Breaking Even

A Clothes-Altering State

Normally, I do keep my work and home life seperate but this week, I helped produce a truly great video about something that I've been putting into practice in my money-saving, style-maximizing life: sewing.

I've had my sewing machine for awhile and I recently took it out to make some alterations on pieces I wasn't wearing. I shortened pants, I brought the hem up on a skirt... In short, about two hours after I started, with just a few alterations, I managed to save ten articles of clothing from the giveaway pile.

Even sewing by hand can save you some money. Whether it's replacing a button or fixing a hole, you can salvage something that would otherwise go to waste or you can make a thrifty find work for your body.

One thing I want to attempt is making my own articles of clothing. My friend Jessica turned me on to BurdaStyle, which is an "open source" sewing site with free patterns you can download.

And if you have no clue where to start with sewing (or just want to see video of me), click here (or on the image above if I did this right).

May Movie Giveaway Winner

Congradulations to Randy Devost who won the May Movie Giveaway contest. Here are some of Randy's favorite forms of cheap entertainment, both on and offline:

Cheap Online Entertainment

• Subscribing to YouTube vlogs (for some) is in many ways better than TV. Cable and Satellite subscriptions are SO EXPENSIVE! Some YouTube favorites of mine are: What the Buck Show, ThoseLilRabbits, Rocketboom, Leslie Hall, etc. I’m interested primarily by shows that make me laugh and inform me on what’s going on in popular culture. You can also watch regular TV programming for free using services like: Joost, Hulu, etc.
• For those who seek the latest dance trends, there are those sharing new dance styles online. Here are a few that are fun to learn and alter upon: Sydney Shuffle, Tektonic, C-walk, Le Tabarnak, etc. Upload your own!
• Using Flickr to create photo slideshows of goals you feel like are impossible and then sending them off to your most critical friends may help add viability to your convoluted fantasies. My last, “Shack on a Wharf,” is about how I dream of converting a fishing shack into my home.” What’s nice is that letting yourself dream helps you stay happy and keeps you motivated for the future. “Life is never bland with dreams at hand.”  -Randy Devost

Cheap Real World Entertainment:

• Learning a new card game with friends
• Running, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, etc.
• Inviting friends for a night of board games. Have everyone bring a new or strange board game found in grandma’s attic or from a yard sale!
• Sewing parties for guys and girls!
• People watching (malls, public transportation, public squares, etc.)
• Playing “makeover” and letting your friends dress you up.
• Internet cafés or finding new WIFI zones. jiwire.commay be of help.

Thanks to those who participated and thanks to Randy for fun suggestions. Next time you're bored, try a few off that list!

In June, I'm launching another contest. The prize this time: the book "Nickeled and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America. I'll make a page for it later today. It'll be a random drawing and it will involve blood. Stay tuned!

Movie Contest Winding Down!

It's officially the last week to submit your favorite form of cheap entertainment and why (250 words or less, kind of like a what-I-did-on-my-summer-vacation essay in grade school). Email it to me and you'll be entered to win free movies and a loving link to your blog or website!

Because who doesn't love free stuff, especially free cool stuff? Looking forward to reading your entry!

Click here for additional contest info.