , or www.hope4souls.org for more information
http://www.facebook.com/GiveShoes
http://twitter.com/Soles4Souls
http://www.youtube.com/user/soles4souls
http://blog.soles4souls.org/
http://wayneelsey.com/
http://www.clothes4souls.org/

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

HIGHER HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION : FALL BLESSTIVAL - OCTOBER 29TH

Higher Heights Neighborhood Association presents Fall Blesstival...
“Fall in Lov
e with Your Community"

 Free event, carnival games, candy bags for the children, food and much more!
1731 E Wood St. Phx, AZ 
85040 1-6pm 10/29/11


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Friday, October 21, 2011

DJ QUEEN OF SPADES HER THRONE IS THE DJ BOOTH INTERVIEW WITH: GENEVA RELF

DJ QUEEN OF SPADES 
HER THRONE IS THE DJ BOOTH 
INTERVIEW WITH: GENEVA RELF



Geneva: Greetings how are you today, we finally have the chance to do this interview! How is DJ Queen of Spades doing?

DJ Queen of Spades: 

Yes, finally....lol 
I am great! Things are amazing and I am happy for this opportunity.


Geneva: You have been such the busy lady, can you just break it down for us what the fans can look forward to?


DJ Queen of Spades: 

Wow! Where do I start? LOL 
I am excited to announce that I am one of the newest members of the Famous Monster DJ Team. If you are not familiar, Monster Cable is the company that makes Beats By Dre headphones and products, so this is a huge deal for me.  We have a lot of projects in the works, so make sure to look out for them.  I have also recently joined an internet radio site www.globalcityradio.com based out of the UK. My signature radio show "The Royal Treatment" broadcast's every night from 12-1am EST I am very happy to announce as well that I a mixer on Tulsa's #1 Hip Hop and R'n'B station KJAMZ 105.3. I'll be doing the Old School Cafe Mix every Monday from 1-2pm EST I'm also working on new mixes for my mixtape series "All Hail The Queen" and podcast. I am also doing new projects with my DJ Organizations; The Core DJs & IMS DJs.


Geneva: Now for those who may not know what their missing in the female DJ game. Can you tell us what separates you from most female DJ's?


DJ Queen:

I think my versatility it makes me unique.  When I first started DJ'ing, I mainly spun hip hop and r'n'b.  After awhile, I realized that to be more of an asset, you need to master different genres.  I have always been around a wide range of music, so I am quite knowledgeable.  Therefore, it was very easy to transition into other types of music.  This sets me aside from many other DJs, because now I can rock parties by myself and play everything.  I also think I have a unique style that makes me stand out.  I pride myself on being a trendsetter and doing things a little different than other females. I respect all my female DJs though and that we are now becoming more noticeable and respected for what we are doing. 


G: Can you tell me what is the biggest hurdle for females in the djing game and what has been your biggest accomplishment? 


DJ Queen:

I think being a DJ has its hurdles period. There are the ups and downs of this industry. The biggest hurdle being a female DJ is sometimes you are found trying to "prove" yourself and that you have just as much, if not more talent to stand up to the male DJ's.  Basically, I just go to the party, get on the 1's and 2's and show them what I’m about. Let my talent speak for itself. 
I've been blessed to have accomplished many things up to this point in my career. One of the biggest ones has to be being nominated for Female DJ of The Year since 2007 at an annual DJ Awards Ceremony held in Toronto. This shows that I am being recognized and shown love for my contributions as a DJ.




 G: When it comes to being a female DJ what is the biggest misunderstanding ?







DJ Queen:


That we are "gimmicks" I cannot tell you how many people have said this to be before. "Oh you can't DJ, you're just a pretty face" Well I agree with the pretty face part...lol However, it's the misconception that a lot of female DJs are just out for "show" that sadly become a fall back for us. And, I understand. When you see a lot of female DJs these days, they are wearing bikinis and a pair of headphones. lol Even I have to shake my head sometimes. Yes, its ok to be sexy, but don't let it over shadow your skills. 



G: Now their are a lot of artists out there, so many new tracks and hot singles among albums out who are you mixing in the clubs or featuring in your events?


DJ Queen:
Oh wow, right now what I play to get the crowd rockin' is definitely; Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Drake, Meek Mill. A lot of the down south tracks right now are really what gets the crowd hype! 



G: Now being a DJ of many talents can you please tell us what else is in your bag of expertise and skills besides djing?



DJ Queen:

I have dabbled in a lot of things while I've been in the industry the last 17 years. I have done Marketing and Promotions, which I still continue to do. I have planned and thrown my own signature events. I have also worked with a couple of record labels in the past.  I have done management for an old dance crew I used to be apart of.  So, I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge working on both sides of the fence. 


G: Furthermore being in a male dominated industry what has been your personal motto or theme for inspiration to stay motivated?


DJ Queen:

Just stay focused! Don't get discouraged when something may not work out in your favor and just keep working hard. Keep motivated and dedicated, it never goes unrecognized. 



G: What has been your "Awww" moment, that moment when you realized you've made it in this business?


DJ Queen:

Hmmmmm..... There have been a few of these moments so far, but the one that really stands out and means a lot, is when DJ Scratch ( EPMD ) told me I was an amazing DJ. This is someone who I have looked up to for so many years and I think he is one of the best DJs I have ever heard. So, for him to hear me DJ and tell ME that I am a great DJ was definitely one of those "awww" moments!


G: Now I have seen your style what inspires your fashion?


DJ Queen:

Honestly, I am not really inspired by anyone or anything specific when it comes to my style. I just wear what feels good and makes me look hot! lol 
I can go from wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers to a mini-skirt and heels. It really just depends on my mood and what's going on. One thing, I will always keep it stylish though. :) 



G: Now if I said "All hail the Queen" what is your definition of a true queen in today's times?



DJ Queen:

A strong, smart, independent woman who can hold her own and is out there doing something positive. You can have a "hustle", but as long as you are keeping it classy and you are respecting yourself at the end of the day.... you are a true queen! 



G: Now for those who think that female dj's don't fit in the game, what would you say to them?



DJ Queen:

Let me get on the 1's and 2's and let me rock and I'll show them....lol  Honestly, its sad that being a DJ has been labeled as a "male" occupation.  Spinderella, is one of the dopest DJs out there and she has been rockin' since the 80's! There just isn't enough of us in comparison to the men, but that is quickly changing.  I'll always say this, "If you love music, have a real passion for this and are dedicated and can actually DJ, it doesn't matter what race or gender you are!" 



G:What would be your greatest piece of advice you would give to a young women looking to enter into the dominating world of entertainment?



DJ Queen:

Do not let the stereotyping discourage anything you do! If you have enough talent, love, passion, dedication, and determination, you will succeed no matter what. Put your heart and mind into it and do the do! And, brand yourself accordingly. Branding, is probably one of the most important things you will have to do. And, of course network. 


G: What does "Girl Power" mean to you?


DJ Queen:

UNITY!! We can't even think about using the term "Girl Power" if we don't all come together and help one another.  I am the biggest supporter of my other female DJ peers. We all have the same obstacles, we all have the same stereotypes and for the most part, we are all doing this for the love of DJ'ing. I am always there to lend a helping hand and give my support and advice. 


G: Who is DJ Queen of Spades at the end of the day?



DJ Queen:

I'm just a funny, loving, down to earth, humble person who loves music and decided to make a career from that love! I can't ever see myself changing. If you look in the middle of the dance floor at a party, chances are I'll be there like I've always been.....lol  


G: Thanks again so much for taking this time out of your busy schedule, Also please don't forget to tell the folks where they can find you to keep up with the latest. And is there anything you would like to add before we go?



DJ Queen:

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I am very grateful for the opportunity. I just wanna say thank you to everyone that supports me and comes to my parties or listens to my mixtapes or hits me up to tell me that they love what I'm doing. Honestly, its because of them why DJ Queen of Spades can still keep doing what I do! :) 

You can reach me at any of the following::

RADIO:: Every night you can catch The Royal Treatment Mixshow from 12-1am EST www.globalcitydance.com
& Every Monday The Old School Cafe Mixx from 1-2pm EST www.kjmm.com KJAMZ 105.3 

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