SavvySugar

Is It Rude to Regift?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:10 -0800

Have you stashed away disappointing holiday gifts from last year only to disguise them as new presents for others this year? If so, you're not alone. According to Time, a recent Consumer Report survey suggests that 36 percent of holiday gifters will be regifters this season, passing along unwanted or unneeded items from season's past.

Sure, the idea's a guaranteed money and time saver. It also ensures that nothing unwanted goes to waste - or does it? If you didn't like the gift in the first place, what makes you so sure someone else is going to? Unless of course he or she is dying for whatever item you've previously rejected and are wrapping up this year. And of course, there's always the risk that the original gift-giver pays you a visit this year, and looks for the special present she gave you last year to ensure that it's being used and loved.

Well, obviously there's a certain art form and etiquette to the whole regifting process, and if you're smart about how you regift, you'll probably get away with it, no questions asked. So tell me, is regifting something you do? Or is it rude to give hand-me-down presents from past holidays?

How-To: Step Up Your Game at Work

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:09 -0800

Spinning your wheels at the office might earn you a paycheck, but it's unlikely to put you in line for a raise or give you much satisfaction. Fulfilling your responsibilities is good; trying harder can make you great. Step up your work game by putting in more effort in subtle ways that may just get you noticed.

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Edward Cullen's Twilight House: Guess How Much?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:14 -0800

In case you're one of the few who hasn't been counting down to New Moon's official release, the much-anticipated flick hits theaters today! All the Sugar gals have fully embraced the Twilight buzz, and are in the company of . . . CNN Money? Yes, the publication ran a real estate story about the Cullen family's house which, in reality, is up for sale by a local owner who is "looking for a change of pace."

Can you guess the asking price for the the now famous, five-bedroom, four-bath West Vancouver estate?

Take the quiz

Which Holiday Scent Will You Choose?

Sponsor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:41:05 -0800

Certain scents always bring on the nostalgia of the holidays. Now you can bring those scents and memories into your home with Febreze holiday candles. Eliminate odors with classic holiday fragrances like Cranberries & Frost, Winter Evening & Warmth, and Fresh Evergreen & Snow.

So tell us, which of these scents help to start off your holiday season?

I'm Asking: What's the Best Thing You've Bought This Month?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:34 -0800

There's just one week left until Black Friday, the day most major retail and electronic stores slip into official holiday mode and host big sales. I plan on keeping my Black Friday budget pretty tight (that is if I spend anything), and considering the fact that most of us aren't sure the economy is getting better, I suspect most of you are planning the same.

That being said, 'tis the season of shopping, and spending a little on everyday purchases can actually help you save up for the big stuff. What's the best - or smartest - thing you've purchased so far this month?

What's Your Most Effective Budget Tip?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:36 -0800

Creating and sticking to a budget is hard. Period. It takes dedication, daily effort and compromise. We each develop our own smart saving style and tricks over the years, which is why we started the How Do You Save? group for you to divulge your winning tactics. We want you to dole out your advice to other SavvySugar readers trying to save a little moola and learn from their experiences.

Do you have an effective budget tip? Create a PopSugar Account or login to your account, then join the How Do You Save? group and share it! And you never know, it could be featured on SavvySugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Does Renting an Extravagance Still Satisfy?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:45:13 -0800

We rent apartments, cars, and DVDs, but as pop culture continues to influence our lifestyle, even couture is now available to rent. Sure we can't all afford the designer duds cropping up on couture runways from here to Paris, but as the New York Times reports, the recessionistas among us have found another way to get their hands on the coveted - and pricey - merchandise.

Modeled after the "rent-by-web" model, the new site, Rent the Runway, offers clothes from design houses like DvF, Heve Leger, and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few, for anywhere from $50 to $200 dollars for a four-night stay in your very own closet - even dry-cleaning's included in the cost of rental.The only downside, of course, is that fact, that after a couple nights of dancing in your designer number, you'll be forced to pack it up and send it right back.

It's a pretty innovative way to give us the chance - or at least, the illusion - of having it all. Still, I'm wondering does it make a difference to you if you know you don't own the item? Does renting the couture make it feel any less special or is the concept a smart way to give women a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag?

I'm Asking: Would You Gamble on Rain to Win a Free Stay?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:04 -0800

I don't know many people who look forward to a rainy day on a beach vacay, but this plan may make you more inclined. Although normal rates for Malaysia's luxury Tanjong Jara Resort will run upwards of $350 per night, if you encounter more than an inch of rainfall in any 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. period, you'll get a free night (with a three-night-minimum to be eligible).

Both the island's rainy season and the promotion go from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28 so there's a good chance you'll encounter some falling water on a stay, but no guarantees to the required total to achieve your dream of a downpour payout. Since most of you were not signing up for sunshine insurance, would you splurge on a trip here and hope for the ~~best~~ wettest weather possible, or does the possibility of rain deter you from the planning point period?

Got a cost-saving travel tip? Join our Savvy Travel Tips group and share your expertise!

Source: Flickr User John-Morgan

Meet Our New Food and Entertaining Video Channel, YumTV!

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:43:19 -0800

I'm a huge fan of PopSugar Rush and BellaTV - that's why it brings me great honor to introduce our new food-related video channel, YumTV! We're creating an exciting lineup of original shows that will debut every week. YumTV is your ultimate guide to all things food, drink, and entertaining. We'll show you how to throw the perfect party, cook killer apps, browse the farmers markets, shake up creative cocktails, and much more!

In today's first episode, we talk about one of the most important side dishes of the Thanksgiving meal, mashed potatoes. To learn how to add a punch of color to our basic mashed potatoes recipe, watch YumTV now!

Guess Which College Costs More in 2009-2010

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:04 -0800

College prices are continually on the rise, and this year's numbers have a lot of families nervous about the big tuition checks to come. Can you guess which college costs more during this new school year? Note: Cost includes tuition, room and board.

Question 1 of 6

Which college is pricier?