The Bag Lady

In California, you no longer hear “paper or plastic” at the grocery store. Actually, I don’t know what they say now because I’ve been bringing in my own bags for years and have them already on the conveyor belt like a good little tree hugger. I know that not everyone is a fan of having to remember to lug in their reusable bags, but I just can’t think of a good reason to not do this.

When I first met Mr. Beaverelli, he kept talking about ChicoBags this and ChicoBags that. So what? It’s a bag that tucks into itself, woopty-do. Well, he was so into them, that he bought his mother and me one for Christmas and threw it in our stockings. I started to keep it in my purse and one of my biggest obsessions was born. I now have about 12-15 that I keep in my purse, my desk at work, my gym locker, a couple in the house and several in my car. If I don’t have one on me, I actually go into a small panic. Mamarelli can’t leave home without hers and always asks for more as one of her presents. I’m also extremely protective of them and I brought some food to my former boss once and she asked if she could take my bag home. She still razzes me for my reaction…I looked at her and said, “you have to bring this back to me!” I’ve since gifted her a couple of her own and I got a text the other day telling me she understands now why I am so attached to my “Chicos“.

Why ChicoBag brand is so great:

They are compact and can fit in your purse or attach to it with the carabiner that is included.
You can (and SHOULD) wash them in the washing machine. (I hang dry them)
They offer many different styles. Original, Vita (my favorite), sling, travel (small backpack), duffel, tote, and more!
The rePETE line is made from recycled plastic bottles! (also includes reusable utensils and other goodies)
Bring them everywhere! Grocery store, department store, farmer’s market, use as an overnight bag…endless possibilities.

Your Favorite Charity Wins When You Shop!

Do you make most of your online purchases on Amazon.com? Even if it’s just periodically, how would you feel if buying yourself something or sending someone a gift, could also help your favorite charity?

Each time you want to make an Amazon purchase, instead, type smile.amazon.com first.

Here’s what that will get you:

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
AmazonSmile is no different than your regular Amazon. You still have all of the same selections.
You’re required to do nothing but go to smile.amazon.com and shop!

Now you can SMILE when you make a purchase knowing you’re helping your favorite cause!

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.

What Is A Must-See In Every City You Visit?

The local outdoor markets, that’s what. Whether it’s an open market, farmer’s market, flea market or swap meet, it’s the place to go to find some local culture…and usually at a discount! I always find that you can learn a lot about the region by doing this. Not to mention delicious eats from pop-up vendors too. I enjoy going to the swap meets and farmer’s markets in San Diego, so why wouldn’t I want to find them in foreign lands or cities? My main focus is usually food and jewelry.

Here is a market we discovered in Florence, Italy.With plenty of tasty treats. Too bad we had just eaten and the cruise ship doesn’t let us bring food back.

Mmmm, mini crepes…

The produce in Rome, Italy is simply amazing. All of the colors and freshness.

Free Grappa samples…don’t mind if I do…Our new scarves. Unfortunately, I think these were made in China.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Lots of these charcuterie counters OUTSIDE. There isn’t a lack of patronage here, that’s for sure.

I purchased several pieces of this volcanic rock jewelry…rock bottom prices!

And right here in the good ol’ US of A, at the Portland Saturday Market.

Skip the shopping malls and get outdoors. The exception, of course, is if you’re traveling during cold winter months, you’re probably not going to find these little spots of heaven.

My Sister’s Closet

by Actually, I don’t have a sister, thank goodness. If I did, I probably would have had to share my precious clothes with her.

I do, however, have a close relationship with My Sister’s Closet (MSC) Recycled Designer Apparel. MSC is so much better than having to fight to be daddy’s #1 little girl.

Unfortunately, (for you, not for me) there are only store locations in the Phoenix area and San Diego. The prices are between 70-90% off the retail price on a regular day.

And that’s not all.

Need to get rid of some of your old clothes to make room for the new and exciting? They consign! What that means is that you bring in your tired clothing (tired to you, not tired to the world). It needs to be current, laundered/dry cleaned, and in good shape. Once they sell it, if they sell it, then you get paid or store credit. I don’t even know what they pay out in cash because I always need to buy more.

Their clothing consignment requirements are:

No more than 4-5 years old
A retail value of at least $40
In like-new and clean condition

DSC06871-001 — From the additional 70% off sale.

Probably 2 of the most exciting days of the year, that send me into a euphoric state, are the season changes at MSC. They occur around mid-Febuary and mid-August. I am on their mailing list, so I get a heads up when the change is about to roll around.

They conduct a progressive sale that starts at 20% off and ends at 70% off a couple of weeks later. That is in ADDITION to the already low prices. I actually take a half day off of work for each of these on the first day of the 70% off portion. I try on any dang thing that might possibly fit me. I usually end up with 2 giant bags of clothing. Here are some of my awesome finds on the last day of the sale:

DSC06870-001

This pale yellow dress helped me create one of my favorite photos of myself.

DSC07600-001 — Enjoying some Spanish wine from Palma de Mallorca on our transatlantic cruise.

DSC06868-001 — 2 Michael Kors handbags – one was $8.00, the other was $5.00.

DSC06866-001 — This is a Versace dress that I got for $15.00!

So if you’re my size, forget that I told you about a progressive seasonal sale, please.

Achiever Beaver

The Buck$ $aved Here

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