Comments on: Is cheap the new black?

By: LA Tech Scene: We Have The Hottest Nerds In the World

LA Tech Scene: We Have The Hottest Nerds In the World — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:43:48 +0000

[...] If you want to know where my dress came from you’ll have to check out the Whrrl Stream or read about my shopping habits at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]

By: Beth Dunn

Beth Dunn — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:49:01 +0000

Everyone’s points are so true. I heard charitable donations are down 30%! At least we can volunteer our time–that’s free. Great site!

By: The Broke Socialite

The Broke Socialite — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:53:26 +0000

FINALLY…The BROKE Socialite can weigh in over here on what I do best: live a fun, full and fabulous lifestyle on a dime.

A few short weeks ago I declared that frugal was, indeed, the new black. I do see from my fellow commenters that great minds think alike. My commitment to austerity is a way of life and I’m proud of it.

It boils down to this for me: the basics. When I welcome my friends and family in my home, I choose not to break the bank. Entertaining has begun to take on a different spin because, let’s face it, we are living in different times. I’m steadily pulling dinner party ideas from this publication or that one or trying to replicate some of the menus that I see on channels such as Fine Living TV. At the end of the day, it’s not about the money spent but, instead, the fellowship shared. I’ve had everyone come over with their fave bottle ‘Under $20′ red wine and provided flatbread and pizza…one of the best times ever.

As far as my two cents on shopping these days, I do enjoy shopping for bargains, it has become a sport of sorts. Whether my coup are a pair of reduced Manolos or a half-priced Lalique, I choose what makes me happiest (and what’s on clearance). Talk about great icebreakers when you’re met with: “Where’d you get THAT?” Reporting on great sales is a budget shopaholic raconteur’s (that’d be me) dream.

Say what you’d like, but I’ve been living this way for years and am happy that frugality is trending toward the norm. I further predict that budgetary living(and this economy) will prove to be one of the greatest equalizers of all.

Thank you, dear cousin, Social Butterfly, for properly inviting us to participate in this discussion. Your hospitality is most appreciated. (insert curtsy here)

By: Melanie Boltax

Melanie Boltax — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:49:39 +0000

Dear Jennifer, Where would Atlanta small based charities be without you? Small charities that provide something very needed to a small group of people have “small” budgets, and advertising budgets are nonexistant. That you put so much effort into writing so creatively about all these “little engines that could” is more appreciated than you could ever know. I give you a heartfelt and very sincere THANK YOU.

By: Jennifer Brett

Jennifer Brett — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:58:21 +0000

Now, now, Anon and Fed Up: let’s not pile on Dan and Lisa for their clever enterprising. But thanks to you both for bringing up the idea of “netiquette.” I have written a new post in your honor:

http://blogs.ajc.com/social-butterfly-blog/2009/03/26/twittered-out-fed-up-with-facebook

Oh my. I suppose that was tacky.

By: Fed Up

Fed Up — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:10:54 +0000

I agree with Anon. Shame on “Dan” and Lisa Decker” for plugging their businesses here. Tacky, tacky, tacky.

By: Anon

Anon — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:43:33 +0000

Oh Sweet Jesus, can you please do a post about netiquette?

Apparently there are a half dozen desperate commenters leaving their URLS and email addresses in the body of their comments. It’s really not a good way to drum up business, it’s akin to putting a *going out of business* sign in your storefront.

Yikes.

By: The Coupon Diva

The Coupon Diva — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:57:13 +0000

Jennifer,

I am sory but 150 is not cheap. I personally run a blog called The Coupon Diva (www.thecoupondiva.com). I can get a shopping cart full of stuff for 30.00 or less most times. I show others how to do it.

By: Lynn Epstein

Lynn Epstein — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:07:01 +0000

Good morning, Jennifer.
This economy has turned being frugal into a status symbol. “The” topic of conversation is how much you saved, what you did without and your special techniques to save, conserve and stretch your dollar, time and resources. One trend we are excited to see is the increase in the number of people cooking at home. We recently published a recipe collection to help new cooks find their way in the kitchen – Mama Says, “No More Frozen Pizza!”.

It’s an idea gift for recent college graduates, newlyweds, or anytime. It is hip, practical, and can help twenty-something or thirty+ yr olds feed themselves, wow their friends, attract a mate, and learn the value of self reliance.

Cheap is the new Black. Frugal is so in-style.
Lynn Epstein and Iris Feinberg
http://www.mamasays.us

By: Jennifer Shields

Jennifer Shields — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:53:53 +0000

Hi Jennifer – responding to your HARO query:
As the owner of an upscale event planning company that specializes in parties for children, I have seen less the pinch (folks find the money for their children by cutting elsewhere). That being said, several clients and potential clients have mentioned “the economy” lately and have requested packages that only contain what they need and cut out “the fluff”. Many of our clients are concerned about appearing too over the top when folks around them are struggling. We have responded with a “Posh Stimulus Package” that only provides the basics and requires the customers facilitate their parties themselves. Cheap may be the new posh…at least for now!

Jennifer Shields
http://www.poshtotevents.com