Shopping Sense - February/March 2009

guide to smart moneyyour

CENTRAL NORTHJanuary 23 - February 19

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HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF SPENDING LESSThe Best Ways To Get Your Financial House in Order in 2009

Home Decorating Tips ...Pg 8

Keeping Your CarIn Tip Top Shape...Pg 12

Denver Dining Deals &VaLenTine’S SpeCiaLS ...Pg 22


HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF SPENDING LESSThe Best Ways To Get Your Financial House in Order in 2009

Home Decorating Tips ...Pg 8

Keeping Your CarIn Tip Top Shape...Pg 12

Denver Dining Deals &VaLenTine’S SpeCiaLS ...Pg 22

January 23 - February 19

C O N T E N T S

How to Get the Most Out of Spending Less…Pg. 6–7

Teach yourself to stay out of debt and start saving.

Home Décor Crafts on a Budget…Pg. 8–9How to make your home attractive without spending a lot of money.

Pet Ownership in an Economic Recession…Pg. 10–11

Discover ways to take care of your animals in a tough economy.

How to Increase the Life of Your Vehicle…Pg. 12–13

Take care of your car regularly and let it take you further than ever.

Inexpensive Wines of Value…Pg. 14–15You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good wine.

Reading as a Hobby…Pg. 16Reading is one of the best activities for maintaining an active, healthy mind.

Sewing on a Budget…Pg. 17Not only is it cheaper to make your own clothes, but it’s fun too.

Dollar Stretching Tips…Pg. 18–20Live better on the money you already make.

Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can Make Yourself…Pg. 21

Gifts that come from the heart often mean more and cost less.

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Specials…Pg. 22Try spending Valentine’s Day this year in Denver with specials that will please your date as well as your wallet.

My $30 Recession Fighting Machine

... Pg 4

How a crock pot can help you ride out the recession.

Shopping Sense • January 23 - February 19 3

Publisher James Diaz

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Managing Editor John Cargile

Contributing EditorsRyan Peacock Charron Conley

Caitlin Kelly Jeanne Fischer

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Creative Director Yashpal Singh

Contributing Art DirectorsJennifer Harlow Richard Gaither Marissa Ayres

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Office Manager Theresa Hall

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Account ExecutivesPatrick EskewAnne Kremer

Ellen Schneeweis Ellen Smith

Tony Sollenbarger Char Stunkel

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My $30Recession Fighting Machine

W hat if I told you that I have a special Recession Fighting Machine and that it cost me less than $30? In fact, you can probably find one at a local thrift store for a lot less than that, or the odds are

pretty good that you may already have one hidden away in your kitchen cupboard. If the status-appliance of the last decade was a $10,000 Viking gas range, then the good old fashion crock pot – AKA “slow cooker” – is the kitchen appliance du jour for today’s tight economy. My mom still has – and recently drafted back into active duty –

the avocado green colored one with the funky paisley designs that I fondly remember her serving up a myriad of lentil concoctions from in the 1970s. I guess those were relatively lean times too, at least for our family, but I’d be hard pressed to name a time in my life when I was any happier. Maybe I’m just waxing nostalgic, but that crock pot is no small part of the slow cooked memories from that simpler time in my life that I still cherish to this day.

Save energyCrock pots, particularly today’s models, are energy-sippers compared to most other cooking methods like a traditional oven, stove top, or toaster oven. And that’s after taking into account the fact that you might set your crock pot for a cooking job taking eight hours or even longer. Slow cookers use just 100 watts of electricity, which means that if you use it once a week for eight hours at a time, it’ll only cost you about TWENTY CENTS a month in electricity! Not bad for four home-cooked meals.

FINANCEby Jeff Yeager

Saving money on energy costs is just the tip of the rump roast when it comes to the financial benefits

of crock pot cooking.

Save on grocerieSSaving money on energy costs is just the tip of the rump roast when it comes to the financial benefits of crock pot cooking. Slow cooking is the key to transforming inexpensive, sometimes tough cuts of meat into tender, fall-off-the-fork morsels. Chances are that the least expensive cuts of meat in your butcher’s case are perfect for the crock pot. Consider, for example, whole fryers, pork hocks and neck bones, smoked turkey legs and wings, and other inexpensive cuts of pork, lamb, beef and poultry that you might not otherwise buy. And of course crock pots are perfect for cooking beans and other legumes, among the healthiest and least expensive foods you can eat. Check out more the 1,400 slow cooker recipes at www.southernfood.about.com.

Save TiMeSlow cooking is even faster than fast food! Most crock pot recipes involve only a few minutes of prep time – maybe chopping up a few veggies, stirring together some basic ingredients, and then turning on the slow cooker and forgetting about it. Forgetting about it, that is, until you return home after a hard day’s work. That’s when you’re greeted by that heavenly aroma of a home-cooked meal ready for the dinner table, prepared in less time than it would have taken you to pick up fast food on your way home.

Save on Dining ouTWhile you can cook smaller portions in a crock pot, most of today’s models hold anywhere from four to eight quarts. Cook a full pot, and even for a large family you’re likely to have more than one meal’s worth of a dish. Freeze the leftovers or serve them again later in the week, or package them in small containers for lunches. Whenever you cook in large batches, you’re sure to save money by avoiding dining out because you “don’t have anything in the house for dinner.”

Save your HealTHBecause very few crock pot recipes call for adding extra oil or using grease, most slow cooking dishes are relatively low in fat, at least compared to frying or other traditional cooking methods where extra fat is often added. Professional health writers Chet and Josh Day share some particularly healthy – and delectable – slow cooking recipes at www.crockpotrecipes101.com/blog.

Save your SaniTyThere’s no denying that these are stressful economic times for most Americans. Rarely has comfort food been so essential. We may not be able to afford the kind of luxuries you buy with money, but maybe we afford something even more valuable: the luxury of slowing down and enjoying a delicious slow cooked meal with family and friends. As my mom always says, The only thing more important than what’s on the table is who’s sitting around it.

Jeff Yeager is the author of the book The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches. His website is www.UltimateCheapskate.com. nSS

4 January 23 - February 19 • www.shoppingsense.biz

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Volatile financial markets. Housing prices on the decline. Unemployment rising. An uncertain—at best!—

outlook for the economy. It’s no wonder many Americans are feeling less well off and less optimistic about their financial futures. But despite all the bad news, I always think of the new year as a time for positive change. As individuals, we certainly can’t move markets or predict the future of the economy. But we can take a serious look at our finances, in particular our patterns of spending and saving. It’s quite simple, really: When you spend less, you save more. It’s certainly the best way I know to get your financial house in shape. At the heart of financial well-being is a simple, profound kernel of personal financial wisdom: Live within your means. And the easiest way to accomplish this goal is to make a budget and stick to it. Keep track of income and spending. Your budgeting process doesn’t need to be elaborate. Most people know exactly how much money they make (some self-employed people and small business owners, of course, have to estimate their income). That’s your top line. Now figure out your fixed expenses, such as your mortgage payment or rent, insurance premiums and car payments. Other expenses are variable, like utilities, groceries, clothing and entertainment, though most of these are easily estimated. Your past bank statements can help you understand where your money goes, or you can use personal finance software. Once you have a handle on where it goes, you’ll start to understand where you can cut back. Avoid debt. A critical component of

living within your means is to avoid nondeductible, high-interest debt, in particular, credit card debt. I’m not saying don’t use credit cards at all; they can be a useful financial

tool and can help you track where your money goes. What I am

encouraging you to do is to

avoid carrying credit card balances. Credit

card interest costs are high and nondeductible, which is bad enough;

even worse, every dollar you pay in interest is a dollar you’re not saving for the future or even spending on something of value now. In fact, if you have a lot of credit card debt, your 2009 financial makeover should start right here: by reducing the amount you pay in interest. That alone will have an immediate and obvious positive impact on your finances. Start saving. Once you’ve got a handle on your spending, add a line to your budget for savings. You may already be saving through a company-sponsored retirement plan (I hope you’re doing so!). But I believe that savings should be an explicit component of your every day budget, so much so that it eventually becomes second nature – it helps to make it automatic, and I would encourage you to set up direct deposit into a high-yield checking or savings account through your employer or bank. (Making saving second nature is why I suggest encouraging kids to save part of their allowance; I think it’s a great habit to develop as early as possible.) Set goals. Most plans start out with specific goals, and a financial plan is no different. Articulating these goals helps you reach them. You might have spending goals (e.g., “cut 10 percent from my grocery budget” or “reduce my credit card balance by 10 percent each month”). If you’re already saving money (spending less than you take in), then you can set some savings/investment goals. Create a financial cushion. One of your first savings goals (after eliminating credit card debt) should be to build an emergency fund, a financial cushion that could be really valuable if you lose your

How to Get the Most Out of Spending less The Best Ways To get your Financial House in Order

FINANCEBy Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz

job or are unable to work for an extended time. Generally, three to six months of nondiscretionary living expenses should be sufficient (housed in a separate, interest-bearing account for safety and liquidity). Then you can start to focus on longer-term goals like a down payment on a home, college costs for the kids or additional savings for retirement. The longer your time horizon, the more heavily you can invest in equities. Be specific in goal-setting. The more explicit you can make your goals, the better. “I am going to save $50,000 over the next 10 years for the down payment on a house” is much more concrete than “saving to buy a house some day.” For college, you know the age of your children, and you can easily estimate the future costs of public and private colleges, and invest accordingly. Retirement, of course, is an enormous challenge, but by talking to a financial advisor or by using an online calculator you can make some smart estimates about what you’ll need when you leave the workforce. Then work backward to see what kind of money you’ll have to set aside each month in order to get there. With a specific goal, dollar figure and timetable, you’ll know each year if you’re making progress. The most important idea here is that without thinking carefully about what you want your money to achieve, it will simply disappear. Some people are great and diligent savers, but clearly many

people are not; despite Ben Franklin’s dictum about “a penny saved,” that thought is not engrained in American culture. To my mind, there is no question that saving and investing are always important, but I think they are especially vital when times are tough. So as you head into 2009, think carefully about what’s most important to you and your loved ones. Then put your money where your heart is. You’ll find ways to channel it to where you want it to go: your future.

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz is Chief Strategist, Consumer Education, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. You can e-mail Carrie at [email protected]. To find out more about Carrie Schwab Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. nSS

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

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Sometimes, appearance is all that matters and it’s not what’s on the inside that counts. As a frugal home decorator, that’s lesson number one. Lesson number two is patience. The right item for

the job will come along at the right price if you wait. Finally, lesson number three is trust your intuition when it comes to saving things. If a little voice says “this may come in handy,” it’s probably right. Here are a few frugal projects using materials you may have around now and will certainly have around at some point: 1. Elegant end tables. My mother had several of these, made from a home-sewn table cloth, a circle of plywood, and a waist-high moving box. The plywood circle sat on top of the box, and the table cloth turned it into an attractive and functional little table. She even used the box for storage. A square of plywood would work as well and may be easier to find. It’s just a matter of which you prefer. 2. Creative containers. Colored or patterned contact paper can turn a coffee can into a functional and decorative kitchen canister. Use a fancy or homey font to print a label for the front and you have a great way to organize the pantry. The same applies to jars of all sizes. If contact paper doesn’t appeal, try your hand at glass painting. A simple

pattern of flowers or scrolls will make the jar into a decorator item and still let you see the contents. Decoupage is another frugal way to add professional-looking graphics. Old calendars, magazine ads, postcards, printouts, and photocopies are all good sources of materials. Just paint the item with decoupage glue, stick on your picture, and paint over it with the glue to seal it. 3. Scented soaps. For around thirty dollars, you can find a tub of glycerin soap that would last most families a year or so. Craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby are a good place to look, though you can order it online if you can’t find it locally. The same types of plastic molds are used for soap, candles, and candy, so there are an endless variety of shapes you can make. For a truly penny pinching crafter, molds can be found in the trash, or preferably recognized before being placed in the trash. The plastic tray for a box of chocolates, for example, would make a perfect mold for small soaps. Purchase your favorite soap scents and a roll of clear plastic wrap. You may also want to use some ribbon or decorative craft paper. You can now pour your own decorative scented soaps for less than you would spend on ordinary soaps. Best of all, you can customize them with your favorite scents and colors, or add

Home Décor Craftson a Budget The right item will come

along at the right price.

FAMILYBy Raven Lebeau

a sprig of some home grown herb. The leaves will be preserved in the soap like a biology specimen. Until the soap is used down to where the leaves get exposed, they will remain green and fresh. After you make a bar, wrap it in the plastic and tie a ribbon around it. A basket of these will add a homey touch to a bathroom or kitchen, serving as both a decor item and a practical necessity. 4. Puzzle pictures. Putting together puzzles is a good rainy day activity. My husband and I have enjoyed listening to audio books from the library while working on puzzles. When finished, the puzzle can be coated with decoupage glue or “puzzle glue” and hung as a piece of art. Guests always remark on our interesting artwork and are amazed when, upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a puzzle. I include this as a “budget” craft since the puzzle doubled as entertainment and artwork. 5. Rustic repainting. Some of the new and expensive furniture you see for sale is distressed and decorated with simple painting techniques. Why spend hours sanding down that old dresser or table? I had a hand-me-down table that had been who-knows-how-many

colors in its life. White, green, and yellow chips were falling off. Rather than put a lot of time and money into it, I covered it with sage green craft paint. The leftover paint underneath gives it a nice distressed texture. On the top, I stenciled some simple roses. The interesting thing about that table is how well it fits with some of the pricier “country” style furniture I bought new. My mom had the same idea and fooled me into thinking she had bought a new chair. It was sky blue

and had an old-fashioned flag and bald eagle design decoupaged on the backrest. Sitting in her dining room, it looked like a charming antique, but had actually been a garage sale find and a weekend project. 6. Pup pads. A dog bed can set you back a hundred dollars or more, which is sad since it’s an easy sewing project. Buy a large pillow or make one out of some cheap, sturdy material. Next, buy a heavy decorator fabric that fits your color scheme and sew a “pillow case” that closes with Velcro or a zipper. Make sure the fabric is reasonably priced and durable. You will want to wash it fairly often, so make at least two covers. (Your feline friends will love this project too, as long as you pretend it’s your pillow and tell them not to lay on it.) nSS

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During these current times of economic recession, pet ownership is becoming a more difficult task. People are beginning to find that house pets are becoming over-populated, and money is scarce.

Many people are opting to have a pet-free house, while others are budgeting to make ends meet. Because certain animals need us, it is best not to deprive them of the possibility of a good home. The common sense option becomes taking a pet under our wing and thinking more creatively when it comes to pet expenses. There are many simple solutions and ways that you can save money on your pet. Establish a relationship with your local veterinarian. Take your pet for regular check-ups and get all its needed vaccinations. This will help prevent long-term problems. It is also important to get

your pet spayed or neutered so that you won’t have more pets to care for. Discuss your pet’s medical issues with your vet and be open for suggestions and solutions. The brand name doesn’t always matter. We all buy generic brand items for ourselves at one point or another. We often find that they work just as well as the real thing. This is the case with pet supplies. There are items out there that don’t have expensive labels but are still okay. You can save a lot of money on your pet just by comparison shopping. Pets don’t need gourmet menus. What you feed your pet is a matter of preference. At the same time, they don’t have to have expensive foods and rawhide bones. Many animals will be more thankful for table scraps than something from a can any day. The good news is that it isn’t going to hurt them. Some animals eat dead animals or items from the trash so table-scraps would be an upgrade in many forms. Do the general upkeep of your pet at home. You can save money as a pet owner just by doing simple things on your own. Take

Pet ownership in an Economic RecessionThere are many simple solutions and ways that you can save money on your pet.

pEtsBy Laura Leigh Fields

your pet for its own walk and bathe it on your own. You can also do grooming and flea prevention methods on your own. There are many inexpensive products on the market that will allow you to attend to a pet’s basic needs. Start a pet- sitting exchange. If you have to be away from home but can’t always take your pet with you, there is a way to save money. Start a pet-sitting club. Get a group of pet owners together and alternate days or weeks doing the pet sitting. Instead of payment, you will get your pets watched in return for watching other pets in your free time. Saving money on pets just takes a little creative thinking. You can join a pet club for more tips, clip coupons from the weekly circular and do a number of other things. The money-saving pet opportunities are limitless; you just have to look for them and take a chance. Remember, saving money on pet supplies doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t caring for your pet properly just as spoiling a pet doesn’t always mean you are meeting its needs. nSS

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Extending the life of your vehicle requires very simple steps that are often overlooked. Oil changes are usually what we think of, but there are many other necessary maintenance steps to ensure the

longevity of your vehicle. 1. Transmission Fluid—A lot of cars end up in the junkyard becauses no one changes the transmission fluid in the vehicle. It is not quite as simple as changing the oil and requires a new gasket and transmission filter. Whether you or a hired mechanic changes your fluid, you will want to “double-check” the results when the job is finished. There are no “plugs” to remove as on an oil change. The entire transmission pan must be removed. The old gasket must be removed

completely to create a good “seat” for the new gasket when the job is finished. The transmission filter is exposed upon the removal of the pan and is secured by either one or two screws. When re-installing the pan, you MUST tighten the bolts that bolt the pan to the transmission IN ORDER! There is a specific order to tighten these bolts to ensure proper alignment and prevent leaking. (Check your make/model mechanics manual, as these tightening orders are different on each vehicle.) After a transmission fluid change, you will want to check around the pan, wiping it clean, to see if any dark violet-colored fluid is seeping out. Do this at least every three oil changes. 2. Radiator Flush—Flushing out your radiator ensures that the engine cooling system performs at the proper flow rate. By flushing out your radiator, you remove the sludge that builds up from the solidified coolant injected into your system. If you do a lot of local driving, you will increase your chances for this sludge build-up. By doing this, you will prevent the water pump from breaking down (very expensive to replace) or seizing, and prevent the clogging of your thermostat (easy to replace, but time-consuming). The thermostat opens when a

How to Increase the Life of your vehicle

AutoBy Marshall Brown

certain temperature is reached to circulate coolant to keep the engine block cool. If you go to the nearest auto-parts store to get the necessary chemicals to do this yourself, USE CAUTION: this is an acid, and it would be wise to wear safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) when performing this flush. Follow any specific guidelines for each vehicle listed in a mechanics manual to ensure safety and precautions. Do this at least once a year. 3. Greasing—If you go to a mechanic for your car maintenance, be sure to have this done at least once a year. If you do it yourself, you will need a mechanics guide to your vehicle. There are many points of moving mechanical parts that require grease and bearings to run smoothly. Most are located at the wheels, axle and drive-shaft (rear-wheel drive). It all depends on the make/model of your vehicle. Doing this will prevent natural wear and tear on moving mechanical parts, which are the most expensive auto parts to replace and may cripple your vehicle permanently if damaged. 4. Air-Intake System—You will want to replace your air intake filter at least once a year. This will ensure that you are mixing the oxygen with the fuel to get peak performance and gas mileage out of your car. Inspect all the rubber air lines that feed your engine. If you hear any leaks, see any wear or rotting, replace the parts immediately. You will pay at the gas pump if you don’t and may even be stranded.

The combustion system relies on this system to “fire-up” and to gain more power, with less fuel. There are many other ways to increase the life of your car that have nothing to do with the mechanics itself, such as slowing to stops, not racing to them, and just being careful and remembering that a vehicle is just that, a vehicle. It was designed to get you from point A to point B, and we all take it for granted; it needs a lot of attention to keep you from ruining a night out on the town. When a car breaks down, it is almost always due to the owner’s lack of responsibility to the most important technology we use daily. Don’t neglect your vehicle, it depends on you too! nSS

oil changes are important, but there are many other necessary maintenance steps to ensure the longevity of your vehicle

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In the course of my work as a wine consultant, it has become increasingly apparent that many people have little idea on how to select an inexpensive wine that is

well made. The general populace thinks that in order to get an outstanding wine these days, you need to spend a lot of money. However, there are hundreds of examples of wines on the market today that represent quality but do not cost very much. “Inexpensive” is a relative term, but for this discussion, I will be referring to bottles of wine that are less than fifteen dollars in price. Without a doubt, I believe that Spain, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are the best sources of good, inexpensive, all occasion wines made today. That’s not to say that other countries don’t make great cheap wine, but from a value standpoint, people who want the biggest bang for their buck are best served choosing wines from these places. Spain makes some of the highest quality sparkling wine anywhere for a fraction of the price of French Champagne. Cava, as it is known, undergoes two in-the-

bottle fermentations just like Champagne does. It is made from grapes most of us have never heard of, but for $7.99 to $14.99, these wines taste great and are amazing food partners. Sweet to extremely dry, I would rather have six bottles of good Cava than one great bottle of the French stuff.

South America. The wine makers of Argentina take Malbec

(a red grape and one of the five classic Bordeaux varietals) and produce world-class wine of depth and structure that can hang with the best reds made anywhere. There are a lot of expensive Malbecs, but the majority available to US consumers fall into the under $15 category. Chilean wines for the most part are extremely inexpensive (less than $10) and are readily available in larger format bottles which are perfect for large gatherings. Whether Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or

Carmenere, the red wines of Chile exhibit an earthy component in their flavor that many find very appealing. South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Pinotage, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, is classic South African wine. A great food match, Pinotage at its best is a smoky medium-bodied red wine that exhibits berry fruit flavors and plummy banana aromas. Different, yes! At $7 to $12 a bottle, a fantastic value! Australia is home to hundreds of wineries that produce wines from every grape you may have heard of, but the money grapes are Shiraz (Syrah) and Chardonnay. World class in every way, expensive (over $50) examples, abound. However, there are ten times as many inexpensive wines that are right for the palate and the pocketbook. If a country ever existed to produce good quality wines at all price points, Australia is the place. New Zealand has become a world power in wine through their Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. Although more of the country

inexpensive Wines of Value

FooDBy Count Mourvedre

Those that wish to drink excellent wines

at value prices need to look to Spain and the wine producing

countries of the Southern Hemisphere

and experiment.

is planted in Chardonnay, it’s the racy, in-your-face-style of Sauvignon Blanc that has captured the fancy of most. Not as inexpensive as those wines from the aforementioned countries, quality New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs can still be purchased for less than $15. Have you noticed the underlying thread here? All of the wines discussed are made all over the globe. Regulatory laws as to production as well as import/export agreements have priced good if not great wine out of reach of the so-called “normal” consumer. Those that wish to drink excellent wines at value prices need to look to Spain and the wine producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere and experiment. Karen MacNeil, the head of the wine program at The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California once told me that “the best way to learn nothing about wine is to drink the same wine all the time.” I believe that should extend to drinking different wines from different countries as well. Salut! nSS

Storing and Serving Wine ProperlyNow that you know the best wines to purchase, it’s time to learn about storage and serving. Proper treatment of these wines will bring their flavor to life in your glass and allow you to enjoy them at their full potential.Storage: Wine should be stored in a cool area, out of the sunlight. High temperatures (70° F or more) can “age” the wine and severely alter the flavor. Temperature fluctuation can also alter the wine’s flavor, so be sure the storage area’s temperature is consistent. Bottles should always be stored on their sides to keep the cork from drying out.Serving: Light wines, dessert wines, and sparkling wines should be served at cooler temperatures (34 to 50° F) to preserve freshness. Fuller-bodied whites (like Chardonnay) can be served slightly warmer. Fuller red wines, such as Australian Cabernet and Shiraz, should be served at “cellar temperature,” around 55 to 65° F. Lighter reds, like Pinot Noir, can be served slightly cooler. Be sure not to fill a wine glass more than half full; you need to leave enough space to release all of the wine’s complex aromas. For more information on wine selection, storage and serving, or to try the wines listed in this article, head to WineStyles at 10111 Inverness Main Street, Ste. G, Englewood 80112, or call 303-284-5321, www.winwstylesvallagio.com nSS

good wines can still come for $15 or less.

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Many people consider reading enjoyable and some would label it as their favorite hobby. Still others, if asked, would admit that they never read, don’t like reading or don’t have time to read.

In the US, on average, each adult only reads about four books per year. Understandably there are other hobbies to enjoy besides reading, especially in today’s high-tech society; however, there seem to be very few other hobbies that are as beneficial to a person’s well being as reading. Reading can be very relaxing at the end of a long day, or can help the insomniac finally get to sleep by stopping a racing mind. He finally gets lost in a fantastic storyline which prepares him for much-needed sleep. Stressed out adults and insomniacs aren’t the only people who benefit from getting lost in books. Young children who are read to are able to open their imaginations and create images in their minds, which in turn boost cognitive test scores. Reading also strengthens the bond between parent and child. Children who are able to read on their own score higher on tests than children who don’t read or who don’t have books readily available to them. Senior citizens who read regularly are able to remain in their homes and take care of themselves longer than those who don’t. Just as in children, reading sharpens cognitive abilities in adults and senior citizens. Alzheimer’s patients

benefit from reading as well, and an article by Suite 101’s Melissa Howard, describes a study done by Dr. David Snowdon, which finds that children who are read to are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease due to the cognitive boost in development. While reading improves cognitive ability by giving our brainwaves a workout, reading also gives us the ability for continual learning. You can pick up a book and learn about history, or study a foreign language. Reading also gives a reader the ability to read and learn about other hobbies that they enjoy. Perhaps the nicest thing about reading is that there aren’t many hobbies as portable. You can read lying on a beach, on a plane or a subway, or even in a doctor’s office. A new portable electronic reading device on the market now allows a reader to download and transport up to 200 books at one time! Most people who read enjoy it and crave free time in order to steal away to a good book. But there will always be others who crave different forms of entertainment. Three percent of the US population can’t read. They are labeled as illiterate in a country that offers free education. We may never have a country that is 100% literate (Japan and the UK are the closest at 99%), but we can start teaching our children to read early and encouraging others to also get lost in a book. nSS

There seem to be very few other hobbies that are as beneficial to a person’s well being as reading.

BooKsBy Denise Calaman By Hillary Marshall

Sewing on a Budget Tips to help you stay within your sewing budget.

Decades ago, sewing was a necessity for families on a budget. Mothers sewed their children’s clothing, their household linens and even their home

decor. However, with today’s giant megastores selling things at rock-bottom prices, people are sewing less, and the hobby is becoming more expensive to indulge. Sewing on a budget is absolutely possible though, and a smart shopper can still spend less sewing their latest outfit then they would buying it from Walmart.

Save on FaBric The first rule of thumb to follow when sewing on a budget is to never buy fabric at its full price. Fabric stores always have sales, and shopping the sales is essential to sewing on a budget. Consider shopping the clearance section of your local fabric store. Some of the fabrics may be off season, but you can either save them for when they are appropriate or get a head start on your next season’s sewing. Checking the Internet for fabric deals can save you a bundle and keep you within your budget as well. There are many online fabric stores that offer deep discounts. You can even get fabric on auction from eBay.

ProTecT your PaTTernS Buying patterns for sewing can be costly. So saving your patterns and reusing them again and again is very economical. When you are done using a pattern, gently fold the pieces and put them in a folder. You can always reuse the envelope the pattern comes in, but saving them in a folder preserves them for longer. When selecting a pattern, consider which pattern gives you the most bang for your buck. If you spend a bit more on a pattern, but it comes with five different garment instructions that you will use, it will pay you back when you don’t have to purchase a separate pattern for that other piece. The more you use a pattern, the less costly each garment you make from that pattern becomes. If you spend twenty dollars total on fabric and a pattern, and you make two garments, that equals ten dollars per garment. However, if you go back later and reuse the same pattern to make another garment, it reduces the cost of your original garments made from that same pattern. Patterns pay for themselves over time.

uSe couPonS Most fabric stores have frequent buyer programs and mailing lists.

Taking advantage of these programs can garnish deep discounts that you may have

otherwise missed out on. Getting coupons for patterns, fabrics and notions can help you continually

save on your hobby. Keeping up on what’s on sale will help you budget your sewing money wisely. nSS

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reading as a hobby Escape in a good book


DollarSTreTcHing TiPS

Just enoughSeeing the advice about keeping a list of spices in your cupboard made me think of buying just

the amount of spice needed at a health food store. Most health food stores sell spices and many other items like rice, pasta and nuts by weight. I just bring along my measuring cups and spoons and measure out what I need. This is a great way to save on recipes that you make occasionally or for that special holiday recipe that you make once a year. It has been my experience that most

special spices cost less than 50 cents and some as little as 25 cents.—MAH

it Pays to QuoteIf you have renters or mortgage insurance, it’s a good

idea to get other quotes at least once a year. I recently saved $400 on my homeowners’ insurance just by contacting several insurance companies. It was really surprising how much difference there was between companies and the types of coverage they offered. I ended up going with AAA (yes, they are not just for automobiles anymore) for my homeowners’ insurance. Shop around for your home and automobile insurance. It may pay you big dividends.—Rick J. in Bellevue, NE

new clothes for FreeWhen the budget is stretched to the limit, the first thing to go for most of us is new clothes. But there is a way to fill your closet with a whole new wardrobe without spending a dime. Pick up a few bottles of wine and then call all your friends and invite them to a Swap Party. Tell them to bring some munchies and all the clothes they want to ditch. You can even tell your friend to bring a friend and so on. Once you have about 10 or 12 people together, you simply start trading clothes. By the end of the party, you and your friends should have brand new wardrobes and a closet full of clothes you no longer hate. This is also a great way to update your kids’ clothes.—C.

Special celebrationInstead of going to dinner to celebrate something for the kids (braces off, good report card, etc.), we decided to let them buy any dessert they wanted at the grocery store. Then we make a special dinner at home. This is a lot cheaper, and most of the time, they end up with a $4 container of ice cream. Even buying a more expensive ice cream cake is still much cheaper than going out to dinner.—NY

My Menu, My choiceInstead of purchasing frozen dinners to take for lunch, I make my own. I freeze the extra servings from a prepared recipe in sectioned, plastic plates I purchased cheaply at an off-price grocery store. I include the main dish and two side dishes, seal with freezer wrap and label with a permanent marker. If I do this a couple times a week, I soon have a nice variety of homemade meals to take for lunch, which taste better, have no added chemicals and cost much less.—Ellen T. in Waterville, Maine

cheaper auto FinancingI will share a tip to save on auto financing. Go and talk to your bank’s loan person, get a number for them and program it into your cell phone. Go to a credit union, talk to the loan person and do the same. Possibly get a third name and number. Then, once you have the price of the car nailed down and the papers signed, it will be time to talk financing. Every time the finance person says, “This is the best deal I can get you,” call one of your people and get a counter offer. Most of them get a kickback for getting you to accept a higher interest rate than you qualify for, so you need to be careful. I have placed four to five calls and shaved 3 percent off the interest rate. The finance man at the dealer just keeps reaching deeper in his file cabinet for better and better deals.—Deborah Z.

Turning off the Dryer!We cut our electric bill by $35 a month! We are a family of 7 that has been trying to cut our ever-increasing electric bill. I do all the things they say to do like keeping the lights off until needed, using energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, etc., but it wasn’t until I quit using my six-year-old “energy star” dryer that my electric bill went down $35 in one month! I was surprised at the difference that made! Now I use a clothesline during the warm months and some drying racks in the house during the winter. An added benefit of hanging wet clothes to dry inside during the winter is that it adds humidity to the air in drier climates like mine.—Renee E. in Harrisville, UT

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Copyright 2008 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.

carpet FreshenerIf you use a powdered carpet freshener before vacuuming, you know how expensive this stuff can be. Because we have dogs, I use it on an almost daily basis, and I have found an inexpensive way to stretch the freshener. I mix one container of carpet freshener to one small box of baking soda and shake well. This will scent the baking soda and keep the scent of the carpet freshener from being overwhelming, all the while stretching your cleaning dollars.—Candy in TN

Fly-away HairSometimes, winter can make hair fly away due to static electricity. Add a couple of drops of fabric softener to the rinse water after you wash your hairbrush; then let it dry without further rinsing. It helps control the static electricity in your hair caused by winter dryness.—M

Storing christmas lightsI read the hint about wrapping the lights around a paper towel cardboard and wanted to add more. I have used this idea for a long time, but I go one step further. After wrapping them around the cardboard, slip the whole thing into one of those bags your newspaper comes in on a rainy day. It will keep the lights from catching on other strings in the storage container.—Harlean

Bread Machine Home PizzaWe used to go to our favorite neighborhood pizzeria for pizza. At $17 for a large pizza, the cost added up quickly. For those readers that own a bread machine, making pizza at home is inexpensive, creative and delicious. One large batch of dough makes three thin crust pizzas and costs pennies. For convenience, you can freeze any portions of dough that you aren’t immediately using. Since the machine does the work of kneading, it’s super easy. Last night I made a pizza that was half Greek (basil pesto, feta cheese, kalamata olives, onions and tomatoes) and half pepperoni with roasted garlic, kalamata olives, parmesan cheese and tomato paste. It’s a fantastic way to use up materials in your fridge or pantry!—Kim P.

Sports MemoriesWhen my sports team won the World Series, instead of rushing out to buy expensive and poorly made t-shirts and sweatshirts, I laminated four front pages of my local paper. The total cost was $8. Years from now, when the clothing souvenirs are a faded distant memory, I bet my homemade souvenir hanging up in the basement will still be a conversation starter.—Greg

check the listWhen shopping or figuring out ingredients for a recipe, I would forget what spices and herbs that I had in my cupboard. Many times I would come home from the store with a new purchase, only to find that I already had the ingredient. I now keep a list of each container and add the expiration date. I no longer have to dig through my spice cupboard. I have used my list over and over again.—Donna

Kitty’s PlacematsMy cat is a messy eater, so I used to put a small tray under his dishes. The tray would catch most of the mess but was often a time-consuming pain to clean off, wash and dry, so I often put it off for way too long. One day I was throwing out one of the many small catalogs that arrives in my mailbox and realized I could just open it to the center and put the cat’s dishes on top. The catalog is thin, and when it comes time to clean up, I just rip out the center pages and throw them away. The catalog is then open to the center again, which keeps the pages evenly distributed and the dishes level. I’m so glad I finally found a way to recycle those catalogs—and the cat has a new, pretty placemat every few days. The catalogs could also be replaced with old magazines as long as they aren’t too thick.—Dorothy

Shipping Military Packages overseasI have lived in Germany for the last six plus years and can tell you by unfortunate experience that if a package is not sent USPS Priority mail, it will take up to two months to get to its destination. Yes, the package is sent to the military mail center stateside, but if it is not priority mail, it will not be sent overseas via the quickest way possible. Space available means just that. When they find room for it, it will get shipped over. Even Priority mail, which usually takes 10 to 14 days during the year, can take 2 to 4 weeks during the busy holiday season. Don’t disappoint your loved ones serving overseas by thinking cheap postage is the way to go. Some things just aren’t worth it.—Stefanie C.

gift card PresentationI received a gift card at the office, which was presented in a lovely small frame. It was a cute and clever idea that got a lot of “oohs.” Suit the frame to the person. Also, it’s easier to keep track of the gift card in the Christmas-wrapping chaos.—Cheri

Pet PracticeFor those of you who enjoy animals, but don’t want the long-term responsibility or high cost of having a pet, our family has found the answer. It’s foster care. Our local animal shelter has a foster program where you can foster young or ill animals for a short time. The shelter gives you everything you need (food, bedding, cage, toys, etc.) for free and you provide a safe home with a lot of cuddles. The shelter does this so that animals will grow accustomed to the sights, sounds and smells of a home, which will hopefully eliminate the animal behavior problems that unsocialized animals often have. It’s also a great way to see if you really want to have the long-term commitment and expense of owning a pet. Our oldest daughter (11) wants to be a vet, so this has been a great way for her to learn about different animals. In the past two years, we’ve had 12 bunnies and 6 cats at different times for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. We hope to get a litter of puppies in the spring.—Tiffany


creative Small container StorageI sew, and I have a wide assortment of small snaps, buttons and other notions that were making my sewing space a mess! Resealable bags were flimsy and often split at the sides, spilling their contents into the bottom of the drawer. I considered the hinged-lid containers with adjustable/removable partitions; however, I really needed something I could dump out, and it’s hard to chase that last snap or two around the bottom of those containers.

Finally, I found the solution. Urine specimen containers can be bought in cases of 100 for less than 20 cents each, shipped. The cases

of 100 are also individually wrapped, sterilized and labeled. You can also buy them, unsterilized, in

cases of 500 for about 10 cents each. We are now putting them to use all over the house! They hold shampoo and lotion when we travel. I use them in my sewing room (my husband screwed the lids to the underside of some shelves, so they always get

put away where they go). My husband uses them in his workshop to store small nails, screws, washers and nuts. They can be used to store all sorts of craft supplies too. Asmino is a cheap brand with a flat lid so it can be screwed to a shelf. I found them after about five minutes of searching. You could probably find something even cheaper if you took a little more

time to look.—Naomi

Travel MemoriesWhen I was growing up, I often camped around the country in a station wagon with my parents on vacation, and we always made a scrapbook. I love looking back at them. They are full of postcards, napkins, brochures, etc., from all the places we visited, and they cost very little for such high entertainment value. Plus, they kept us busy “scrapbooking” in the 50s before that term became popular. As I recall, we even enjoyed spending time looking at the scrapbooks while we were still on the road.—Tanya

cleaning Fiberglass ShowersI struggled for years with a textured fiberglass shower floor. Here’s the two-step solution that worked for me:Step 1: Get a box of Mule Team Borax and a plastic dish scrubber (the mesh ball kind). Shake a layer of Borax across the shower floor, sprinkle with enough water to make a paste, and scrub with the dish scrubber. If it’s really bad, let the paste sit for 10 minutes first. Once done scrubbing, rinse and repeat as needed.Step 2: Stop using bar soap! Switch to a liquid and you will never have a soap scum problem again. I didn’t believe it until I tried it, and it works!—Jeanna

Scorched? Simple Solution!To get rid of baked-on or scorched food that is stuck on pans, sprinkle with several tablespoons of baking soda and soak in enough hot water to cover the scorched parts. Leave it alone for several hours, and the crud will come off easily, all in one piece.—Sherry L.

Baking Soda Detergent extenderTo get the most for my dollar when doing laundry, I add about 1/4 cup of baking soda with half the required laundry detergent. I purchase a large bag of baking soda, and it lasts about six months. It’s much cheaper than the detergent. Baking soda is great for laundry, toilets and countless other cleaning/sanitizing jobs.—Cynthia

affordable PartiesI like to have parties, but I can’t afford all of the food by myself. I just make it a potluck. Everyone gets to show off a dish, and I don’t have to run ragged trying to have everything ready by myself. I also save at least $25 each time by doing this.—Ruth

cheaper Body WashI prefer using a liquid body wash when I shower instead of bar soap, but the price can be outrageous. Since I use inexpensive Suave shampoo, I thought I’d see what their body wash was like. For a much smaller bottle, the price was triple what my shampoo costs. I started thinking that the shampoo does a great job of cleaning the dirt and oil from my hair, so why not use it on the rest of me? I discovered that the shampoo doesn’t dry my skin and that a little goes a long way. Also, it comes in delightful scents. I can buy a large bottle of Suave for less than a dollar when on sale. I’ve been able to pamper myself a little bit without an inkling of guilt.—I.

right now: Pre-treatI keep a bottle of stain remover in my bathroom. Now, when I take off my clothes, I can pre-treat them before I throw them in the hamper. I keep a bottle in the kids’ bathroom as well and have taught them to do the same. I no longer need to worry about stains sneaking through the laundry!—Renee

Saving gasI have a minivan with second- and third-row seats that are removable. Recently, we took the seats out in order to transport some large items. I did not put the seats back in once I realized the weight of those seats. I figure that by not having that excess weight, it will improve my gas mileage. My seats are safely stored in the garage, and I can reinstall them at a moment’s notice when I need them.—Sue

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Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts from the Heart are ideas to help you save money this Valentine’s day. Valentine’s Day is a great holiday. But let’s face it: sometimes the cheap Valentine’s Day gifts

we can afford simply don’t please. The solution is to create homemade Valentine’s Day gifts that come from the heart. Show your loved one how much you care by taking the time to create something they will love, and they will never think of how little money it cost you. Paint or Draw a Portrait of Your Loved One. If you’ve got talent, Valentine’s Day is the time to show off that talent. Whether you paint a large portrait or a small one, or draw your portrait, this one will be a big hit. Don’t be afraid to create a miniature portrait; these are great space savers, are quick to make and are highly cherished by those who receive them. Gift Basket. Homemade gift baskets make a great gift for any holiday, but for Valentine’s Day they’re particularly neat. They’re good for people who have very little time to shop. Try putting together pieces of red food, such as red apples, mangoes, red decorated Valentine’s Day cookies, red grapes, pomegranates, cherries and more. Then fill the basket the rest of the way with other goodies, such as nuts in the shell, some tea or coffee and perhaps an attractive mug to drink it in. Electronic Valentine. You can quickly and easily put together a Valentine to send by email. Try taking some pictures of outdoor beauty, such as flowers. If no flowers are in bloom when you go to do your photography, then find some on the web. Sites that offer free pictures abound, such as sxc.hu (stock.XCHNG). Then use your favorite image processing software to add a personal message. Place this image in an email attachment and send it to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, and it will brighten their day. Surprise! Do something nice for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day that is unexpected. If you’re a guy, you could do some housecleaning while she’s away at work or out doing the shopping. Or you could cook dinner for her on a night when she would ordinarily have cooked. Or you could draw her a scented bubble bath on a day

when she’s been hard at work. Put some time and effort into this gift; arrange the house with some nice candles, potpourri, a bottle of wine and perhaps some strewn rose petals for and extra touch. Ladies, you can surprise your man by washing his car, organizing his belongings or making him a special meal to take to work with him. Or surprise him with a picnic lunch on a day when you know he’s free. Try visiting him at work; just seeing you will brighten his day. If he has trouble paying his bills on time, then write all the checks for him and give them to him to sign. Then do his check ledger for him, and if possible, calculate his balance so he doesn’t have to. If you live together or you have a key to his place, tidy it up for him and put necessary objects where he can easily find them. Travel Kit. If your sweetie travels often but becomes disorganized while trying to pack, they could probably use some help from you on Valentine’s Day. Drop by the grocery or drug store and pick up some travel sized shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush with carrying case, shaving cream, hand lotion, hand sanitizer and anything else you think they’ll need. Arrange these in a convenient travel-sized bag. It doesn’t have to be anything new or snazzy; an old travel case will do, as long as it’s in good shape. Homemade Stationery. Get some nice quality paper and use homemade stamps to decorate them with attractive designs. Homemade stamps can easily be made using just a potato and a knife. After you carve your design, simply dip the potato into food coloring and apply the stamp to the paper. You can also use your computer to print attractive things on the stationery. Try personalizing the gift by putting your loved one’s initials, name or monogram on the design. Be sure to enclose some envelopes, pens, stamps and other goodies with your gift. Homemade Jewelry. This homemade Valentine’s Day gift will work for just about any girl in your life. Try picking up some beads in a variety of colors. Place them on a piece of twine to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet or necklace. Personalize the jewelry by putting beads with letters to spell her name. Jewelry craft kits can be purchased to make the process easier for you. Then you can make jewelry for you sweetheart every year for years to come. nSS

valentine’s Day gifts You Can Make Yourself

How to create homemade valentine’s Day gifts that come from the heart.

HoLIDAYBy Guinevere Shepherd

To get the most for my dollar, i add baking soda to my laundry detergent.


For more articles like this, visit our website at www.ShoppingSense.bizL ooking to celebrate Valentine’s

Day with more than just a card and a box of chocolates?

Head to Denver for a romantic night on the town complete with fine dining and fabulous accommodations.

alTo1320 15th St. • Denver • (303) 893-2586 • www.altodenver.com Looking for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing? Alto has all three taken care of with their Valentine’s Day special, which includes a four course menu, champagne toast and live entertainment featuring blues band The Delta Sonics. Call now. Reservations required.

THe BroKer821 17th St. • Denver • (303) 292-5065 • www.thebrokerrestaurant.com The Broker Restaurant offers a four-course dinner for two with three different choices — $79.00 for roasted prime rib, $89.00 for Filet Wellington and $99.00 for Prime Rib and Crab. The dinner also features their famous bowl of shrimp, a choice of soup or salad, a choice of cheesecake or ice cream, and a pre-selected bottle of premium wine.

HaMPTon inn & SuiTeS1845 Sherman St. • Denver • (303) 864-8000 The Hampton Inn & Suites’ ultimate Romance Package is the sweetest deal of the winter with its offer of fresh flowers, a box of assorted chocolates, “A Little Bubbly” with toasting flutes for your room and a gift card to Hallmark. Call the hotel for rates.

MarloWe’S501 16th St. • Denver • (303) 595-3700 • www.marlowesdenver.com Marlowe’s features dinner specials every weekend, making Valentine’s Day dinner a snap. Enjoy their Saturday special of Live Maine Lobster. If you can’t make it Downtown on the 14th, go in on Friday for the Wild Game special, or try the pasta special on Sunday. As an added bonus, they offer half-price bottles of wine every evening after 7:45pm. This Valentine’s Day, you just can’t go wrong at Marlowe’s.

MorTon’S STeaKHouSe1710 Wynkoop Street • Denver • (303) 825-3353 • www.mortons.com Your sweetheart will love dinner at one of Denver’s finest steakhouses, and your wallet will be rather impressed too! Morton’s offers a dinner for two for $99.99, which includes a choice of salad, two

single cut filets, choice of two seafood dishes, one signature potato and one fresh vegetable, and dessert (try Morton’s famous Hot Chocolate Cake!). Fine food served in an upscale atmosphere — It just doesn’t get more romantic than that.

THe curTiS HoTel1405 Curtis St. • Denver • (303) 571-0300 • www.thecurtis.com The Curtis Hotel offers several winter packages for couples. The Pillow Talk package includes dinner for two, The Corner Office, overnight accommodations, and valet parking for only $179. The Crazy in Love Romance package offers even more unique and romantic overnight accommodations including a bottle of wine in your room and a round of shots at The Corner Office, rose petal turndown service, and best of all, a twister board set up on your bed, all for only $169.

HyaTT regency650 15th St. • Denver • (303) 436-1243 • www.granddenver.hyatt.com The Amour package at the Grand Hyatt in Denver will help you reconnect to the one you love. This package includes breakfast for two in your room or at the 1876 Restaurant, a bottle of House Wine, Sparkling Cider, or Champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries for rates starting at $269.

HilTon garDen inn1050 Plaza Dr. • Highlands Ranch • (303) 683-4100 Enjoy a weekend getaway with your special someone anytime between January 31 and February 28, 2009. The Hilton Garden Inn Denver Highlands Ranch Hotel is the ideal Denver location to relax for a weekend. You and your loved one will receive deluxe overnight accommodations, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a Victoria’s Secret gift card worth $50 and breakfast for two. Rates starting at $149.

HoTel Monaco1717 Champa Street • (303) 296-1717 • www.monaco-denver.com The Hotel Monaco offers some fun Valentine’s Day packages with all the standard accommodations included plus some unique additions. The Lucky in Love package adds a lottery ticket and a goldfish to the typical rose petal turndown and champagne. The Ohh-Baby-Baby package, adds a vase of roses, an in-room movie, and a dinner for two at Panzano Restaurant. And the Rub the One You’re With package adds the unique opportunity of a “How-To” massage session for two from the Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon, in the privacy of your guest room. nSS

HoLIDAYBy Jeanne Fischer and Caitlin Kelly

red HotValentine’s Day Specials

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