www.WorkingDivas.com up and running...
We have moved to www.workingdivas.com. Come join us at our new home.
We have moved to www.workingdivas.com. Come join us at our new home.
Growth is good! The Working Divas Blog will launch on it's new website http://www.workingdivas.com/ on April 1st! Please update your feeds and favorites.
Don't think we are going on vacation until then. We will still post to keep you updated on the launch and more. Until then, you can join the new Working Divas' Social Network.
Be Awesome...Be Fabulous...Be You
Posted by Karen Vaughn at Saturday, March 21, 2009 1 comments
Labels: Working Divas, workingdivas.com launch
In this crazy economy, every Working Diva has to watch her pennies closely. Just like when we wait for a sale to get the shoes we have been dying for...we must have the same mentality when it comes to shopping for our groceries. I had a neighbor that was able to save $60 dollars a month buy using coupons. I'm not a coupon clipper superstar, but with these tips from the free e-book, “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half” from CouponMom.com, we can get on the right track. Read.Enjoy.Share!
1. Know Your Top 10 Grocery Items.What do you consume the most? For example, growing up our household always had milk, eggs, and bread on the shopping list. Make a list of the items you regularly consume. If you track just the prices of these specific items you can reap major savings. Make a list of your “top 10″. Then compare the prices, apples-to-apples and week-to-week, in the stores you shop.
2. Does Your Store “Double Coupon”?Common sense says that the store brand is generally less expensive than the name brand. But, if your store doubles coupons a name brand item can end up costing less than the store brand. The secret is to track your top 10 items so you know first when the price is the lowest and second, if/when a coupon will be doubled.
3. How Is “Buy One, Get One Free” Calculated?Ask your store manager how the “buy one, get one free” is calculated. Does one item ring up full price and the second item free? Or are both items rung in at half price? If the latter you can legitimately use two coupons for the purchase, thus saving more!
4. Can Coupons Be Electronically Delivered to Your Loyalty Card?Some stores will automatically add coupons to your loyalty card so there is no need to cut them out of the paper, or remember to bring them with you! You can find out by going to the website of your favorite grocery store. If you use Upromise to save for college or pay off your student loans you can also link coupons electronically to your debit card.
5. Will the Store Email You Coupons or Weekly Circulars?If you subscribe to several grocery “weeklies” you can quickly see who has the best prices for your Top 10 items. Sometimes stores will email you coupons you can print at home, too. Keep all your coupons in an organized folder.
6. Can You Join Specific Programs Like “Pet Care”?Some stores will provide coupons for different shopper demographics. For example, new mothers can sometimes get emails for discounts on baby care items. Pet owners can get discounts based on the pets in a household.
7. Does Your Store Accept Competitors Coupons?If so, it makes it a lot easier to choose which store to patronize. Choose the one with the best deals for you.
8. Are There Additional Loyalty Card Perks?Will you get a money-off coupon if you spend a certain amount at their store? If so, know the threshold and factor that into your shopping decisions.
9. Can You Use Both “Store Coupons” and “Manufacturer’s Coupons” on the Same Item?Some grocery stores allow you to double up. If so, you can use the coupon issued for the store AND a manufacturer’s coupon and double your savings. Buy when an item is already reduced and you’ve got greater savings.
10. Are There Coupon Limits for the Same Order?Some stores impose a coupon limit for each visit. No problem. Just send your kid, friend, spouse, or partner through another line with the other items to take advantage of deep discounts. Consider splitting large bounties with the person who helped you buy at a discount.Is that all? Hardly. There’s a reason some coupon clippers are self-described “fanatics”. Even casual coupon use can save you some money if you’re buying something you regularly use. Meet One of Our Very Own Coupon-a-holics.
Posted by Karen Vaughn at Monday, March 16, 2009 3 comments
Labels: Fabulously Frugal, Money Mondays
Need to exhale with your girls? Rally your best sister-friends and plan an event of pure entertainment, bliss or both. Below we have created a few gatherings that will get you and your girls motivated.
Spa Day: What Working Divas doesn't enjoy a day of pampering. (We do) Find a local spa that is budget friendly. Plus, it doesn't hurt to ask for a group discount when you book your services. When picking your treatments, keep it simple and select a pedicure and a massage or facial. Therefore, everyone has a little escape before the chatter fest begins.
Sister Stay-cation: Everyone has a living room. So, why not make good use of it with your girls. For one thing, it's free and has a cozy couch. Plus, there are no time limits, you know you and the girls can get to talking. Create a relaxing atmosphere by adding some throw pillows and some 80's music on your stero...opps...ipod. Pick out a signature cocktail or wine and have it chilled before hand. Do you have a sister friend that can cook up some wings or something else you love? Start to organize the evening by emailing everyone to select the date and the dish they would like to bring. (if they can) Create theme...movie night, music night, book club night, the creativity is endless. You'll all have an evening to remember just like the ladies of "Waiting to Exhale." And by all means...if your friends have a little too many cocktails, pull out the blankets. Have fun ladies!!
Sister Brunch: Try a nice restaurant in your area with a great atmosphere. There is nothing like great decor and wonderful customer service to make your event sizzle. To prepare, get a copy of the menu before hand to ensure everyone finds something on the menu they will enjoy. There is nothing like arriving at an event and you can't find anything on the menu you like. Plus, it doesn't hurt to know the cost before hand. Keep it light and fun.
Little Ones Play-date: In case there is a sister-friend that is unable get a baby sister, include the kids. Now this is not your traditional sister-friend get together, but it is a way everyone can take part in some sisterly fun. Find a local park that is in a convinent location. Create different activities for you and the kids. Read stories, have a kid's theater, play kick-ball, hopscotch, jump rope, or double-dutch with your children and re-live your childhood. You will have a blast...trust us.
We be Clubbin’: Let your hair down and meet at a trendy night club and party the night-a-way with good music, good drinks and great friends. Let the DJ know you are having a girls-night-out and have him play a song all of you love and dance like a rock star! Tip: "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige or "Let the Beat Hit'em by Lisa Lisa.
The Ultimate: A Sister-friends Getaway. If getting far away isn't an option. Research hotels in your area to indulge in three days of total bliss. Don’t plan much. The focus of this get together is relaxation and rejuvation. Enjoy each other's company by the pool, take in the spa or other hotel activities. Your goal: Fun with the girls and being recharged for your upcoming work week.
Posted by Karen Vaughn at Wednesday, March 11, 2009 0 comments
Labels: Gatherings, Live Good, Me Time Moments
Want to know the best looks for your body type? Check here to find the perfect wardrobe. Then Work it!
Do you start your morning with a grande-one equal-soy-chai latte'? I know I use too until money starting getting tight and I need to take an assessment of my spending. Before you join your co-workings for lunch or you stop by your favorite store to window shop...which turns into you actually buying something. Take a look at Real Simple Magazine's Money-Saving Secrets from the Pros. Then as your financial light bulb goes off in your head...find ways to cut costs and start saving up to 5,000 a year, that 25,000 in five years! That's a down payment on a home, car, your MBA or your little one's college funds. When you saving your money...you can change your life.
Posted by Karen Vaughn at Monday, March 09, 2009 1 comments
Labels: Money Mondays, Organize your Life
Does your financial house need a little boost? Our new channel: Money Mondays will help you with money-savings tips every fabulously frugal Working Diva needs in her life. From balancing your own budget to cutting everyday costs we are committed to giving you the tools that would make even Suze Orman proud. So start saving your pennies and check in with us every Monday.
Posted by Karen Vaughn at Monday, March 09, 2009 1 comments
Labels: Money Mondays, Organize your Life
Introducing "The Restraining Order," a short story by my good friend, author and Working Diva contributor, Tazz. Have a cup of tea and enjoy each installment.
Michelle was an incredible looking woman whose beauty was only surpassed by her kindness and intelligence. What bothers me most about Michelle is that she has never quite lived up to her potential. She works in the front office of a cheap, poorly run apartment complex.
Michelle, like most young women has had horrible luck with men. Take Charles for example. He's a barber who spends his time between cutting hair and cutting down a forest of unsuspecting women, who have no chance of resisting his charms.
Charles has been with Michelle on and off, for 7 1/2 years and wouldn't know commitment if it came up and bit him on the ass. Michelle, feeling the itch from her spinster clock ticking, wanted to be married. Moreover she wanted (in her mind, needed) to be married to Charles.
The marriage talk basically ran Charles away for about 2 years. In that time, Michelle met Xavier, a handsome, charming man with goals, dreams and the means to pursue them. To Michelle, Charles was Mr. Right, but Xavier was Mr. right now.
After a long Saturday filled with walks, movies and lovemaking, Michelle and Xavier were relaxing in bed at Michelle's apartment. Thirsty, Michelle went to the kitchen to grab a bottle of spring water, when the doorbell rang. Hurriedly, she grabbed her silk robe and slipped it on. On the other side of the door was Charles. Before Michelle could say anything, Xavier came into the living room to see who was at the door.
Charles was a man with a purpose. Totally ignoring Xavier, he walks into the living room. kisses Michelle on the lips and tells her the four words that she wanted to hear 2 years ago. "I want you back."
This season of the Bachelor has been one big roller coaster ride. First Melissa then Molly... what was this guy thinking! This is the kind of thing that makes a girl go all Jazmine Sullivan and "Break his Windows!!!"
Today Melissa Rycroft appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show and talked about the ordeal for the first time about how Jason really hurt her and how she felt when she found out he was dating Molly.
Rycroft says "it was pretty immediate" after the finale that Mesnick realized he didn't want to be with her.
"Once we got back, we both kind of sat in the real world, and we were talking about how [our relationship] was different," she says. "He kind of gave up, and I couldn't understand why at the time. Now I do - because I think there was someone else involved."
"And that is where my feelings of betrayal came in," she goes on. "I knew on the night After the Final Rose [aired], I wasn't getting dumped. We had already ended the relationship and that was mutual."
"I repeatedly asked him, 'Is Molly involved in anything?' And when they moved up the taping of After the Final Rose, I was going, 'Why did we move the taping up? What's going on?'"
"I asked Jason, 'Am I going to be blind-sided by anything? Is there anything you want to tell me?' And he said, 'No, gosh no.' And the second I went out on that stage, he goes, 'P.S. it is Molly.' And I went, 'Bastard!'"
Even though Mesnick initially denied he was dating Malaney, Rycroft says she had a feeling.
"Being a girl, you get that feeling," she says. "Anybody that's been cheated on, you know. And being a woman, I got that feeling, because he just backed away from me, and I knew he had contacted her."
"There had been at least one contact that I knew about, where he was 'checking on her,' and so it was just in the back of my mind. I would just casually ask, 'Are you talking to her? Have you talked to her? Tell me, just be honest."
"He kept saying no," Rycroft adds.
Rycroft says she and Mesnick exchanged e-mails "right after we filmed After the Final Rose."
"I instigated it ... and wish I hadn't," she says. "I felt like I needed to apologize for getting that angry with him, but at the same time, I said, 'I hope you know why I got that mad.' We weren't talking at that point, so it was my way off saying, 'This is my closure ... Don't reply back.'"
Asked if she could ever be friends with Mesnick or Malaney, Rycroft says, "No."
"Jason and Molly don't quite have the characteristics of [people] I would want to be friends with," she says. "On a level, they both did betray me. I understand it was a break-up, and I'm not mad about that. We all get broken up with, but to be lied to...."
Rycroft says she is moving on and is even dating a new guy named Ty (though she declined to reveal any more details).
"Because of the privacy and everything going on, we haven't really been able to explore a new relationship, but now that everything is over, I'm so excited," she says. "I've known him for two years and kind of done the dating on-and-off. He has been my biggest rock and supporter throughout this whole process. He's become my best friend."
Working Divas © 2008. Template by Dicas Blogger.