'Cheap Vodka to Top Shelf' Myth BUSTED!

I was watching an old episode of MythBusters, one of my Cablecrack shows (because it's so addicting) and they were trying to debunk the adage that if you buy cheap Vodka, you can distill it (through a Brita filter) to make it taste like top shelf Vodka.

Well guess what?

YOU CAN'T!

So don't waste your money on cheap Vodka. It's not worth the money you spend on useless filters, aspirin, and greasy food to get rid of the inevitable hangover the next morning.

Thanks MythBusters!

(Episode Title: Bullets Fired Up)

Calendars: The Cheap Chic's Decorations!

So, I will admit it. I have a major printed paper fetish. Whether a postcard, a greeting card, a calendar or an advert, I am usually quite intrigued. My walls are festooned with all of these things, a lifelong collection of postcards with waiters racing trays of drinks through the streets of Paris, calendars with sassalicious phrases on them ("She liked her men like her cocktails...neat, but with a twist) and cards denoting love, life and liquor (these are a few of my favorite things).

One of my favorite times of year is the New Year. The Cheap Chic loves the New Year, because it means find a new use for the old and bring in with the new.

Thus, don't throw away those old calendars! They make great wall hangings. If you are like me you liked your calendar and anxiously awaited the next month to see what intriguing salacious quote set the tone for the month. Now that its the new year- deconstruct it. Take all those months and tape them up on the wall as artwork as a modge podge, cheap chic collage. Or if you are anal, take a few calendar months and find cheap frames (check the dollar store, Joanns or Michaels) and frame them up!

Also, the New Year brings new Calendars and guess what? They are CHEAP! That's right, the New Year brings the 50-75% off Calendar sales all over (and I'm not talking about the dollar store Cat calendar your Great Aunt gets you every year). These are the beautifully printed, glossy paper, and fabulous artwork variety. For the price, why not buy one as a calendar and another as more decorations for your bachelor/bachelorette pad! For the price of 1 you get 2 or 3!

So raid your local B&N, Borders or discount store.

An Ode to 3 Buck Chuck! (well, 2 Bucks in CA)

I thought it was only apropos to start my first posting with something that is especially near and dear to my heart.....

WINE!

and particularly my love for 3 Buck Chuck as we fondly refer to it in New York City which costs $3, is produced by Charles Shaw Winery (hence the name) and bottled exclusively for Trader Joe's.

The 3 Buck Chuck brand is known for its consistency in flavor and accessibility the masses, whether, a budget conscious wine connoisseur or a wannabe posh college student trying to look sophisticated at the local Frat. However, in essence, really these wines are about drinkability, especially when most wines at this price point taste like vinegar with funky undertones.

The only downfall to this wine, is its location to me. If I live in California it would only be $2 and in NYC the only Trader Joe's is right by Union Square/14th St and a trip for me. However with Trader Joes offers a handy 6 Bottle Reusable/Eco-friendly Wine bag for the Cheap price of 99c.

Log on to Trader Joe's to find the store nearest you.

Cheap is Nouveau Chic!

This guide is not for anyone who is looking to keep up with the Joneses. Frankly, I don't know who the proverbial "Joneses" are nor would I care to spend my hard earned wages (or eventual lottery winnings) on a $1,000 handbag and Botox for my Shitzu.

This guide is for those looking for richness, in terms of life fulfillment (and maybe a bit more honestly....in knowing that anything the Joneses can do, you can do better, and quite unadbashedly cheaper).

I'll leave with you two things:


First with this recommendation. Pick up this book at your local library or hell splurge on buying it at your local Strand or bookstore (remember you are not only supporting actual tactual publishing (death to the Kindle!), but the author as well).....Prosperity Pie: How to Relax About Money and Everything Else by SARK.

Second with this Quote (thanks Rita).

"Money is only a tool.
It will take you wherever you wish,
but it will not replace you as the driver."

Ayn Rand