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Beware of Electronic Pickpocketing!

My scam posts have been my most popular posts, mostly thanks to Google not having much info on 365WEBELECTRO.COM besides yours truly's blog.

Now there's something new to worry about if you have an RFID or radio frequency credit card: Electronic Pickpocketing!

Watch this news story to get more info about Electronic Pickpocketing, and what you can do about it.  It sounds like something we need to all be careful of!

Thank you to Ashley (Go Get Smashed!) for this article.

$3 Off Schick Quattro Trimstyle

Go to Schick's Facebook and click "Like" to receive a $3 coupon towards the Schick Quattro Trimstyle.  I've never tried the Trimstyle, so I'm very excited about this!  I'm a big Schick Quattro fan, it's the only razor I'll use.  This will be twice as awesome since it has a bikini trimmer as well.

What Valentine's Day Means to Me

When I was a kid in elementary school, Valentine's Day meant two things: candy and cards.  I remember exchanging fun little mini-cards filled with lollipops and chocolates with all my classmates.  It was about fun, friendship, and...let's face it...candy!

Now that I'm an adult, Valentine's Day is a lot different.  To most, Valentine's Day is about extravagant gifts, roses, jewelry, sexy lingerie, etc.  Or, about disappointment when you don't have a special someone to share it with, or if he/she doesn't give you the aforementioned gifts.  To me, it's about spending time with that person you care most about.  It doesn't even have to be a significant other; I used to love going to see romantic comedies with my best girlfriends on V-Day.  Even though I think people tend to put too much emphasis on V-Day, and build it up too much, it is nice to have that day out of the year where you set aside quality time that you spend with someone.  Anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's Days...well there aren't many other days that you can actually do that!  That is why I'm not as cynical as some about the holiday.

What does Valentine's Day mean to you?  What's your favorite thing to give on Valentine's Day?

Image from XKCD.com

And Yet Another Bill Comes from the Hospital

Just when I think it's all over, I receive ANOTHER bill from the hospital...this time it's the radiology bill.  Looks like I'm doing another No-Spend February Save-ruary.

Coming Soon: BigFunnyCards Review

I'm so excited about this!  I get to review a RIDICULOUSLY big Valentine's Day card!  I picked out the 18"x24" card that looks like the one above...a giant box of chocolates!  You can customize these cards any way you'd like.  I added a bunch of cute adjectives (Sexy, Funny, Sweet, Handsome, Smart, etc.) on the chocolates.  Then, it says "Hmmm, so many choices..." on the front.  When you open it up, I made it say "Good thing you're all of these!".  

I can't wait to get it in the mail!  As soon as I do, I'll update on how awesome it is.  I also can't wait to give it to A!

How to Dress Frugally

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't look cute!  First of all, I did break my "no shopping" rule on this dress, but only because it's a necessity.  I have a wedding coming up in March, and I wanted to get the buying of the dress out of the way.  It's also the first wedding I'll have gone to since I was a little girl!  So I'm pretty excited to get all dressed up.  Anyways...

Here is the breakdown of my entire outfit:

• Dress: $30 on sale at Francesca's boutique
• Bracelet: $12 at Francesca's
• Necklace (that little pearl at the neckline, very tiny): $14 at Francesca's
• Shoes: $35 from boutique that I've had for several years
• Purse: $?? from my High School Prom!! 

So what are lessons to be learned from this?

• You can buy an entirely new outfit for less than $60
• Learn to go "shopping" in your own closet--that's how I found the old purse and shoes!
• Shop at small boutiques instead of department stores--the sale racks have higher quality clothes than you'll find at dept stores
• I went to several different stores before I got this find; don't get frustrated if you can't find it immediately.  This is why you must shop further in advance

(Long Overdue) Training Day #4

Okay I know I'm a bad girl, but I haven't gone running since Training Day #3.  That was January 8.  Over two weeks ago.  How embarrassing!  But I truly think this blog will keep me responsible from now on.  I am held accountable, since people read this (I hope).  I can't cheat, I can't lie...well I can, but I have integrity.  

I'm still hoping to be able to do the 10K come March.  This is why I made today Training Day #4!  I just got back from my nighttime run.  I went on the treadmill here at my apartment complex.  I ran 2 miles in 30 minutes.  To some, that might be embarrassing, but I'm just proud that I went for that long and that far.  Next time, I'm hoping to go 2.5mi.

Benefits of No-Spend Saveuary

• A liberating feeling to know that you don't HAVE to spend money all the time
• Looking at your Mint.com spending summary and not getting depressed
• More money in your bank account!
• Inspiring others to join my challenge
• Having something important to write about in my blog
• Creating better spending habits for the future (like any diet, this one has a "cleanse")
• More flexibility to pay off debts faster
• Builds character (really!)

Product Review: Smart Ones Thai Style Chicken & Rice Noodles

Calories: 260

Total Fat: 4g

Sat Fat: .5g

Sodium: 620mg

Total Carb: 42g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 10g

Protein: 15g

There are days when you don't have much cookable food in your pantry, or the energy to cook said food, or the money to go out to eat.  For these days, we have frozen dinners!  I have to say, the Thai Style Chicken & Rice Noodles has recently become one of my favorite frozen dinners.  It is low-cal, low-fat, high protein, and actually pretty delicious.  If you like Pad Thai (and understand that frozen dinners, especially Smart Ones, never taste exactly like the original), you will most likely like this.  It is flat rice noodles, chicken, and carrots, in a peanut sauce.  I like it because it's quick, easy, low-cal, and tastes pretty good for a frozen dinner.

Get $20 for $10 to Amazon.com!

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Update #2 on No Spend Save-uary

This week I was tempted a few times to cheat on No Spend Save-uary. And I did fall for it. I still haven't gone shopping (besides for groceries).

Spending this week:
-Tuesday Lunch: $5.40 for a Subway sandwich that lasted me two meals (not bad!)
-Wednesday Night: $7.50 for a Pei Wei pad thai bowl...also lasted me two meals (still not bad!)
-Friday Lunch: $8.00 for a Mighty Fine burger meal (guilt starting to kick in)
-Friday Night: $20.00 for a fancy sushi dinner (super guilt, but so worth it)

I'd say overall, I didn't do TOO bad. But it wasn't a "No Spend" week. It's harder than it looks!

This week, I'm already planning on spending around $10.00 for a lunch on Tuesday with some ladies from work. Other than that, I'm back to groceries for meals (hopefully!). The trick is to buy foods you actually will eat! I know it sounds simple, but it's really not. Sometimes I'll buy things and eventually get sick of it. Anyone else?

Alpine Weight Loss Secrets Review and GIVEAWAY!

It's a couple weeks into 2011, and if you're anything like me, you made quite a few New Year's Resolutions.  

Thanks to Business2Blogger, I was asked to review a weight loss book called "Alpine Weight Loss Secrets".  They also are awesome enough to provide one of my readers with a book in my first ever GIVEAWAY!! I am so excited!  Read on to submit some entries to win your own copy of AWLS.

Here was what I thought:

The author wrote this book keeping in mind his heritage from the Alps.  This is where people eat fresh meat, cheese, and plants.  This is also where people do a lot of physical labor, something most Americans no longer do, since we spend 40+ hours a week at a desk, and the other on a couch.  The overall message I got from Alpine was the importance of an active lifestyle and eating foods close to the earth.  I also loved their focus on the importance of good posture.  I completely agree with this lifestyle, and wish more people understood that not all calories are created equal.  A 100 calorie banana is far better for you than a 100 calorie mini twix bar.  It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people make excuses just because something is "low fat" or "low calorie".  

Here are some quotes from the book:

"Instant anti-ager – your posture: Faulty posture does not look good on a teenager and definitely not on an adult of any age in revealing clothes.. these are the basic foundation of any scientific exercise program."

"One of the first strategies to staying active is to find the activity that you love. "

"Change your mind, change your body: Changing your body starts with your mental muscle."

 Pros:

• Very inspirational, incorporates a lot of exercise and diet philosophy that I believe in
• Mostly fits into my life easily (except the fast)
• Inspires you beyond weight loss, and helps you channel your own personal happiness

Cons:

• It includes a flat belly "schnell" or fast, which is great for some people, but I'm not a huge fan of fasts in general, and probably would never do one
• It seems aimed more at an older demographic, and I'm 22.  However, I can still relate to most of the things explained in the book.

Buy It:  Go to http://alpineweightlosssecrets.com/ to learn more about it.  It's $14.95 plus tax which you can purchase on Amazon.

Win it: Through my super fun giveaway!  Make sure you leave your email address so that I know how to contact you if you win!  Ends January 31st! Winner will be selected at random, I will email you, and you have 2 days to claim your prize (US and Canada only).  

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me what your biggest New Year's Resolution is!

Extra Entries: 

• 2 Entries: Follow Frugal But Not Cheap on GFC
• 3 Entries: Blog about my giveaway, and send me a link to your blog
• 1 Entry: Follow FBNC (@butnotcheap) on Twitter
• 1 Entry: Follow FBNC on Facebook

FBNC got the Stylish Blogger Award from OutnumberedMama!

Thank you OutnumberedMama for giving me the Stylish Blogger Award! That was so sweet of you, it's my very first Blog award!

So it looks like there are rules to follow when you get an award.  See, I'm new to this bloggy world, so I'm learning all the little details to these fun things!

1. Thank & link back to the person who awarded you this.  (Done above! Thanks again lady!)
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pay it forward to 10 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their award.

So here are 7 Things about myself:

1.  I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2010 with a BS in Advertising, got my first job at Dell in June and wasn't happy, and changed jobs to my current one two months later.  It's been a whirlwind year!  

2.  I just started blogging in October, but I really didn't start updating on a regular basis until December.  So I'm a total n00b to blogging!

3.  I'm 22 years old.

4.  I'm Jewish and went to Jewish private school from preschool until 8th grade.

5.  I'm attempting to train for a 10K in March.

6.  The only other country I've been to outside of the US and Mexico is Israel.  

7.  I am watching Aladdin right now.  One of my favorite old Disney movies from when I was a kid :)

Here are the 10 blogs I'd like to share this award with!

1. Go Get Smashed!
2. Mommying on the Fly
3. Mommy Time Out
4. Asha's Butterflys
5. Thankfully Thrifty
6. Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom
7. SweepTight
8. Holly at Naptime
9. My Adventures in Mommyland
10. The Davis Daily Dose

Training Day #3

What if you had this as your scenery only a few miles away?  Well I do!  This is Town Lake, where hundreds of runners, walkers, and cyclists come every day to be active and nature watch.  This morning I decided I would add a nice change of scenery to my training schedule (for the Capitol 10K), and  jog/walk a 5K around this lovely part of Austin.

It is so much more enjoyable to be active and exercise when your gym is the beauty of nature mixed with the glory of downtown Austin Texas.  Let's see, I jogged/walked 1 mile on the treadmill in my fitness room, but I jogged/walked 3.2 miles outside.  I CAN go the distance, I just need the motivation.  And what better motivation than living in a city with a skyline like that, a lake right beside you, and 55 degree weather?  

Update on NO SPEND SAVE-UARY

On January 3rd I declared this month NO SPEND JANUARY SAVE-UARY.  This means, no spending money on anything I don't actually need, or that is not a bill/required expense.  So far, the only things I've bought with my disposable income in January (we're not including New Years, people) are $8 on Firehouse Subs (pre-NO SPEND JANUARY  SAVE-UARY plan) and a footlong Subway that I split into two meals.  Thats only $3 a meal!

It's only been about a week into January, and it's a little hard but it's a good feeling.  It feels like a diet cleanse, where you go without eating carbs or fat or sugar...or solid food altogether... for a certain amount of time.  Only this is money, not food.  It's refreshing to know I don't HAVE to spend money every day to entertain myself or enjoy life.

If anyone else wants to try this with me, let me know!  We can inspire/support each other!

Training Day #2

Today marks day two of training for Capitol 10K.  D came over and we went to my fitness room to "train".  Unfortunately, only one of the four treadmills was working, so we had to trade off.  I only ran a mile again, but this time I also did strength training, 5:00 on elliptical, 7:00 on the recumbent bike, and 5:00 on the stairmaster.  Each doesn't sound like much, but added up it felt like a pretty intense workout.  It's been a long time since I was running 3 times a week (2 years now), so it's going to take a while before I'm back to where I was.  I will get there soon though!

Thursdays are Walk-to-WorksDays

Every Thursday at work, we are provided a catered lunch.  I live 0.5 miles away from my office.  It would only be logical that I would walk to work every day. 

I've been lazy about it for a while now and have decided it's time to walk to work at least once a week. 

The perfect day to do this is Thursday!  Usually, I drive to my apartment every day to eat lunch since I live so close and can eat for free (once I've already bought my groceries of course).

I walked last Thursday, and I walked today.  I want to make this a ritual,and maybe even start incorporating other days. 

It's healthy, and it saves gas!  I know gas is negligible when you live .5 miles away, but it still eats up a little over time every time you turn your engine on and off.

Let the New Year's Resolutions begin!

Steak Tips Portobello Review

Calories	160
Fat	7g
Fiber	3g
Protein	15g
Sodium	450mg
Carbohydrates	10g

Recently, I bought 10 Lean Cuisines for only $1.50 each.  I've tried most of them, but decided to branch out and try a few new meals.  Today, I tested out Steak Tips Portobello for the first time.  Here's my opinion on this meal:


When I opened the package, I noticed the broccoli side was larger than the steak tips/portobello side.  The meal took 4 minutes to cook in the microwave, and then 1-2 minutes to sit in the microwave.  
I first tried the broccoli which tasted like I expected from a Lean Cuisine meal: bland and usual.  However, I expected this, so it's okay.  Then, I tried the steak tips and portobello part.  First of all, there was very little steak or mushrooms to speak of.  This was probably the part that I liked the least.  
The flavor of the sauce was pretty good.  The steak itself, however, tasted very low quality.  The mushrooms were probably the best part, but were the smallest in quantity.


Overall, I'd give this 2 stars out of 5.  I guess I shouldn't expect much out of 160 calories, but I can promise you I'll be eating more tonight after that tiny meal.

Working Towards That 10K

My friend D and I are going to try to run the Capitol 10K on March 27.

I'm proud of myself for waking up early enough today to start "training".  And by training, I mean walking to my fitness room and walking/jogging only one mile on the treadmill.  It's better than nothing right?  A couple years ago, I was jogging 2-3 miles 3 days a week, but I've gotten very lazy.  My plan is to add .5 miles each workout, so in no time I'll be up to 6 miles.

I'll keep this blog updated with my "training"!

Tonight at Casa de Melissa

Tonight at Casa de Melissa, we (I) are serving a simple 4-ingredient meal!

-Thin Spaghetti (I split it by half wheat half white)
-Newman's Own Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic marinara sauce
-Sauteed mushrooms

I doubt anyone needs an actual recipe, but put these 4 ingredients together and you have a tasty, simple,  filling dinner!

I'm also drinking Vides Del Este Malbec (that I got from WineInsiders.com with a $25 for $75 Groupon).  It is DELICIOUS.

An Amazing Comment

A new friend/follower Gina Alfani posted an awesome comment on my last post "No Spend January".  I wanted to share with everyone her tips on being frugal and spending less money overall!


On restaurants vs. homemade meals

"Eating out is one of the biggest money wasters . . . Casa de Gina's food is much better than anything I can get in a restaurant."

On Entertainment:
"I can't tell you the last time we went to a movie or even rented a movie . . . cable is expensive enough and provides all the movies and entertainment we need."

On saving gas:
"I plan my shopping and errands away from home once a week or every two weeks so I don't waste gas running out every time I need something."

Best words of advice:
"You don't need money to make you happy and entertained . . . just a vivid imagination."

Thanks Gina!  Very inspiring!

No Spend January

This month I shall call NO SPEND JANUARY.  I mean, obviously I'll be spending money.  I have to pay rent, drive, eat, pay electricity, cable (which I just reduced today by $20/month), pay bills, and other fixed expenses.  But I am making every effort possible NOT to

• Eat out at restaurants
• Buy drinks at bars
• Shop for clothes, makeup, and other things I don't really need
• Drive places I don't need to go to (because it eats up gas)

Things I CAN DO in the meantime:

• Workout outside or my apartment complex's gym
• Eat at Casa de Melissa
• Watch movies that I own
• Work
• Work on my blog
• Draw
• Browse other blogs, read up on other frugalistas' opinions
• Visit with friends without spending money

Any other tips on keeping yourself busy without spending money?  It's harder than you'd think!

Getting Used to this "Blogging" Thing

Thanks to my blog-experienced friend Ashley, I'm just starting to get the hang of this blogging thing.  I mean, I know how to post posts, and I know how to design and manage my blog.  But the real question is how to get a following?  You could be writing the most amazing content in the world, but with no one reading it...does it truly exist?  It essentially has no value if no one is reading.  It would be like a high budget film that no one ever watched.

Ashley (of Go Get Smashed) introduced me to the amazing world of blog hops.  I've been joining a couple of these, and following bloggers that I find there.  It's a lot of fun, and I'm finding great content on so many blogger's websites!  I love reading about people's experiences, and I also am a fan of product reviews.  My FAVORITE thing of course is giveaways.  I'm really starting to get addicted to them!  Is it unhealthy?  Probably not...but you can never be too careful!

It's also important for me to get used to blogging, because it is a way to understand my "clients".  For my job, I actually give away products for reviews and giveaways (BuildASign.com) to bloggers.  This is not only a way to understand bloggers, but to reach them as well.  For all bloggers who are reading this, and are interested in some free custom products, feel free to comment or email me!!

Delicious Salad Recipe

I started off the New Year with a walk/jog with my friend D, and then we decided to be healthy for lunch! So we made a yummy salad that came out really well.  Here are the ingredients:

• Spring Mix
• Tomatoes
• Raw Mushrooms
• Avocado
• Krab Stick (find this in the lox/smoked fish section of your grocery store)
• Dash of Olive Oil
• Cracked Pepper & Salt

I highly recommend this to anyone trying to be healthy.  It's got your veggies, Vitamin D from the mushrooms, healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, and protein from the krab stick.  It's filling, tastes awesome, and very nutritious.

99 4x6 Prints for 99c from Snapfish

Until January 9, Snapfish is offering 99 4"x6" photo prints for 99 cents.**  Shipping is about $5, but it's still a great deal.  I've already gotten 100 prints for free from this site (plus shipping), and was very impressed with the prints.  I got so excited about it that I bought quite a few frames to put them all in!  I also got to fill up my "My Friends Are Prettier Than You" photo album that J gave me a few years ago.

Check it out, I highly recommend this website and their photo quality!

**Use coupon code 2011PENNY at checkout.

Free Cute Lunchbag with 20 Lean Cuisine Purchases

So here's another awesome thing I just discovered about Lean Cuisine!  They are giving away these awesome lunch tote bags, if you buy 20 Lean Cuisine meals.  Sounds like a lot, but if you are like me and eat them ALL the time, it's an awesome deal!  I already have 10 meals in my freezer, so I only have 10 to go.  If you enter in all your codes before 3/31/11, you get one of these SUPER adorable lunch bags!  Here are the instructions:

• Buy LEAN CUISINE entrées
• Collect 20 unique codes (one code found inside each box, excluding LEAN CUISINE Market Creations).  A few entrées a week will get you there in no time!
• Enter your codes and choose your bag online at LeanCuisine.com by 3/31/11.
• Look for your FREE insulated lunch bag in the mail.

I see this as a fun challenge!  Maybe I'll go back to H-E-B and buy 10 more meals for only $15 again.

Lean Cuisines for $1.50 each!

I got an awesome deal today at H-E-B!  They had it where Lean Cuisines were $2 each, and if you buy 5, you get $1 off ($9 total cost) OR if you buy 10, you get $5 off ($15 total).  So, I got 10 meals for a total of $15, or $1.50 each!  That is hard to come by!

They are usually about $2.50-3.00 each, so $1.50 is awesome.  I needed to stock up anyways since I go through them so fast.  Also, it's a great way to start off my New Year's Diet :)

If you live in Texas, go to H-E-B and grab yourself 10 yummy TV dinners!

I Want This Bicycle!

Happy New Year everyone!  One thing I want to accomplish this year is to buy a bicycle and start riding it around.  I live 0.5 miles from where I work, so it would be a fast and easy way to get there everyday.  

I really like this Schwinn Cream 3-Speed Cruiser.  The colors are awesome (cream w/light brown) and would be a great starter cycle.  I haven't ridden a bike since I was a lil girl, so this will be a new venture for me.  I can't wait to go shopping for one!  

Cream 3-Spd Cruiser <<this is a link to the page for this specific bike.  Here is Schwinn's website with all their bikes.