4 Things You Didn't Know About Cinnamon

According to Scandinavian researchers: consumption of 3 grams of cinnamon a day may improve your control of blood-glucose levels. That's good news to those of you who are working to control your blood glucose levels. Here are some more things you may not know about Cinnamon.

• You can get 16 percent of your daily fiber from just consuming 7 grams of cinnamon.
• Cinnamon is an excellent source of Vitamin K; which benefits blood clots, strengthens bones and helps digestion.
• A tablespoon of cinnamon contains 19 calories.
• Cinnamon has been used to treat depression.

Hope you've learned a thing or two about cinnamon. I know I did. What other things do you know about cinnamon?

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Photo by Claudio Matsuoka

5 Household Dust Busters

Its Spring! Time to get a new start and do some cleaning around the house. After, or during, your decluttering, you'll probably find a layer or two of dust. If you hate clutter and dust, here are five common things you may have around the house that are a great help for helping to get rid of that dust problem.

Socks

Socks are both convenient and easy to use. Just slip one over your hand and wipe over any surface you can get your hands on. Dust will melt before your eyes.

Fabric softener sheets

I've mentioned in an earlier post that softener sheets can be used mutiple times. After that I usually put them to use picking up dust on TVs, computer screens and any dusty surface I can find.

Coffe filters

I don't drink coffee, but coffee filters can come in very handy for cleaning mirrors and windows and getting that lint-free shine!

Toothbrushes

I don't know about you, but I tend to put toothbrushes to all kinds of use after their day jobs are over. You can use old toothbrushes to tackle hard to reach crevices and small behind the scene areas that other things cannot reach.

Hair Dryers

Hair dryers are ideal for narrow spots such as in the corners of rooms and in the crevices of furniture. It is powerful enough to blow out most dust bunnies and a great complement to that handheld vacuum.

Do you have any additional tips to share with us about dust busting? It's time for Spring Cleaning, so get those ideas together and get organizing.

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Photo: country_boy_shane

Upside To Our Economy

I read an article called The upside to the down economy on Monday and it talks about businesses that are profiting in this down economy. Jim Cramer had a saying, "There's always a bull market somewhere.", and this is the bull market for repair shops, used clothing stores, fast-food restaurants and Web sites. This proves that there is an upside to the down economy. Too bad I can't say the same thing for Jim Cramer.

This article reminded me of a post I wrote some time back about Healthier Eating with Fast Food. Since so many people are eating fast food now, perhaps you can find ways to eat healthier, even with fast food. I try to limit fast food to once or twice a week, but when I do eat it, I try to eat smaller portions. Not to mention I drink more Water rather than soda.

I think those who are willing to work and don't mind getting their hands wet, will come out of this better off. Now is the perfect chance to do those things you've always wanted to do, but never had the time for. I've taken it upon myself to take photos daily, something I find I enjoy doing, as I mentioned in my Frugal Kaizen blog.

What about you? Are you shopping at used clothing stores? Eating at fast food restaurants more often? Getting things repaired instead of buying a replacement?

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Photo by FrugalNYC

Conquering Cold Sores

I saw a health article in the newspaper recently talking about cold sores. I was not sure what exactly constitutes a cold sore. If enough people experience these I figure it's worth finding out a little bit more about it and to know how to prevent and deal with it. According to that article, many people have to deal with these painful blisters found on or around the mouth. Here are some ways to fight them off for good. Start treatment as soon as you think you have a cold sore.

Heat or Ice. Warm or cold compresses can relieve pain and swelling. This treatment may also keep a blister from forming at all.

Limit Sun Exposure. Ultraviolet rays can aggravate sores and cause new breakouts. When you are outside, wear sunscreen and use lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.

Keep Clean. Wash the infected area with a clean cloth and hot soapy water twice a day. Make sure you dry it thoroughly after washing. Cleanliness is very important to keep any illness away, so make sure to wash your hands regularly as well.

Keep Moist. Coat your lips regularly with a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or apply a zinc-based ointment.

You can find additional treatment options for cold sores on WebMD. If you think you have a cold sore, you should see your doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Have you had cold sores? How do you deal with it?

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Job Hunting Strategies

With so many companies laying people off, and the abundance of job seekers, we all need all the extra help we can get to get that next job. Some essential strategic tools we all need to use can give us that edge. I've been on both sides of the interview desk and thought I would share some information I've picked up from experience and reading.

Here are some strategies that we can use to find that next job.

• Flexible but realistic goals.
• Make a list of a network of everyone you know personally, professionally and online.
• A Resume that makes you stand out from the rest.
• A plan that gets your resume out to the right people.

When looking for a job, the product you are selling is yourself. Namely the services you are offering your new employer. Your resume should tell your new employer, quickly, how you can help them make or save money. It's best to write down all your past accomplishments, and then use that list to convey how you can do the same for your new job.

Most resumes get tossed, I've been on both sides of the coin, though I've yet to perfect a resume. A resume should be crafted to fit the job you are applying for. Yes, that will take time, but that will also make you stand out from all other candidates who did not do this. At its best, a resume will function much like an ad or commercial, it will make the audience want to purchase what is being advertised. How do you do this? Make your resume easy to scan. Most resumes get only a few seconds before it gets tossed. If something catches the readers eye, you are one step closer to that job. Make sure you list "Areas of Expertise" and what "Values You offer" near the top of the resume.

Once crafted you need to get your resume out to your network and to recruiters. Posting your resume to niche job boards such as Dice (for IT) offer better results than general sites such as Monster. Here are some job boards you may know about and a few you may not.

Job Boards

• Hotjobs
• Monster
• Dice (great for IT, I've found a job through this in the past)
• Craigslist.org - look on this site, but choose the area (eg. NYC) that you are interested in finding a job.
• Indeed.com - A search engine for jobs. It searches other job boards.
• SimplyHired - Another search engine for jobs.

Are you looking for a new job? What tips do you have for us? What job boards do you use? If you have used any of the above with good results, please share your experience with us.

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Guest Post At Lifestyle Project Blog

Today I've written a guest post at Lifestyle Project. I talk a little about why I blog and how it is part of my current lifestyle. Please take a minute and hop on over to check it out. I'll be posting here again tomorrow.

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Photo by FrugalNYC

Medicinal Benefits Of Latin Cuisine

I saw an article in the newspaper about the following and found it helpful. If you are living a healthy lifestyle it will definitely make your "frugal" tendencies worthwhile. Living healthy is more important than any other aspect of frugal living.

As in Chinese herbal remedies, these Latin cuisine based remedies are very helpful to those living a more "natural medicine" lifestyle. So what are the benefits of a Latin cuisine?

• Chamomile is used to soothe an upset stomach, as a sleep aid and to treat irritated or red eyes.
• Cinnamon tea is believed to regulate blood sugar, relieve cold symptoms and cure diarrhea. So stop reaching for tylenol cold and get a cup of cinnamon tea instead.
• Cactus is thought to have beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, and to aid digestion as well as help heal stomach ulcers. So instead of Peptol bismol, try some cactus!
• Flaxseed is scientifically proven to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed is thought to clean the intestines. Instead of going to the doctor and getting a "colin cleanse" try eating more fish and perhaps taking some flaxseed supplements.
• Chili peppers offer relief from the common cold by promoting mucus drainage. Spice is nice!

The next time you want some alternative medicine. Try your kitchen! Chicken soup is only the beginning.

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Photo courtesy of _neona_

Capital One Checking Account

More Rewards for Everyone!

In the past several days, I've seen subway ads for Capital One's free checking account, with Rewards. It's nothing new to reward you for banking with a specific bank. What seems different to me is what gets rewarded. It seems like they will reward you for just using the checking account to pay bills and just about anything else you do with your checking account.

Too Good To Be True

Sound too good to be true? I think so. According to their website, these checking accounts are only available through their bank branches in Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas. So if I wanted to open an account, I would need to go to a local bank and open one up. There are many banks with online presences that allow you to open an account online, which saves time! If you are missing documentation during your "Bank Branch" visit, you might have to waste more time!

I'm not sure I would want to open up a checking account that is only available in only these states. Why would I not just stick with my neighborhood bank then? Sure I don't get rewards with my current bank, but I also do not get all kinds of hidden fees and charges. Money has to be made somewhere right? Otherwise how does a bank stay afloat?

Do you have one of these checking accounts? Is it as good as it sounds? How do you like your current checking account? Do you even use a checking account?

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Photo by Andres Rueda

Intrepid Sea Air museum

The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum is open again after some renovations from October 2006 to October 2008. I've been to that museum several times and would visit again in the near future. I always have a good time there!

There is much to see in this one of a kind museum. Adults and children alike will enjoy hours of fun and learn a thing or two about Sea, Air and Space. There is nothing like going to a museum that floats on a river and getting on the tarmac of a war ship with numerous air planes on the top deck.

You can watch, read and listen to multimedia all about the displays and its history. There are tours of specific areas as well, like the submarine quarters. You can get inside of a submarine and the guide will show you what life is like as a crew member.

You can read more about the museum on Wikipedia or on the Museum's website. Or better yet, go visit the museum!

Location

The Museum is located at:
Pier 86 (Twelfth Ave. and W. 46th St.)
Manhattan, NY 10036

General Admission prices:

Adult $19.50
Youth (6-17) $14.50
Child (2- 5) $7.50
Child under (2) Free
You can get the full price list here.

For a Limited time (until 3/31/09) you can get a 15% discount from NYCgo.com for up to two people.

Directions

To get there by public transportation, take any train to Times Square 42nd St. Then take the M42 bus to 12th Avenue, ask the bus driver to let you know when to get off.

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Photo by Jim Linwood

Cars Not To Buy

According to this article on Yahoo autos these are the cars that you should not buy. Reminder to self, in case I land the lottery (unlikely since I don't play) or if I come into some huge inheritance (also unlikely, but I can all dream), I'll be sure not to pick up any of these cars.

• Compact Car: Pontiac G5
• Compact Crossover: Suzuki XL7
• Full-Size SUV: Jeep Commander
• Full Size Pickup: Nissan Titan
• Upscale Car: Volvo S60
• Sports Car: Mitsubishi Eclipse

Are you in the market to buy a car? Since none of the car-makers are doing well it is a good time to buy, that is if you have a steady job, income and good savings. Good luck on your car purchase! If you're in no hurry to buy a car, perhaps you can read my post Ways To Make Your Car Last.

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.


Photo by stevoarnold

Queens Library - Corona

Recent Queens Public Library - Corona Branch Visit

I dropped by the Corona library, a branch of the Queens Public Library system, on a Saturday afternoon, in early February. This was the library branch where I obtained my first public library card.


What I Found

I was glad to find the library still catered to young school students, a good half of library seemed aimed toward kids. The children's book section were filled with books for young children in both English and Spanish. The Corona area of Queens is dominated by the Hispanic community, and the library reflects this. I found a Spanish section of books and saw spanish magazines in the magazine racks. There were many computers available for public use and the checkout counters are all automated with someone standing by to help. Though when I checked out two books, I could not find the person to help us figure the system out. It seems to use some kind of weight and RFID type system to detect the books. I did not find much of a DVD selection in this library though. This is understandable, since it is a small neighborhood library.


First Library Card Memories

As I mentioned, I obtained my first library card from this library.

Boy was I happy when I got my library card! I started borrowing books and read a great deal. I don't remember the first book I ever borrowed, but I did borrow Hardy Boys, Origami, Paper Airplanes and other books of interest to me at the time. I started borrowing many other books in all genres. Much of my interest in computers were enhanced due to the availability of Byte and other computer magazines at the time. I would sit in front of a school computer and type in the BASIC programs I found in those magazines.

Back then all the books were checked out and then stamped with a mechanical date stamp. Today you can find automated checkout stations in many libraries. I was happy to see so many young children and adults sitting at the public computer terminals.


Support The Library

I mentioned on my earlier blog post, Sign The Petition To Save Our Libraries, that I would find out more about how we can support the Library's petition. I did speak to Mr. Jimmy Van Bramer and he will let me know when the online version of the Petition will be available. I will spread the word once I am notified of the online petition. The budget decision will be made in mid-year 2009. If you have a way to put up an online petition quickly, perhaps you can contact Mr. Jimmy Van Bramer to offer your help and services. Here is a previous petition for the Library from 2008.

In the meantime, what can we do to help? Here are some ideas:

• Call 311 and tell them you don't want the Queens Library budget cut to go through
• Contact Mayor Bloomberg, I read his biography thanks to the Library system. Here is a short snippet from the NYC web site.
• Contact Christine Quinn, speaker of the City Council and express your concern and support.
  
• Tell your family, your neighbors, friends and classmates about this petition. I asked a friend to sign last week.
• Sign the petition at your local library.
• Make your voice heard and make sure our tax dollars are directed toward your local Queens Library!

I found some of the above contact links from the NYC.gov website.

Additional Queens Library Resources:

• Queens Library Learning 2.0 blog
• Public Library Association Blog
• Queens Library Foundation
• AquaBrowser Library - Find Books and discover related items from Queens Library
• Queens Library Twitter account
  

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Logo from QueensLibrary.org

9 Quick Money Saving Tips

Today I'm sharing a few Money Saving tips that I use. This will be the beginning of some quick posts I'll be doing from here on.

1. Use Coupons - No need to hunt them down, if you have them, use them.
   
2. Reuse Dryer sheets - Continue to use dryer sheets, after using three times, use it to remove dust from your furniture or other surfaces. They literally attract dust. Use them to wipe your TV or Computer monitor screens.
   
3. Reuse Paper Towels - If you clean a water spill and the towel is in good shape, let it dry and reuse it. Save trees and the environment.
   
4. Reuse Plastic Utensils - I've reused plastic forks and spoons time and again. I have about 5 forks that I have been using for well over several months now. I wash them with my dishes.
   
5. Visit Dollar stores - every so often I find great deals. Not everything is a great deal, so if you are the shopping type, don't visit too often. I recently picked up a pack of Dora the Explorer playing cards, great for young kids to learn numbers with as well.
   
6. Use Baking Soda as an all purpose cleaner. I've cleaned greasy pans successfully with this multi purpose cleanser. You can find 75 uses for it here.
   
7. Freeze your over ripe bananas and make your own Banana bread. Some great banana bread recipes here.
   
8. Buy Used - Most things depreciate very quickly, especially technology. If you can buy used, do so. You will save a lot of money this way.
   
9. Bring Your Own Lunch - If your job has the right facilities, bringing your lunch can save you a lot of money. Assuming you spend about $7 a lunch on average, after 300 days you will have saved over $2000. You can buy a nice TV with that money.

I hope you have found these tips helpful. What quick money saving tips do you have? Please share them in the comments.

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Photo by Refracted Moments

What's The Purpose Of Alternate Side Parking?

Tuesday's alternate side parking rules were suspended due to snow removal, which made me think of this question. Do many people even know why alternate side parking even takes place? If you've wondered about this question, think no more!

The primary reason is for street cleaning. In order to facilitate the street sweepers, each side of a street is usually designated with a date and time for when that cleaning takes place. So if you park on the streets, you need to move your car so the street can be swept. This is why when it snows, the rules are suspended. The plows are out there cleaning up the snow and it would be useless for the sweepers to come through.

If you use street parking in NYC like many do, including myself, then you may find these resources helpful.

• Primo Spot has mapped out many parts of NYC so you know where you can and cannot park.
• I've also mentioned Is Alternate Side Parking In Effect in a previous post titled Simple Single Purpose Online Services. This service saved me a quick trip this week by notifying me that alternate side parking is not in effect.

So whether you are a New Yorker or a visitor, now you know why NYC has alternate side parking rules. You can read a related post I wrote called Save Time - Alternate Side Parking 2009 for a schedule of days alternate side parking is suspended. You can also check out my post titled Life Lessons Learned From Digging Out A Car for a different perspective.

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Photo courtesy Katie Tegtmeyer