An electronic reading device with a five-inch screen was announced, recently, with much fanfare.  This new E-book mini-reader retails for about $80.00 and just might have some of you wanting to run right out and get one.

The convenience of a virtual palm-sized, stack of portable books as you pull it out of your pocket or handbag to read while you wait in lines, seems pretty cool, right?

What you may not realize is that you might already own such a device.

In the spirit of simplifying your life in the pursuit of happiness by minimizing possessions and maximizing your budget, I am going to let you in on a little secret. …read more of Don’t Buy That Cool Mini eBook Reader, You May Already Have One here

If you find it confusing when wine collectors talk about their trip to the Bordeaux or Burgandy regions in France, never fear, there is hope for you.

On a recent trip to Napa, my fellow travelers helped me to break the code. Countries outside of France cannot call their domestic wines by the French appellations of “Bordeaux” or “Burgandy”.

In the United States we use the terms Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Bordeaux, and Pinot Noir instead of Burgandy.

Because I had cellared two bottles of a 1992 red wine for my son’s twenty-first birthday, I was able to see (and smell) firsthand why one would cellar a Cabernet Sauvignon, but not a Merlot.

Fortunately, my parents had cellared a sublime (a.k.a. expensive) 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon and it was fantastic 21 years later.

Being my frugal self, I had cellared (a.k.a. put on my large wine rack in my pantry) an inexpensive, but good, 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon. Eureka!  It was very, very good 21 years later.

The 1992 Merlot that I had cellared, however was a different story I’ll admit that I did not know in my youth that one does not store away a Merlot for years hence.

We always hear about wine going bad over decades and “turning to vinegar”.  Well, I can attest that it can be a lot worse than that.

The Merlot was revolting.  We could not even manage to try to taste it, because the dirty-diaper-like (sorry) odor was so disgusting.

You may have heard about decanting red wine into a wide-bottomed decanter to aerate it, in order to improve the flavor experience. …read more of The Lean and Green Frugalista Talks Wine here

When a local newspaper interviewed people about their favorite fall things, a young woman replied that the Starbucks® seasonal beverages made her the happiest.

Tea is possibly the most popular hot beverage in the world and Starbucks, more than a coffeehouse has become a brand recognized the world over.

Every autumn you can depend on cooler weather, warm sweaters and seasonal drinks at Starbucks. Wildly popular, thirsty customers line up for their favorite beverage from the lineup.

Unfortunately these beverages are not only expensive, a regular habit can be pretty fattening, as they are full of sugar and heart-clogging dairy.

Perhaps this seasonal pick-me-up should be a once-a-year treat, if at all, especially for those who want to keep their energy level steady, their skinny jeans fitting and their head colds at bay.

For those of us who want to enjoy a seasonal treat at Starbucks with less money, fewer calories and very little sugar, there is a way and it’s 100 percent vegan. …read more of Seasonal Starbucks on the Skinny here

It’s fun to watch ‘Extreme Couponing’ on The Learning Channel, but how many of us have the time, space or desire to create stockpiles of discounted groceries and thousands of coupons.

Maybe you would like to have some extra cash to do something fun. Certainly spending less would free up funds to pay some bills and you don’t have to look far for reasons to save money.

The key? Get organized and it will only take a little extra time to master saving at least half the amount you spend on groceries.

If you spend $600 a month on food, you could be a saving $3,600 a year!  And that is after-tax money.  That means you would have had to make about $5,000 before taxes to pay the $3,600 extra that you are unwittingly spending now. …read more of Frugal Pantry 101: Getting Started with Coupons here

Coconut water is refreshing and has been marketed in recent years as an energy boosting natural sports drink because of the high level of minerals and potassium.

When you exercise or play sports heavily, you lose electrolytes, such as potassium as you sweat. These electrolytes need to be replaced and beverages, such as coconut water can do just that.

Popular beverages packaged from the clear, almost sweet liquid of young Thai coconuts can be pretty expensive. …read more of Coconut Water Fresh from the Source for Frugal Fitness Freaks! here