Calling all Domestic Gods and Goddesses

I for one hate channels like TLC and the Home and Garden TV. Ok not really, I just hate myself when I sit on the couch and start watching the remodeling shows then look at the clock and 4 hours has passed by! I am always fasinated how shows like Design on a Dime and Trading Spaces pull together such great rooms in those with those price specifications (well most of the time). Who wouldn’t be inspired to do a little redecorating? Often the designers pull from vintage and second hand shops, which our fair city has plenty of, and where you can get great deals! Austin also has something a little of something for everyone’s taste including Prototype for bright 1970s prints and graphics. If you want something more 1960s retro, there is Room Service Vintage  where you can also sell old furniture. For just a small scale update to your room try a cool mod lamp at La Luz Home and Fashion on South First. And I have never left Uncommon Objects without something..well uncommon. Get ready to dig though–these stores are Neiman Marcus, but neither are the prices.

I was able to get this really pretty frame for a steal at RoomService. And no you won’t find anything like this at Ikea!

Posted by Jill Harris

Bartering: The Lost Art

Although nearly everyone has heard about the power of Craigslist.org for rentals and jobs, there is also a special section for barter and trade. While for many living in the 21st century, bartering is a lost art, Craigslists and other websites are bringing  it back to life by allowing you to post what you have in exchange for what you need. And when you live in funky little Austin the posts are well….weird.

   For example, a MacBook for hair products here.

And if you are not in the mood to give up the prized MacBook for Texas-sized hair there are plenty of other more useful trade suggestions, including Wii games, movies, even culinary services for free facials by a licensed professional. And as crazy as it might seem put your stuff up there, everyone has stuff they want to get rid of and EVERYONE is trying to save money! Consider trading homes for your next vacation and have a chick flick moment a-la- The Holiday when you are planning you next vacation! It shouldn’t be hard since EVERYONE wants to be in Austin.

For those who are “In Search of Beauty”

You don’t have to spend money to get a little culture in your life. From now until August 1st the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas will be giving free guided tours each Saturday from 2-3 p.m. The featured exhibit is called In Search of Beauty, a collection of works by Fritz Henle, a photographer whose career spans six decades. Henle’s work includes everything from photo stories to the front cover shots for magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Glamour. Henle was one of the earliest photographers to contribute to Life magazine and what dubbed by historians to be “the last classic freelance photographer”. While you are at the Ransom Center you can also see the Gutenberg Bible and the world’s first photograph. Not only can you enjoy this activity for free, the Ransom Center is great way to beat the heat as temperatures go up.

Posted by Jill Harris

Getting Around

Almost every Austinite you meet will say, I love the city, but I hate the traffic! Yes, the city is beautiful, but the traffic is bad. And though gas is back under $2 per gallon (knock on wood) we can all appreciate ways to make the money we put in our tanks last a little while longer.

Our first tool in this endeavor is a site that provides the addresses of the cheapest gas prices in the city. While it might defeat the purpose to drive and get the gas at these places if they are far from where you live, but if you live near one of these stations and didn’t know it…well that’s all the better.

 And while talking about gas mileage can get a little overwhelming, there are some easy things you can do in your car to make it more fuel efficient. Without a mechanic. The list includes things you wouldn’t expect like tightnening your gas cap and parking in well-shaded areas.

Finally, we Texans are attached to our cars, but  the city of Austin has not only ranked as the 29th most walkable city in the country (walking, which is always free) but also has CapMetro, the public transit system with passes that have unlimited rides for adults under twenty dollars a month.

To enjoy our cheap tips, you have to travel. Hope this helps!

Sun Harvest-Organic without the Price Tag

With the recession, most are looking for easy ways to cut costs. Whenever people are presented with the amount of money they spend on eating out this is the first number they want lower! Recently the Orlando Sentinel published a story about how buying healthy, non processed foods could help you save on grocery bills.

In this spirit, may I suggest Sun Harvest, a natural foods store that offers the selection of Whole Foods and Central Market without the gourmet prices. I popped in today and was amazed at some of the numbers I saw….$.25 for a pound of navel oranges, $.99 for a pound of large tomatoes, and the list goes on. And while Sun Harvest does carry some of the higher end brands you come to expect from the natural market, you cannot walk in there without seeing a sale (I believe the sign today was Buy one Get one Free Bakery).

The fresh atmosphere immediately made even the most kitchen shy person like me feel adventurous. I bought some jasmine rice from bulk foods ($1.42), chicken breasts ($2.54) and some honey glaze sauce ($2.50). I also bought some yogurt covered pretzels to snack on just in case the whole meal goes awry ($1.10). All told….a meal I can eat off of for a good three days under $10 bucks..and a snack!

Just in case some of you want to make this a habit find some cheap ingredients here.