Most of our grandparents grew up during the depression and/or WWII. Because of that, they have a different ethic about how long things should last and how often things need to be replaced. My mother-in-law, for example, still has a dial phone in her kitchen – she sees no need to get a new phone because her old one works just fine. My husband feels that way about his clothes – which is why I have to shop for him and sneak things into the Goodwill bag when he’s not looking.

These days, making your major purchases last is becoming more important. From an environmental standpoint, the more we make things last, the less we’ll have to put into the landfill. From a monetary standpoint, it just makes sense to make your expensive items last as long as you can. Here’s a list of some of those items and steps you can take to help make them last.

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Most of us have, in the past, bought too much stuff: too many clothes, too much bedding and too many knick-knacks and holiday items that all need places to live. My Mom still collects those scary-looking Snow Babies which she “promises” that I’ll get when she dies (I’d rather try to get her Nativity sets past my Jewish husband). If you, like me, have too much stuff and are in need of some frugal home storage solutions, we have some ideas for you.

Under-bed boxes – If you have a bed that has a standard-size bed frame, under-bed storage is a great option for you. You can get boxes with rollers (more expensive) or simply large, flat boxes that slide under your bed. I keep wrapping paper, seasonal clothing and extra bedding under the bed in these handy boxes.

Over the door hangers – I use these in both of my bathrooms. They come in the version that has five hooks so that you can hang up all the stray towels, your robe and the clothes that you need for the next day… all on the door to the bathroom. There is zero installation. Just hang it over the top of the door!

Book Cases – When was the last time you purged your bookcases of the books you’ve read that you don’t need to keep? Send them along to your favorite charity and open up your bookcases for other items. Grab some decorative photo storage boxes (Michael’s always has them on sale) and stash whatever you need to stash.

Double Closet Bars – If you have an older home and have a single bar in your closet, you MUST invest in a hanging double-bar. It immediately doubles the amount of things that you can hang in your closet and installs just by hanging the hook over your existing closet bar. You can get them for as little as $9.99.

Just remember, you don’t have to do an extreme home makeover to get more mileage out of your space!

Happy Storage!

Darcy Ratner
Rubbingnickels.com

a friend

Money Saving Tips for Frugal Haircare:

1. Olive oil is a fabulous hair conditioner. Put on 1/4 to 1/3 cup and leave it on for half an hour before you wash your hair. It doesn’t have to be Extra Virgin so you should be able to save money and get a bottle for $5-6.00. Put $10 in your Wish Jar since beauty supply treatments usually cost $15.00.

2. Use a color touch-up pen or kit to extend the life of your hair color between colorings. Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore is highly rated on beauty websites and costs $23.00 but you can get it right now on the ULTA website for $3.50 off. Put $20 in your Wish Jar if it gets you three or four more weeks between salon treatments.

Happy haircare!
Darcy Ratner
Rubbingnickels.com

a friend

This week we’re talking with Alicia Sable-Hunt, RN, MBA, who is the Founder and President of Sable’s Foods (www.SablesFoods.com). She has created a unique niche business within the Nutritional Bars and Supplements space. Here’s her story:

1. Tell us about your business:

   Sable’s Foods is a line of Nutritional Empowerment Bars® designed for the cancer community by the cancer community.

   Developed with the input of nutritionists, cancer specialists, and most importantly, with patients themselves, I have created a line of bars that are baked like a brownie, bursting with flavor and offer a nutritional value enjoyed by the cancer community, athletes and everyone else in search of Nutritional Empowerment!

2. Why did you start this business?

   Sable’s Foods Nutritional Empowerment Bars were born from firsthand knowledge developed over many years caring for cancer patients. As a long-serving oncology nurse, I understood the immense struggle of those fighting cancer and what I term cancer’s “nutritional challenge”—the crucial need for proper nutrition during treatment coupled with the loss of appetite and digestive issues that often prevent patients from receiving the nourishment they need. Discontent with patients’ lack of flavorful yet nutritionally balanced options, I felt compelled to direct my experience and empathy toward a solution. I knew that cancer patients needed foods that would meet their specific nutritional requirements while offering flavors and textures that would taste great and be easy to eat. I also wanted to offer them something portable, as I strongly believe that patients should be able to thrive while continuing with their daily lives during treatment and recovery. Championing this cause, in 2006, I stepped into my kitchen and began baking up a solution.

3. What is your background?

   I am a Registered Nurse with a master’s degree in business administration. My commitment to the cancer community stems from over 15 years working as a bedside oncology nurse, clinical research nurse, manager of a leading orphan-cancer consortium, and consultant to disease-specific non-profit organizations.

4. What skills did you need to acquire for your new endeavor?

   My expertise lies with the cancer population not in food production. The first thing I needed to do, was to identify my strengths and weaknesses then hire consultants to fill the voids. That level of self-reflection is paramount. The second skill set necessary for success is the ability to identify, engage and manage vendors. Due to the nature of my target market, it was necessary to engage experts in the field of food products, nutrition, nutritional supplements, etc. It is time consuming yet critical to set forth clear deliverables, create budgets and manage every step of your vendor relationships. Without this level of oversight, you are at risk of spending too much money and not obtaining the results you need.

5. Biggest challenges?

   I think the biggest challenge I face as a start-up company is building brand awareness. The sheer amount of money and time required to build a brand in the food product industry is enormous. Especially, in my case as my product is designed for the cancer community. While my market is expanding to include athletes, busy moms and dads, teenagers and other medical conditions, my brand activities center around the cancer community.

   Due to the nature of cancer, we all know someone that has been touched by the disease. Therefore, everyone should know that my product exists; however, my consumer is a sub-sector of “everyone”. Building brand recognition within the food product industry and the cancer community has been a challenge as it is for any start-up company.

6. What have you learned and advice to others:

   I knew that starting my own company would difficult. I even knew it would be very difficult. I didn’t know it would be so lonely. I am a one woman show responsible for every aspect of the business even in my outsourced model. The all consuming responsibility of the day to day activities of the business as well as managing the expectations of customers, investors, vendors, and my own expectations is very difficult. Burnout is a very real part of an entrepreneur’s pathway. Simply finding time for you and allowing yourself to the take the time, is critical to remain motivated, creative and effective.

a friend

Let’s start with the bottom line. The cost of nutritious foods is climbing much faster than the cost of easily accessible, “energy-dense” foods like candy, pastries and baked goods. What food researchers call nutritious, “less-energy-dense-foods” like high-quality whole grains, vegetables and fruits are harder to afford for frugal families.

The difference between the two types of foods boils down to calories (energy dense) vs. nutrients (nutrient dense) and many of the low calorie foods are very high in nutrient density. For example, if you were to eat a 2000 calorie diet in a day, it will cost you $3.52 in high calorie (energy dense) foods vs. $36.22 to get the calories in an nutrient-dense way. It makes sense if you think about it. A box of macaroni and cheese is MUCH cheaper than salmon and veggies but the mac and cheese provides a heck of a lot more calories and less nutrition.

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