It's Frugal Friday! Let me ask you something... did you have to pay taxes this year? There's a way to maximize your deductions so you don't overpay your taxes. Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone should pay all of the taxes that they are legally obligated to pay, but no one should pay one penny more than they have to. Now is the time to maximize your tax savings!

If you have your own business (full time or part time) you can keep track of all your business expenses so that they can be deducted at the end of the year. I highly recommend the TaxBot app to accurately record all of your business activities in order to provide your tax preparer with an accurate, complete and bullet-proof accounting of your allowable tax-deductions. 

Watch the video above for a quick overview of the TaxBot app. Plus, when you share this powerful record-keeping app with other people, you can earn substantial amount of money just for spreading the word. Everyone can agree, we would all love to spend less on taxes.  For complete details, click HERE.  

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! I wanted to highlight some of my favorite thrift store finds. These are items I've scored from thrift stores throughout the years and have proudly displayed them in my home. They were all in pretty good condition. I only painted the stool and table to coordinate with the color palette of the bedroom. I've acquired these items from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Disabled American Veterans, and others. Not only are these items frugal, but they are one-of-a-kind treasures!

    

Happy Frugal Friday! Summer (un)officially starts this Memorial Day weekend. Here in Southern California, the weather already feels like summer came early. There are so many frugal ways to enjoy this summer season. Get ready, summer fun is here!

You don't have to spend a lot of money (or any money) to enjoy summertime activities. If your budget is tight, but you still want to feel like you're on a mini vacation or staycation. Here are 10 fun, fabulous and free ways to enjoy summer.

1. The Beach - If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance to a beach (or a lake or a river or even just a pool), take advantage as much as you can this summer. Go early so you can find a good parking spot nearby, for free of course! Pack some essentials - such as food, drinks, reading materials, sunglasses, beach chairs, towels, etc.. and just relax and maybe even work on your tan!
2. Street Fairs - Check online for local summer fairs in nearby towns or cities. Admission is usually free and there are always lots to see and taste. We recently came back from the nations largest single day street faire in Carlsbad, CA. We didn't buy anything, but many vendors offer free samples. It's a fun way to spend the day and a great way to walk off the delicious rotisserie chicken lunch that we shared for only $6.00 !!
3. Summer Concerts - Many local communities offer free outdoor summer concerts. This is a fabulous way to enjoy your city's music scene and learn about new bands and hear great music. Check your local listings throughout the summer.
4. Stroll Old Town - This is one of my favorite things to do, in any season! Most areas have a downtown or old town with quaint local stores (vs. chain stores). Leisurely stroll and stop in at the shops and maybe grab a little bite to eat at one of the cozy cafes. I enjoy checking out little antique shops. This is a great way to discover little gems for one-of-a-kind treasures.
5. Farmers Markets - Hit your local farmers market early so you get the freshest produce. Support local growers (vs. big box supermarkets), often times they are cheaper and offer a much better quality. Most vendors offer samples too! You can also shop for healthier organic options. Make a shopping list of items you might need ahead of time, so you won't overspend.
6. Scenic Drives - Go a little off the beaten path to areas where you normally wouldn't drive to. Make sure it's not too far so you won't waste money on gas. Map out your destination ahead of time. Make sure to stop when you can to take in the sights.
7. Picnics At The Park - Pack a light picnic lunch and drive (or walk) to your favorite park. Pick a quiet, shaded spot and enjoy your meal. Bring some music or reading material if you plan to go by yourself.
8. Explore New Neighborhoods - This is a great way to feel like you are exploring a new neighborhood in another state or country! Pick a neighborhood, park your car, then meander around their downtown or residential area. I love walking around quaint residential streets with beautiful homes, I get inspirations on how I can improve my own home's curb appeal.
9. Flea Markets - One of my favorite destinations to shop! There are several flea markets or swap meets happening every Sunday. I usually find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or something for myself for dirt cheap. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendor. Most of them would rather sell the item(s) vs. take it back home with them.
10. Go To The Museum or Zoo - Most communities offer "free to the public" admission days. Call your local zoo or museum ahead of time and take advantage of these great local attractions.

Happy Thrifty Tuesday! This past weekend I went to one of my favorite places for great vintage frugal finds - the vintage swap meet at the Glendale Community College. So I guess you could say I had a... Happy Swap Meet Sunday! This is one of the smaller swap meets in Southern California. It's not as big as the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, you can shop all the dealers & vendors in a couple of hours! I found great deals on collectible cameras for my antique boutique.  My next shopping trip destination... Paris Flea Markets!!

Even if you are not on the hunt for vintage items and just want basic essential stuff for everyday living, you can find it at a swap meet or flea market.  Take your time and shop around, sometimes another vendor might sell something similar for a lower price. Don't be afraid to negotiate, most dealers would rather make a sale than have to bring the item back home with them.

Here are some basic items you can find at flea meets and swap markets in your local community:

ARTWORK - if you are looking for that one-of-a-kind unique framed print for whatever room in your house, you will most likely find it and for a bargain price!

BASKETS - I use baskets for everything, such as organizing, decorating as well as for gifts!  Baskets are so versatile and have so many uses. I even organize the items in my refrigerator with baskets.

CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES - you can get awesome deals on clothing, purses, shoes, sunglasses, etc... from vendors selling "previously worn" as well as new items. Often times you can negotiate down the total price if you are buying several items.

CHAIRS - if you are like me, I have chairs in every room of my house! It doesn't all have to match, in fact it's more interesting. Score great deals on chairs from vendors who sell mis-matched pairs. Chairs can also function as a spot for books, magazines, etc.. 

DISHES - some vendors sell an entire set of china while others sell dishes by the piece. Whatever your needs are, consider this option before shelling out a lot of money at department stores or home stores.

FURNITURE - I've found super great deals on furniture at flea markets and swap meets. I bought a 6-drawer tall boy dresser for only $25. It simply needed to be sanded and repainted white. Again, you can negotiate a lower but fair price with the vendor.

GIFTS - If you are looking for one-a-kind unique gifts, you will probably find something at the flea market. If the recipient is a collector, look for items he or she collects. Plus, buy a basket there to put the gift in.

JEWELRY - there are several jewelry dealers who sell at swap meets and flea markets on the weekends. You can find great costume jewelry even silver and gold pieces! 

   

Happy Frugal Friday! Although I've haven't been to Paris or anywhere in France yet, I love all things french!

For the past 5 years I've kept my eye out for frugal Parisian items for the home. I've also been researching quaint apartments to stay in when we finally do make it to Paris, which I hope is within the next couple of years.  I was considering an apartment in the Latin Quarter. I welcome suggestions and recommendations on which is the best, most centrally located arrondissement for the money. Please send me your recommendations here.

In the meantime, I satisfy my french dreams by surrounding myself with beautiful french inspirations. My best friend Jeanine treated me to a delicious birthday lunch at Paris in a Cup Tea Salon in old towne Orange. To top off our great afternoon tea sandwiches, we split a scrumptious petite chocolate truffle cake (see photo).

Below are a couple of areas in my home where I did french-inspired yet frugal display vignettes that j'aime! 

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Happy Thrifty Tuesday! I will be posting new blog tips every Thrifty Tuesday and every Frugal Friday. Here's the first Thrifty Tuesday post...

Even though it's ultimately more frugal and cheaper to eat in vs. going out, sometimes it's a nice treat to get together with friends or just eat something that you normally won't make for yourself or your family at home. 

Food for me (and for most people) is one of the life's greatest joy and pleasure! You really can have your frugal cake and eat it too.

Here are 15 frugal food tips for anyone to use in order to save money when going out to eat at restaurants. Bon appetite!

1. Set A Budget: Allocate a certain amount of money when going out. For example, if you limit yourself to spend only $15 - then you won't be tempted to order anything higher than that.
   
   
2. Just Appetizers: I just did this the other day at one of my favorite French restaurants. I ordered the appetizer version of one of their main entrees. Not only was the appetizer portion enough, but any bigger would be too much food.
   
   
3. Cash Back From Restaurants: Maximize your dining experience by getting cash-back from your favorite local restaurants. You also have a chance to win monthly jackpots. This program from MOGL is currently available in California only, but are expanding nationwide soon.
   
   
4. Split Your Meal: Save money by splitting an entree with or without an appetizer or salad with another person. The bonus is that you won't be tempted to overeat.
   
   
5. Snap Up Deals: Be on the lookout from daily deal sites such as LivingSocial or Groupon. Redeem restaurant deals that you know you will really take advantage of.
   
   
6. Eat Your Leftovers: Often times, you or someone in your group have leftovers. It's quite wasteful to throw away perfectly good food that you already paid for. Ask for a doggie bag, make something creative with your leftovers the next day, chances are it will taste better too.
   
   
7. Coupons: Take advantage of restaurant coupons you get in the mail or in Sunday papers. Clip out coupons you know you will actually use.
   
   
8. Order Takeout: If you are in the mood for your favorite restaurant cuisine, place your order to go. You not only save money on the service tip, but you don't have to order drinks since you already have something at home to drink with your meal.
   
   
9. Restaurant Vouchers: Get discount vouchers to your favorite restaurants at Restaurants.com. Most $25 gift certificates or vouchers cost only $10 or even less when they have special promotions!
   
   
10. Membership Discounts: If you have a membership with AAA or AARP, you can get great discounts on restaurants such as Mimi's Cafe, El Torito, Denny's and more.
    
    
11. Order Water: Instead of sodas, coffee, tea, or juice drink water – it’s free and has zero calories.  Try adding lemon or a slice of cucumber in the water.
    
    
12. Yelp It First: Before going to a restaurant I've never been to, I always check it out on Yelp first. I read the reviews and check out their menu for entree selection and prices. Often times, you can get a sense of if this is a restaurant you want to try. 
    
    
13. Skip Dessert: Although this is very tempting, often times your main meal was more than enough. You don't really need that plate of chocolate cake a-la-mode! But, if you have to have dessert, split it amongst the group you are dining with.
    
    
14. Earn Rewards: Research which credit card offers the best percentage back when you use that card when paying for going out to restaurants. You can earn 5% quarterly on purchases at restaurants from certain credit card companies.
    
    
15. Potlucks: A slight take on "going out to eat", host a potluck party outdoors with friends. It’s more fun, saves you money, you can be loud and you don’t have to tip.
    

Mothers are special everyday, but there's one day every year that celebrates how much she is loved and appreciated. Sunday, May 12th is Mother's Day, let mom know how special she is without breaking the (piggy) bank. Here are 10 frugal gift ideas any mom would love:

Breakfast in Bed - greet mom in the morning with a tray of her favorite breakfast goodies. Include a homemade card, her favorite drink and some flowers too. 

Framed Photos - make copies of mom's favorite and special photos. Select a theme, such as a particular vacation, party, event, etc.. Choose various sized photo frames and group them in a gift basket.

Homemade Jewelry - find inexpensive beads, chains, jewels, etc.. at a craft or hobby store to create unique bracelets or necklaces. You can also customize the jewelry with letters that spell out her name. A really inexpensive option is look through some old jewelry and create a whole new piece!

Wine and Cheese - buy a couple of her favorite bottles of wine (there's some great ones at Trader Joe's) and a few delicious cheese wedges for a sophisticated gift basket that she can indulge in right away!

Organize Her Closet - you can give this gift as a "coupon" that's included in her homemade Mother's Day card. This could be really fun and functional... have mom participate in which item in her closet goes in the Keep, Throw Away or Donate pile. 

Plant Arrangement - create a special and unique arrangement from your garden (or a friend's garden). Find a container, such as a pot, bowl, cup, pitcher, etc.. fill with dirt halfway, pick pieces of succulents (they work the best) taller ones in the center and shorter ones cascading off the sides. Top off with more dirt to pack them in and your unique homemade card.

Movie Marathon - rent a few of mom's favorite DVD movies from Redbox or the library and spend a night with her watching movies while munching on buttered popcorn.

Picnic at the Park - prepare a picnic basket with mom's favorite stuff, including yummy desserts and head over to a nearby park under a shaded tree for a nice, leisurely picnic. 

Books and Magazines - encourage mom to take a breather and catch up on her reading. Give her a series of books she's been meaning to read and/or a few of her favorite magazines in a gift basket.

Special Classes - give mom the chance to try something new... whether it's yoga, belly dancing, pilates, cooking, a new language or any other special interest class she might have talked about. These classes are usually offered at community colleges. You can purchase a one class session or a series of classes.