Frugal Quack

Is there a bigger annual event in the US than the Super Bowl? We don’t think so. The game, the players, the commercials and let’s not forget about halftime. A spectacle all its own. This year (2012) the big match up is between the San Francisco Giants and the New England Patriots. A delicious duel to the very end of fourth quarter, this time in Indianapolis. However will all the hoopla and hype comes a lot of waste and this event is a major purveyor of just that – waste.

One thing we all can agree on though, is that there are things we can do on the big day to make it a bit more on the planet-friendly side. Let’s take a look below at a few simple ideas that won’t break the bank.

Eco Snacks And Treats -

What good is a Superbowl party without delicious snacks and treats galore. Take note of online recipes that call for all natural and organic ingredients, this means the food products are sans additives and or artificial flavorings, colors, etc. Just about any recipe can be made with organic ingredients from the main entree to desserts, snacks and or an ornate appetizer tray.

Organic Brew -

Drinks. You need drinks on Superbowl Sunday and lots of them. Well we retract this comment a tad as you don’t really need lots of drinks. However good organic brews and wine are available in most liquor stores including Binny’s and other local wineries. Look online first for organic beer reviews, however a few good brands include Peak Organic and Sierra Nevada.

Easy Access Recycling Bins -

This is a simple and inexpensive idea that anyone can try in their home. The idea revolves around strategically placing a few BIG recycling bins in the area where the party is to be held. This could be as simple as using large blue colored garbage cans, baskets or bins with a big recycling sign on it. This way all your guests and party-goers will know exactly where to throw their empty bottles, plastic and other assorted items without having to go look for them.

Have fun on Superbowl weekend and hope YOUR team wins. As for us, we are so rooting for the New England Patriots and pretty boy Tom Brady. Whoever your rooting for, may the day and the festivities be a fun and family filled, planet-friendly event.

Guest article by: Missy who writes for a business fuel card comparison website.

Tags: Superbowl weekend eco tips and ideas

With the economy tanking badly right now the way it is, everyone is out to save a buck and or keep more in the bank. From using coupons to shopping online and everything else in between the consensus is simple – shop smart and save money whenever and wherever you can. And one thing many are doing is turning to the web, using iPhone apps or via various other tools to do just that.

With that in mind, we decided to scour the iTunes store and see what good frugal iPhone apps I could find that would be helpful or useful to women. Below are three of our findings.

1. Text Free Unlimited -

If your cell phone service provider doesn’t have or charges too much to add unlimited texting, then web based texting is your next best bet. This free app allows you to receive and send texts to others at no charge. This is great for those who text a lot and or simply want a low cost option to their cell phone providers texting plan.

2. Scout Mob -

This cool app scours the web for low cost eateries in whatever zip code you search. Are you in the mood for BBQ ribs? Maybe a Mexican joint? Well no cuisine is out of reach with this very cool app. Great for foodies on a budget and or those who love a sweet meal and deal. It’s simple, intuitive and free. Find it on the web via the iTunes store or search via your iPhone directly.

3. Gas Buddy -

Everyone is concerned with the high price of gas and how best to conserve. It’s a viable concern and one that affects us all, whether we drive or not. However if you are a driver and are looking for smart and easy ways to save. Try this free iPhone app that lets you search and compare rates on various gas stations throughout your city and state. A time and gas saver in one. Works as you would imagine, by typing in a zip code or city name and then choosing the gas station you think has the better rate without having to drive 20 miles to get to it.

There are many more frugal iPhone apps out there, but the three profiled above should help you score some big savings. As a woman who looks out for the family’s budget, no doubt this a boon for you. Try one or all since they’re free and let us know how they fare for you.

Article contributed by a guest who writes about personal finance, debt counseling and frugal living. When Missy is not busy cutting coupons and looking for a good deal, she loves to bike and hike in her hometown of Chicago.

Tags: fuel saving iphone apps, gas saving iphone apps

Looking for information on how to refill Lexmark 1 ink cartridge? We have a few ideas for you below.

You can buy new at a local store such as Walmart or Best Buy, you can purchase online via at Amazon or buy via re-manufactured place such as Cartridge Ink.

If you opt for Amazon, they have them remanufactured at a very good rate, I found one for my Lexmark printer for less than$8 shipped.

On Amazon the customer reviews are mostly positive and for $8, you can’t really lose. If you decide to get your ink online via Amazon could you please come back here and let us know your experience with it? We want to hear more reviews from customers.

Cheers,
Danny

Tags: lexmark # 1 black ink cartridge, lexmark no. 1 tri-colour ink

Are you under a stringent budget plan after you have enrolled with a debt consolidation program? But still you could not resist the temptation to buy that beautiful evening gown that you saw last day. You must be cursing yourself for getting in to debt and you wish there was no monetary constrictions so that you could add those coveted items to your closets.

Here are a few tips to shop for fashionable clothes on a budget:

1. Research on prices:

When you are planning to buy clothes make sure that you compare the prices on each dress. You can conduct an online research in order to get the best deal on fashionable clothes and designer outfits. It will help you get an idea where to find clothes at affordable price in accordance with your budget.

2. Opt for discounts:

Discount stores offer good deal but you are required to do an extensive search in order to get the dress that you desire to buy. Remember that these are the best places where you can get designer outfits on discounted price. You can get 25% to 50% off on labeled prices on branded attires. Make sure that you visit these discount stores when you plan to buy clothes next time to do frugal shopping.

3. Get your dress stitched:

You can get hold of a tailor who works for these designers so that you can get the same item stitched. Try to get the latest edition of a fashion magazine, take it to the tailor so that you can get the same dress stitched. You can manage to get the same item at affordable price with the same fit that will make many heads turn in the party.

4. Look for online sales:

You can check the departmental store websites in order to check the sale section. If you buy online then the prices will be less in comparison to the actual shop. You can easily enjoy shopping online at low price. It will not be difficult to find things that you want as all the items are categorized in accordance with its type.

Your trendy image will not suffer because of your financial crisis if you keep the aforementioned tips in mind. Make sure that you shop wisely so that you can spice up your closet economically and also manage to stay in the limelight.

Tags: debt reduction tips and ideas

The Nokia Lumia 900 is the latest and most technologically advanced version of the Lumia line of  smartphones produced by mobile communications giant Nokia. Made public on January 9, 2012 the Lumia 900 has already won a best smartphone award, needless to say that the official launch in March 2012 is highly anticipated. The Nokia Corporation is currently one of the world’s top manufacturers of wireless phones, constantly delivering wireless phones that are easy to use, innovative and beautifully designed – the Lumia 900 is no exception.

Available in the colors cyan (we love it in Cyan) and matte black, the third version of Lumia smartphones by Nokia was designed specifically for the US user. Powered by the Windows 7.5 Mango operating system, this cool phone features advanced functions that set it aside from other smartphones.
The huge 4.3” AMOLED clear/black display screen, 7 hours of 3G talk time, Wi-Fi/web browsing capabilities, 60 hours of music playback, USB charging and its sleek appearance is enough to gain fans, but this AT&T exclusive phone features so much more. Below are just three of the many cool features found on the Nokia Lumia 900.

Three Cool Features Found on the Nokia Lumia 900:

4G LTE Technology: Up to 10 times faster than 3G, the Lumia 900 features the 4G LTE technology that makes downloading and browsing faster and more effective. Great for data heavy videos, music streaming, TV shows, podcasting, etc.

8 Megapixels Main Camera: This 3x digital zoom front facing camera with dual LED flash and Carl Zeiss Optics allows for accurate and error free picture taking and also features one click photo sharing.

Communication/Social networking: The ability to stay connected to work, family and friends via Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, SMS, email and chat makes this smartphone a fun powerhouse to keep up with your busy and global social network.

We can’t deny the Windows 7 operating system is one of the more exciting aspects of the phone, along with the fact that it’s available in the cool Cyan color as well. Although of course, we would never choose a phone based on color. Right?

Guest article by: Rachel who works for an online car hire Florence service company.

Tags: cyan, nokia 900 specs, Nokia Lumia 900