Custom Cut Glass for Picture Frames

As I stand here in the blue home improvement store, waiting for my turn to have a piece of glass cut, I thought I'd share what I hope ends up being a budget tip.

Earlier today, I bought a picture frame, and promptly broke the glass as it slid slow-motion off the table.

I'm at this store for a totally different reason, but happened to walk down the aisle where they hide the sheets of glass. I say "hide," because I spend a lot of time in these home improvement stores, strolling the aisles, thinking of projects...and I've never ever ever noticed this.

Anyway, back to the story of how I saved a little money.

There is an employee cutting glass for another customer. Not only did I not know they stocked sheets of glass, I didn't know they would cut it, too. Seriously, I just spent $$$$ on custom-cut glass shelves for my cabinets, when I could have come here and spent $.

So let me just act like I meant to come down this aisle for this specific purpose. On the fly, I decided that I'm going with acrylic, since glass and I don't get along. Also, the final framed picture is going in a bathroom. Just the thought of broken glass on a tile floor makes me want to faint. 

It's $8.98 for an 18" x 24" sheet, which he's going to cut down to the 16" x 20" I need. I feel like $8.98 is cheap. Especially since he cut it for me. I'm already looking at other things that might need a custom piece of glass or acrylic.

Here's a picture of the employee cutting it. Sorry it's all blurry and stuff, but one bad picture is better than no picture at all.

Certified Super Star Glass Cutter Man

Bis Später!

Veteran's Day Free or Discounted Dining Offers

 

Veteran's Day Free Meals and Discounts 

 

Many dining establishments offer free or discounted meals to military veterans on Veteran's Day. I've posted a few below, but visit The Military Wallet for more.

The Military Wallet has two notes:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

Applebee’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.

Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Dine-in only. Find a location near you.

Champps Americana, Nov. 11, 2013. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free hamburger (7 to choose from) and waffle fries from open to close on Monday, November 11, 2013. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). More info, Find a location near you.

Charley Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal from select menu with military ID or proof of service. Beverages and gratuity not included. Find a location near you.

Chili’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11 2013. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Click here for many more options for Veteran's Day.

Discounts for People Over 50

I'm not over 50, but I know a few that are!

This compiled list of discounts, some starting as young as 50 years old, was taken from a Facebook share. The original Facebook post is here, and the text of it is also pasted below the image. Enjoy!

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently,I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 ...get 10% off everything on the menu, every day. (But you need to ASK for your discount.)

Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too. This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and howsome of them start at the young age of 50. This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.

Dunkin' Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 .
If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.

YOU must ASK for your discount !

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

CAR RENTAL:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - and remember -- YOU must ASK for discount ---- no ask, no discount.

Budget Win - Hanging Porch Light

Every time I go to the home improvement store, I stop by the outdoor lighting section, and stare dreamily at the porch lights. My 1923 bungalow has an ugly little light that leans...sort of like a bat hanging upside down, if it was trying to look at you but remain undetected.

I really like the DualBrite feature on the Heath/Zenith brand security lights. It turns on at dusk, but at a low level. When it senses motion, it gets brighter. I have it on the flood lights in the back of the house. That seemed an awfully modern feature to find on an old-fashioned pendant light. Oh, don't get me wrong, I found some, in the $125-and-up price range.

And then the eBay gods shined shone upon me. For a total of $28.93, including shipping, I got a brand new, still in the box, Heath/Zenith Antique Bronze pendant porch light. (I would like to note that this sells for $139.45 at Lowe's. Happy dance!)

If lights were people, this one is a Southern gentleman.

Small Bathroom Remodel Project - Part One

It's time. That small guest bathroom needs some work. It is large small enough for a shower, a toilet, and a mini sink. The bathroom is so small that I thought it was imaginary.

And that grout...wow...that grout.

This is a story about how a little bathroom stayed a little bathroom, but became much more fabulous.

The grout was yellow. Who knows how old that bathroom is, or how long the grout has been that way. My guess is early 80s. It looks as though the grout was supposed to be yellow. I'll show you. Prepare yourself, it's like a horror movie.

Time to get started. First, with my penny-pincher cap on, I tried a manual grout remover tool. It worked well, but I could imagine my unborn children heading off to college before I finished the job.
 

Time for Trip One to the home improvement store, to get a Ryobi Speed Saw Rotary Cutter, with Dremel grout remover bits.

I already have a garage full of Ryobi tools, so I loved that this one fit the battery packs I already have. While the saw was super-powerful, it ate through those battery packs. 10 minutes of work, 30 minutes of charging. So I ended up borrowed a corded Dremel from a friend. Yep, I went old school.

It took three days and five trips to the home improvement store. By the fifth trip, I didn't even wipe the grout dust off. I looked like I fell into a sack of flour. Another customer said he could help me with whatever I was doing. So I still got hit on looked like I needed rescuing.

When I finally(!) finished the grout removal/application process, I thought, "it doesn't look that much better." Then I took the "after"  pictures and looked at them side-by-side. Whoa, baby! I gotta do a happy dance for that one!  

Oh, you'll notice the new hardware. I put my penny-pincher cap back on, and I didn't want to spend too much. Simple chrome upgrades should do the trick. Also, the house was built in 1923, so I had to research to make sure chrome was a thing back in the 20s. Thank goodness it was! Chrome is cheap, is cheap is my favorite.

• Showerhead: Glacier Bay 3-Spray Handshower in Chrome, $19.48
• Towel Bar: Part of Glacier Bay Builders 3-Piece Bath Accessory Set in Chrome, $34.96 for the set
• Faucet Handles: Danco Ergo Replacement Lever Faucet Handles, $17.98 for both

Here are the before-and-after pictures. Ta-da!

I apologize for the greenish tint in the "after" pictures. Camera setting fail.

That's all folks. For now. Next part of this is the floor, which has sticky laminate tiles right now. Come on, it'll be fun, right?

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Thanks, SpouseBUZZ.com!

Until the government shutdown ends, military personnel can shop at Sam's Club without a membership. (The base commissaries are closed during the shutdown.)

Call your local Sam's Club to confirm. Here's a link to find the phone numbers for the nearest Sam's. http://www3.samsclub.com/clublocator/.

I just called the Montgomery, Alabama location, and they are participating.

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Free admission to 1400 museums on Sept. 28

Looking for something to do this Saturday? When was the last time you went to a museum?

Travelzoo just posted 1400 museums that will be free this Saturday. That's my favorite price! All you have to do is grab a ticket (which is good for two people). They've conveniently listed all 1400 museums in searchable format.

This is part of the Smithsonian's Museum Day Live program. There are two museums here in Montgomery, the SPLC Civil Rights Memorial and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). I've been to both already (I've actually been to the Civil Rights Memorial a lot, every time someone comes to visit). But the MMFA is beautiful, and I can't think of anything I'd like more than to spend a Saturday afternoon strolling through their new exhibits. 

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

Here are the links:
1400 Museums Free on Sept. 28 | Travel Tips From the Deal Experts | Travelzoo
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!

Children of Veterans Get Free Tuition in California

In the state of California, children of veterans are eligible for tuition waivers at all University of California, California State University, and state community colleges.

Got your attention? Keep reading.

There are a few easy-to-meet eligibility requirements which I'll list at the bottom of this post. And of course, your little darling will have to get accepted to the school.

The program is for any state school. For example, UCLA, Berkeley, Cal Poly, and any of California State University's 23 campuses. (Not private schools though, so ixnay to Stanford and Pepperdine.) There are more schools than that of course, but I can't think of them all.

Is this even worth it? Well, for the 2013-2014 academic year, tuition for an academic year (9 months) at UCLA is $11,220. Yikes!

If you are sending your kids to college in California and are not a veteran, I would suggest adopting them out to a vet. I'm just saying.


Here's the fine print (which is really, really easy to meet):

1. You (the veteran) need to have a service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher. Yes, 0% is a disability rating! Have you ever been to the hospital while serving on active duty? Then you probably can get a 0% rating.
2. Your child must attend a California community or state college.
3. Your child must be under 27 and make less than the poverty level (about $11,000 year). That's your child, not you. You can make more if you want. 

You can read more about it (and verify that this information is legit) at http://www.calvet.ca.gov/vetservices/CollegeFeeWaiver.aspx.

I don't even have children yet, but when I do, they are going to college in California. I hear California is pretty this any time of year.

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Ziploc Vacuum Sealer - $39.99!

I really need to start saving money. Or, stop spending money. Last month, Kaiser the Dog had a stroke (he's doing great!), but the near-$4,000 of veterinarian bills was unexpected to say the least. I needed to start cutting back. Luckily my darling boyfriend is a great cook, and we're homebodies, so skipping the restaurants and eating at home was an easy kill. But then what?

I came across this blog, Blissful and Domestic, and was amazed at how she lives with her family on $14,000 a year. A year. I could use some of her tips! I was inspired.

This is the first post in my adventure to spend less, without feeling like I'm losing out.

Today's big budget-friendly "splurge" will save me tons in the long run. It's a Ziploc Vacuum Sealer. It was $42 or so at Wal-Mart. (You can get it for $39.99 at Menards by clicking here.) I've always wanted one of these toys (I have a slightly odd obsession with very specific small kitchen appliances). But man, are they expensive! Then along came Ziploc.

I stocked up on ground beef, chicken breasts, Italian sausages, and shredded cheese at Sam's Club. I came home and had a little sealing party, splitting up all the bulk meats and sealing them into portion sizes. I even opened a bag of chips and resealed it, just to see if it would work, and it did! I admit, it was kind of fun. My freezer is full, and I am a happy camper. I'm pretty sure this just paid for itself in one day.

What do you think? Do you have one? Have you continued to use it? Right now, it's a new toy to me; I hope it doesn't end up forgotten on a shelf. I kind of love it right now, in a you-could-change-my-life kind of way.

Ziploc Vacuum Sealer