THE THING ABOUT MONEY....

by Denise Blasor

Summer time and the livin' is easy! It sure looked that way for one extended family having a grand old time last Sunday in Ventana al Mar park in Condado.

It had set up camp under the cool shelter of pine trees and palms at the edge of the beach and brought along just the right amenities to while away a lazy day, like folding chairs and a table laden with enough food and drink to keep everyone in the group, young and old, properly fueled throughout the afternoon. The kids had the run of the beach and each other's company for play while the grown ups sat around comfortably and chattered away with gusto. As far as entertainment goes, you can't do better than this and it would seem an economical way of partying with family and friends and an option not likely to bust the host's pocketbook.

These days, the money issue is ever present in people's minds regardless of where they live -- be it in Puerto Rico, the United States, or anywhere else. Which is why the virtues of frugal living and saving money have never looked more appealing.  

Spending less can be as simple as buying in bulk, taking advantage of sales, or even going dutch with a friend on such purchases as a book and, why not, a magazine subscription. Not carrying a credit card when going shopping is sure to help anyone avoid temptations that come along the way; and what about deferring gratification, say until the next day? You might find that after 24 hours your compulsion to buy a particular item has evaporated into thin air. Frequent lunching out can punch a hole in any budget so the sensible thing to do is pack a lunch or turn last night's leftovers into an appetizing meal you can take to the office. Gas is expensive; why not arrange a car pool with fellow workers for every day of the week? If people were to take this advice seriously, the morning commute would be much easier since less cars would be out on the road. And everyone would save money and have some enjoyable company while driving to the office. 

Now consider the household budget and how it can benefit from homemakers jettisoning many toxic cleaning products in favor of cheaper and earth-friendly alternatives. Take vinegar, for example. This common product is a natural cleaner, disinfectant, and deodorizer all in one. Diluting one part vinegar into one part water gives you an amazing solution to use in the bathroom and the kitchen. Adding half a cup of vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle will leave your clothes much softer. Then there's lemon, which can be used to scrub dishes, surfaces and stains. And let's not forget baking soda, another great abrasive and effective deodorizer to keep on hand for cleaning jobs around the house.

While it doesn't take an MBA to find ways to reduce spending, it does require discipline, an attitude that can be sorely tested by the retail temptations luring us into debt with the siren song of excess. But increasing or getting into debt is exactly what people should avoid these days, given the job insecurity prevailing in today's uncertain economy which should make everyone aware of the importance of building an emergency fund to fall back on if things go bad. According to the experts, that fund should be enough cash to pay all your basic expenses for a period of six-months.

"I don't know what might happen in the next year or two. None of us do. However, I do know this -- those who have freed themselves of the burden of debt, built an emergency fund, and made adequate preparations for a worst-case scenario, are those likeliest to succeed -- even thrive -- in the coming years," advised Jason White in a recent post of his Frugal Dad blog (http://frugaldad.com). His site is one of a farrago of blogs that have mushroomed on the internet to address ways to maximize your money. For a list of top saving money blogs go to www.onlinemba.com/top_saving_money

The times may be hard for a great many people but there is one consolation: sooner or later the economy will have to rebound. Hopefully, the lessons learned during this economic downturn will prove useful even when the future good times roll by. Lastly, a few more words of advice, courtesy of Dawn Cadwell whose Frugal For Life blog ran for four years until this past March: Buy quality, it will last longer; make sure to research the best deals; buy based on need rather than want; live below your means. (http://frugalforlife.blogspot.com) 

by Bill Santiago

More than at any time in history, mankind faces a crossroad. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness; the other to total extinction. Let us

pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly. -- Woody Allen

 

A FRENCH FREEBIE

By Juliette Blasor

If it's July 14, then it's Bastille Day, when the French and Francophiles the world over celebrate the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison (July 14, 1789) and the beginning of the French Revolution. Puerto Rico too plans to join in France's National Day, courtesy of the Alliance Française and sponsors like the Tourism Co., El Nuevo Dia, Cruceros To Go, Nikini, Cointreau, and others. AF has organized a memorable extravaganza to take place on the grounds of Ventana al Mar Park: the highlight of the evening will be an 11 p.m. performance by the Gipsy Kings family, French musicians who have gained fame for their spectacular renditions of Spanish music. THE program kicks off at 2 p.m. with games & fun for the young followed at 5 p.m. by a live transmission of the Bastille celebration in Paris and, at 7 p.m., local musical performances highlighting the diverse and rich cultural exchanges between France and the Caribbean. Five French restaurants will be on hand to serve up a sample of French delicacies ($7 per dish) and, of course, there will be wine and cheese for sale. A raffle will give participants a chance to win prizes such as a Caribbean cruise, four days at the Paris Hilton Hotel, French products, and more. Last year's event drew more than 5,000 persons of all ages and all backgrounds. Organizers expect an even larger turnout this time around with some 8,000 people expected to show up for the event which will conclude with a display of fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

Alliance Française of Puerto Rico, 787.722.3174/5434 www.afpuertorico.org

by Bill Santiago

NIFTY MEOW PRODUCT

As any cat owner will admit, cleaning the cat litter is probably one of the least pleasant tasks involved in feline care. But a new self-cleaning litter box sold by Feline Pine makes the whole procedure a veritable breeze (The company also sells the amazing Feline Pine Cat Litter that is odor and chemical free plus it's not messy). The litter box consists of a plastic box and an elevated insert with holes. When it is time to clean the box, all you have to do is lift the insert and dump its content in the garbage. Check it out at www. felinepinelitterbox.com

($21.99 plus $12 shipping for orders in the continental states; orders outside the U.S. pay an additional fee. For more information, call 561-793-1859)

Copyright © 2011 Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved

EXPANDING CHOICES FOR LOCAL CONSUMERS

SUNDAY AT THE URBAN MARKET

PHOTOGRAPH BY DENISE BLASOR

Draw a thick red circle around Dec. 5 on your calendar: that's the date for the next Urban Market at Ventana al Mar park in Condado. You'll find natural and organic products, reasonable prices, and an upbeat vibe. A visit won't disappoint.  


This colorful market connects consumers with farmers and entrepreneurs from around the island in a convivial atmosphere that allows the public to engage with these small business owners and learn about their products in a friendly, personal manner.  


Launched last December, it is a joint collaboration between the Puerto Rico Agriculture Department and the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico. "We want people to get used to asking for local products. We want them to know (these products) and ask for them," said EDB President Lizzie Rosso Tridas.  


Held on the first Sunday of every month, the market takes place under two giant white tents set up on the grounds of La Ventana al Mar, the park next door to the Condado Beach Hotel. About 30 to 40 businesses participate each time and, depending on the weather, the activity draws between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors, according to Rosso.  


Entrepreneurs in attendance may vary from one month to another but all have one thing in common: all run small businesses, some of which already have a proven track record while others are still trying to establish a foothold in the competitive marketplace. Those who showed up at the market on Nov. 7 brought along a potpourri of products, many of them made by hand like the colorful soaps that Marisabel Román and business partner Lucy Cintrón have been crafting since January when they kicked off their eco-friendly venture De Hojas following the loss of their regular jobs. Or the tantalizing cakes and ginger cookies prepared by Cookie Couture, which Madeleine Muñoz started four years ago. 


The goods displayed like pirate treasure on tables set around the perimeter of the two tents encompassed baked goods, marmalades, spices, condiments, fresh bread, liqueurs, coffee, tea, sangria, beauty and health products. Produce was practically absent that day, with the exception of fresh pineapples and plump hydroponic tomatoes. This is one area Rosso said needs building up. At least one of the businesses in attendance represented a totally new type of venture in Puerto Rico: cheese making. "This had never been done here," said Wanda Otero, a microbiologist who teamed up with chemical engineer Rosa Avalo to launch Quesos Vacanegra, a company devoted to producing artisanal cheeses. Otero is keeping her day job for now, she said with a smile that hinted at a potential career switch should the venture turn out to be a success. 


Plants and flowers rounded out the offering. Nursery owners and plant growers brought the best from their orchards, especially herbs and fruit plants for which there is a lot of demand these days as the recession prods people to reduce their expenses by growing their own food. While ornamental plants are stagnant, "everything having to do with home gardens sells very fast," said Deborah Rojas of Jardines de Borinquen, which operates a nursery in Juncos. Herboristeria Loma Linda made starting such a garden a lot easier by selling a diminutive six-pack collection of herbs including Genovese basil, purple basil, Greek oregano, thyme, Italian parsley, and lemon basil. The price: $4.  


Entrepreneurs had nothing but high praise for the activity. "It is excellent," said Tita González de Fenn, who sells a line of gourmet vinaigrettes through her eponymous Tita's Homemade, Inc. "People are looking for more natural products and are more aware about buying locally. This type of activity gives gastronomic artisans the opportunity to present their products," she said. Tita's products also sell at Walmart and Amigo Supermarkets. "The market is a way to introduce products to local distributors and proves that quality products are available in Puerto Rico. It's a promotional tool, " said Ivette Vargas, creator of the popular Montes Albó Chimichurri condiment which she began producing out of her own home in 2005 and now distributes through La Famosa.


With so much to choose from, the only problem for visitors at the market was making up their minds about what to buy. On another level, it was heartening to see the breath and talent of Puerto Rican entrepreneurs. You could see from the care they put into labels, product packaging and presentation, how passionate they are about what they do. In addition to free samples by participating businesses, visitors who bought products at the market were gifted bright yellow bags, emblazoned with the Urban Market logo, to carry their purchases. It made it easy, while walking along the Condado, to spot all the people who had made a stop-over at the market.  

URBAN MARKET IS HELD ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 


"Nothing is too small to know and nothing too big to attempt." William Van Horne



A SIMPLE TIP

Enhance the taste of fresh milk by transferring it from its paper or plastic container into a glass bottle or jar. You will be surprised by the noticeable difference in taste.

Photograph by Denise Blasor

"One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." Goethe










Caught our Attention

In a world where just about everything is disposable, it is refreshing to see a new product on the market that advertises itself as "reusable." That's the case of Scotch Reusable Strips, a product for hanging lightweight items that can be reused again and again. According to the product information, you can even "refresh stickiness" of the strips by washing them with soapy water. The double sided adhesive strips can be used for hanging and securing artwork, photos, lists, cards and other light items. It sells for $3.79 at Walgreens.



Duly Noted:

-- Concalma (Calmly), a retailer based in Old San Juan, has a simple business philosophy to fit its laid-back company name: be gentle on the environment by making functional cotton bags and support local industry by using available material resources and contracting a co-op to manufacture its products. For Christmas, the company has unleashed a colorful rainbow of bags, pouches, and totes with the trademark bi-color shoulder strap. Check out those polka dots! As an added incentive to internet buyers in Puerto Rico and the U.S., the company will throw in free shipping for purchases through Nov. 30. Prices: from $20 to $48. http://shopconcalma.com







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