Wink Magazine: The Recessionista Issue: August 2011 by Wink Magazine

SUMMER 2011 06 08 14 16 18 22 26 29

A Recessionistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Everyday Saving Have you always wanted to be a model?

Ode to Consignment

Dating on a dollar

Lux for Less

Dear Carrie: Deciphering Dating Dilemmas 10 Easy At-Home Tips and Tricks Winking at Kate Stines

31 page 22

page 31

The Lost Art of Couponing

Editor in Chief

Welcome Back.

Alicia Zeigler

hope that you all have been maintaining your fabulousity since the last issue! In this special bonus edition of Wink Magazine, (The Recessionista Chronicles), we hope to assist all of the truly marvelous women out there whose purses may be suffering at the hands of our current economy.

Managing Editor Alerick Zeigler

Arts Director Tanaric Watts

Marketing Director Arielle Riposta

Beauty editor Dana Wells

Senior Writer Summer Brons

Fashion Editor Kialeah Sumpter

Contributors

Shamiyah Kelly Emilie Johnston Stephanie Nye

Who is a Recessionista? From TJ Maxx to US Weekly, everyone is obsessed with the word that most appropriately describes many of today’s women. But who exactly is a “Recessionista”? We sought out unique definitions of the term from the World Wide Web. o WordSpy.com defines her as: “A person who dresses stylishly on a tight budget.” o Ann Marie Hourihane says: “A recessionista is a modern sort of girl who is trying to survive the credit crunch the best she can. We are all recessionistas now.” o The RecessionistaShop.com describes her as: “one who, despite an economic downturn, evokes the creative power and continues to look like a million bucks while only spending a few. She can endure burden and misfortune that accompany a poor economy. Refusing to go without, she searches the sales, frequents the discount stores and always leaves with her head held high and a smile across her face, knowing she found some incredible deals.”

hatever your definition, we all agree she is a resourceful woman with style. In this issue we salute you, the Recessionista. The mother who can fill up the refrigerator with $100; the lady who stops traffic in the Guess pumps she bought at TJ Maxx; the coupon clipping college girl who wears her mother’s Louis Vuitton bag to her sociology class; to the girls who do their own mani/pedis; here’s to you- the Recessionista. Enjoy! Alicia Zeigler Editor - in - Chief Wink Magazine

6 Easy Ways to Save Money Successfully

A Recessionista’s Guide to Everyday

Saving by

Emilie Johnston

Recessionista

[ri-sesh-uh n-ees-tuh] -noun

The bad news. The United States is in tremendous debt, and the economy has been steadily declining for the past few years.

The good news. With a little effort, every good fashionista can become an excellent recessionista. Read below to find six easy things you can incorporate into your daily life to save money in tough times.

1. a fashionista on a mission to stay within a reasonable budget due to the realization that life is too short to be in debt 2. a trendy, chic, fashion-forward woman who uses her innate creativity to shop smarter

Clip those Coupons! What’s been in style longer than the little black dress and has no price tag? Clipping coupons, of course! Ever since this time-tested trend was introduced by the Coca Cola Company in 1888, it has never gone out of fashion. Over 300 billion coupons were distributed last year according to the Inmar Coupon Report, and The Wall Street Journal boasts that you can save up to $100 an hour just by sinking your scissors into those little pieces of paper. And just in case you aren’t quite convinced, you can check out TLC’s newest hit “Extreme Couponing” to see for yourself just what all the buzz is about. Which brings me to my next tip…

Replace a Trashy TV Show with an Equally Sinful Beach Read Or maybe with a not so trashy book. Whatever you choose to indulge in, I can guarantee that it will save you some paper on the utility bill. That sleek flat screened rectangle suspended on the wall in the family room costs three times more to use per hour than the typical 60 Watt incandescent bulb you would use to illuminate a page. Of course, if you’re reading outside on a sunny summer day, the cost is free. Plus, it’s a great excuse to recline on your chaise-longue and work on your tan. If one of those spontaneous summer thunderstorms hits and you are forced to stay inside, replacing that old-fashioned incandescent bulb with a fluorescent one will save you some extra cash. Worried about spending money on books? Try checking one out at your local library. And then you can check out that guy standing on the other side of the shelf.

Enter the Sewing Machine

Host a Yard Sale

All things in Moderation

Reduce the Number of Wheels You Use

Picture this: you’re at a party wearing the hottest dress you own. The compliments pour over you, and you’re social butterflying your way over to the punch bowl when suddenly your best friend yanks you aside and points across the room. There, standing next to the guy you’ve been making eyes with all night, is a woman wearing an exact replica of your dress. A medley of emotions washes over you. First, shock. Then, rage. And finally, embarrassment and helplessness. Unfortunately, experiences like this one are becoming increasingly common. With mass retailers like Target taking over the affordable fashion industry, it’s getting harder to avoid picking the same look as your neighbor. The solution: make a piece of clothing your own with a press of the pedal. The pedal on your sewing machine, that is. Reusing fabric from an old favorite is a cheap and sentimental way to be unique. Whether it’s edgy patchwork or an added embellishment to a neckline, a spool of thread and a little practice can do wonders to your wardrobe and your wallet. Can’t sew? Visit your neighborhood tailor or alterations shop and jazz up your favorite pieces!

There are not many things I’ll wake up for an hour early. But on a manageably hot Saturday morning, I’m more than willing to rise with the sun so that I can scope out the local yard sales happening. Because I have a belief that somewhere there is a vintage leather belt for $2 to go with those new shoes, I wake up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays and follow the signs until I reach those amazing yard sales. And trust me, there are countless other frugal fashionistas out there who hold similar hopes. Of course, the only thing better than spending money – granted a very little—is making it. Hosting your own yard sale is a great way to detox all the clutter lying about and then make a profit from it. Just be sure to give fair warning to fellow thrifty shoppers by posting a few signs in the neighborhood a week before the sale. So for all of you sleeping beauties who might be tempted to pull the covers back over your heads, let money be your motivation. This one goes out to those of you who saw the shirt that was so great that you had to have it in every color. You know who you are. Or to those of you who bought that extra Sex on the Beach at the bar because you had a bad day three times this week. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about the women who went window shopping and decided that the window was no place for a dress as fabulous as that one. Oh no, your closet was a much more suitable match. Shopaholics across America, it is time that you leave your wallet in the car. If you can’t seem to do that, carry a set amount of cash to bring into the store. When you swipe a card, you still walk away with exactly what you were holding when you entered: one card. When the money is in your hand, it’s easier to realize how much you’re spending because you walk out with less in your grip. If you still haven’t warmed up to the idea of leaving the wallet in the car, consider this: in March of 2010, the average amount of money that Americans spent shopping was $712. Over the course of a year we will spend over $8,500. Imagine having to physically see yourself giving away that much money, bill by bill. Chances are that by the time the first few months have passed, you’ll be well on your way to smarter shopping.

What has four wheels, travels 15,000 miles a year, and gets 20 miles to the gallon? If you guessed the average American’s car, give yourself a pat on the back. And how much does the average American spend per year on gas just to keep that giant hunk of metal moving? If you guessed over $2,600, give yourself another pat on the back. Keep in mind that none of these numbers include the maintenance of these vehicles, which is far more costly than fuel. On the other hand, walking one mile burns about 74 calories and zero gas. Add a new twist to the phrase “coffee run” by finding out the distance to your local coffee shop (there are 8 of them within a 3 mile radius of my own residence), walking, running, or biking to it, and then rewarding yourself with an iced drink. Not only will it save you money on gas, but it will also save you from having to pay for a gym membership. In short, I suggest you make this your daily mantra: cars burn money and save fat. Bicycles, walking, and running burn fat and save money.

Have you always wanted to be a model?

Do you think that the only way to be a model is to move to New York?

Guess again!

here are great models and opportunities right here in Columbia! Check out some local talent courtesy of FFS Model and Talent Agency. FFS began in 2009 and was voted Best Modeling Agency in Columbia 2010 by Members of Social Columbia. FFS now boasts 77 models and actors and their talent has worked with such clients as: Magnum Ice Cream, Tyler Perry Studios, Army Wives, Little Red Wagon, Vampire Diaries, Charlotte NC Fashion Week, Charleston Fashion Week, Covet Magazine, Wink Magazine, Who Shot Rock and Roll Exhibit, Elite Marketing, Ecoloblue, CBS College Sports, Alana B. Couture, Wild Honey Media, WOW Productions, Check into Cash, People’s Choice Awards 2010, Palmetto Parent, Stila Cosmetics Blog via Make Me Over Eb, and many many more! Always accepting new models to the agency, FFS is a great place to learn then in’s and out’s of the modeling industry right here in the Capital City. Visit them online at www.ffsmodelandtalentagency.info or call 803728-7997 for details.

Credits: Images are provided courtesy of FFS Model and Talent Agency Photography by: All images shot by FFS MATA photographer Clarence Jackson unless otherwise noted.

1150 BOWER PARKWAY SUITE F-7 COLUMBIA SC 29212 WWW.PLATOSCLOSETCOLUMBIA.COM 803.732.1061

Columbia Fashion Alliance JOIN OUR ELITE NETWORK TODAY! Fashion Professionals in Columbia and Surrounding Areas www.ColumbiaFashionAlliance.info 803-216-1195

Special Feature er by Kialeah Sumpt o An Ode tm t n e n g i s n Co

an exciting adventure. Consignment shopping is the most frugal way to get the best brands and a creative way to show your personal style. Thank goodness, the days of rummaging through racks of old and smelly clothing are over. Ode to Consignment! In the past, consignment shopping has been seen in a negative light. Purchasing items that potentially have been used by someone else has been seen as indiscretion at best. Fortunately, the influx of national consignment franchises such as Buffalo Exchange, Plato’s Closet, and most famously Goodwill; have taken some of the stigma away from consignment shopping.

recent economic times many Americans are on a mission to pinch pennies wherever they can.

Many reluctantly have been forced to place shopping on the back burner in efforts to make ends meet. Shopping on consignment has become not only a way of life but

“Although shopping on consignment can prove both beneficial for shoppers and their bank accounts, there are some rules that will insure you get the most out of your consignment journey and save a little money! Here are some rules to help you on your way.” 14

Kialeah Sumpter ignment stores in your 1. Become familiar with consve different items. area: Different stores ha

ner: When new shipments 2. Get to know the store ow you are among the first to or fabulous items come in, know. ip with absolute dedication 3. Approach your shopping trmay not come across the and low expectation: you metimes you may leave perfect item on every trip. So empty-handed. Before you buy an item, 4. Don’t be an impulse buyer: ll wear it, what shoes will have an idea of how you wi ies will complement the look best, and what accessor item. wealthy and fashionable 5. Shop consignment in morehave the best brands, areas: these stores will ndise. quality, and variety of mercha y not always find exactly 6. Keep an open mind: You ma however keeping an open what you are looking for, m you never thought mind will help you find an ite would interest you. fully look at merchandise re ca e: ey ul hf tc wa a ep Ke 7. s etc. If you come for missing buttons, tears, rip o consideration the across a damaged item take int re the item cannot be “repair factor”. If you are su the best buy. repaired or restored it is not u feel linferior for wearing 8. Don’t let anyone make yooose to acquire your clothing used items. Where you ch idence in your personal is totally up to you. Have conf rchased! style no matter where it is pu ping!

Happy Consignment Shop

r a l l o D a n o g Datin mmer Brons by Su

Affordable Ideas For Romantic Recessionistas

ith many of us on a tight budget these days, "date night" can easily turn into "frozen-pizzaand-Netflix-night." While there's certainly nothing wrong with staying in and cuddling on the couch, it's probably time for a change of pace if a trip to the grocery store is your current idea of an evening out. Here's a few suggestions to help keep boredom at bay without breaking the bank:

Skip the main course - Meeting for drinks or dessert

is a popular first date idea. If things go well, you can easily transition into another activity. If not, you can simply part company after you finish the last bite of cheesecake. Whether it's date one or one-hundred, you can still put this concept into play. Instead of going out for a three-course meal, meet for cocktails and an appetizer. On another night, cook dinner at home, then head out for ice cream cones and an arm-in-arm stroll around town. You'll be saving money over the typical drinks-dinner-movie routine and you'll still have an excuse to wear that cute new dress.

Phone a friend - Chances are, you have a friend or two in the same financial boat as you, so make this an opportunity to help each other out and have some fun. Fire up the grill and host a backyard double-date. Split the costs of food, snacks and beer for a cheap, social alternative to another night in front of the TV.

Move it! - Okay, so maybe

lacing up and going for a run or hitting the gym together isn't the most romantic idea, but it does bring a new meaning to the term "hot date." Exercise releases endorphins, adrenaline and boosts your confidence, all of which can make you feel pretty damn good. Working up a sweat with your honey is an inexpensive way to spend time together while doing something productive. Make it fun by racing each other down the street, seeing who can crank out the most push-ups, or hitting the pool for a few laps. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to share a shower afterwards.

Cultivate your cultural side - Many cities have a fantastic

arts and cultural scene, Columbia included. Check out local museums, art galleries and historic landmarks to get you started. South Carolina State Museum offers $1 admission on the first Sunday of every month, so pass on the dollar menu that day and go try to learn something new.

Browse

for

bargains

- With the rapidly growing popularity of services like Groupon, Living Social, and Columbia Perks, you have the opportunity to score great deals on all sorts of local activities. Restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, spas, golf courses and many other types of business are getting in on this coupon craze. Sign up for daily emails from each website to get the scoop on sweet savings for your next date adventure. Beyond these ideas, be sure to use resources like the Wink Magazine Calendar, Facebook and Twitter to keep an eye on events around town, and don't be afraid to ask others for their own ideas. With a little creative thinking, you can embrace your inner recessionista and keep your love life balanced -- even if your checkbook isn't.

LUX FOR LESS

Look Amazing Without Breaking the Bank

Every woman wants to look great. But how many times have we scoured fashion magazines and seen thousands of looks we could not afford? In my case it has been more times than I can remember. With all the extra responsibilities on the plates of Americans in these economic times a $200 dress or pair of shoes is certainly out of reach. Luckily, you do not have to break the bank to look beautiful. Here are some Lux for Less items to affirm this premise!

River Island One Shoulder Animal Maxi Dress

$103.42

Warehouse Leopard One Shoulder Maxi Dress with Belt

$72.40

Pair animal print dresses with a high heeled brown or nude sandal. Keep accessories minimal the print is the highlight of your ensemble.

Michael Kors Long Cami Dress $130.00 Forever 21 Knit Maxi Dress $22.80 Try a skinny leather belt with your long maxi dress. Chunky Bracelets will glam up you “Safari” motif.

BCBG KIARA CROPPED SILK TRIBAL-PRINT

$136.80

Forever 21 High Waist Tribal Pants

19.90

Tribal Pants can be worn with flats or chunky heels. I recommend a plain white tee and tons of ethnic or tribal bracelets to achieve the “Bohemian “ look.

Victoria Beckham Spring 2009 $1200.00 Victoria Beckham Style Dress 46.00 The Little Black Dress is a wardrobe must have. This sleeveless number can be worn in the summer and winter. Accessories can be minimal or plentiful, take your pick.

Runway Simone Stripe Tie Dress

$628.00 Urban Outfitters

$49.00 This handy little sundress is flirty and fun. Pair a high heeled brown sandal and gold hoop earrings with the long version. Try a brown calf length clog boot and gold hoop earrings with the short version to add a little edge.

Ralph Lauren Black Label Jeans

Charlotte Olympia Dolly Suede Platform Pumps

$732.00 Asos Pump It Up Suede Platform Court Shoe

$90.00 Yellow Suede pumps if your dare! These pumps should be the highlight of your ensemble. Perhaps a simple purple Sheath Dress would look chic and expensive!

Herve Leger

289.00 Kim’ Salmon Pink Cap sleeve Body Con Dress

$147.00

The Bandage BodyCon Dress has been made famous by many celebrities. Herve Leger has made a mint creating ways to highlight every crook and crevice of a woman’s body. These body hugging numbers come in every color of the rainbow and require little to no accessorie. A cute a little clutch and your ready to go!

$400.00 Citizens of Humanity

$114.99 Why spend an arm and leg on a pair of dark denim jeans. Citizen of Humanity jeans are certainly in the upper echelon of the jean community. Pair Citizens of Humanity jeans with flat sandals or heels. A simple tee or textured blouse is ideal for your dark denim. An everyday woman needs that one pair of jeans that never get old!

Stella McCartney Python Silk Blend Scarves

$685.00 Pink Leopard Animal Print Pashmina Silk Blend Scarf

$39.99 The shear fact that these scarves are of silk blend are enough to break the bank. However try to find a Pashmina. Pashmina’s are similar to 100% silk but does not wear the same price tag.

Marc Jacobs Leather Stam Bag,

$1,275 Kate Landry “Quilted Framed” Large Frame Bag, $189 Both bags are similar to the eye but different in price. These hand bags are made with quilted leather and gold enhancements. Although The Kate Landry bag does not have the handy arm strap the price totally makes up for its absence.

“This type of behavior is why men call women crazy.”

Dear Carrie,I’ve been in a relationship for the last two and a half years. We have our normal ups and downs like any other couple, but for the most part my boyfriend and I are great. I do have one tiny secret, though. I met a guy a few weeks ago while waiting in line at the grocery store and we immediately hit it off. He asked for my number and I gave it to him, thinking that’d be the end of it. Surprisingly, he actually called me later that same day. I agreed to have lunch with him the following afternoon and we’ve been seeing each other ever since. I haven’t kissed him or anything, but I still feel like I’m doing something wrong since I’m trying to keep it under the radar with my boyfriend. Am I doing something wrong, or is it okay that I’ve made a new friend? -Sketchy in Secret

Dear Sketchy,While there’s no harm in having friends outside of your relationship, hiding things always tends to look suspicious. The fact that you are reluctant to tell your man about this guy makes me think your feelings towards him are probably more than just those of a casual friendship. Does Mr. Groceries know that you have a boyfriend? If not, be aware that his apparent interest in you could be fueled by his notion that you are single and available. If he does know about your beau and still

persists, well, the weight of this situation falls onto your secretive shoulders. Are you willing to let things progress with this guy and risk losing nearly three years with your boyfriend? It’s easy to get caught up in the infatuation of a new interest, after all, the grass is always greener on the other side. Whether you choose to introduce the boys over cocktails or introduce your tail to his cock, proceed with caution and consider all possible consequences of tampering with the merchandise. Good luck! -Carrie

Dear Carrie,I’m really attracted to one particular guy in my circle of friends and would like to get to know him better. We haven’t spent much time together so I have no idea if the interest is mutual or not. Should I try to ask him out or just leave the situation alone and see if he makes a move?

-Perplexed in Pomaria

Dear Perplexed,Talk to him, already! What are you waiting for? Guys love confident women, and it speaks volumes when a chick has enough ladyballs to be the one to make the first move. A simple “Hey, what are your happy hour plans on Friday?” can get the wheels spinning. If things are awkward or you decide you’re not as into him as you thought, no harm done, it was just a few drinks. Man up!

-Carrie

Dear Bored,Try a change of sexual scenery. Jump him somewhere less conventional than the bedroom so he won’t have the option of rolling over and playing “dead fish.” Go for it on the couch, kitchen counter, in the car, etc, anywhere you can think of to mix things up. Another option is to simply change positions and refuse to budge when he tries to pull you back on top. Trust me, a man in the midst of getting laid is not going to roll out of bed and put his pants back on if he sees you face-down, ass-up. If all else fails, call him out on his lethargic lovemaking and see what he has to say for himself. Happy humping!

-Carrie

-Peeping Pam

Dear Pam, This type of behavior is the reason why men call women crazy. How have you possibly gotten away with this nonsense for two years? I’m not sure why you’d marry someone you clearly don’t trust, nor do I have any idea why you would intentionally go looking for a problem in the first place. You said yourself that you’ve never found anything worth raising an eyebrow over, shouldn’t that have been your validation ages ago? My advice would be to stop this crap while you’re still ahead. If he catches you rifling through his email and reading his texts without asking, you’re going to have some mighty complicated explaining to do. Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if there’s something YOU are hiding.

“...it would be nice if he did something besides just lay there!”

Dear Carrie,For the last few weeks, my boyfriend has been extremely lazy in bed. Even if he’s the one to initiate sex, he’s on his back as soon as we get down to business. I love being on top, don’t get me wrong; but it sure would be nice if he did something besides just lay there! If I try to get him to change positions, groans playfully and pulls me back on him, it’s hopeless. Can you help?Bored in the Bedroom

Dear Carrie,I know it’s a terrible habit, but I can’t help going through my husband’s phone when he’s out of the room. I look through his text messages and sometimes even pull up his email account if I think I have enough time to get away with it. We’ve been married for a year and dating for three, but I’ve only been checking his phone for the last two years. I’ve never found anything suspicious and he has no idea that I’m invading his privacy...so far. Do you he’s just really good at hiding things, or am I crazy?

-Carrie

Q A

Dear Carrie,Where’s your favorite place to meet guys outside of a bar? I’d like a GOOD guy this time around.

-Simply Single Dear Single,Well, contrary to popular belief, it IS possible to meet a good guy in a bar. After all, you’re a good girl and you’re in a bar, right? Everyone likes to kick back with a cold one and survey the social scene from time to time, so don’t judge someone based solely on the atmosphere in which you meet. To branch out out a bit, try coffee shops (set up camp with your laptop and an iced latte and you’ve got my idea of a perfect afternoon), local events (artsy functions, especially), or take your dog (if you don’t have one, borrow a friend’s) for a walk in a park. Pets are great icebreakers and you’ll get a little exercise, to boot. Most of all, just relax and be yourself wherever you go. You never know when you’ll bump into someone worth remembering.

-Carrie

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7509-D Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia SC 29209 (In the East Pointe Plaza across from Walmart)

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Clients Include: Army Wives, Touchstone Pictures,Wink Magazine, Vampire Diaries, Charleston Fashion Week, Charlotte Fashion Week, Wild Honey Media, CBS College Sports, Elite Mktg, Ecoloblue Water, Wow Productions, and many more local, egional and national clients!

alk. One of the most effective exercises for most people is simply walking. All you need is a comfortable, supportive pair of walking shoes and you can exercise just about anywhere. Try to walk 30 60 minutes most days of the week. As you get more advanced, incorporate intervals or â&#x20AC;&#x153;speed playâ&#x20AC;? into your routine. For example, pick a mailbox up the street and challenge yourself to walk extremely fast or even jog to that point. Then resume your normal pace and pick another landmark and repeat. Changing the intensity of your routine will torch more calories.

ush Ups. A completely free upper body strength move. Push ups are not only great for strengthening the chest, they are also great for strengthening the back of the arms, shoulders, and abdominals. Beginners should start on the knees and lead with the chest. More advanced exercisers should try some on the toes while keeping the core tight. Try 3 sets of 10. For a real challenge, try the 100 push up challenge (www.hundredpushups. com).

quats. An effective, full body movement that strengthens the muscles in the legs and core. Start with air squats and then add weights to your shoulders or hold them by your sides. When squatting remember to keep your chest up and to make sure your knees are aligned with the direction of your toes.

Stephanie Nye

lank. Forget crunches. The plank builds endurance in the entire core, including the lower back. Start face down on a mat. Lift your body up into a plank position resting on either your forearms or palms. Make sure your body is in a straight line with the glutes down. Work up to holding for 1-2 minutes.

eep it Fresh. For best results challenge yourself by adding a new exercise to your routine on a regular basis. Get inspiration from fitness magazines and even videos on YouTube. Keep a binder or folder full of workouts and exercises that you have cut out of magazines so that you can easily change your routine by adding a new move.

itness Apps. Your next great workout may be found on your smartphone. There are many free or inexpensive fitness apps that can keep you motivated. Some of my favorite free apps are the DailyBurn (calorie, workout, and fitness tracker), Gymboss (programmable interval timer), and Fitness Free (700 exercises and yoga poses).

E S

xercise DVDs. An effective fitness DVD is a good investment because it will allow you to workout whenever and wherever you like. Try ordering a new workout video each month on Netflix. Collage Video is another great website because it allows you to preview an exercise video before buying. (www.collagevideo.com).

ocial Buying Websites. Websites such as Groupon and Living Social often feature amazing savings on local gym memberships, boot camps, dance lessons, and personal training sessions. Sign up now so you don’t miss out on a great fitness bargain in your area.

on’t Forget About Your Diet. Remember the old personal training adage: You can’t out train a bad diet. Both diet and exercise are important for your overall fitness. For the best results, stop eating anything from a box. Replace pre-packaged, processed food with a low-carb diet consisting of lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetable, nuts, and heart-healthy fats.

et a Goal. If you write down a goal, you are more likely to accomplish it. Also, remember to track your progress. Recording your workouts and your meals daily will keep you motivated.

WINKing at Kate Stines

by Summer Brons

Stella & Dot Star Stylist N

othing sets the tone for a great day quite like a fabulous outfit. Your favorite pair of heels, that perfect top youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting since last fall to wear, a flirty skirt and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re walking out of the house feeling like a million bucks. But with many of us on a tight budget these days, it can be tough to find that boost of fashion oomph for our everyday look.

Accessories are one of the easiest ways to transform an outfit and luckily, they can also be one of the most affordable. A savvy company called Stella & Dot has found an exciting way to bring amazing jewelry to the masses, all while padding your pocketbook instead of breaking the bank.

Stella & Dot gives women the opportunity to live the flexible lifestyle of an entrepreneur by selling an exclusive line of boutique-style jewelry and accessories. Star Stylist, Kate Stines, has been involved with Stella & Dot for less than two years and enjoys the perks of running her own successful business. Kate, a mother to three small children, took the plunge in January of 2010 when she spotted and fell in love with the company’s Sofia Pearl bib necklace. “I didn’t want to tell my husband,” she laughs, “so I signed up to get the ‘free’ jewelry.” When Kate later had a few friends over for a visit and saw how the ladies went crazy for her Stella & Dot pieces, she knew she had her hands on something special. She soon attended a company event and returned home more motivated than ever. “I was promoted twice in six weeks and I now have a team of over 75 women.” With her business growing daily, Kate is thrilled that this is now her full-time career. “Stella & Dot gives each woman the opportunity to style her own life. It’s given me the chance to be myself and to be a mom.” The company provides each stylist with all the tools they need to be successful; including, of course, a stunning line of accessories. The Stella & Dot Lookbook features a variety of necklaces, charms, bracelets, rings, earrings and more -- many of which are under $50. The fashion-forward collection has earned Stella & Dot recognition from the likes of the Today Show, MSNBC, Oprah, Instyle and Vogue.

“Stella & Dot gives each woman the opportunity to style her own life.” To find a snazzy piece to spice up your wardrobe, or to learn more about starting your own Stella & Dot business, visit Kate’s website at www.stelladot.com/ kstines.

“The Lost Art of Couponing: An Interview with Jenny Martin of Southern Savers” Many of us can remember our mothers meticulously clipping coupons from the Sunday paper every week to save money. This weekly shopping trip would usually end with our mothers purchasing a couple of unnecessary sale items while saving only a couple of dollars. Couponing has certainly changed since those days. The advent of online printable coupons, mobile coupon apps, couponing bloggers, and reward programs has made couponing easier and more convenient for even the busiest person to buy what they need. About a year ago a frugal co-worker introduced me to Southern Savers (www.southernsavers.com), a website devoted entirely to the art of modern couponing. Jenny Martin, a local Columbia resident, is the founder of Southern Savers and a couponing expert. I began using her tips from the website and found that couponing was actually easy and surprisingly fun -- especially when you are able to get an item you need for free! Recently, I was able to ask Jenny a few questions about couponing.

Wink: Jenny, what attracted you to couponing? I started couponing out of the desire to continue staying home with my twin girls when they were 10 months old. We lost our health insurance and had a number of other expenses that really made things tight, so we started becoming more frugal all around. I quickly realized that I could save more on couponing than I ever could by changing other little habits, so we dove in and never looked back.

Wink: Southern Savers has become a couponing sensation! Can you tell our readers a little about the website and how they can use it? Southern Savers is a free tool to quickly see what items are on sale for the best price at your favorite stores. Pick a grocery store near you and look at the weekly list of deals for that store. Our goal in saving money is to purchase items only when they are their best price, so the lists on Southern Savers will only list an item when it is at that great price. You’ll also see all the deals matched with any coupon that is available right now. From here it’s very easy to start saving, just make a shopping list of things you want, gather any of the coupons you might have, and head to the store.

Wink: You are constantly updating your website with the best bargains. How do you find all of the deals? A lot of deals are emailed to me from Southern Savers readers, or are sent directly from stores and manufacturers. Most folks are eager to share great deals with others, so most days my inbox is filled with more deals than I could ever post. I try to sort through everything and post the deals that most folks will be able to find and enjoy.

Wink: It seems that every time I go to the store I have left a great coupon at home. What is the best way to store your coupons? The best way is to not cut your coupons until you need them. Just take the Sunday coupon inserts from the newspaper and file it in an accordion file folder or hanging file folder. Use the weekly lists on Southern Savers and just cut the coupons that your shopping list tells you to cut for that trip.

Wink: Are there some items you should never buy without a coupon? Anything personal care related! Most personal care items have numerous coupons available. To not use a coupon for items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and body wash means that you had to go out of your way to avoid the deals!

Wink: Are there some things that it is worth paying full price for? I really can’t think of anything. Pretty much everything in a grocery store or a drugstore is going to go on sale at some point, so you might as well always aim to buy it on sale versus paying full price. There are a few brands that might not have big sales. If that is the case, I would recommend that you try to not have a brand loyalty on those products, but look for whatever brand is on sale right now.

Wink: We all know you save a lot of money couponing. What was the last thing you splurged on? My favorite food is Tortellini Alfredo, so my last splurge was buying tortellini when I was really craving it and it hadn’t been on sale in a while. I firmly believe if you try to withhold things you love just because they aren’t on sale, you’ll eventually go crazy and hate coupons (a lot like dieting). It’s okay to save in some places so that you can enjoy what you want in others!

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