Tips on how to save $...

Everyone wants to save $... With Gas prices going up and the HST ripping our butts what's a good consumer to do...

There are easy things that don't take much time that can help... And every little bit does help...

Some of these I've taken from advice columns... I read them regularly as I love saving $... Some are through my own personal experiences... Some that I should consider doing more often... I'm a spoiler... I love spoiling people on their birthdays and being generous... When people are good to you, you always wanna be good back... And it's a continuous circle...

Anyways... Here are some tips...


1. Opens an advantage savings account or a tax-free savings account... Many banks offer these types of accounts to their customers at no cost... If you are working on a consistent basis, you can also transfer money from your chequing or savings account at a specific time each month... These types of accounts offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts... Call your bank and see what they can offer you...

2. Unplug when not in use... Everything that's plugged in is costing you money... The best thing to do, especially when you live on your own is to unplug everything and only plug in when you need a specific appliance... Obviously you won't be unplugging your fridge... But if you keep close watch of your electricity use, you will notice it going down... & if you do this for a year, it is estimated that you can save $300 in electricity bills alone...

3. Leaky faucets... Even if you have faucets that leak a little drop once in awhile, that is costing you unnecessary hydro expenses... Get a handyman to come fix all leaks and you will find that your hydro bill will go down as well...

4. Craigslist... There are always listing for free items... Chairs, Computers, T.V.s... Most people are too lazy to bring them to the landfill and most of the time these items are in good enough condition that the owners can't bare to just throw them out... Give it a gander and see what kind of treasures you'll find...

5. Bulk... Buy in bulk on necessary items you use on a daily basis... Places like Costco are ideal for people with larger families... Always buy things that won't go to waste too soon if you live on your own...

6. Only buy things when you need them... I am a sucker for this one... You see something on sale and you just have to have it... You don't need it at the moment but you think to yourself... I'll need it... Eventually... STOP!!! For women this may be one of the top reasons why you're wasting money... If you don't necessarily fit into that dress, don't buy it... At the cost of clothing it's essential that you wait and buy something that fits like a glove... You will wear it more often and it be a lost item hanging in your closet...

7. Learn where the deals are... a) Sites like Groupon, Teamsave and Dealfind are amazing when it comes to discounts on events and daily chores... If you have an account with Dealfind you can post the daily discount onto your facebook page or twitter... You don't have to buy the discount and you get paid when someone buys through your link... You receive cheques in the mail!!! I received one for $32... I don't even know who bought through my links but thank you Dealfind!!! b) Walmart is as huge as it is for a reason... There are lots of wicked deals there... Especially on make-up... Compared to Shopper's Drug Mart, you can save easily $2+ on everyday items... Just make sure you need them... c) Know where the cheap gas stations are... In Toronto, the Esso's on the Queensway, 1 at Islington and the one close to Park Lawn are always 2+ cents cheaper than the current gas prices... If you are spending $40 on gas, you are getting a savings of 80cents... Doesn't seem like a lot, but gas is only going to go up this summer...

8. Coupons!!! I haven't seen it yet, but there's a new show on TLC - Extreme Coupon Challenge or something like that... Coupons are everywhere... In newspapers, online... Saving a few dollars here and there doesn't seem like a lot... But it does add up...

9. Make connections... People always have something to offer... As do you... People are willing to give a little to get a little... If someone has discounts to hats and you have discounts on shoes, the ideal relationship can be formed... It's about getting what you need and expanding your network...

10. Recycle... You see those little grannies who turn into vultures on garbage day?.. They know the secret... For all you booze hounds out there... To save your bottles and cans can be a chore... But saving them and bringing them in can bring in some extra cash... Electronics that you throw out may be broken, but parts can be sold individually for cash as well...

11. Garage sale... Either have one or go to some... Great way to get new items at a negociatable price... It's also a great way to clean out your closest and house of unused items for a some extra cash... Almost all happen on Saturday mornings... Early mornings are when the bargin hunters come out... Ideal time frame to hold one is 8am-2pm... Ideal time to go to one is 8am - first pick, 1:30pm - people getting desperate and will sell items for almost nothing or better yet... Throw away all items that weren't sold...

12. Clothing Swap party... This has a great social aspect... Gather your girls that are the same size and have a little clothing swap... Pick pieces that you haven't worn in awhile or have grown out of style from... I've always wanted to have one of these parties... Who's in?!!

You may not become a millionaire with these tips, or you've heard them before... But have you put them into use?.. Every little bit counts in this economy... You just have to be keen on where to find deals and ways that work for you...



Hope these were helpful... Wishing everyone a fabulous May...

Cheers!!!

...Nga

Hectic Hectic April...

It's been a month since my last update...

It was my birthday mid April so there were a lot of celebrations which accounted for no updates, no work, nothing too mind consuming... Just a simple update... My brain isn't working at this hour... I had a lot of fun and shared an amazing birthday with lots of people...

I celebrated from Thursday April 14th - Sunday April 24th... Included several events... Fundraising for WWF, Gallery walk, Toronto Art Expo, Clubbing at Live nightclub, Potluck party @ my house, Fundraising Volleyball Tournament in Oshawa and a duel Bday getaway to Niagara falls...

I climbed the CN tower for the WWF...

I posted a link for people to join my team and got an overwhelming response... Last year I only had a team of 4, this year I got a full team of 7 with a few last minute people I couldn't add onto my team due to a cap that I didn't know about...

This is my 6th time climbing and my time was 21:36... I think?.. Something close to that... My fastest was in the 20's... So a minute off...

I was dying!!! By floor 72 my legs were spent... I promised myself that I wouldn't stop climbing... I think I took 1 break... Just to catch my breath... It's never good to stop because you lose your pace and it takes longer to finish...

The boys had already jetted up, well, besides ly who couldn't climb due to improper shoes... I was the first girl and ran out to the viewing deck... When the cold air hit me, I knew It was over and I needed a beer... Badly...

The girls came up together... For their first time in about 40 minutes... All 3 are never climbing again... lol...

Friday I celebrated @ Live nightclub... Being a part of the Hookmeup.to family, it's the thing to do... Popping bottles, lots of hugs... I ended up falling asleep after some ramblings... Thanks to Danielle and Christina for taking care of me and Aaron for carrying me and giving me piggy back rides... lol...

 Pictures at the club were taken by Kevin Chung - He takes the most amazing pictures... Msg him for any upcoming bookings...

with Mr.Chung himself... A little smile coming through...

My work loves...

My Bros in the house...

<3's

Each year I have a potluck at my house... Close friends, games, lots of food, lots of laughs... This year wasn't different...Cori and my Princess came early both at different times and helped me wrap spring rolls... 2 munchkins came early and helped as well... None of which have ever wrapped spring rolls before... Let alone home made spring rolls...

Super fun!!! Lots of people came by and we played Hungy hungry hippos, Roulette shots, Trouble, Sequence, Beer Pong and Caps... Lots of yummy food too... Not a lot of drinking due to the mess before... But also the tournament in Oshawa was the next morning...

When you have bdays close together you don't wanna hafta make time when you don't have it... A weekend getaway was very much needed... Niagara Falls!!! It's nice to turn off your phone and completely disappear... Altho our inn was a bit scary, it did the job... But the shower was really nice... Bright red... 

Even tho Maid of the Mist and Marine Land weren't open, I had opposition to this so it's lucky for him it was closed, We still had some fun walking around on the sunny Saturday... Ihop, Ripley's believe it or not - the most memorable of it was the cannibal tools from the Pacific Islands!!!, Dragonfly, "Splashes" from the falls...

After Dragonfly... Never went clubbing with just another person before...

The "American" Falls...

The sun came out so we could walk around all day...

This was the most memorable and best birthday I've ever had... I was able to spend it with many of the most important people in my life and was blessed to have been given such thoughtful presents...

A gorgeous bouquet of flowers and Flu the rabbit, A shitload of Cds, Casablanca and An affair to Remember, Sephora gift card - mirror - mouse ring holder, Deserres gift cards - make up brushes - make up - spiritual polar bear adoption, web domain, A custom t-shirt - Sexy Beast Jose Bautista, Digital Art, An abstract piece by Next-Level-Art...

"Lil Dinnie"

Because the ones that know... Know exactly who & why he's a "SEXY BEAST!!!"

Absolutely Beautiful and thoughtful...

A collab effort from all my friends... I absolutely love it!!!



April Came and went.... It always flies by when you're having such a fabulous time... But it's time to get back to work and get back to the hustle... I have a few art updates to come & a few more rants... Hopefully in the next few days or so... 

My next group show is in July 1st @ Sleeping Giant Gallery...

My website should be up and running soon enough...

I have about 12 pieces in the works which include commissions, gifts and pieces for art shows...

Til then... Cheers!!!