your
g u i d e to s m a rt m on e y
CENTRAL NORTH
January 23 - February 19
HOW TO GET THE
MOST OUT OF
SPENDING LESS
The Best Ways To Get
Your Financial House
in Order in 2009
Home Decorating Tips
...Pg 8
Keeping Your Car
In Tip Top Shape...Pg 12
Denver Dining Deals &
VALENTINE’S SPECIALS
...Pg 22
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Charron Conley
Caitlin Kelly
Jeanne Fischer
January 23 - February 19
C O N T E N T S
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Creative Director
Yashpal Singh
People take different paths
toward a better future, so make
sure they head in your direction.
My $30 Recession
Fighting Machine
Contributing Art Directors
Jennifer Harlow
Richard Gaither
Marissa Ayres
...................................................................................................................
... Pg 4
Office Manager
How a crock pot can help you ride out the recession.
Theresa Hall
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Account Executives
Patrick Eskew
Anne Kremer
Ellen Schneeweis
Ellen Smith
Tony Sollenbarger
Char Stunkel
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How to Get the Most Out of
Spending Less…Pg. 6–7
Teach yourself to stay out of debt and start
saving.
Home Décor Crafts on a Budget…Pg. 8–9
How to make your home attractive without
spending a lot of money.
Pet Ownership in an Economic
Recession…Pg. 10–11
Discover ways to take care of your animals in a
tough economy.
How to Increase the Life of
Your Vehicle…Pg. 12–13
Take care of your car regularly and let it take you
further than ever.
Inexpensive Wines of Value…Pg. 14–15
Reading as a Hobby…Pg. 16
Reading is one of the best activities for
maintaining an active, healthy mind.
Sewing on a Budget…Pg. 17
Not only is it cheaper to make your own clothes,
but it’s fun too.
Dollar Stretching Tips…Pg. 18–20
Live better on the money you already make.
Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can
Make Yourself…Pg. 21
Gifts that come from the heart often mean more
and cost less.
Red Hot Valentine’s Day Specials…Pg. 22
Try spending Valentine’s Day this year in Denver
with specials that will please your date as well as
your wallet.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a
good wine.
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
3
FINANCE
by Jeff Yeager
My $30
Recession Fighting Machine
Saving money on energy costs
is just the tip of the rump roast when
it comes to the financial benefits
of crock pot cooking.
W
hat if I told you that I have a special Recession Fighting Machine
and that it cost me less than $30? In fact, you can probably find
one at a local thrift store for a lot less than that, or the odds are
pretty good that you may already have one hidden away in your kitchen
cupboard.
If the status-appliance of the last decade was a $10,000 Viking gas
range, then the good old fashion crock pot – AKA “slow cooker” – is the
kitchen appliance du jour for today’s tight economy.
My mom still has – and recently drafted back into active duty –
the avocado green colored one with the funky paisley designs that I
fondly remember her serving up a myriad of lentil concoctions from in
the 1970s. I guess those were relatively lean times too, at least for our
family, but I’d be hard pressed to name a time in my life when I was any
happier. Maybe I’m just waxing nostalgic, but that crock pot is no small
part of the slow cooked memories from that simpler time in my life that
I still cherish to this day.
Save Energy
Crock pots, particularly today’s models, are energy-sippers compared to
most other cooking methods like a traditional oven, stove top, or toaster
oven. And that’s after taking into account the fact that you might set
your crock pot for a cooking job taking eight hours or even longer. Slow
cookers use just 100 watts of electricity, which means that if you use it
once a week for eight hours at a time, it’ll only cost you about TWENTY
CENTS a month in electricity! Not bad for four home-cooked meals.
Save on Groceries
Saving money on energy costs is just
the tip of the rump roast when it comes
to the financial benefits of crock pot cooking. Slow cooking is the key
to transforming inexpensive, sometimes tough cuts of meat into tender,
fall-off-the-fork morsels. Chances are that the least expensive cuts of
meat in your butcher’s case are perfect for the crock pot. Consider, for
example, whole fryers, pork hocks and neck bones, smoked turkey legs
and wings, and other inexpensive cuts of pork, lamb, beef and poultry
that you might not otherwise buy. And of course crock pots are perfect
for cooking beans and other legumes, among the healthiest and least
expensive foods you can eat. Check out more the 1,400 slow cooker
recipes at www.southernfood.about.com.
Save Time
Slow cooking is even faster than fast food! Most crock pot recipes
involve only a few minutes of prep time – maybe chopping up a few
veggies, stirring together some basic ingredients, and then turning on
the slow cooker and forgetting about it. Forgetting about it, that is, until
you return home after a hard day’s work. That’s when you’re greeted by
that heavenly aroma of a home-cooked meal ready for the dinner table,
prepared in less time than it would have taken you to pick up fast food
on your way home.
Save on Dining Out
While you can cook smaller portions in a crock pot, most of today’s
models hold anywhere from four to eight quarts. Cook a full pot, and
even for a large family you’re likely to have more than one meal’s worth
of a dish. Freeze the leftovers or serve them again later in the week, or
package them in small containers for lunches. Whenever you cook in
large batches, you’re sure to save money by avoiding dining out because
you “don’t have anything in the house for dinner.”
Save Your Health
Because very few crock pot recipes call for adding extra oil or using
grease, most slow cooking dishes are relatively low in fat, at least
compared to frying or other traditional cooking methods where extra
fat is often added. Professional health writers Chet and Josh Day share
some particularly healthy – and delectable – slow cooking recipes at
www.crockpotrecipes101.com/blog.
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There’s no denying that these are stressful economic times for most
Americans. Rarely has comfort food been so essential. We may not be
able to afford the kind of luxuries you buy with money, but maybe we
afford something even more valuable: the luxury of slowing down and
enjoying a delicious slow cooked meal with family and friends. As my
mom always says, The only thing more important than what’s on the
table is who’s sitting around it.
Jeff Yeager is the author of the book The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to
SS
True Riches. His website is www.UltimateCheapskate.com. n
4
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
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Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
5
FINANCE
By Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
How to Get the Most Out
of Spending Less
The Best Ways
To Get Your Financial
House in Order
V
olatile financial markets. Housing
prices on the decline. Unemployment
rising. An uncertain—at best!—
outlook for the economy. It’s no wonder
many Americans are feeling less well off
and less optimistic about their financial
futures. But despite all the bad news, I
always think of the new year as a time for
positive change. As individuals, we certainly
can’t move markets or predict the future of the economy. But
we can take a serious look at our finances, in particular our
patterns of spending and saving. It’s quite simple, really:
When you spend less, you save more. It’s certainly the
best way I know to get your financial house in shape.
At the heart of financial well-being is a simple,
profound kernel of personal financial wisdom: Live within
your means. And the easiest way to accomplish this goal is to make a
budget and stick to it.
Keep track of income and spending. Your budgeting process
doesn’t need to be elaborate. Most people know exactly how much
money they make (some self-employed people and small business
owners, of course, have to estimate their income). That’s your top line.
Now figure out your fixed expenses, such as your mortgage payment
or rent, insurance premiums and car payments. Other expenses are
variable, like utilities, groceries, clothing and entertainment, though
most of these are easily estimated. Your past bank statements can help
you understand where your money goes, or you can use personal
finance software. Once you have a handle on where it goes, you’ll start
to understand where you can cut back.
Avoid debt. A critical component of
living within your means is to avoid
nondeductible, high-interest debt,
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in particular, credit card debt. I’m
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all;
they can be a useful financial
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www.Sho
tool and can help you track
where your money goes. What I am
6
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
encouraging
you to do is to
avoid carrying credit
card balances. Credit
card interest costs are high and
nondeductible, which is bad enough;
even worse, every dollar you pay in interest is a
dollar you’re not saving for the future or even spending on
something of value now. In fact, if you have a lot of credit card debt,
your 2009 financial makeover should start right here: by reducing the
amount you pay in interest. That alone will have an immediate and
obvious positive impact on your finances.
Start saving. Once you’ve got a handle on your spending, add
a line to your budget for savings. You may already be saving through
a company-sponsored retirement plan (I hope you’re doing so!). But
I believe that savings should be an explicit component of your every
day budget, so much so that it eventually becomes second nature – it
helps to make it automatic, and I would encourage you to set up direct
deposit into a high-yield checking or savings account through your
employer or bank. (Making saving second nature is why I suggest
encouraging kids to save part of their allowance; I think it’s a great habit
to develop as early as possible.)
Set goals. Most plans start out with specific goals, and a financial
plan is no different. Articulating these goals helps you reach them.
You might have spending goals (e.g., “cut 10 percent from my grocery
budget” or “reduce my credit card balance by 10 percent each month”).
If you’re already saving money (spending less than you take in), then
you can set some savings/investment goals.
Create a financial cushion. One of your first savings goals
(after eliminating credit card debt) should be to build an emergency
fund, a financial cushion that could be really valuable if you lose your
job or are unable to work for an extended time.
Generally, three to six months of nondiscretionary
living expenses should be sufficient (housed in
a separate, interest-bearing account for safety and
liquidity). Then you can start to focus on longer-term
goals like a down payment on a home, college costs for the
kids or additional savings for retirement. The longer your time horizon,
the more heavily you can invest in equities.
Be specific in goal-setting. The more explicit you can make
your goals, the better. “I am going to save $50,000 over the next 10
years for the down payment on a house” is much more concrete than
“saving to buy a house some day.” For college, you know the age of
your children, and you can easily estimate the future costs of public
and private colleges, and invest accordingly. Retirement, of course, is an
enormous challenge, but by talking to a financial advisor or by using an
online calculator you can make some smart estimates about what you’ll
need when you leave the workforce. Then work backward to see what
kind of money you’ll have to set aside each month in order to get there.
With a specific goal, dollar figure and timetable, you’ll know each year if
you’re making progress.
The most important idea here is that without thinking carefully
about what you want your money to achieve, it will simply disappear.
Some people are great and diligent savers, but clearly many
people are not; despite Ben Franklin’s dictum about “a penny saved,”
that thought is not engrained in American culture.
To my mind, there is no question that saving and investing are
always important, but I think they are especially vital when times are
tough. So as you head into 2009, think carefully about what’s most
important to you and your loved ones. Then put your money where
your heart is. You’ll find ways to channel it to where you want it to go:
your future.
Carrie Schwab Pomerantz is Chief Strategist, Consumer Education,
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. You can e-mail Carrie at
[email protected]. To find out more about Carrie Schwab Pomerantz
and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists,
SS
visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. n
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Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
7
FAMILY
By Raven Lebeau
Home Décor Crafts
on a Budget
The right item will come
along at the right price.
S
ometimes, appearance is all that matters and it’s not what’s on
the inside that counts. As a frugal home decorator, that’s lesson
number one. Lesson number two is patience. The right item for
the job will come along at the right price if you wait. Finally, lesson
number three is trust your intuition when it comes to saving things. If a
little voice says “this may come in handy,” it’s probably right.
Here are a few frugal projects using materials you may have around
now and will certainly have around at some point:
1. Elegant end tables. My mother had several of these, made
from a home-sewn table cloth, a circle of plywood, and a waist-high
moving box. The plywood circle sat on top of the box, and the table
cloth turned it into an attractive and functional little table. She even
used the box for storage. A square of plywood would work as well and
may be easier to find. It’s just a matter of which you prefer.
2. Creative containers. Colored or patterned contact paper
can turn a coffee can into a functional and decorative kitchen canister.
Use a fancy or homey font to print a label for the front and you have a
great way to organize the pantry. The same applies to jars of all sizes. If
contact paper doesn’t appeal, try your hand at glass painting. A simple
pattern of flowers or scrolls will make the jar into a decorator item and
still let you see the contents. Decoupage is another frugal way to add
professional-looking graphics. Old calendars, magazine ads, postcards,
printouts, and photocopies are all good sources of materials. Just paint
the item with decoupage glue, stick on your picture, and paint over it
with the glue to seal it.
3. Scented soaps. For around thirty dollars, you can find a tub
of glycerin soap that would last most families a year or so. Craft stores
like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby are a good place to look, though you can
order it online if you can’t find it locally. The same types of plastic molds
are used for soap, candles, and candy, so there are an endless variety of
shapes you can make. For a truly penny pinching crafter, molds can be
found in the trash, or preferably recognized before being placed in the
trash. The plastic tray for a box of chocolates, for example, would make
a perfect mold for small soaps. Purchase your favorite soap scents and
a roll of clear plastic wrap. You may also want to use some ribbon or
decorative craft paper. You can now pour your own decorative scented
soaps for less than you would spend on ordinary soaps. Best of all,
you can customize them with your favorite scents and colors, or add
a sprig of some home grown herb. The
leaves will be preserved in the soap like a
biology specimen. Until the soap is used
down to where the leaves get exposed,
they will remain green and fresh. After you
make a bar, wrap it in the plastic and tie a
ribbon around it. A basket of these will add
a homey touch to a bathroom or kitchen,
serving as both a decor item and a practical
necessity.
4. Puzzle pictures. Putting together
puzzles is a good rainy day activity. My husband and I have enjoyed
listening to audio books from the library while working on puzzles.
When finished, the puzzle can be coated with decoupage glue or
“puzzle glue” and hung as a piece of art. Guests always remark on our
interesting artwork and are amazed when, upon closer inspection, it
turns out to be a puzzle. I include this as a “budget” craft since the
puzzle doubled as entertainment and artwork.
5. Rustic repainting. Some of the new and expensive furniture
you see for sale is distressed and decorated with simple painting
techniques. Why spend hours sanding down that old dresser or table?
I had a hand-me-down table that had been who-knows-how-many
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colors in its life. White, green, and yellow
chips were falling off. Rather than put a lot
of time and money into it, I covered it with
sage green craft paint. The leftover paint
underneath gives it a nice distressed texture.
On the top, I stenciled some simple roses.
The interesting thing about that table is how
well it fits with some of the pricier “country”
style furniture I bought new. My mom had
the same idea and fooled me into thinking
she had bought a new chair. It was sky blue
and had an old-fashioned flag and bald eagle design decoupaged on the
backrest. Sitting in her dining room, it looked like a charming antique,
but had actually been a garage sale find and a weekend project.
6. Pup pads. A dog bed can set you back a hundred dollars or
more, which is sad since it’s an easy sewing project. Buy a large pillow
or make one out of some cheap, sturdy material. Next, buy a heavy
decorator fabric that fits your color scheme and sew a “pillow case” that
closes with Velcro or a zipper. Make sure the fabric is reasonably priced
and durable. You will want to wash it fairly often, so make at least two
covers. (Your feline friends will love this project too, as long as you
SS
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•
January 23 - February 19
9
pets
By Laura Leigh Fields
your pet for its own walk and bathe it on your own. You can also do
grooming and flea prevention methods on your own. There are many
inexpensive products on the market that will
allow you to attend to a pet’s basic needs.
Start a pet- sitting exchange. If you
have to be away from home but can’t always
take your pet with you, there is a way to save
money. Start a pet-sitting club. Get a group
of pet owners together and alternate days or
weeks doing the pet sitting. Instead of payment,
you will get your pets watched in return for
watching other pets in your free time.
Saving money on pets just takes a little
creative thinking. You can join a pet club for
more tips, clip coupons from the weekly
circular and do a number of other things.
The money-saving pet opportunities are
limitless; you just have to look for them and
take a chance. Remember, saving money on
pet supplies doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t
caring for your pet properly just as spoiling a pet
SS
doesn’t always mean you are meeting its needs. n
Pet Ownership
in an Economic Recession
There are many simple solutions
and ways that you can save
money on your pet.
D
uring these current times of economic recession, pet ownership is
becoming a more difficult task. People are beginning to find that
house pets are becoming over-populated, and money is scarce.
Many people are opting to have a pet-free house, while others are
budgeting to make ends meet.
Because certain animals need us, it is best not to deprive them of
the possibility of a good home. The common sense option becomes
taking a pet under our wing and thinking more creatively when it
comes to pet expenses. There are many simple solutions and ways that
you can save money on your pet.
Establish a relationship with your local veterinarian. Take
your pet for regular check-ups and get all its needed vaccinations.
This will help prevent long-term problems. It is also important to get
10
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
your pet spayed or neutered so that you won’t have more pets to care
for. Discuss your pet’s medical issues with your vet and be open for
suggestions and solutions.
The brand name doesn’t always matter. We all buy generic
brand items for ourselves at one point or another. We often find
that they work just as well as the real thing. This is the case with pet
supplies. There are items out there that don’t have expensive labels
but are still okay. You can save a lot of money on your pet just by
comparison shopping.
Pets don’t need gourmet menus. What you feed your pet
is a matter of preference. At the same time, they don’t have to have
expensive foods and rawhide bones. Many animals will be more
thankful for table scraps than something from a can any day. The good
news is that it isn’t going to hurt them. Some animals eat dead animals
or items from the trash so table-scraps would be an upgrade in many
forms.
Do the general upkeep of your pet at home. You can save
money as a pet owner just by doing simple things on your own. Take
Your local animal shelter houses cats, dogs and potential foster pets
of all types who are waiting patiently and sometimes not so patiently
for a home. Even if you can’t take a pet home, just visiting and giving
the animals some loving human contact can make your day that much
brighter.
Adams County Animal Shelter / Adoption Center
10705 Fulton, Brighton • 303-288-3294 • 303-288-3135
Colorado Humane Society Englewood Shelter
2760 South Platte River Dr., Englewood • 303-781-9344
Colorado Puppy Rescue
16748-9C E Smokey Hill Rd., Centennial • 303-400-3514
Denkai Animal Sanctuary
36710 WCR 126, Grover • 970-217-1457
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
2323 55th St., Boulder • 303-442-4030
Lifeline Puppy Rescue
15171 Riverdale Rd., Brighton • 303-655-9696
Longmont Humane Society
9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont • 303-772-1232
Max Fund Animal Adoption Center
1025 Galapago St., Denver • 303-595-4917
Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance
2600 W. 2nd Ave., Unit 8, Denver • 303-202-3516
Roice-Hurst Humane Society
3320 D ½ Clifton Rd., Clifton • 970-434-7337
Table Mountain Animal Shelter
4105 Youngfield Service Road, Golden • 303-278-7575
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Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
11
Auto
By Marshall Brown
How to Increase the Life
of Your Vehicle
certain temperature is reached to circulate coolant to keep the engine
block cool. If you go to the nearest auto-parts store to get the necessary
chemicals to do this yourself, USE CAUTION: this is an acid, and it
would be wise to wear safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) when
performing this flush. Follow any specific guidelines for each vehicle
listed in a mechanics manual to ensure safety and precautions. Do this
at least once a year.
3. Greasing—If you go to a mechanic for your car maintenance,
be sure to have this done at least once a year. If you do it yourself, you
will need a mechanics guide to your vehicle. There are many points
of moving mechanical parts that require grease and bearings to run
smoothly. Most are located at the wheels, axle and drive-shaft (rearwheel drive). It all depends on the make/model of your vehicle. Doing
this will prevent natural wear and tear on moving mechanical parts,
which are the most expensive auto parts to replace and may cripple
your vehicle permanently if damaged.
4. Air-Intake System—You will want to replace your air intake
filter at least once a year. This will ensure that you are mixing the
oxygen with the fuel to get peak performance and gas mileage out of
your car. Inspect all the rubber air lines that feed your engine. If you
hear any leaks, see any wear or rotting, replace the parts immediately.
You will pay at the gas pump if you don’t and may even be stranded.
The combustion system relies on this system to “fire-up” and to gain
more power, with less fuel.
There are many other ways to increase the life of your car that
have nothing to do with the mechanics itself, such as slowing to stops,
not racing to them, and just being careful and remembering that a
vehicle is just that, a vehicle. It was designed to get you from point A
to point B, and we all take it for granted; it needs a lot of attention to
keep you from ruining a night out on the town. When a car breaks
down, it is almost always due to the owner’s lack of responsibility to the
most important technology we use daily. Don’t neglect your vehicle, it
SS
depends on you too! n
Boulder
Hydroponic &
Organic Center
E
xtending the life of your vehicle requires very simple steps that are
often overlooked. Oil changes are usually what we think of, but
there are many other necessary maintenance steps to ensure the
longevity of your vehicle.
1. Transmission Fluid—A lot of cars end up in the junkyard
becauses no one changes the transmission fluid in the vehicle. It is
not quite as simple as changing the oil and requires a new gasket and
transmission filter. Whether you or a hired mechanic changes your
fluid, you will want to “double-check” the results when the job is
finished. There are no “plugs” to remove as on an oil change. The entire
transmission pan must be removed. The old gasket must be removed
12
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
completely to create a good “seat” for the new gasket when the job is
finished. The transmission filter is exposed upon the removal of the pan
and is secured by either one or two screws. When re-installing the pan,
you MUST tighten the bolts that bolt the pan to the transmission IN
ORDER! There is a specific order to tighten these bolts to ensure proper
alignment and prevent leaking. (Check your make/model mechanics
manual, as these tightening orders are different on each vehicle.) After
a transmission fluid change, you will want to check around the pan,
wiping it clean, to see if any dark violet-colored fluid is seeping out. Do
this at least every three oil changes.
2. Radiator Flush—Flushing out your radiator ensures that the
engine cooling system performs at the proper flow rate. By flushing out
your radiator, you remove the sludge that builds up from the solidified
coolant injected into your system. If you do a lot of local driving, you
will increase your chances for this sludge build-up. By doing this, you
will prevent the water pump from breaking down (very expensive
to replace) or seizing, and prevent the clogging of your thermostat
(easy to replace, but time-consuming). The thermostat opens when a
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Oil changes are important, but
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Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
13
FOOD
By Count Mourvedre
Inexpensive
Wines of Value
Good wines can still come for
$15 or less.
I
n the course of my work as a wine consultant, it has
become increasingly apparent that many people have
little idea on how to select an inexpensive wine that is
well made. The general populace thinks that in order to
get an outstanding wine these days, you need to spend a
lot of money. However, there are hundreds of examples of
wines on the market today that represent quality but do
not cost very much. “Inexpensive” is a relative term, but
for this discussion, I will be referring to bottles of wine
that are less than fifteen dollars in price.
Without a doubt, I believe that Spain, Argentina,
Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are the
best sources of good, inexpensive, all occasion wines
made today. That’s not to say that other countries don’t
make great cheap wine, but from a value standpoint,
people who want the biggest bang for their buck are best
served choosing wines from these places.
Spain makes some of the highest quality sparkling
wine anywhere for a fraction of the price of French
Champagne. Cava, as it is known, undergoes two in-thebottle fermentations
Those that wish to just like Champagne
It is made from
drink excellent wines does.
grapes most of us have never
at value prices need heard of, but for $7.99 to $14.99,
to look to Spain and these wines taste great and are
food partners. Sweet
the wine producing amazing
to extremely dry, I would rather
countries of the have six bottles of good Cava
Southern Hemisphere than one great bottle of the
stuff.
and experiment. French
South America. The wine
makers of Argentina take Malbec
(a red grape and one of the five classic Bordeaux varietals) and produce
world-class wine of depth and structure that can hang with the best reds
made anywhere. There are a lot of expensive Malbecs, but the majority
available to US consumers fall into the under $15 category.
Chilean wines for the most part are extremely inexpensive (less
than $10) and are readily available in larger format bottles which are
perfect for large gatherings. Whether Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or
14
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
is planted in Chardonnay, it’s the racy, in-your-face-style of Sauvignon
Blanc that has captured the fancy of most. Not as inexpensive as
those wines from the aforementioned countries, quality New Zealand
Sauvignon Blancs can still be purchased for less than $15.
Have you noticed the underlying thread here? All of the wines
discussed are made all over the globe. Regulatory laws as to production
as well as import/export agreements have priced good if not great wine
out of reach of the so-called “normal” consumer. Those that wish to
drink excellent wines at value prices need to look to Spain and the wine
producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere and experiment.
Karen MacNeil, the head of the wine program at The Culinary
Institute of America in St. Helena, California once told me that “the
best way to learn
nothing about wine
is to drink the same
wine all the time.” I
believe that should
extend to drinking
different wines
from different
countries as well.
SS
Salut! n
Storing and Serving
Wine Properly
Carmenere, the red wines of Chile exhibit an earthy component in their
flavor that many find very appealing.
South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Pinotage, a cross
between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, is classic South African wine. A great
food match, Pinotage at its best is a smoky medium-bodied red wine
that exhibits berry fruit flavors and plummy banana aromas. Different,
yes! At $7 to $12 a bottle, a fantastic value!
Australia is home to hundreds of wineries that produce wines
from every grape you may have heard of, but the money grapes are
Shiraz (Syrah) and Chardonnay. World class in every way, expensive
(over $50) examples, abound. However, there are ten times as many
inexpensive wines that are right for the palate and the pocketbook. If a
country ever existed to produce good quality wines at all price points,
Australia is the place.
New Zealand has become a world power in wine through their
Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. Although more of the country
Now that you know the best wines to purchase, it’s time to learn
about storage and serving. Proper treatment of these wines will
bring their flavor to life in your glass and allow you to enjoy them at
their full potential.
Storage: Wine should be stored in a cool area, out of the sunlight.
High temperatures (70° F or more) can “age” the wine and severely
alter the flavor. Temperature fluctuation can also alter the wine’s
flavor, so be sure the storage area’s temperature is consistent.
Bottles should always be stored on their sides to keep the cork from
drying out.
Serving: Light wines, dessert wines, and sparkling wines should be
served at cooler temperatures (34 to 50° F) to preserve freshness.
Fuller-bodied whites (like Chardonnay) can be served slightly warmer.
Fuller red wines, such as Australian Cabernet and Shiraz, should be
served at “cellar temperature,” around 55 to 65° F. Lighter reds, like
Pinot Noir, can be served slightly cooler. Be sure not to fill a wine
glass more than half full; you need to leave enough space to release
all of the wine’s complex aromas. For more information on wine
selection, storage and serving, or to try the wines listed in this article,
head to WineStyles at 10111 Inverness Main Street, Ste. G, Englewood
80112, or call 303-284-5321, www.winwstylesvallagio.com n
SS
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www.CherryCreekClub.com
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
15
BOOKS
HOUSEHOLD
By Denise Calaman
By Hillary Marshall
Sewing
on a Budget
Tips to help you stay
within your sewing budget.
M
There seem to be very few other hobbies that are as
beneficial to a person’s well being as reading.
any people consider reading enjoyable and some would label it
as their favorite hobby. Still others, if asked, would admit that
they never read, don’t like reading or don’t have time to read.
In the US, on average, each adult only reads about four books per
year. Understandably there are other hobbies to enjoy besides reading,
especially in today’s high-tech society; however, there seem to be
very few other hobbies that are as beneficial to a person’s well being
as reading.
Reading can be very relaxing at the end of a long day, or can help
the insomniac finally get to sleep by stopping a racing mind. He finally
gets lost in a fantastic storyline which prepares him for much-needed
sleep. Stressed out adults and insomniacs aren’t the only people who
benefit from getting lost in books. Young children who are read to are
able to open their imaginations and create images in their minds, which
in turn boost cognitive test scores. Reading also strengthens the
bond between parent and child. Children who are able to read on
their own score higher on tests than children who don’t read or who
don’t have books readily available to them. Senior citizens who read
regularly are able to remain in their homes and take care of themselves
longer than those who don’t. Just as in children, reading sharpens
cognitive abilities in adults and senior citizens. Alzheimer’s patients
16
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
benefit from reading as well, and an article by Suite 101’s Melissa
Howard, describes a study done by Dr. David Snowdon, which finds
that children who are read to are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s
Disease due to the cognitive boost in development.
While reading improves cognitive ability by giving our brainwaves
a workout, reading also gives us the ability for continual learning.
You can pick up a book and learn about history, or study a foreign
language. Reading also gives a reader the ability to read and learn about
other hobbies that they enjoy.
Perhaps the nicest thing about reading is that there aren’t many
hobbies as portable. You can read lying on a beach, on a plane or
a subway, or even in a doctor’s office. A new portable electronic
reading device on the market now allows a reader to download
and transport up to 200 books at one time!
Most people who read enjoy it and crave free time in order to steal
away to a good book. But there will always be others who crave different
forms of entertainment. Three percent of the US population can’t read.
They are labeled as illiterate in a country that offers free education. We
may never have a country that is 100% literate (Japan and the UK are
the closest at 99%), but we can start teaching our children to read early
SS
and encouraging others to also get lost in a book. n
Save on Fabric
The first rule of thumb to follow when sewing on a budget is to never
buy fabric at its full price. Fabric stores always have sales, and shopping
the sales is essential to sewing on a budget. Consider shopping the
clearance section of your local fabric store. Some of the fabrics may be
off season, but you can either save them for when they are appropriate
or get a head start on your next season’s sewing. Checking the Internet
for fabric deals can save you a bundle and keep you within your budget
as well. There are many online fabric stores that offer deep discounts.
You can even get fabric on auction from eBay.
Taking advantage of these programs can
garnish deep discounts that you may have
otherwise missed out on. Getting coupons for
patterns, fabrics and notions can help you continually
save on your hobby. Keeping up on what’s on sale will help you budget
SS
your sewing money wisely. n
The Freshest & Most Delicious
Tamales In Town!
Protect your Patterns
Buying patterns for sewing can be costly. So saving your patterns and
reusing them again and again is very economical. When you are done
using a pattern, gently fold the pieces and put them in a folder. You can
always reuse the envelope the pattern comes in, but saving them in a
folder preserves them for longer. When selecting a pattern, consider
which pattern gives you the most bang for your buck. If you spend a bit
more on a pattern, but it comes with five different garment instructions
that you will use, it will pay you back when you don’t have to purchase
a separate pattern for that other piece. The more you use a pattern,
the less costly each garment you make from that pattern becomes. If
you spend twenty dollars total on fabric and a pattern, and you make
two garments, that equals ten dollars per garment. However, if you
go back later and reuse the same pattern to make another garment, it
reduces the cost of your original garments made from that same pattern.
Patterns pay for themselves over time.
Use Coupons
Most fabric stores have frequent buyer programs and mailing lists.
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Reading as a hobby
Escape in a good book
D
ecades ago, sewing was a necessity for families on
a budget. Mothers sewed their children’s clothing,
their household linens and even their home
decor. However, with today’s giant megastores selling
things at rock-bottom prices, people are sewing
less, and the hobby is becoming more expensive to
indulge. Sewing on a budget is absolutely possible
though, and a smart shopper can still spend less sewing their
latest outfit then they would buying it from Walmart.
Tamales • Buritos • Tacos • Green Chile • Tortillas • Pastries • Masa
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
17
shopping
Want to live better on the money you already
make? Visit TheDollarStretcher.com
to find hundreds of articles to help you
stretch your day and your dollar
Dollar
Stretching Tips
Copyright 2008 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.
Just Enough
My Menu, My Choice
Seeing the advice about keeping a list of spices
in your cupboard made me think of buying just
the amount of spice needed at a health food
store. Most health food stores sell spices and
many other items like rice, pasta and nuts by
weight. I just bring along my measuring cups
and spoons and measure out what I need.
This is a great way to save on recipes that
you make occasionally or for that special
holiday recipe that you make once a
year. It has been my experience that most
special spices cost less than 50 cents and some
as little as 25 cents.—MAH
Instead of purchasing frozen dinners to take for lunch, I make my own.
I freeze the extra servings from a prepared recipe in sectioned, plastic
plates I purchased cheaply at an off-price grocery store. I include the
main dish and two side dishes, seal with freezer wrap and label with a
permanent marker. If I do this a couple times a week, I soon have a nice
variety of homemade meals to take for lunch, which taste better, have
no added chemicals and cost much less.—Ellen T. in Waterville, Maine
It Pays to Quote
If you have renters or mortgage insurance, it’s a good
idea to get other quotes at least once a year. I recently saved $400
on my homeowners’ insurance just by contacting several insurance
companies. It was really surprising how much difference there was
between companies and the types of coverage they offered. I ended up
going with AAA (yes, they are not just for automobiles anymore) for my
homeowners’ insurance. Shop around for your home and automobile
insurance. It may pay you big dividends.—Rick J. in Bellevue, NE
New Clothes for Free
When the budget is stretched to the limit, the first thing to go for most
of us is new clothes. But there is a way to fill your closet with a whole
new wardrobe without spending a dime. Pick up a few bottles of wine
and then call all your friends and invite them to a Swap Party. Tell them
to bring some munchies and all the clothes they want to ditch. You can
even tell your friend to bring a friend and so on. Once you have about
10 or 12 people together, you simply start trading clothes. By the end
of the party, you and your friends should have brand new wardrobes
and a closet full of clothes you no longer hate. This is also a great way to
update your kids’ clothes.—C.
Special Celebration
Instead of going to dinner to celebrate something for the kids (braces
off, good report card, etc.), we decided to let them buy any dessert they
wanted at the grocery store. Then we make a special dinner at home.
This is a lot cheaper, and most of the time, they end up with a $4
container of ice cream. Even buying a more expensive ice cream cake is
still much cheaper than going out to dinner.—NY
18
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
Cheaper Auto Financing
I will share a tip to save on auto financing. Go and talk to your bank’s
loan person, get a number for them and program it into your cell phone.
Go to a credit union, talk to the loan person and do the same. Possibly
get a third name and number. Then, once you have the price of the car
nailed down and the papers signed, it will be time to talk financing.
Every time the finance person says, “This is the best deal I can
get you,” call one of your people and get a counter offer. Most of them
get a kickback for getting you to accept a higher interest rate than
you qualify for, so you need to be careful. I have placed four to five
calls and shaved 3 percent off the interest rate. The finance man at the
dealer just keeps reaching deeper in his file cabinet for better and better
deals.—Deborah Z.
Turning Off the Dryer!
We cut our electric bill by $35
a month! We are a family of 7
that has been trying to cut our
ever-increasing electric bill. I do
all the things they say to do like
keeping the lights off until needed,
using energy-efficient bulbs and
appliances, etc., but it wasn’t until I
quit using my six-year-old “energy
star” dryer that my electric bill
went down $35 in one month!
I was surprised at the difference
that made! Now I use a clothesline
during the warm months and some
drying racks in the house during the
winter. An added benefit of hanging
wet clothes to dry inside during the
winter is that it adds humidity to the
air in drier climates like mine.—
Renee E. in Harrisville, UT
Carpet Freshener
If you use a powdered carpet freshener before vacuuming, you know
how expensive this stuff can be. Because we have dogs, I use it on an
almost daily basis, and I have found an inexpensive way to stretch the
freshener. I mix one container of carpet freshener to one small box of
baking soda and shake well. This will scent the baking soda and keep
the scent of the carpet freshener from being overwhelming, all the while
stretching your cleaning dollars.—Candy in TN
Fly-away Hair
Sometimes, winter can make hair fly away due to static electricity. Add a
couple of drops of fabric softener to the rinse water after you wash your
hairbrush; then let it dry without further rinsing. It helps control the
static electricity in your hair caused by winter dryness.—M
Storing Christmas Lights
I read the hint about wrapping the lights around a paper towel
cardboard and wanted to add more. I have used this idea for a long
time, but I go one step further. After wrapping them around the
cardboard, slip the whole thing into one of those bags your newspaper
comes in on a rainy day. It will keep the lights from catching on other
strings in the storage container.—Harlean
Bread Machine Home Pizza
We used to go to our favorite neighborhood pizzeria for pizza. At $17
for a large pizza, the cost added up quickly.
For those readers that own a bread machine, making pizza at home
is inexpensive, creative and delicious. One large batch of dough makes
three thin crust pizzas and costs pennies. For convenience, you can
freeze any portions of dough that you aren’t immediately using. Since
the machine does the work of kneading, it’s super easy.
Last night I made a pizza that was half Greek (basil pesto, feta
cheese, kalamata olives, onions and tomatoes) and half pepperoni with
roasted garlic, kalamata olives, parmesan cheese and tomato paste. It’s a
fantastic way to use up materials in your fridge or pantry!—Kim P.
Sports Memories
When my sports team won the World Series, instead of rushing out to
buy expensive and poorly made t-shirts and sweatshirts, I laminated
four front pages of my local paper. The total cost was $8. Years from
now, when the clothing souvenirs are a faded distant memory, I bet
my homemade souvenir hanging up in the basement will still be a
conversation starter.—Greg
Check the List
When shopping or figuring out ingredients for a recipe, I would forget
what spices and herbs that I had in my cupboard. Many times I would
come home from the store with a new purchase, only to find that I
already had the ingredient.
I now keep a list of each container and add the expiration date. I
no longer have to dig through my spice cupboard. I have used my list
over and over again.—Donna
Kitty’s Placemats
My cat is a messy eater, so I used to
put a small tray under his dishes.
The tray would catch most of
the mess but was often a timeconsuming pain to clean off,
wash and dry, so I often put it
off for way too long. One day I
was throwing out one of the many small
catalogs that arrives in my mailbox and realized I could just open it to
the center and put the cat’s dishes on top. The catalog is thin, and when
it comes time to clean up, I just rip out the center pages and throw them
away. The catalog is then open to the center again, which keeps the
pages evenly distributed and the dishes level. I’m so glad I finally found
a way to recycle those catalogs—and the cat has a new, pretty placemat
every few days. The catalogs could also be replaced with old magazines
as long as they aren’t too thick.—Dorothy
Shipping Military Packages Overseas
I have lived in Germany for the last six plus years and can tell you by
unfortunate experience that if a package is not sent USPS Priority mail,
it will take up to two months to get to its destination. Yes, the package
is sent to the military mail center stateside, but if it is not priority mail,
it will not be sent overseas via the quickest way possible. Space available
means just that. When they find room for it, it will get shipped over.
Even Priority mail, which usually takes 10 to 14 days during the year,
can take 2 to 4 weeks during the busy holiday season. Don’t disappoint
your loved ones serving overseas by thinking cheap postage is the way
to go. Some things just aren’t worth it.—Stefanie C.
Gift Card Presentation
I received a gift card at the office, which was presented in a lovely small
frame. It was a cute and clever idea that got a lot of “oohs.” Suit the
frame to the person. Also, it’s easier to keep track of the gift card in the
Christmas-wrapping chaos.—Cheri
Pet Practice
For those of you who enjoy animals, but don’t want the long-term
responsibility or high cost of having a pet, our family has found the
answer. It’s foster care. Our local animal shelter has a foster program
where you can foster young or ill animals for a short time. The shelter
gives you everything you need (food, bedding, cage, toys, etc.) for free
and you provide a safe home with a lot of cuddles. The shelter does this
so that animals will grow accustomed to the sights, sounds and smells
of a home, which will hopefully eliminate the animal behavior problems
that unsocialized animals often have.
It’s also a great way to see if you really want to have the long-term
commitment and expense of owning a pet. Our oldest daughter (11)
wants to be a vet, so this has been a great way for her to learn about
different animals. In the past two years, we’ve had 12 bunnies and 6 cats
at different times for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. We hope to get a litter of
puppies in the spring.—Tiffany
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
19
shopping
HOLIDAY
By Guinevere Shepherd
To get the most for my dollar,
I add baking soda to my
laundry detergent.
Creative Small Container Storage
I sew, and I have a wide assortment of small snaps, buttons and other
notions that were making my sewing space a mess! Resealable bags were
flimsy and often split at the sides, spilling their contents into the bottom
of the drawer. I considered the hinged-lid containers with adjustable/
removable partitions; however, I really needed something I could dump
out, and it’s hard to chase that last snap or two around the bottom of
those containers.
Finally, I found the solution. Urine specimen containers can be
bought in cases of 100 for less than 20 cents each, shipped. The cases
of 100 are also individually wrapped, sterilized and
labeled. You can also buy them, unsterilized, in
cases of 500 for about 10 cents each. We are now
putting them to use all over the house! They hold
shampoo and lotion when we travel. I use them in
my sewing room (my husband screwed the lids to
the underside of some shelves, so they always get
put away where they go). My husband uses them in
his workshop to store small nails, screws, washers
and nuts. They can be used to store all sorts of craft
supplies too. Asmino is a cheap brand with a flat lid
so it can be screwed to a shelf. I found them after
about five minutes of searching. You could probably
find something even cheaper if you took a little more
time to look.—Naomi
Travel Memories
When I was growing up, I often camped around the country in a
station wagon with my parents on vacation, and we always made a
scrapbook. I love looking back at them. They are full of postcards,
napkins, brochures, etc., from all the places we visited, and they cost
very little for such high entertainment value. Plus, they kept us busy
“scrapbooking” in the 50s before that term became popular. As I recall,
we even enjoyed spending time looking at the scrapbooks while we
were still on the road.—Tanya
Baking Soda Detergent Extender
To get the most for my dollar when doing laundry, I add about 1/4 cup
of baking soda with half the required laundry detergent. I purchase
a large bag of baking soda, and it lasts about six months. It’s much
cheaper than the detergent. Baking soda is great for laundry, toilets and
countless other cleaning/sanitizing jobs.—Cynthia
Affordable Parties
I like to have parties, but I can’t afford all of the food by myself. I just
make it a potluck. Everyone gets to show off a dish, and I don’t have to
run ragged trying to have everything ready by myself. I also save at least
$25 each time by doing this.—Ruth
Cheaper Body Wash
I prefer using a liquid body wash when I shower instead of bar
soap, but the price can be outrageous. Since I use inexpensive Suave
shampoo, I thought I’d see what their body wash was like. For a much
smaller bottle, the price was triple what my shampoo costs. I started
thinking that the shampoo does a great job of cleaning the dirt and oil
from my hair, so why not use it on the rest of me? I discovered that the
shampoo doesn’t dry my skin and that a little goes a long way. Also,
it comes in delightful scents. I can buy a large bottle of Suave for less
than a dollar when on sale. I’ve been able to pamper myself a little bit
without an inkling of guilt.—I.
Right Now: Pre-treat
I keep a bottle of stain remover in
my bathroom. Now, when I take
off my clothes, I can pre-treat them
before I throw them in the hamper. I
keep a bottle in the kids’ bathroom as well
and have taught them to do the same. I
no longer need to worry about stains
sneaking through the laundry!—Renee
Cleaning Fiberglass Showers
Saving Gas
I struggled for years with a textured fiberglass shower floor. Here’s the
two-step solution that worked for me:
Step 1: Get a box of Mule Team Borax and a plastic dish scrubber (the
mesh ball kind). Shake a layer of Borax across the shower floor, sprinkle
with enough water to make a paste, and scrub with the dish scrubber. If
it’s really bad, let the paste sit for 10 minutes first. Once done scrubbing,
rinse and repeat as needed.
Step 2: Stop using bar soap! Switch to a liquid and you will never have
a soap scum problem again. I didn’t believe it until I tried it, and it
works!—Jeanna
I have a minivan with second- and third-row
seats that are removable. Recently, we took the
seats out in order to transport some large items.
I did not put the seats back in once I realized
the weight of those seats. I figure that by
not having that excess weight, it will
improve my gas mileage. My seats are
safely stored in the garage, and I can
reinstall them at a moment’s notice
when I need them.—Sue
20
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
Valentine’s
Day Gifts You
Can Make Yourself
Scorched? Simple Solution!
To get rid of baked-on or scorched food that is stuck on pans, sprinkle
with several tablespoons of baking soda and soak in enough hot water
to cover the scorched parts. Leave it alone for several hours, and the
crud will come off easily, all in one piece.—Sherry L.
H
How to create homemade
Valentine’s Day gifts that
come from the heart.
omemade Valentine’s Day Gifts from the Heart are ideas to help
you save money this Valentine’s day. Valentine’s Day is a great
holiday. But let’s face it: sometimes the cheap Valentine’s Day gifts
we can afford simply don’t please. The solution is to create homemade
Valentine’s Day gifts that come from the heart. Show your loved one
how much you care by taking the time to create something they will
love, and they will never think of how little money it cost you.
Paint or Draw a Portrait of Your Loved One. If you’ve got
talent, Valentine’s Day is the time to show off that talent. Whether you
paint a large portrait or a small one, or draw your portrait, this one will
be a big hit. Don’t be afraid to create a miniature portrait; these are great
space savers, are quick to make and are highly cherished by those who
receive them.
Gift Basket. Homemade gift baskets make a great gift for any
holiday, but for Valentine’s Day they’re particularly neat. They’re good
for people who have very little time to shop. Try putting together pieces
of red food, such as red apples, mangoes, red decorated Valentine’s Day
cookies, red grapes, pomegranates, cherries and more. Then fill the
basket the rest of the way with other goodies, such as nuts in the shell,
some tea or coffee and perhaps an attractive mug to drink it in.
Electronic Valentine. You can quickly and easily put together a
Valentine to send by email. Try taking some pictures of outdoor beauty,
such as flowers. If no flowers are in bloom when you go to do your
photography, then find some on the web. Sites that offer free pictures
abound, such as sxc.hu (stock.XCHNG). Then use your favorite image
processing software to add a personal message. Place this image in an
email attachment and send it to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, and it
will brighten their day.
Surprise! Do something nice for your sweetheart on Valentine’s
Day that is unexpected. If you’re a guy, you could do some
housecleaning while she’s away at work or out doing the shopping. Or
you could cook dinner for her on a night when she would ordinarily
have cooked. Or you could draw her a scented bubble bath on a day
when she’s been hard at work. Put some time and effort into this gift;
arrange the house with some nice candles, potpourri, a bottle of wine
and perhaps some strewn rose petals for and extra touch.
Ladies, you can surprise your man by washing his car, organizing
his belongings or making him a special meal to take to work
with him. Or surprise him with a picnic lunch on a day
when you know he’s free. Try visiting him at work; just
seeing you will brighten his day. If he has trouble paying
his bills on time, then write all the checks for him
and give them to him to sign. Then do his check
ledger for him, and if possible, calculate his balance
so he doesn’t have to. If you live together or you
have a key to his place, tidy it up for him and put
necessary objects where he can easily find them.
Travel Kit. If your sweetie travels often but
becomes disorganized while trying to pack, they could
probably use some help from you on Valentine’s Day. Drop
by the grocery or drug store and pick up some travel sized
shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush with carrying
case, shaving cream, hand lotion, hand sanitizer and anything else
you think they’ll need. Arrange these in a convenient travel-sized bag.
It doesn’t have to be anything new or snazzy; an old travel case will do,
as long as it’s in good shape.
Homemade Stationery. Get some nice quality paper and use
homemade stamps to decorate them with attractive designs. Homemade
stamps can easily be made using just a potato and a knife. After you
carve your design, simply dip the potato into food coloring and apply
the stamp to the paper. You can also use your computer to print
attractive things on the stationery. Try personalizing the gift by putting
your loved one’s initials, name or monogram on the design. Be sure to
enclose some envelopes, pens, stamps and other goodies with your gift.
Homemade Jewelry. This homemade Valentine’s Day gift will
work for just about any girl in your life. Try picking up some beads in
a variety of colors. Place them on a piece of twine to create a one-of-akind bracelet or necklace. Personalize the jewelry by putting beads with
letters to spell her name. Jewelry craft kits can be purchased to make the
process easier for you. Then you can make jewelry for you sweetheart
SS
every year for years to come. n
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
21
HOLIDAY
SUCCESS!
By Jeanne Fischer and Caitlin Kelly
Red Hot
Valentine’s Day Specials
For more
a
r
t
i
c
les lik
ooking to celebrate Valentine’s
visit our w e this,
Day with more than just a
ebsite a
www.Sho
card and a box of chocolates?
ppingSen t
se.biz
Head to Denver for a romantic night
L
single cut filets, choice of two seafood dishes, one signature potato and
one fresh vegetable, and dessert (try Morton’s famous Hot Chocolate
Cake!). Fine food served in an upscale atmosphere — It just doesn’t get
more romantic than that.
on the town complete with fine dining
and fabulous accommodations.
The Curtis Hotel
Alto
1320 15th St. • Denver • (303) 893-2586 • www.altodenver.com
Looking for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing? Alto has all
three taken care of with their Valentine’s Day special, which includes a
four course menu, champagne toast and live entertainment featuring
blues band The Delta Sonics. Call now. Reservations required.
The Broker
821 17th St. • Denver • (303) 292-5065 • www.thebrokerrestaurant.com
The Broker Restaurant offers a four-course dinner for two with
three different choices — $79.00 for roasted prime rib, $89.00 for Filet
Wellington and $99.00 for Prime Rib and Crab. The dinner also features
their famous bowl of shrimp, a choice of soup or salad, a choice of
cheesecake or ice cream, and a pre-selected bottle of premium wine.
Hampton Inn & Suites
1845 Sherman St. • Denver • (303) 864-8000
The Hampton Inn & Suites’ ultimate Romance Package is the
sweetest deal of the winter with its offer of fresh flowers, a box of
assorted chocolates, “A Little Bubbly” with toasting flutes for your room
and a gift card to Hallmark. Call the hotel for rates.
Marlowe’s
501 16th St. • Denver • (303) 595-3700 • www.marlowesdenver.com
Marlowe’s features dinner specials every weekend, making
Valentine’s Day dinner a snap. Enjoy their Saturday special of Live Maine
Lobster. If you can’t make it Downtown on the 14th, go in on Friday for
the Wild Game special, or try the pasta special on Sunday. As an added
bonus, they offer half-price bottles of wine every evening after 7:45pm.
This Valentine’s Day, you just can’t go wrong at Marlowe’s.
Morton’s Steakhouse
1710 Wynkoop Street • Denver • (303) 825-3353 • www.mortons.com
Your sweetheart will love dinner at one of Denver’s finest
steakhouses, and your wallet will be rather impressed too! Morton’s
offers a dinner for two for $99.99, which includes a choice of salad, two
22
January 23 - February 19 •
www.shoppingsense.biz
Numbers Don’t Lie.
1405 Curtis St. • Denver • (303) 571-0300 • www.thecurtis.com
The Curtis Hotel offers several winter packages for couples.
The Pillow Talk package includes dinner for two, The Corner Office,
overnight accommodations, and valet parking for only $179. The
Crazy in Love Romance package offers even more unique and romantic
overnight accommodations including a bottle of wine in your room and
a round of shots at The Corner Office, rose petal turndown service, and
best of all, a twister board set up on your bed, all for only $169.
Hyatt Regency
650 15th St. • Denver • (303) 436-1243 • www.granddenver.hyatt.com
The Amour package at the Grand Hyatt in Denver will help you
reconnect to the one you love. This package includes breakfast for
two in your room or at the 1876 Restaurant, a bottle of House Wine,
Sparkling Cider, or Champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries for
rates starting at $269.
Hilton Garden INN
1050 Plaza Dr. • Highlands Ranch • (303) 683-4100
Enjoy a weekend getaway with your special someone anytime
between January 31 and February 28, 2009. The Hilton Garden Inn
Denver Highlands Ranch Hotel is the ideal Denver location to relax
for a weekend. You and your loved one will receive deluxe overnight
accommodations, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a
Victoria’s Secret gift card worth $50 and breakfast for two. Rates starting
at $149.
r
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“The response was immediate—we had
15 to 20 new customers come in with
our coupon the day Shopping Sense
came out. Before we knew it, 400 people
sides
Loor oGrekatIn
Coupon
had redeemed the coupon. It gave our
F
business great exposure.”
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November
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21 - Decem
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The BIGGg Day
ShoppinYear
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vings
Hotel Monaco
1717 Champa Street • (303) 296-1717 • www.monaco-denver.com
The Hotel Monaco offers some fun Valentine’s Day packages with
all the standard accommodations included plus some unique additions.
The Lucky in Love package adds a lottery ticket and a goldfish to the
typical rose petal turndown and champagne. The Ohh-Baby-Baby
package, adds a vase of roses, an in-room movie, and a dinner for two
at Panzano Restaurant. And the Rub the One You’re With package adds
the unique opportunity of a “How-To” massage session for two from the
SS
Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon, in the privacy of your guest room. n
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Sa
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Plan for St
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–David K
Call Us and We’ll Help You
Create Your Own Success Story!
...Pg 14
DES
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SUPERMGArocery Costs ...Pg 27
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www.sh
3801 E. Florida Ave., Ste. 100, Denver, CO 80210
Tel: 303.954.3456 • Fax: 303.758.3378
An E.W. Scripps/MediaNews Group Company
Shopping Sense
•
January 23 - February 19
23
Important New Technology Study
February
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– 5th
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Ready to enjoy improved hearing and a better life?
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Only individuals with appropriate hearing loss are eligible to participate in the study. Beltone Hearing Care Centers are independently owned and
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