The Chronicles of a Blawgirl » Frugal Living http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com Follow Julie Anne Ines on her trip through the journey that is law school. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:55:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Welcome home, Blawgirl! http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/08/16/moving-day-in-photos/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moving-day-in-photos http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/08/16/moving-day-in-photos/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:39:00 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1965 One of my favorite things to do when I was younger was watch design shows, especially the ones that had episodes that discussed how to deliver a one-two punch of functionality and form in a small space. From those shows, I learned that in small spaces – and especially in studio apartments – you need to define areas based on their functions.

Apparently, doing so will make even a teensy space feel big.

Keeping this in mind, I made a list of the things I wanted to do in my apartment, and planned the space accordingly. I wanted a place to chill/read magazines/watch TV. I definitely wanted a place specifically for sleep, and not a futon sofa. I needed storage for my books and clothes. And I definitely needed a nice place to study and blawg.

As a result, the living area was divided into three corresponding spaces: a place to study, a place to sleep and a place to watch TV/catch up on the Jon and Kate tabloid fiasco. Take a look. (Note: sketch is not to scale)

apartmentlayoutMoving involved two days. The first day was devoted to putting stuff in the already-existing shelf space. Day two involved bringing in the bigger pieces of furniture. And thanks to The Boyfriend, my mom, dad and brother, things got moved in fairly quickly. Here are the results! (Click through the mosaic to get to my “Moving In” photoset on Flickr for more details on what went into the space!)

mosaic3f003afc59d7ac66460c383fdc7963fc15534ace

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/08/16/moving-day-in-photos/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (7/7/09): Free songs from Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/07/frugal-finds-7709-free-songs-from-billie-holiday-edith-piaf-and-ella-fitzgerald/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-7709-free-songs-from-billie-holiday-edith-piaf-and-ella-fitzgerald http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/07/frugal-finds-7709-free-songs-from-billie-holiday-edith-piaf-and-ella-fitzgerald/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:01:00 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1854 X5 Free Sampler - Golden Voices, which has songs from Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt and Billie Holiday. One of the Blawgirl's favorite recordings of all time is Fitzgerald's rendition of "Honeysuckle Rose." It never fails to make me smile! Have a listen! ]]> edithpiafAlerts:

  • Southwest.com has select 1-way fares from $30 to $90 (plus tax and fees) for travel during its 48-Hour Sale. Book by July 8 for travel between September 9 and November 18. Not valid on Fridays and Sundays. Other restrictions may apply. (via DealNews)

Entertainment:

  • Free five-song sampler. Amazon.com’s MP3 store offers a free download of its five-song X5 Free Sampler – Golden Voices, which has songs from Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt and Billie Holiday. One of the Blawgirl’s favorite recordings of all time is Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Honeysuckle Rose.” It never fails to make me smile! Have a listen!
  • Free MP3 download. Amazon.com’s MP3 store also offers free downloads of “Lover Gone” from the Lover Gone EP by Peggy Sue. The song is a short and bittersweet one, with the lyrics straight out of the songwriter’s journal.
  • Two-for-one to Medieval Times. For select locations only, buy one full-price admission ticket at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free via coupon code “THANK09″. Tickets start at $59.95. Sales tax is added where applicable. Eligible locations are Orlando, Buena Park, Lyndhurst, Chicago, Dallas, Toronto, Myrtle Beach, Baltimore/Washington, and Atlanta. Coupon expires December 30. (via DealNews)

Photo: www.secretparis.fr / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/07/frugal-finds-7709-free-songs-from-billie-holiday-edith-piaf-and-ella-fitzgerald/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (7/1/09): See first-run movies for less than $10 a couple at AMC! http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/01/frugal-finds-7109-see-first-run-movies-for-less-than-10-a-couple-at-amc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-7109-see-first-run-movies-for-less-than-10-a-couple-at-amc http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/01/frugal-finds-7109-see-first-run-movies-for-less-than-10-a-couple-at-amc/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:57:12 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1848 offer first-run movies that start before noon (including new releases) from $4. Find your nearest AMC here. (via DealNews) Reminder: AMC Theaters has $1 movies for 10:30 a.m. admission every Wednesday, with funds raised going to Variety-The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute]]> amctheaterThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Entertainment:

Odds and Ends:

  • 20 percent off Pokemon and Super Mario Bros. plush toys. PC Micro Store knocks 20 percent off several Pokemon and Super Mario Bros. Licensed Plush Toys with coupon code “Dealnews20%Toys”. In all, 27 items are available, with prices starting at starting at $14.98 after coupon with free shiping. (via DealNews) The Blawgirl’s picks: ChimChar plush for $19.98 (List: $23.33); Bowser plush for $26.98 (List: $45); and the Yellow Yoshi plush for $19.98 (List: $26.67). And in case you missed it, here’s a very funny vid from College Humor.

Photo: wallyg / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/07/01/frugal-finds-7109-see-first-run-movies-for-less-than-10-a-couple-at-amc/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (6/30/09): Trade in your old printer, get a new one for $20 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/30/frugal-finds-63009-trade-in-your-old-printer-get-a-new-one-for-20/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-63009-trade-in-your-old-printer-get-a-new-one-for-20 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/30/frugal-finds-63009-trade-in-your-old-printer-get-a-new-one-for-20/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:51:48 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1826 The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on [...]]]> The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

  • Free Luaka Bop – Orinoco Sampler. Pick up the Luaka Bop – Orinoco Sampler for free from the Amazon.com MP3 store. This 12-song compilation features a wide range of artists from the label, including Zap Mama and Sise. I love the Latin, laid back groove that some of the songs on this compilation have, but the collection also has more funky stuff in it. Download the collection in full, or cherry pick your favorite tracks. I dig “Slip Away” from SiSe and “Bandy Bandy” from Zap Mama.
  • Free Park the Van Sampler. Also at Amazon, pick up Worn & Grazed: A Park the Van Sampler for free. This 11-song compilation features songs from artists like Golden Boots and Seth Kauffman. If you like acoustic guitar-driven, retro-sounding, folksy type stuff you may like this. Plus, hey, it’s free, so if you don’t, you can just delete it.

Odds and Ends:

  • $40 Star Wars bobble head 6-pack. Buy.com offers the Funko Star Wars Bobble Head 6-Pack for $39.99 (List: $69.99) with free shipping. The set includes Luke, Yoda, Han, 4-Lom, Bossk and the Fighter Pilot, which all stand 7″ tall.
]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/30/frugal-finds-63009-trade-in-your-old-printer-get-a-new-one-for-20/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (6/25/09): Leave the gun, get ‘The Godfather’ five-disc box set for $24.99 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/25/frugal-finds-62509-leave-the-gun-get-the-godfather-five-disc-box-set-for-24-99/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-62509-leave-the-gun-get-the-godfather-five-disc-box-set-for-24-99 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/25/frugal-finds-62509-leave-the-gun-get-the-godfather-five-disc-box-set-for-24-99/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:11:25 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1792 thegodfatherThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/25/frugal-finds-62509-leave-the-gun-get-the-godfather-five-disc-box-set-for-24-99/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (6/24/09): Deals on wheeled backpacks, Anne Klein women’s shoes http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/24/frugal-finds-62409-deals-on-wheeled-backpacks-anne-klein-womens-shoes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-62409-deals-on-wheeled-backpacks-anne-klein-womens-shoes http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/24/frugal-finds-62409-deals-on-wheeled-backpacks-anne-klein-womens-shoes/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:32:09 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1789 2892058635_da341cba5fThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

  • $2 album download. The Amazon MP3 Store offers downloads of Greg Laswell’s Three Flights from Alto Nido for $1.99. The same 12-track album, released in 2008, goes for $9.99 at iTunes. (via DealNews)

Odds and Ends:

  • Up to 65 percent off on Anne Klein shoes. 6pm.com cuts up to 65 percent off on over 800 select styles of AK Anne Klein women’s shoes, with prices starting at $19.95. With $6.95 for shipping, almost every style is at the lowest total price we could find. (via DealNews)
  • Box o’ goodies. GraveyardMall.com has a Box of 50 items for the family for $9.99 plus $5.99 for shipping. It includes 50 assorted household items valued at over $250 at retail. Each box includes such diverse items as nail clippers, lighted magnifying mirror, ball point pens, cell phone holders, and more. (via DealNews)

Photo: Steve Wampler / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/24/frugal-finds-62409-deals-on-wheeled-backpacks-anne-klein-womens-shoes/feed/ 2 Frugal Finds (6/23/09): $29 air fare from Florida to Bahamas via JetBlue http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/23/frugal-finds-62309-29-air-fare-from-florida-to-bahamas-via-jetblue/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-62309-29-air-fare-from-florida-to-bahamas-via-jetblue http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/23/frugal-finds-62309-29-air-fare-from-florida-to-bahamas-via-jetblue/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:46:25 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1781 Life's A Beach Sale. According to DealNews, fares require an advance purchase of at least 14 days and must be booked by June 26 for travel between July 14, 2009 and October 6, 2009. Select prices are only good for travel on certain days of the week. Some other restrictions and blackout dates apply. Fares available for $29 include Fort Lauderdale, Fl., to Nassau, Bahamas, and Fort Lauderdale to Cancun, Mexico.]]> 320966632_ff1bfdee4bThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Alerts:

  • Florida to Mexico/Bahamas $29. JetBlue offers several 1-way fares starting at $29 as part of its Life’s A Beach Sale. According to DealNews, fares require an advance purchase of at least 14 days and must be booked by June 26 for travel between July 14, 2009 and October 6, 2009. Select prices are only good for travel on certain days of the week. Some other restrictions and blackout dates apply. Fares available for $29 include Fort Lauderdale, Fl., to Nassau, Bahamas, and Fort Lauderdale to Cancun, Mexico.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

  • Free patriotic music sampler. If you’re planning on hosting your own fireworks show this Fourth of July, why not kick the patriotism up a notch by backing your display with patriotic music? You can do that for free by downloading the Patriotic Music Sampler from Amazon.com. The 10-song sampler includes patriotic song staples like the Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America. (via DealNews)
  • $8 Regina Spektor album. Pick up the new Regina Spektor album Far, which goes for $13.99 at iTunes, from Amazon.com for $7.99. If you’re not familiar with Spektor, have a listen to some of the Blawgirl’s favorite songs by the songstress.

Samson

Fidelity

Photo: {platinum} / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/23/frugal-finds-62309-29-air-fare-from-florida-to-bahamas-via-jetblue/feed/ 0 Be frugal and fashionable by accessorizing. Or, how to wear one dress 365 different ways! http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/be-frugal-and-fashionable-by-accessorizing-or-how-to-wear-one-dress-365-different-ways/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=be-frugal-and-fashionable-by-accessorizing-or-how-to-wear-one-dress-365-different-ways http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/be-frugal-and-fashionable-by-accessorizing-or-how-to-wear-one-dress-365-different-ways/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:32:54 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1770 Rings, bling and shiny things have always seemed too fussy and unnecessary. Still, the Blawgirl may have to change her mind after learning of the very impressive Uniform Project.]]> UPdressesThe Blawgirl isn’t really one to wear accessories. Rings get in the way of typing or playing the piano. Earrings always seem to get stuck in her hair or in the weave of a sweater. Scarves get stuck in the car door or are attacked and chewed on by a curious doggie.

Rings, bling and shiny things have always seemed too fussy and unnecessary. Still, the Blawgirl may have to change her mind after learning of the very impressive Uniform Project.

In the project, which began in May, one girl aims to wear one dress style every day for one year. What’s awesome is that she’s not just wearing a burlap sack and calling it a fugly day. Nope. She accesorizes a fairly simple dress with belts, leggings, scarves, vests, sweaters and jewelry. The resulting outfits range from cute to cutting edge, and can be executed for a fairly affordable price.

What’s also awesome is that the project is also a way to raise money for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for slum children in India.

Visit The Uniform Project website!

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/be-frugal-and-fashionable-by-accessorizing-or-how-to-wear-one-dress-365-different-ways/feed/ 1 Frugal Finds (6/22/09): Internet deals from AT&T and Verizon. Tacos not included. http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/frugal-finds-62209-internet-deals-from-att-and-verizon-tacos-not-included/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-62209-internet-deals-from-att-and-verizon-tacos-not-included http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/frugal-finds-62209-internet-deals-from-att-and-verizon-tacos-not-included/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:34:46 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1763 At AT&T, sign up for a select U-verse package and receive $200 cash back. The price and availability vary by location. Deal ends September 19. At Verizon.com, new customers signing up for select Verizon FiOS Triple Freedom packages receive either a free 2.53-lb. Compaq Mini 10" Netbook or Flip Video Ultra Digital Camcorder plus an extra $5 off per month for the first year. ]]> internettacosThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

  • $200 cash back from AT&T. At AT&T, sign up for a select U-verse package and receive $200 cash back. The price and availability vary by location. Deal ends September 19. DealNews, which listed the offer, notes that although plans start at $49 a month, the cheapest eligible for cashback appears to be $94 a month for the U200 Double Pack, which includes up to 200 TV channels and 3Mbp/s high speed Internet access.
  • Free camcorder or netbook from Verizon. At Verizon.com, new customers signing up for select Verizon FiOS Triple Freedom packages receive either a free 2.53-lb. Compaq Mini 10″ Netbook or Flip Video Ultra Digital Camcorder plus an extra $5 off per month for the first year. DealNews, which listed the offer, said that an additional shipping charge will apply but is not specified. Price and availability varies by location, but starts at $99.99 per month for the package. This deal is available until Aug. 15.
  • Free taco songs. If you missed the post last month, here’s a link to my list of songs about tacos.
  • 50 albums for $5 each. Just a quick reminder. Amazon.com’s MP3 store is still offering its monthly 50 albums for $5 each. June’s selection brings us a collection that includes music from Eartha Kitt, Elvis Costello, Bon Iver and Coheed & Cambria. Ms. Kitt’s album Gone But Not Forgotten includes 21 songs, including “C’est si bon” and “Let’s do it”.

Odds and Ends:

Photo: lecates / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/22/frugal-finds-62209-internet-deals-from-att-and-verizon-tacos-not-included/feed/ 0 Frugal Finds (6/18/09): $20 for OGIO messenger bags and backpacks http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/18/frugal-finds-61809-20-for-ogio-messenger-bags-and-backpacks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frugal-finds-61809-20-for-ogio-messenger-bags-and-backpacks http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/18/frugal-finds-61809-20-for-ogio-messenger-bags-and-backpacks/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:39:33 +0000 http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/?p=1741 free weekend admission to over 100 national parks, including Joshua Tree National Park, on select weekends throughout the summer, including this weekend!]]> 2892058635_da341cba5fThe Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.

A note from the Blawgirl: Frugal Finds will continue on a daily basis until the beginning of August, when it will become a weekly feature.

Gadgets and Gear:

Entertainment:

Odds and Ends:

  • $7 mini tool kit. Buy.com has the Belkin 6-Piece Mini Tool Kit for $11.99 (Was: $19.99) with free shipping, but if you pay via PayPal the price drops down to $6.99. Deal ends June 22. (via DealNews)
  • Free personal finance magazine subscription. Freebizmag.com offers a 1-year subscription to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine for free after you fill out a short survey. The magazine features articles regarding investments, taxes, home ownership, and other personal finance topics. (via DealNews)
  • $13 flying alarm clock. Meritline.com has the Flying Alarm Clock for $13.99 (Was: $29.99) with free shipping, but coupon code “MLC24825810P” brings the price down to $12.59. (via DealNews)

Photo: Steve Wampler / Flickr

]]> http://blawgirl.julieanneines.com/2009/06/18/frugal-finds-61809-20-for-ogio-messenger-bags-and-backpacks/feed/ 0