What to Do with a Dead Umbrella

A dead umbrella has no use, right? Of course you know that I am going to say that of course a dead umbrella has a reuse. You know this blog by now, and reusing items that might otherwise wind up in the landfill is a great frugal thing. Our umbrellas seem to be drying left and right on us. We have a virtual umbrella graveyard. Perhaps it is the blustery wind of spring. Perhaps it is the fact that all of our umbrellas are about the same age and have just reached the end of their natural life spans, Or … Continue reading

More Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Travelers

Believe it or not one of my brothers has not completed a lick of holiday shopping yet. I know this because he called me today asking what he should get my parents for Christmas. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s got a stressful job and very little free time. What’s more, I know he’s not alone… the world is filled with procrastinators and in their eyes they still have almost four full shopping days left before Christmas. With that in mind I offer these last-minute gift ideas for gift buyers looking to fulfill the needs and wants of the … Continue reading

Awesome Innovations: “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?”

How many times have you seen an infomercial for a product that seemed so practical, so innovative that you found yourself asking (out loud): “Why didn’t I think of that?” I had one of those moments when I heard about the newest umbrella headed to a store near you. It’s called the Ambient Umbrella, and it’s being billed as the world’s first umbrella that alerts users when rain is expected. Hold on! It’s a bit more advanced than that. According to its designer, the Ambient Umbrella automatically receives weather data from a national weather service and when precipitation is expected … Continue reading

Commentary: Sue Happy Society–Who Is Liable?

It seems you can’t turn around without hearing about some kind of lawsuit or another for some reason. It wasn’t that long ago when people assumed responsibility for their own actions. Now it’s common to hear stories of people winning multi-million dollar settlements for smoking or spilling hot coffee on their laps because they can’t get out of the car and drink their morning coffee at a table. While big business is always subject to lawsuits and often end up on the losing side even when logic tells the public that the person suing should have known better, or brought … Continue reading

Are You Ready to Celebrate the Fourth of July?

It’s that time of the year! The big barbecue in the backyard and fireworks at dusk party! Are you sure you are ready to assume the risks and liability of a firework related loss? Fireworks that leave the ground or blow into pieces are restricted in some states and legal in others. So-called “safe” fireworks such as sparklers and smoke makers have risks. Embers from any firework can cause fires and bodily injuries. Your fireworks may cause property damage and bodily injury to neighbors or guests at your party. Homeowners may assume they are covered for any accident that occurs … Continue reading

Special Deals: Burberry Umbrellas & Pulsar Men’s Watches

Special Deal on a Burberry Umbrella Whether or not you are an avid fan of designer fashions and accessories, this deal on a Burberry umbrella is quite a surprise, considering that most Burberry items range in the $100s and above. This umbrella retails for $100, but Amazon.com is currently offering it for $39.89. You save $60.11–that is a 60% savings! Of course, it may be a bit pricey for a standard umbrella, and I can hear the chatter already—“That umbrella had better keep me completely dry, and have loads of bells and whistles, for that price!” Touché. Still, if you … Continue reading