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Welcome Frugalistas!

What exactly does frugal lifestyle mean?  I believe it’s being smart and savvy in your choices. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you and you will come out ahead.

This blog and website offers frugal tips and money saving ideas to help you live a richer life. Save money on everyday living. Start living the "Frugal Lifestyle" today.

Spend Less  • Earn More • Live Better

7 Ways To Find Happiness

2/14/2016

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​Happiness can be elusive when life is too complicated. I would like to share this great post from Happiness Tricks about what we all strive for ... to be happy:)

As daily commitments multiply, we find ourselves becoming conditioned to shifting between multiple tasks, creating lengthy to-do lists and juggling complicated schedules.  When we’re not overwhelmed, we may feel proud that we can keep up with it all.  It’s all part of making a living, but in the end it can stand in the way of making a life.

Does your schedule leave you time for things that bring true happiness?
These things vary for each of us, but for most people true happiness consists of spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that reveal the richness and beauty of the world around us.

To get the most out of these activities, you must approach them from a place of stillness, peace and calm.
A busy life can be personally fulfilling, but it may leave you feeling too frazzled to achieve the stillness and peace that will allow you to connect with deep happiness and the underlying beauty of life.  You can’t just walk away from the responsibilities that fracture your time, but you can simplify your life so that your mind is calmer and more open to the hidden treasures in life.

Here are 7 ways to get started with simplifying your life and working towards a more peaceful state of mind.
  1. Question your dependence on material possessions.  Recognize the difference between things you need and things you want.  Our culture bombards us with messages about material things that will make our lives better.  The reality is that most of these things will clutter our lives without bringing true happiness.  Free yourself from the culture of excess and learn to be content with fewer possessions and greater simplicity.
  2. Think for yourself.  If you spend your life playing out a role that society or someone else defines, you’re missing out on the chance to follow your own desires.  Your inner life is diminished when you are limited by conformity.  Why give up your freedom and allow all of your decisions to be defined by what you think you “should” do?  Become a non-conformist and think for yourself, letting your passions be your guide.
  3. Rethink your commitments.  Life is full of opportunities to earn money, give service, learn new skills and make new friends.  Some of us want it all and fill up our calendars with activities and obligations.  Over-committing is the surest way to banish stillness and calm from your life.  Rushing from one activity to another leaves you with no time to slow down, observe and let things happen.  No matter how worthy you think your commitments are, rethink and prioritize them.  Keep the ones that are most important and eliminate the ones that are adding to the hectic pace of your life with little return.
  4. Create more free time.  Once you’ve balanced your commitments, find ways to increase your free time.  Eliminate time wasters and re-evaluate your chores.  If you spend hours each week cleaning house, see if you can do a little less and have more free time.  Eliminating clutter from your home will make it easier to clean.  Once you’ve created more free time, fill it with activities that develop your inner self.  Spend some time alone and spend some with the people you care about most.  Focus on calming activities.
  5. Savor the simple pleasures.  How often do you prepare a healthy and delicious meal and then savor every bite of it?  Instead of rushing through meals, barely tasting what you’re eating, take time to enjoy them.  Invest time in other simple pleasures – work in your garden, take a relaxing soak in a hot tub or bath, bike or hike through a nature preserve.  Unless you’re retired, you probably can’t do these things every day, but fitting them into your schedule even once or twice a week will have a calming effect on your life.
  6. Focus on the present moment.  When you’re over-committed, you can end up rushing from one thing to the next without enjoying or even being very conscious of the world around you.  There’s always the hope that when things slow down you’ll have time to enjoy life.  Maybe you look forward to the weekend or an annual vacation, thinking that you’ll be able to find a way to slow down.  Instead of looking to the future, learn to focus on the present moment.  Enjoy what you’re doing in the here and now.  You can find serenity in even the most mundane task if you really give it your attention and do it mindfully.
  7. Give up some control.  No matter how much we plan, we can never predict what the future will bring.  Trying to exercise too much control can just lead to frustration, in addition to frustrating the people around you.  Since you never know what the future will bring, it’s futile to try to control events.  Instead of attempting to control the outcome of events, learn to relax and enjoy the journey.  Letting go of the need to control will give you more freedom to live in the moment.  By planning less, you’ll be more open to unforeseen opportunities that come your way.  This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still have goals, but that your focus shifts from the ends to the means.

Remember that simplicity is a process, not a destination.
For most of us, there is no escaping the inherent complexity of our lives.  However, by deciding to simplify your life and spend more time seeking true happiness, you’ve started on a road that can lead to profound changes in your life.
​
There is no final destination at the end of this road.
Because life is forever changing and evolving, and you are evolving along with it, you will never reach a point of perfect simplicity and endless happiness.  But each moment you spend on the path to simplicity does have the potential to bring more serenity and happiness into your life.
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13 Tips To Simplify Your Life

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Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday

2/1/2016

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​Everybody likes free treats on their birthday right? Thanks to ThePennyHoarder for this extensive list of 100 places that will give you free stuff on your birthday! Most of these places require that you sign up at least 7 days before your birthday, so get busy now and then enjoy the free stuff as it rolls in on your birthday…
  1. A&W All American Food – Get a free root beer float on your birthday by joining the Mug Club.
  2. Ace Hardware – Receive a free $5 off coupon when you join Ace Rewards.
  3. AMF Bowling – Get some free bowling by signing up with the AMF Pinsiders Club.
  4. Applebees –  Sign up for their Email Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.
  5. Arby’s – Get a free milkshake on your birthday when you register with Arby’s.
  6. Atlanta Bread Company – Get a free cookie on your birthday when you join their Loyalty Program.
  7. Au Bon Pain – Join their eClub and get a free birthday lunch.
  8. Auntie Anne’s – Sign up for Pretzel Perks and get a free pretzel on your birthday.
  9. Aveda – Receive a birthday gift valued at $20 when you  join Aveda’s Rewards Program.
  10. Bare Escentuals – Join the Friends and Benefits Program and they’ll send you a gift on your birthday.
  11. Barnes and Noble (Kids) – Sign up for the B&N Kids’ Club and your child gets a free cupcake on his/her birthday.
  12. Baskin Robbins – Join their Birthday Club and get free ice cream on your birthday.
  13. BD’s Mongolian Grill – Get a free entree on your birthday when you join Club Mongo.
  14. Benihana’s – Register for the Chef’s Table and they’ll send you a $30 birthday certificate.
  15. Bennigan’s – Receive a BOGO entree as well as a free dessert when you sign up for their  E-Club.
  16. Big Boy – Join their Email Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.
  17. Bonefish Grill – Become a  BFG Insider and get special offers on your birthday.
  18. Boston Market – Join the VIP Club and get a special birthday surprise.
  19. Buca di Beppo – You’ll receive a free pasta on your next visit as well as a $20 birthday gift for joining their eClub.
  20. Buffalo Wild Wings – Get a free birthday dessert when you join the Buffalo Circle.
  21. Captain D’s – Get a special offer on your birthday when you join  D’s Club.
  22. Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Join Carrabba’s Amici Club and get a free appetizer as well as a coupon for a BOGO Free entree.
  23. Chick fil a – Become an Email Insider and get a special birthday offer.
  24. Chili’s – Get free chips and guacamole when you join their  Email Club.
  25. Chuck E. Cheese – Join the Chuck E. Cheese Club and get free tokens to help celebrate your child’s birthday.
  26. Cinnabon – Subscribe to Club Cinnabon and get a special gift on your birthday.
  27. Cold Stone Creamery – Get a BOGO coupon for your birthday by signing up for the My Cold Stone Club.
  28. Country Buffet – Sign your child up for the  Birthday Kids Club and they’ll receive a free meal on their big day.
  29. Cracker Barrel – Go to Cracker Barrel on your birthday and get a free dessert.
  30. Culver's – Enjoy a free birthday treat when you sign up for the Culver’s eClub.
  31. CVS – Join the Beauty Club and get $3 Extracare bucks on your birthday.
  32. Dairy Queen – Receive a free Blizzard on your birthday by signing up for the Blizzard Fan Club.
  33. Dave & Busters – Sign up for Dave & Buster’s Rewards and get $10 in free game play.
  34. Denny’s- Stop by Denny’s and get a free Grand Slam on your birthday (with ID)!
  35. Disney Movie – Get 100 free points for your birthday when you sign up for Disney Movie Rewards.
  36. Don Pablo’s – Get a $10 gift card on your birthday when you become a Habaneros Member.
  37. Dunkin’ Donuts – Get a free beverage on your birthday by signing up for the DD Perks Rewards Program.
  38. Einstein Bros. Bagels – Get a free bagel on your birthday when youjoin the club.
  39. Firehouse Subs – Show up on your birthday and show ID for a free medium sub!
  40. First Watch – Get a free entree when you sign up for the Sun eClub.
  41. Friendly’s – When you become a Best Friends of Friendly’s member, you’ll receive a free Happy Ending Sundae on your birthday.
  42. Fuddruckers – Get a special birthday offer when you join the Fudds Club.
  43. Great American Cookies – Join CookiE-mail and get a free cookie on your birthday.
  44. Hallmark – Get a free card and a coupon for 20% off one item when you become a Hallmark Crown Rewards member.
  45. Hard Rock Cafe – Sign up for Hard Rock Rewards are get free dessert on your birthday.
  46. Helzberg Diamonds – Request a catalog and sign up for email updates to receive a birthday surprise.
  47. Hooters –Join the Club and get free wings on your birthday.
  48. IHOP –  Sign up and receive a free stack of pancakes on your birthday!
  49. Jack in the Box –Register and receive a special offer on your birthday.
  50. Jersey Mike’s Subs – Get a free sub and drink when you sign up for their Email Club.
  51. Joe’s Crab Shack –  Register with Joe’s Crab Shack and receive a birthday treat.
  52. Kmart – When you sign your child up for the Birthday Club, they will receive a special gift pack as well as $5 in Birthday Bucks.
  53. Krispy Kreme – Join the e-Club and receive a free donut on your birthday.
  54. Longhorn Steakhouse – Create a My Longhorn account and get a free birthday treat.
  55. Macaroni Grill – Sign up for the Email Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.
  56. Maggie Moo’s – Sign up for MaggiE-mail and get a free birthday surprise.
  57. Marie Callender’s- Join the E-Club and get a free slice of pie and $5 off your check on your birthday.
  58. Medieval Times – Receive free admission when you join the Birthday Fellowship and the King’s Court
  59. The Melting Pot – Join Club Fondue and get a voucher for free chocolate fondue for two on your birthday.
  60. Moe’s Southwest Grill – Get a coupon for a free birthday burrito when you join their eWorld.
  61. Noodles & Company – Get a free dish on your birthday by joining their EClub.
  62. Not Your Average Joe’s – Get a free birthday surprise when you sign up for their Email Club.
  63. Olive Garden – Get a complimentary appetizer or dessert on your birthday by signing up for their eClub
  64. On the Border – Get a special birthday offer when you sign up for Club Cantina.
  65. Panda Express – Register to receive emails and get an exclusive offer on your birthday.
  66. Panera – Join MyPanera and get a free pastry on your birthday.
  67. Perkins – Get a free slice of pie on your birthday when you sign up for their E-club.
  68. P.F. Chang’s – Sign up for the Email List and get a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday.
  69. Pinkberry – Sign up for a Pinkcard and receive a free small yogurt on your birthday.
  70. Qdoba – Receive a special birthday gift when you register for their Rewards Program.
  71. RedBox – Get the Redbox Play Pass and receive a free birthday rental.
  72. Red Lobster – Receive a birthday surprise when you Join the Club.
  73. Red Robin – Register for their Rewards Program and get a free birthday burger.
  74. Rita’s Italian Ice – Sign up for their Birthday Club and get a free birthday treat.
  75. Ruby Tuesday – Sign up with Ruby Tuesday and score a free burger on your birthday.
  76. Sbarro – Get free pizza on your birthday by joining their e-Club.
  77. Sephora – Register with Sephora and receive a free gift on your birthday!
  78. Smashbox – Register for the Pretty Points Program and receive a free gift during your birthday month.
  79. Sonic – Create a My Sonic Profile and receive a special treat on your birthday.
  80. Sonny’s BBQ – Get a free Big Deal Meal on your big day by joining the ‘Q Crew.
  81. Souper Salad – Register for Souper Perks and get a free meal during your birthday week.
  82. The Spaghetti Warehouse – Join the Warehouse Club and get a free meal on your birthday.
  83. Starbucks – Get a free birthday drink by signing up for Starbucks Rewards.
  84. Steak ‘n Shake – Join the eClub and get a free menu item on your birthday.
  85. Subway – You’ll receive a free 6 inch sub and drink on your birthday when you join the Subway Eat Fresh Club.
  86. Swagbucks – Get 50 free SBs on your birthday.
  87. TCBY – Join the TCBY eClub and receive special offers on your birthday.
  88. Texas Roadhouse – Sign up for their Email Club and get a birthday gift.
  89. TGI Friday’s – Join their Give Me More Stripes program and get a free dessert on your birthday.
  90. Tony Roma’s – Join the Roma Rib Expert Club and get a free entree on your birthday.
  91. Toys R Us – Join Rewards R Us and your child will receive a free card and gift every year until his/her 10th birthday.
  92. Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Join Club Tropical and get a special birthday offer.
  93. ULTA – Receive a free CK One mascara by signing up for their Loyalty Rewards Program.
  94. Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Join their Email Club and get a free entree on your birthday.
  95. Victoria’s Secret – Sign up for an Angel Card and get a birthday gift worth $10.
  96. Waffle House – Become a member of the Waffle House Regulars Club and receive a free waffle on your birthday.
  97. Wienerschnitzel – Join the Wiener Lovers Club and get a free coupon each year on your birthday.
  98. Wingstop – Get a free order of seasoned fries on your birthday when you sign up for their Email Club.
  99. Yogurt Mountain – Join the YOMO Club and get free yogurt on your birthday.
  100. Zaxby’s – Get a free Nibbler on your birthday by signing up for the Zaxby’s Email Club.
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    What does living frugally mean to me? Well, it does NOT mean being cheap, quite the contrary, I believe it’s being smart in your choices, such as how you spend your money everyday. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you. I always strive to spend less on almost everything.

    In this challenging economy, some of us have had to cut back on our expenses. Wouldn't it be nice to still have the things or services you want and need but not have to pay full price or even better, get them for free? 

    Choose value and quality over quantity or fads and you will come out ahead. The great benefit of being frugal is that it eliminates waste and clutter which in turn helps our environment.  By doing simple changes towards more “green” and frugal ways, together we can make an impact on our planet. 
        

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     Hi, my name is Marissa Winfrey and I have been living the frugal life ever since I can remember. I have always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for my money without compromising style and quality.

    My background is in visual display and interior decorating. It’s always been my objective to recommend cost effective solutions to my clients. I, of course, practice what I preach! I have furnished my own homes mostly with furnishings and decor items from my own little vintage boutique, estate sales, discount stores, flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and even curbside discarded furniture!

    My frugal practice goes beyond the home. I offer money saving tips on just about everything, from shopping to travel and everything in between. I hope my blog and website will inspire everyone to be their own Frugalista.

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Read and learn about useful tips and tricks from experts on how to live "the frugal lifestyle" everyday!  Check out the books below, to see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.
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Living The Savvy Life:
The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living
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It's Not About Being Cheap.  Living the Savvy Life isn't about being a cheapskate, a miser or a tightwad.  It's about having security and peace of mind by spending less than you make.  It's about knowing where you stand financially on a daily basis so you can make intelligent fiscal decisions. 

​It's about being penny-wise on the things that are less important to you so you can spend money on the things that are important to you. It's about choosing to purchase only the things that you love and make you happy.  
It's about finding, attaining and maintaining balance.  Are you ready to start Living the Savvy Life?

   
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​Thrifty: 
Living the Frugal Life with Style


Best-selling author Marjorie Harris offers a timely and entertaining guide to living the richly frugal life. From tips on how to haggle to becoming a frugal fashionista, maintaining your home on a budget, and thrifty gardening, travel, and entertainment, Harris provides essential guidelines to living a quality life on less. Written in her trademark witty, engaging, and accessible style, Thrifty is packed with simple and savvy tips drawn from Harris' own fulfilled, thrifty experience. Bonus tips come from renowned experts such as best-selling author Margaret Atwood, chef Jamie Kennedy, actor R. H. Thomson, travel writer Sylvia Fraser, and The Globe and Mail's style columnists.
  
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: 
Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor
​

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life -- interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support. 

What sets this retirement book apart from all the others is its holistic approach to the fears, hopes, and dreams that people have about retirement. This international bestseller (over 110,000 copies sold in its first edition) goes way beyond the numbers that is often the main focus of retirement planning in most retirement books.
   
To see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.

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