Poor (Wo)man’s Charcuterie Board

If you’ve ever assembled your own fancy charcuterie (say shar-koo-tur-ee)/cheese board to pair with your favorite wine, you know it’s not as cheap as it looks. Sure, you can grab a couple blocks of average cheeses (think sharp cheddar and mozzarella), but let’s be honest, that’s just a boring cheese and cracker situation.

So how do you get the good stuff on a budget? If you like variety like I do, it’s going to be pretty wasteful (and expensive) if you get some big ol’ chunks of stinky cheeses. Let’s first determine what makes a fun and delicious charcuterie plate.

Cured meats
Cheeses
Nuts
Fruit/Veggies
Sauces/Condiments
Crackers/Bread

The expensive part is the meat and cheese. Surprise, surprise…I have the way you can enjoy this for a small group (2-4) and not break the bank.

Cured Meats – Go to your grocery deli counter and ask for 1/4 lb. of your favorite options (salami, turkey, etc.). No need to buy several full packages as a full platter of goodies will be plenty to fill your belly.

Cheeses – Some specialty grocers (Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, New Seasons Market) have random hunks of cheese, that are essentially odd shaped end pieces, thrown into a basket near the cheese area. This is where you find those ridiculous $39.99/lb options. All you need is a tiny sliver to enjoy. Can you imagine getting normal size blocks varying from $14.99/lb – $39.99/lb. Forget about it!

Nuts – Depending on what kind of nuts you like, this could be a little bit pricier. Grab one of those snack pack single servings you find at the checkout counter.

Fruit/Veggies – This one’s already a fairly cheap option. I love apples with cheese, and you only really need about a half of an apple between 2 people. I usually rummage through my crisper to see what I have. I added carrots in the platter above. If you want your plate to be pretty too, berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) and kiwi are good choices).

Sauces/Condiments – I’m a real saucy broad, so this is my favorite add. Great options include: jellies/jams, mustards, and honey.

Crackers/Bread – Let’s be honest, while we love our carby options, they are just a vessel in which to get the tasty treats to our mouths. Grab a 99 cent grocery store baguette or any generic cracker you enjoy.

If you know of any other grocers that have an end piece cheese basket, let me know in the comments below!

For your viewing pleasure…look at the color the fruit brings.

Pet Freebies ‘a Plenty!

RetailMeNot has an amazing list of pet freebies (or super cheap)! You can find all the details on their website, but here’s a quick list of the restaurants and companies that participate. Remember, these are for your furry friends…not just human treats/services at these places!

13 Restaurant Deals and Freebies for Pets

Chick-fil-A: Get doggy treats at the drive-thru.

Culver’s: Milk bones at the drive-thru.

Dairy Queen: Ask for a “Pup Cup” (some locations charge a fee).

Dunkin’: Drive-thru treat.

In-N-Out Burger: “Pup Patty,” for $1

Johnny Rockets: Some will cut up a patty for the pooch and some even have menus for them.

Lazy Dog: 3 menu items for $5.

Rita’s Italian Ice: Ask for a “Doggy Cup”

Shake Shack: They have an official dog menu!

Sonic: Let your server know and they’ll bring out a treat.

Sprinkles: “Pupcakes” are available at all locations.

Starbucks: The more well-known “Puppuccino” can be found here.

Tim Hortons: Ask your server for “Timbits”.

11 Travel Deals and Freebies for Pets

white and brown siamese cat inside chest box — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Fairmont Hotels: Pet policies vary by location, but many offer lots of perks and freebies for pets.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: Four Seasons hotel locations that accept pets have super-awesome luxury pet amenities, including dog beds, treats and bottled water.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts: Several of Hyatt’s pet-friendly hotels offer luxury amenities, but they vary by location, so check before you book.

JetBlue: They have their own unique (and free) pets program, called JetPaws, that’s designed to help pet owners easily travel with their pets.

Kimpton Hotels: Kimpton properties are super pet-friendly! Their official pet policy is that they welcome any pet (not just dogs and cats) that can fit through the door.

Loews Hotels and Resorts: This chain offers a large selection of special items for your pet through their Loews Loves Pets program.

Mandarin Oriental: This luxury chain offers tons of pet-specific perks depending on location.

Red Roof Inn: This is famously one of the few major hotel chains that doesn’t charge a fee for bringing your pet along.

Westin Hotels and Resorts: Some Westin Hotels let travelers stay with their pets for free, but call before you check in because some charge pet fees.

The Venetian Hotel: We don’t recommend that you bring your pet to the actual casinos when you visit Vegas, but they will have a great time staying at The Venetian!

Virgin Atlantic Airlines: Their Flying Paws program allows Flying Club members to earn bonus miles when they fly with their pets.

6 Bonus Pet Deals and Freebies

unrecognizable person holding dog paw on grassy meadow — Photo by Turgay Yıldız on Pexels.com

ASPCA: Fill out the ASPCA’s online form to receive a free Pet Safety Pack.

Petco: Join the Petco Pals Rewards Club, and your pet will receive a special treat and message on their birthday.

PetSmart: Sign up for the PetSmart rewards program.

Pet Supplies Plus: Sign up for the Pet Supplies Plus Preferred Pet Club.

Pet World: For puppies who are still in potty training, Pet World will send two free samples of their puppy pads.

VCA Animal Hospital: Fill out this VCA form to set up a free pet health exam and your local VCA Animal Hospital.

Free Museum Entry Every Month!

Did you know that you can get free entry to hundreds of museums in the U.S. just by having the right credit/debit card? This is news to me. Why is it that we often don’t know about these added benefits? Too lazy to sift through your provider’s website? Yeah, me too.

Bank of America offers a “Museums on Us” program. All you need is to show your BofA credit/debit card and your photo ID to gain one free general admission to a participating cultural institution. This is for the Cardholder only, so be prepared to pay for others…or if they have their own, they’ll get in free too!

At Bank of America, we believe in the power of the arts. That’s why for the past 24 years, during the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America has offered our valued cardholders free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US where our customers live and work.
BANK OF AMERICA WEBSITE

Simply punch in your zip code or city, state and find one nearby. Visit in your own city or when you’re on vacation.

close up photography of cherry blossom tree — Photo by Bagus Pangestu on Pexels.com

Look at some of the great places on the list – even where the world famous celebrity-packed MET Gala is held every year:

Portland Japanese Garden (Portland, OR) – $18.95 value
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) (Los Angeles, CA) – $20-$25 value
Shedd Aquarium (Sundays Only) (Chicago, IL) – $39.95 value
Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston, TX) – $25 value
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Met Fifth Avenue (New York, NY) – $25 value

Be sure to call ahead as there will be COVID protocols in place.

Thank You Discounts and Freebies for Front-Line Workers!

The website RetailMeNot went through the trouble of rounding up more than 70 discounts and freebies for front-line workers! There’s no way we could have gotten through this pandemic for the past year without all of you!

Be sure to check with the restaurant ahead of time to be sure the deals are still valid and bring your work ID for proof.

You can find the Fu ll RetailMeNot List by clicking the link, but I’ll share my favorites below:

HomeChef
Home Chef is proud to support doctors, nurses, hospital employees, first responders, military, and teachers. Verify with ID.me at checkout to start receiving your exclusive discount, like 50% off their first order and 10% off other orders.

Hooters
Hospital workers, first responders and military get 20% off. Show your work ID for pickup orders, or for online orders choose the “Pay at Store” option.
When: Ongoing since 2020

IHOP
Get 25% off your entire check if you’re a medical, law enforcement, military or firefighter professional. Just mention this offer when you call in your order to IHOP. Then, show your Official ID when you pick up your order.
When: Ongoing

Krispy Kreme
Guests who show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card at any Krispy Kreme shop in the U.S. can get a free iconic Original Glazed doughnut—anytime, any day, even every day—through the rest of 2021. Since the majority of healthcare workers are vaccinated, they can take advantage of this deal.
When: Through December 31, 2021

Other Discounts for Health Care Workers and First Responders

Adidas
Verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, and military members get 30% off their purchases (note: It doesn’t seem that this deal can be used with other promotions or sales). Professional verification is required via ID.me.
When: Ongoing

arancoco
Front-line healthcare workers can get 70% off with code averagesocialite., plus a free hand sanitizer with every purchase.
When: Ongoing

ASICS
Medical professionals and first responders get 40% off any full-priced product. You must first create an ASICS account using your professional email.
When: Ongoing

Big Blanket Co
All health care, emergency, and essential service workers qualify for $40 off their entire order by using this link.
When: Ongoing

Caliber Collision
Caliber is gifting refurbished vehicles to medical workers and first responders. To enter to win, nominate a health care worker, medical support staff or first responder at calibercollision.com/restoring-you.
When: Submit nominations

Dave & Busters
They are giving $10 Game Cards to all first responders and healthcare professionals because we know that superheroes don’t just wear capes, they wear scrubs and uniforms too! Just show a valid ID at an open location to redeem.
When: Ongoing

Nike
First responders and medical professionals (including technicians and researchers) get 20% off (usually this discount is 10%) most items on Nike’s website. The discount can be used up to four times per month, and Nike uses SheerID to verify employment status. Nike also has partnered with nonprofit Good360 in the United States and local organizations across Europe to donate more than 140,000 pieces of footwear, apparel and equipment globally. This includes the donation of 30,000 pairs of Nike Air Zoom Pulse to health systems and hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis and New York City, as well as within the Veterans Health Administration.
When: Limited time

Reebok
First responders, teachers, nurses and military all get 30% off their purchases, with no item exceptions. You must verify your status with ID.me.
When: Ongoing

Shoes.com
You can get 35% off all of their shoes if you’re a nurse or first responder.
When: Ongoing

Simple Habit
This well-reviewed meditation app is making its product free. “We’re giving away premium memberships for any individuals who are financially impacted by this pandemic. Memberships are typically $89.99/year and give access to our 150 world-class meditation teachers, therapists and coaches and 2,500 guided meditations for specific situations and moods.” Email Simple Habit at help@simplehabit.com to receive your free premium membership.
When: Ongoing

Sittercity
All those working on the front lines of the crisis are eligible for three free months of Sittercity Premium, which connects families with trusted child care.
When: For three months once you activate the offer

Thrivetalk
Telehealth company Thrivetalk is offering free mental health services for essential health care workers and first responders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit thrivetalk.com/online-therapy for more information and to sign up. They are now accepting donations to support these workers.
When: Ongoing

Tide Cleaners
Front-line responders and their immediate families get free laundry and dry cleaning in participating cities through their Loads of Hope program.
When: Limited time

Uber
Uber Health will provide transportation for front-line health care workers, both to and from patients’ homes as well as between health care facilities. Learn more.
When: Ongoing

Verizon
Starting April 23, for new or existing Verizon customers, Verizon will expand wireless unlimited pricing to nurses and teachers. Both join active-duty military, veterans, and people who work as first responders that are already enjoying this pricing. Wireless unlimited plans will be as low as $30/mo per line for four lines, and Fios 200Mbps internet as low as $34.99/mo. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Verizon has committed $45 million in contributions and donations to non-profits directed at serving students, health care workers, first responders and small businesses.
When: Ongoing

medical stethoscope with red paper heart on white surface — Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Get Your Very Own Stylist, Just Like the Stars!

While in Covid lockdown, I have been missing my thrift store hauls and clothing swaps. I was really getting sick of looking at the same old clothes in my closet. I generally think $6 for a piece of clothing is expensive at the thrift store, but I figured since I’m not spending money on a garbage bag full of dresses, that I could explore a subscription clothing box service.

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. My review is 100% my true opinion.

I started with the ever-popular Stitch Fix. I had a coupon deal, so that encouraged the idea in the first place. Welp, the cheapest item was $42! NOT in my price range. You do put a $20 deposit that will apply to your order, but if you don’t keep anything, they keep your $20. I’m not about that life (I’m not just going to give away money for nothing!). Turns out, I received a couple of cute sweaters and some pants that fit perfectly. I live in leggings because I either can’t get pants pulled up over my thighs, or if I do, the gap in the waist is at least 2 inches. I decided if I had to keep 1 piece, it would be the perfect pants. They are now the most expensive pair of butt huggers I own at $78. I will not be returning to this service. I’m wearing the pants in the photos. If you don’t mind paying the big bucks, you can try them here: Try Stitch Fix and get a $25 credit

The second service I tried was Nadine West. I looked at a lot of blogs that listed out a bunch of services, and this one only showed up on one of them. It talked about the prices being reasonable. While I was waiting for my delivery, I got a call from a number that I didn’t recognize that went to voicemail. Nadine West herself called to thank me for supporting her small business. While that was nice and all, I really don’t want to talk to Ms. West. If you like that extra special personal touch, you’ve got it here. My shipment arrived and the first thing I noticed was that the items ranged from $16.99-$32.99. I tried on each of my items (6 total), but it turns out I didn’t set up my style profile well. For example, one of the items was a flowy, very wide, comfy dress. No way…I only wear tight fitting or at least a dress that cinches at the waist. I’m going to give this one another try though now that I made updates to my profile and added notes. I’m wearing the shirt I kept in the photos below. You can get a delivery every 2 or 4 weeks. If you’re interested in trying this one out, click here: Try Nadine West and get a $10 credit



Cute shirt from Nadine West

The last service, I tried 3-4 years ago…my favorite online clothing retailer, ThredUp. They are a second-hand online clothing store. I have sold items I’ve picked up from thrift and consignment stores for a total of $5,300 in the last 5 years on this site. The prices for the items I received were $13.99-$35.99 (4 items under $20). Obviously, this is more my speed. I didn’t love my box overall, but I did keep 2 items (10 came in the box). The denim jacket in the photos came from here. I added copious notes about what I didn’t like about the choices, and I’m going to try this again and I expect to have better results after they read what I have to say. This subscription is every 2 months. If you’re interested in trying this one out, click here: Try ThredUp and get a $10 credit

Every closet should have a classic denim jacket.

I love surprises and mystery boxes, so this is very much up my alley. Ultimately, I still like the thrift store hauls better.

Get Free E-Books Legally!

Mamarelli (aka my mom) took forever to buy into the e-reader, specifically Kindle. She loved going to the thrift store, paying 50 cents for a book she could hold in her hands, and let it whisk her away to another world. She reads so fast that she didn’t want to keep buying new e-books to feed her fix. Low and behold, I discovered BookBub…the website where you can get deeply discounted or FREE e-books!

Once you sign up, be sure to update your settings: select your categories, follow authors, and track your books.
Don’t have an Amazon Kindle? That’s okay, they list e-books for these retailers as well: Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple iBooks, Google Play and Kobo.
They often have the first of a series for free…then if you’re hooked, you’ll have to buy the rest.

So if you’re a used book reader and were on the fence because you didn’t want to pay full price for a book, it’s time to take the leap. There are no excuses!

3-in-1 No Sew Upcycle T-Shirt (gift bag, headband and tote)!

by I’ve come to the realization that I’m not quite as satisfied unless my craft is an upcycle. It’s just not the same when you walk into Michael’s and purchase an assemble-yourself kit. I’d rather keep something out of the landfill and re-purpose it into something useful and fun.

I don’t know how to sew and I don’t have the patience to ever learn. That means my glue gun comes in handy when I’m putting together a costume, outfit…or bag!

As you probably know, 85% of my clothing comes from a thrift store (usually Team Amvets Thrift Store). Once I saw the idea of making a T-shirt tote, I had to look for some interesting designs. It then came to me…why waste trees by using wrapping paper? Or even a gift bag…I THINK most people reuse them for someone else’s gift, but they might only have a life of 3 holidays until they end up in the trash too.

What better use of an old T-shirt than making it into a gift bag for a baby shower, birthday, Christmas or even a “just because” gift? Not only is it an adorable way to present a gift, but it’s a usable gift itself! A collapsible tote to take with you to the grocery store, department store, farmer’s market, an overnight bag…the possibilities are endless. Let’s take it 1 step further and not let those scraps go to waste either. Make a headband with flower embellishments.

What you need:

A t-shirt of your choosing (the larger, the better)
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Glue sticks
Extra t-shirt/t-shirt scraps for additional embellishments

Step 1: Cut above the bottom seam.

Step 2: Fold the shirt in half and cut the sleeves off.

Step 3: While still folded, cut around the neck.

It should look like this:

Step 4: Go to the base of the shirt and cut about 3 inches up with about an inch between each cut.

Step 5: Start tying the corresponding flaps to each other and double knot them.

It will look a little something like this after you finish the line…but you’re not done yet.

See this gap here? I’m sure it would be okay if you don’t put tiny items inside, but I like a nice, solid bag…

Step 6: Tie the flaps next to each other to close up those gaps. Double tie these as well.

Ta-da! This is actually acceptable as is…but not as much fun as it can be.

Step 7: Take one of the sleeves and cut into 3’s. Make sure the middle section is larger (this will be your headband)

Step 8: Make a rose out of the smaller strip.

Put a dot of glue and make a triangle at the corner.
Start to circle the fabric around the center. Run glue down the strip.
Be sure to twist the fabric to add some texture.

Look how cute these are!

Step 9: Attach your rose embellishments to the headband with the glue gun.

All done!

Right here, you have “wrapping” for a Christmas gift, a Valentine’s gift, a birthday present for the poet/child/nerd in your life.

An Easy Way To See Your Savings Grow (As Painless As Possible)

Several years ago, Mr. Beaverelli ran across a money saving idea on Lifehacker. We thought, hey, what is the harm in trying this? Nothing at all! That’s when the Beaverelli $5 Fund was born.

Here’s the one and only rule:

If a $5 bill passes through your hands, you must put it in the fund.

But what if I break a $20 bill for an 89 cent item and they hand me back three $5 bills? Too bad…put it in the pot!

You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up. We used to carry cash more often, but even though we almost strictly use cards, we still tend to slowly increase our dollars. Over the past 5 years or so, we’ve managed to save a total of over $3,000.

What do you want to save for?

Spending money on vacation – tips, gambling, street fairs…
Dig in during the holidays and have a little extra to spend on presents for your loved ones.
A new piece of furniture.
That cool gadget.
A larger flat screen.
A rainy day – you never know when it might turn into an emergency fund.

I Have Unclaimed Money From 25 years Ago?! Score!

No, I do not have unclaimed money from 25 years ago…but Paparelli does! $82.00 in fact!

One of my Facebook friends posted a link to Unclaimed Property Search in California. You have to look yourself up, right? So I did and found $20.22 due to me from about 10 years ago. Then I was on a roll and got obsessed with looking up everyone I know in California. Turns out Mr. Beaverelli has $18.98, Broelli has over $30, I even found a friend with close to $400! Now I could have just posted the link on Facebook for everyone to look themselves, but I really wanted to be the bearer of good news, so I collected a bunch of screen shots and started delighting my friends and family.

Achiever Beaver

The Buck$ $aved Here

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