$15 Shots -- Can Anyone Top This?

Colin Saunders writes:

Re: Dunkin' For Lattes by Barry Zellen (March 24, 2004)

Dear Editor,

I found your story pretty nice about the Dunkin doughnuts, written by Barry Zellen.  Although it was written a while ago, I thought I would like to comment. 

I used to work for Barry Zellen, fun guy to hang with -- if you want to pay for everything, just kidding! 

I actually got Barry to buy me a $15 shot of 25 year-old whisky once.  Can anyone else out there top that?

Colin Saunders
Community Economic Development Officer
Hamlet of Pond Inlet
Pond Inlet, Nunavut


Thrifty Tokyo: Excellent Recommendations

Stewart Roxburgh writes:

Re: Thrifty Tokyo: The best bargain shopping 
  
Excellent recommendations. 

I loved the Muji store, but they closed our Glasgow one. I was so pleased to visit the store in Tokyo.

Got some wonderful bargains. 

Stewart Roxburgh
November 1, 2007


Good Show!

Alice (Rieg)
May 8, 2007


Saving a Bundle at Save-A-Lot

I was so glad to know that he had a good time at the K's House.

Phone Cards Make Fine Frugal Graduate Gifts

Devin Poole writes:

Re: "Frugal Graduation Gift Ideas" (http://theshoestring.com/index.php?articleID=6667&sectionID=149) by Erin Huffstetler, May 15, 2006

Dear Erin,

My name is Devin Poole, and I just read your article entitled "Frugal Graduation Gift Ideas" located at: http://theshoestring.com/index.php?articleID=6667&sectionID=149.

You list some really good gift ideas for students. I have a gift idea that I think would be appropriate for graduating students, and thus beneficial to your audience.

I would like to submit http://speedypin.com/ for your consideration as a link. SpeedyPin.com Phone Cards is a pioneer in the prepaid phone card industry with a devoted Student customer base actively using our cards to keeping touch with their loved ones all over the world. Placing a link to SpeedyPin.com, a pioneer in the phone card industry since 1997, would give your online visitors an authoritative source for researching and purchasing prepaid phone cards.

Student Calling Cards offer students tremendous savings in comparison to regular long distance and cell phone plans. Here's a link to our Students Calling Cards web page: http://speedypin.com/phone/card/student.html. This page provides information that will help your audience evaluate the cost-saving benefits and advantages of prepaid calling cards.

If you'd like further information, I can be reached by email or phone between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday Pacific Time. I also typically check my email during the evenings outside office hours and will keep my eye out for your reply.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Kindest regards,

Devin Poole

August 23, 2006
devin@speedypin.com

Our reply: Thanks, Devin. We don't add new links to our Barry's Bargain emporium until we've had a chance to become completely addicted to the products or services we endorse. However, we will include your letter to the editor on our Reader Reaction page so our frugal readers may visit your site, learn about Speedy Pin Phone Cards, and make up their own minds! We're actually Skype addicts, so seldom use a phone card anymore unless phoning someplace where Skype charges too much like Cuba, Vietnam, and other high-price Skype destinations!

Thanks for the Wonderful Haymarket Memories!

Lisa Pfusch writes:

Re: Time Travelling Veggies: Hay Market Prices Bring Back Memories by Barry Zellen

OH MY! Reading this just brought back the BEST memory. My best friend and I got to take advantage of a bus trip to Boston with the company in April of this year. It was her birthday weekend.

The only time my friend had ever been to Boston was to visit her dad in the hospital the week he died of cancer when she was just a teen. She had always wanted to see Boston the right way.

I paid for the trip as my gift to her and we went, just us two girls, alone on the town. We went to Quincy Market, to the Hard Rock Cafe, we walked, and toured, and did all the fun stuff until our feet hurt, and our bellies were full of the best food ever.

We had an hour before the bus was due to leave for the trip back to Maine. Around the back side of Quincy Market I remembered there were some book stores and I asked her if she would mind if we went to browse while waiting for the bus? Well lo and behold, I heard people yelling and shouting out their prices on food stuffs.

I had never heard of the Haymarket, but wow there they were LOADS of folks doing what looked to us Mainiacs like a flea market with food.

Lordy, the deals we got there! Imagine the stares we got as we loaded Our Bags of Produce on the bus for the trip home to Maine. We got Strawberries, Bananas, Garlic, Cukes, Tomatoes, Plums, Peaches, Pears, Scallions, Avacados, Herbs, Peppers, OH MY GOSH we got so much stuff and I think between the two of us we spent no more than $15.00. We were like two kids in a candy store, and we had a blast that day.

I hope to do it again this year and make it kind of a tradition with us. This year I would love to take in the Museum of Fine Arts, and maybe next year the Museum of Science. and of course visit some of the malls. For us country girls, the rides on the subway are a thrill and just craning our necks toward the sky to see the tops of the buildings was such fun :)

Also I must say that we were always taught that you shouldnt expect city folk to be like us country people, all friendly and stuff, but I will tell you that there are some of the NICEST people in Boston you would ever want to meet. Everyone was friendly and happy to share directions or give advice on where to get the best food, books, oh you name it - we talked to everyone it seemed. Everyone we struck up a conversation with along the way was just wonderful and ready with a smile and a story.

Thanks for you post and the WONDERFUL memories that it brough back for me :)

Lisa Pfusch
August 15, 2006


Great Wine, Great Price, Great Review!

Deecee1409 writes:

Re: "Boozin' on a Budget: Quinta da Cabriz" by Jamie Gabrini, March 3, 2006

I agree 100% with Jamie's review: a very nice wine, fun to drink, and a GREAT price!

Deecee1409
March 17, 2006


Attention Dumpster Divers!

Jackie Moses writes:

Hi there!

I am in the development department of Film Garden Entertainment, a production company that is putting together a History Channel series on dumpster diving.

I just read Phiip Edwards' article on dumpster diving, and would love to speak with him about his hobby, and see if he would be interested in participating in the series.

I'd greatly appreciate it if you could pass his contact info on, or pass mine on to him. Also, if you know of any other people that would be ideal for this type of project, please pass my info on to them or vice versa.

I can be reached at 818.301.4691 or jmoses@filmgarden.net.

Thanks so much for your time!

All best,

Jackie Moses
Development Associate
Film Garden Entertainment
818.301.4500
jmoses@filmgarden.net
www.filmgarden.tv 
March 14, 2006 


Buyer Beware!

Scott W. writes:

Re: Looking Good in Buffalo, From Head to Toe by Elizabeth Dearborn (Feb 24, 2006)

The park avenue coat company is a store that nobody should ever shop at. The coats are usually defective, dirty and the sales staff is rude, unresponsive and make the customers feel like they are doing them a favor by opening their doors.

Also, you can buy inexpensive coats that are of much better quality at TJ Maxx, Burlington, The Gap, Dave and Berrys and even at grocery stores such as Martins.

A friend of mine bought a jacket for his brother, the zipper ended up being defective. The wild eyed clerk would not return it but did end up billing his credit card twice. Scott W.

Scott W.
February 24, 2006

This Website is Really Cool!

Jerry Joliet writes:

This is really cool!

I live on a fixed income, and it is tight.

Thank you!

Jerry Joliet
December 7, 2005


Laughing Out Loud!

Shaunna Privratsky writes:

Re: Dumpster Diving - For Fun & Profit by Philip Edwards - September 01, 2005

This article was laugh out loud funny. It's nice to know I'm not the only person who "shops" at the dumpster.

Best,

Shaunna Privratsky
October 1, 2005


Enjoying Your Articles!

Beverly Sapp writes:

Re: All you can eat buffet

I'm enjoying reading your articles. How about the week of Thanksgiving? Do you have any info on where to eat for cheap. We will be there Tuesday, November 22 through Friday morning November 25.

Thanks,

Beverly Sapp
September 22, 2005


Taking Condiments Seems Unethical

D. Davidson writes:

Re: "Fast Food, The Frugal Way," by Shaunna Privratsky, May 25, 2005

I enjoyed most of your article on a frugal visit to a fast food establishment. I did not know about McDonald's promotional ice cream.

However, taking handfuls of condiments and napkins feels unethical. Somebody is paying for them. I'd rather spend $.89 for a bottle of catsup and enjoy a clear conscience.

That practice is probably the largest reason that I now have to stand in line twice because I forget that condiments are no longer included.

D. Davidson
July 26, 2005

Shaunna Privratsky responds:

Has D. Davidson had to feed a family of four on $20 a week, sometimes less, for over six years?

If the answer is yes, then I will be happy to discuss ethics!


So Helpful to Us Penny Pinchers

Rachel Langley writes:

Keep up the great work with theshoestring.com!

So helpful to us penny pinchers...!

Rachel Langley
April 27, 2005


Time To Update This Site!

Lynn McCaffrey writes:

Time to update this site!! I was just looking for info and I knew already that the Fung Wah bus leaves from South Station.

Also the phone number has changed. 411 just gave me (617) 345- 8000.

Lynn McCaffrey
February 21, 2005


Free Love?

The Treelawn writes:

Re: Crystal Velasquez, "Internet Dating for Cheapskates," June 12, 2004

Very good article by Ms. Velasquez. The internet is really notorious for throwing the "free" word around.

But when it comes time to get serious, all of a sudden it costs as much as a monthly grocery bill.

Thanks for the assurance that I'm not alone in wanting to find someone without throwing money around. If money could guarantee a good partner then I'd take out a loan. But it doesn't...

E-harmony is the biggest romantic deception out there.

Don't fall for it!

The Treelawn
January 30, 2005


A Work of Comic Genius

The Treelawn writes:

Re: Allison Kraus, "How Not To Impress A Princess," June 11, 2004

Allison Krauss's piece was a work of comic genius!

How can I apologize for guys that are hopeless dorks?

I can't and I will not even attempt. It took a lifetime for them to develop their wierdness and the sooner you recognize it, the faster you can get away!

Give someone the benefit of the doubt but once they've proven that they worked hard to become a dork, throw 'em back in the lake.

The Treelawn
January 30, 2005


Little Stars?

Aline Bachman writes:

Good afternoon,

On your website TheShoestring.com, in the "Mini Me & You" section, you recommend also the baby furniture store Little Stars. I'd like to join this website - www.littlestarsnyc.com - but it doesn't function.

Do you know anything about this?

As I'm writing from overseas from Switzerland, I really would be happy if you could answer as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Aline Bachmann
January 21, 2005


Pretty Decent Coupon Site

Jenna Writes:

Hi,

I just want to suggest a pretty decent coupons website. It is:

KeepCash - at http://www.keepcash.com

It might be worth posting on your site if you think it's worth it. Anyway, nice site.

Take it easy,

Jenna
September 27, 2004


Two Cents From Brooklyn Is Great!!

Nicole from Brooklyn writes:

First as a writer, second as a Brooklynite and third as a shoestringer, or somewhat in that order, I must say how much I love the Two Cents From Brooklyn column.

Green's "A Fresh Packed Ice Cream Bargain" has changed my world! How smart to look for the strong arm to serve. I'll take that tip and apply it wherever I can.
Hmmm, what else do I purchase that is not weighed, just fitted into a container? I feel like such an insider now. Thanks.

Nicole from Brooklyn
June 26, 2004


Gas Bill Savings

Nicole from Brooklyn writes:

Love that Carolyn A. Green for her great tips.

"Really Save On Your Gas Bill" was so helpful to me, and I don't even have a gas bill.

I'm roaming through my house searching for utilities that I don't need. I guess it just changed completely my way of thinking.

Nicole from Brooklyn
June 26, 2004


Just Delightful!

J.M. writes:

Re: "Weekend Getaway" by C.A. Green

Hi - this was just delightful!

And what a great idea...

... wonder if people are willing swap houses???

J.M.
June 25, 2004


Great Sense of the Bizarre!

Maggie Drimmer writes:

Re: "The Bargain Basement Tapes: How To Buy Cheap Music," by Josh Drimmer

Loved Josh Drimmer's piece...

&great sense of the bizarre.

Maggie Drimmer
June 24, 2004


Fresh Diapers?

Ms. Kost writes:

Hi Barry,

Yesterday, I was - as usual - in one of my favorite "cost effective" (so I call them) supermarkets buying my fruits and vegetables at much reduced prices (because it kills me when I have to pay $3.00 for a cantaloupe when I can get it for $1.47.)

I was waiting patiently to pick out some cucumbers, when I heard a young fellow say to his pregnant wife who was holding diapers in her hand and comparing the price of diapers from different stores, "Are you sure they don't have a due date on them?"

I pretty much laughed at the naivite of this remark as I walked down the isle- but in truth, this couple is on the right track, not only taking on the seriousness of parenthood, but starting a family off with a cost conscience and budet minded perspective!

Ms. Kost
June 22, 2004


Staten Island Zoo is Free on Wednesdays

Laura Del Prete writes:

Re: Staten Island Article....

Hello!

Just so you know, the Staten Island Zoo is FREE on Wednesdays!
:)
Laura Del Prete
June 19, 2004


What a Fantastic Idea!

Mr. R. Gibbens writes:

Re: "Two Cents From Brooklyn" column by C.A. Green

What a fantastic idea. I read this and immediately called a friend. We live in a house in rural England and the friends have an apartment in urban London. I read them the article and they thought it was a great idea.

We are now planning to do this change of homes about once a month. With our home, they get a large garden, quiet nights, stars in the sky and peace and quiet. The will be able to sit in the garden and have their morning coffee and meals. The do not have cable and we do.

We get a central London location, able to go out for the night and not worry about having to drive back home very late. They have two dogs and that limits their travel often. We get to baby sit their two dogs which I am looking forward to since we don't have dogs. We get the excitement of a big city. We can walk to a restaurant to have our meals if we chose and not have to drive. This is a total win-win situation.

Thank C. A. Green for such an easy yet wonderful idea!

Mr. R. Gibbens


Looks Good!

R. Gordon-Gatica writes:

By the way - if I haven't said it, site looks good and well organized.

Always,

R. Gordon-Gatica
June 16, 2004


Got the Scavenger Beat!

Spice Smuggler 71 writes:

Got the Scavenger beat. Got the same pair of JBL speakers at a flea market for $5. Both in excellent shape.

While they do sound good, I think the Scavenger's assessment is a tad praise heavy. Great middles, but muddy highs and lows. Rather poor separation. Good for acoustic guitar, jazz, vocals and some classical. Not great with most rock, r&b, etc.

Even so, I'm still not sure I want to get rid of them! :)

Spice Smuggler 71
June 15, 2004


Frugality has become a Way of Life

Carolyn Green writes:

Dear Barry Zellen,

I so enjoy your 'Shoestring' website, especially since frugality has become a way of life for so many of us.

I believe too, if I (and many others) didn't have some luxuries, I/we would slowly melt down. That's where our creative (frugal) living ideas over here in Brooklyn come into play!

Carolyn A. Green
June 15, 2004


I've Been There!

Liz writes:

Re: Allison Kraus's 'How Not To Impress A Princess'

Very funny story.

I've been there too!

I loved it.

Liz
June 12, 2004


Furnishing Your Apartment for 'Scarcely a Dime'

Steven W. Bussen writes:

I furnished an entire two bedroom apartment spending scarcely a dime. I'm talking arm chairs, air conditioners, coffee tables, television sets, a VCR, a microwave oven, fans - everything.

It seems that our neighborhood has an understood free furnishings exchange systems. When people move or just get tired of something, they lay it out on the street with a friendly, 'Free- It works' (or something similiar) note attached. When you move in and find yourself understandably broke and far from the mood for a trip to Jennifer Convertibles, you are free to take what you want out of the system. It is something like living in Ikea but you never have to pay cash and you can borrow whatever you want for any length of time.

However, and this is important, when you leave or grow tired of something you must donate it to the street corner to keep the system going. As people are constantly coming and going, it works a charm and the incredible thing is that nobody planned this, it just happens spontaneously. It is a lovely phenomenon - especially for cheapskates and I think people should know about it.

Steven W. Bussen
Brooklyn, NY
June 10, 2004


Large, Cheap Lampshades?

Maryellen Gray writes:

Where can I find large, cheap lampshades on the Internet? I preferably want large white lampshades.

Maryellen Gray
maryellenfrommd@webtv.net
May 16, 2004


RailSale Getting Stale

Darlene writes:

When I first started to use the Amtrak railsale deals, it was easy to get a seat. Last year, when I tried to get a seat between the West and East coast, I was disappointed and frustrated because the seats were sold out during the time-frame I was interested in. I was selfishly hoping the world would not catch on.

I have also been a member of Bestfares.com. but found that you could find better deals elsewhere on the net. However, it took longer to book a flight. Luckily, I had the time. I am not a Bestfares member now, but I refer often to this site when I am looking for a flight. If I find that I no longer have enough time to search for flights, I would take the Bestfares route because it has been reliable. I am leary about relying on fly-by-night websites when it comes to travel. I was once stranded in Europe with no way of returning to North America. It is not fun!

Thanks,

Darlene


Fond Memories of My Building 19 Days

JB Willy, a Building 19 veteran from Manchester, NH, writes:

As hugs, laughter, and tears swirled around me, I silently reflected on memories of my Building 19 years; from 1981 to January 11, 1997. Nineteen days were always my favorite time.

The customers, the employees and even the management team remained in high spirits throughout the day. What a coincidence and an honor to receive the invitation to the 17th. annual Bld. #19 service award banquet for May 23, on 19 day! I feel special.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you Jerry Ellis & Bill. Your "good examples have twice the value of good advice." Someone once said, "never return a kindness, pass it on." I think I can do this by telling everyone that will listen about the greatest place to "shop and work." Oh yes, and retire from! Wish you'd come back to Manchester.

Thanks again!

JB


Frugalina, I Too Am A Trash Picker!

The Scavenger writes:

I've been trash picking for about a year now. Our garbage collection day is Friday, so every Friday morning I cruise the streets in my neighborhood searching for just about anything. To add to you "I-can't-believe-it's-not-worthless" category, I found an entire functional and MINT condition stereo system by the side of the road recently.

All four components (CD player, cassette deck, amplifier, and tuner) altogether are worth about $330 now. New, the amplifier was $500 and the tuner of similar value. I was astonished when I saw the exact same tuner on eBay just sell for $131!

Another nice item I found was behind a furniture store, which I'm fortunate enough to live near. This particular store offers to dispose of your old furniture if you buy from them. Whatever they pick up, they throw out behind their store.

I got a loveseat recliner that was nearly perfect! The only problem was a dirty spot that easily washed out with some Ivory liquid soap.

I've found lots of stuff and have even dedicated a website to it. To visit it, just click here. I am not trying to advertise, I'm just happy there are others out there who participate in this fun and rewarding hobby.

Happy hunting!

The Scavenger
April 7, 2004


I Especially Enjoy the Travel Articles

Leslie writes:

I recently found The Shoestring and have read most of the articles. I especially enjoy the travel articles.

Since I have so many destinations on my travel to do list, I always travel on the cheap. In fact, I generally pay less on two or three vacations than co-workers spend on one.

I would love to see an article with general travel tips such as how to find the best things to see and do no matter the destination. Something like a 12 steps to a fun, frugal vacation.

Got anything up your sleeve like that?

Leslie
basket_nut@yahoo.com
March 4, 2004


Fung Wah's 'The Best Bargain Around'

Jeanne Murray writes:

Have used Fung Wah buses multiple times, and it's the best bargain around.

Jeanne Murray
jmurray@markengraphics.com
January 12, 2004


Cheap Events

Bryant Matherson writes:

I really enjoyed the piece about cheap events going on this summer in the city.

Who is Erin Donnelly and will she be contributing more pieces?

Bryant Matherson
bryantmatherson@hotmail.com


You Should Expand to Europe!

Kim Wykoff writes:

Hello,

I'm sorry this isn't an inquiry about submitting an article, but I'm finding the shoestring site a little hard to navigate in terms of feedback. I suppose if I have a comment, this is where I must send it.

I found shoestring because I'm looking for an old Purdue University roommate, Thao Pham, and I found her here, thanks to the photo. Unfortunately, her contact information is out-of-date.

I've been browsing the site and it's a great idea. I live in Europe now, and I think you could expand your site to include living here. I think that here, more than in the States, it's important to find a less expensive way to live. Anyway, I like to read the articles because they are down-to-earth and fun and I feel a little less far away.

Thanks.

Kim Wykoff

Our Reply: We're on the next plane... With Ryanair and EasyJet and Wizzair offering supercheap fares across both old and new Europe, we look forward to discovering Europe's best bargains!!!! If anyone has some travel tips for supercheap european travel, let us know at editor@theshoestring.com.


New Web Address for Fung Wah Bus

Jay Hines writes:

Thanks for the article.

At current, I believe the web address of FUNGWAH.COM is no longer working. It could also be that at this moment there is server connection difficulty. Perhaps, you can verify and update your article information as necessary.

Sincerely,
Jay F. Hines
JFH325CIS@aol.com


Editor's Note: Thanks, Jay! You're correct, Fung Wah's address is now www.fungwahbus.com. (That actually gets forwarded to IvyMedia, but they mask it so it always says www.fungwahbus.com in your navigation box.) Thanks for the headsup!


I Love the Concept

Thao Pam writes:

I love the concept of TheShoestring.com and plan to read it regularly!

If there's a way to save money, have some fun, and be cheap, that's my way!

Thao Pham
thao@thaostyle.com.


Love the Idea, Love the Site!

Ann Ellis writes:

Hi,

Love the idea, love the site.

Ann Ellis
e1@blueyonder.co.uk


The Site Looks Great!

Tasche Bryant writes:

Hi Barry,

The site looks great! I love the new name, and I can't get over how useful some of the articles have been.

The columns on sneaking into movies with a senior citizen ticket and getting your pets their shots for less have saved me tons of money already! The latter was especially helpful, as I just adopted two kittens and am absolutely appalled by cost of NYC vets.

The how-to articles with factual information are fantastic. I wish some of the articles had more of that, in fact. The column by the girl who lost her job for a year in New York City, for example, could have really used some concrete examples of how she managed to survive. Again, congratulations on the site Eit's great!

Best, Tasche Bryant
tbrookb77@yahoo.com


Turned out Well!

Emily Hawkins writes:

Barry,

The first "edition" of the shoestring turned out well!

Hope all is well,

Emily Hawkins
ehawkins@wesleyan.edu


Congrats on the New Site!

Steve Morgan Friedman writes:

Hi Barry,

Congrats on the new site! The name is great and it looks good.

Steven Morgan Friedman
http://www.westegg.com
morgan@westegg.com


I Have Never Laughed So Hard!

Judie Hughes writes:

Okay, I just read the all-you-can-eat sushi story by Ari Vais.

I have never laughed so hard!!!

He needs to write a LOT more articles!!

:0)

Judie Hughes
gadget.ssssuperstar@verizon.net


Screw Them!

Shy Frugal writes:

Barry:

You should look into a lawyer. Cheapskate appears in the dictionary, it's a common word. They may have trademarked Cheapskate as a company name, but you folks are CheapSkatesGuide, which is sufficiently different!

You can't trademark common words. If that were the case, I could trademark the word King and sue Burger King for trademark infringement Screw them.

Shy Frugal
New Yorker
Shyaporn@aol.com


Our reply:

I agree, but they're the ones who can afford a lawyer! My frugal lesson with regard to lawyers and litigation: Run!

;-)

Barry Zellen
editor@theshoestring.com


Shy's reply to our reply:

Ah yes, but as the poor shmoes that we are, our first rule of frugality is: Fight to keep what you've already got!

Best of luck, man.

I still say tell 'em to go to Hades.

Shy


Frugal Fashionista's an Amateur!

Miyon Im, the Bargain Queen, writes:

I am known among my friends as the Bargain Queen, particularly when it comes to clothes.

I just read the Frugal Fashionista's article and only one word comes to mind: Amateur!

Of course, it was only Lesson One so she may surprise me yet.

Firstly, hunting and pecking is not limited to those clearance racks at designer retail stores. Make fun if you want, but places like Marshall's, Ross, and Loehmann's can provide absolute gems for the true digger. Case in point: One of my favorite shirts that consistently gets compliments is a BCBG, chiffon button down, with block prints. Birth and Origin? Ross for $20. Fashion fans know that a good BCBG dress shirt can be easily sold for $70 and above (and only $70 if it's on sale).

Second, good bargains aren't just limited to grabbing at the first sight of a "goodEbargain. It is extremely important to be aware of your favorite store's retail character. For example, Gap is notorious for having their basics being slashed down to the single digits if you wait long enough. In contrast, Express may only slash things down about 50% but every 3 months or so they have their RedLine Sale, which entitles a person to an additional 30%. If someone is into more chi-chi designer picks, Bloomingdale's is also known for this clearance tactic.

Patience is as important as stealth.

As you can see, I can talk for hours about this stuff!

Sincerely,

Miyon Im
The Bargain Queen
mimsie177@yahoo.com


You Tickle My Cheap Bone!

Share Ross writes:

Hello. I absolutely LOVE your website. It has tickled the cheap bone in my frugal body!

My husband and I searched all over Los Angeles to find a place and finally moved into an auto-mechanics garage.

With very little money, we eventually turned it into a palace. Granted, there is still a concrete parts-washing sink instead of a kitchen sink. There are two bathrooms, one with the toilet and one with the tub instead of your standard nice all-in-one bathroom.

The column would go on to explain using fabric instead of plaster to cover the bare dry walls.

We even got that for free by turning to fashion designers with 'end of rolls' that couldn't be used for much. By scrounging around the streets of LA, we found bits of wood we used for molding and countertops. We even dug up old fence posts from the backyard and used them to set off the walls we built for the bedroom. The bedroom itself is so small that we utilized the height and built the bed on a platform. Using a good old measuring tape, we made sure our big, used cheap piece of bedroom furniture would fit underneath and voila! Not only does the dresser fit perfectly, but the rest of the space under the bed platform is suddenly amazing storage! Well, you get the idea!

Peace n rock n roll,

Share Ross
BUBBLE
www.planetbubble.com


The Site Looks Fabulous!

Vanessa G. Ahern writes:

Hi Barry,

Firstly, the site looks fabulous!

I'm delighted to be part of the "cheapskate" movement. I was wondering if you were planning on adding a "Cheap Education" or "Cheap Learning" or "Cheap Knowledge" section to it.

Articles could direct readers to cheap or free ways to a higher education in the city. Crashing college lectures/finding obscure libraries. Or, returning a book you have read to Barnes & Nobles for a refund or an exchange. (I know that's bad!)

Vanessa
vanessagahern@hotmail.com


I Absolutely LOVE Your Website!

Garick Chan writes:

Dear Sir/Madam, I absolutely LOVE your website! I came across your post on Craigslist dated 9/14 and decided to take a look.

Sincerely,

Garick Chan
contactgarick@yahoo.com


Wow!

Lenore M. Raven writes:

Wow Barry!

Looks wonderful. So official! Very nicely done.

Congratulations.

Imagine dealing with a bunch of cheapskates when it comes to payment! This may be more than you bargained for! I think the Frugal Factoids is a great idea, by the way.

Cheers, and bravo,

Lenore
Lmraven@aol.com


Have You Read my Mind?

Tracey Swerer Tee writes:

Wow!! Have you read my mind? Having lived in LA for three years with NO money, I have developed quite a nice little life for myself.

All the best,

Tracey Swerer Tee
310-226-7015


You Really are Cheapskates!

Donna G. Albrecht writes:

Goodness, you really are Cheapskates!

Thanks for the information about your needs. Please delete me from the list of writers you are considering. I'm a professional and I can't possibly work at those rates!

Donna G. Albrecht donna@albrechts.com


A Job Well Done!

Lisa Marie LeFevre writes:

Congratulations Barry on a job well done :).

I bet you feel great, despite the pending name change.

Isn't there some sort of search engine that tells you what names are trademarked and which are not? Maybe you can just do Cheapskate'sguide.com (i.e. a miniscule change?). Or, can you not use the term at all?

Lisa Marie
lisa_lefevre@hotmail.com

PS: I think Barry's Bargain Box may be cool...or is it too personal?


The Site is Great!

Lisa Marie LeFevre writes:

Dear Barry,

The site is great!!!

I think it is really well done and the icons are very nifty. I'm glad to see that one can have more than a single entry.

Lisa Marie
lisa_lefevre@hotmail.com


Safety is More Important than Frugality!

Lisa Marie LeFevre writes:

I read the cheap travel articles and Frugalina is somewhat right, only you can travel to areas that aren't dangerous and disaster prone (i.e. near Turkey) that are safe.

One such area would be the Black Sea around Southern Bulgaria or even the North.

In any case, it was good to put a note at the end of that article, cause at times, safety is more important than frugality!

Lisa Marie
lisa_lefevre@hotmail.com


Cheap Web Surfing

Carl Quesnel writes:

Dear Fellow Cheapskates:

You know, AOL charges a lot ($23/month).

You could save some money by switching to NetZero or a small start-up ISP. You can find these smaller ISPs advertised in regional computer publications such as Computer Currents, which you can usually find for free near the door at computer stores.

I applaud your use of Craigslist for advertising the columnist openings though - it's free!

Carl Quesnel


Congratulations!

Cemile Kavountzis writes:

Dear Barry,

CONGRATULATIONS!

The site looks great!

Best wishes,

Çemile Kavountzis
tel: 917 270 8839
e-mail: cemilemaria@hotmail.com


The Site Looks Great!

Liz Black writes:

The site looks great, you have so much info.

Congratulations!

Liz Black
EBlack@US-ABP.com


Great Name!

Jo Secondo writes:

Hey, great name! Hope you can keep it with out getting sued. Are you going to change your email address to "Shoestringiest@...?

:) :)

Jo Secondo
SecondoJ@aol.com


Thanks for the Check!

Doug Howe writes:

Thank you for the check. I received it the other day. I can now pay my electric bill!

Though the weather is over 80 today in NY, I'm thinking of holiday ideas for the next article! Hope you are well The site looks great.

Doug Howe
dig_dag_dug@hotmail.com


Love the New Name!

Lenore M. Raven writes:

Hey Barry,

Love the new name by the way, in case I hadn't mentioned. Very much.

Happy Halloween. Hope you're getting lots of free candy. I imagine you're pretending you're 5 and stocking up.

Cheers to you.

Talk soon,

Lenore
Lmraven@aol.com


Looks Great!

Doug Howe writes:

Barry -

Hope you are well, and it's not any colder up there than it is here!

Checked out the site. Looks great.

Douglas Howe
dig_dag_dug@hotmail.com


I See You've been in Florida!

Jo Secondo writes:

Hi Barry,

I am at this moment reading through the new issue of shoestring.com. Looks great.

I see you've been in Florida....

Ciao,

Jo Secondo


Just Saw It!

Josh Rotter writes:

I just saw it. It looks fantastic...

Happy Holidays,

Josh


Frugality is Great, But...

Bill Blinn, Technology Editor, Technology Corner, writes:

Frugality is great, but does it run on a computer? I cover TECHNOLOGY.

The name of the show is TECHNOLOGY CORNER. Please do not send NON-TECH materials. It wastes my time and yours.

Bill Blinn, Technology Editor
Technology Corner
wtvn@blinn.com