Tap Into Savings

Drinking water is necessary for good health. Paying $1+ per bottle is not. Seattle has some of the best tasting tap water in the country and we also have a free artesian well off 164th in Lynnwood for those who want pure unadulterated water. The truth is tap water itself is just as healthy if not more so than water in plastic bottles. Instead of $3 a day drinking bottled water or more expensive beverages, why not spend less than $3 a year using a refillable water bottle? For a little more, you can buy a water filter to make sure your water is pure. You'll still save over $1000 a year per person. To compair water filters check out www.waterfiltercomparisons.com.

Party at Pike Place Market

What's more Seattle than watching fish being tossed at the Market? This Saturday you can catch more than flying fish at the Pike Place Market Street Festival. Bring your pooch for the "Strut Your Mutt" contest, grab a brew in the beer and wine garden, watch the parade, listen to music, and visit your favorite stalls and shops! Get there early to find parking, or better yet, take the bus.

Country Farms

One of my favorite fruit and vegetable stands is Country Farms in Edmonds right off Hwy 99. You'll find great produce deals like cucumber 3 for $1 or Onions 2lbs for $1. For $10 you'll walk away with a full bag of produce. There are also Country Farm Stands located in Everett and Lake Stevens.

Honor Roll

More than 9,000 men and women from our state have given their lives in military service since 1899. HistoryLink.org, the free online encyclopedia of Washington State History has a comprehensive list of Washington State Citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. It's worth checking out along with other facts about memorial day in Washington State History on the site.

The names are also listed on black granite slabs at the Garden of Remembrance adjacent to Benaroya Hall off 2nd and University St. Reflecting pools and waterfalls add to the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Ten fallen service men and women will be honored at a Memorial Day ceremony tomorrow at 10 AM in the garden.

Happy Hour: Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian

The Best Calamari Fritti in Seattle can be found cheap on Lombardi's Happy Hour menu. With half priced appetizers, pizzas, and salads as well as great drink specials, Lombardi's was voted as the "BEST Happy Hour" by Seattle Magazine subscribers for good reason. The wine is always good and they serve some creative mixed drinks, but the food is what it's all about at Lomardi's. Margherita Pizza, Angelica della Morte and of course, Calamari Fritti are some of my personal favorites. The prices are unbeatable. Don't worry if you find yourself working late to make up for taking Monday off; all three locations (Ballard, Issaquah, Everett) have both a second happy hour later in the evening.

Frugality 101: Frugal Luxuries

Tracey McBride, the publisher of the Frugal Times, has filled the pages of Frugal Luxuries with tips and wisdom. It's a great introduction to the art of frugality, challenging readers to see abundance in less. Philosophical and practical, Frugal Luxuries offers recipes, stories, ideas, and inspiration without guilt or deprivation.

It's Never Too Early to Start Thinking About the Weekend

Wednesday is here! It's time to make plans for Memorial Day weekend. Lucky for you, the 38th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival is happening this weekend at the Seattle Center.

One of the largest Folklife Festivals in the world, the Northwest Folklife Festival features entertainers from around the world as well as demonstrations and exhibits - oh and some food. Best of all - it's FREE! (Although they do appreciate donations). Check it out from 11am - 10pm all this weekend through Monday. www.nwfolklife.org

Move over Radio Head

If there are two things that Seattleites love its music and technology. We are, in marketing terms, early adopters. Well, here's a website in beta mode that takes is cue from Radio Head's successful pay-what-you-will album experiment - Song Slide. The site features independent and upcoming artists from a variety of genres; from acid jazz to flamenco. Best of all, you decide what the downloads are worth. Talk about free market and frugality! Check it out at www.songslide.com.

Getting Fresh

Apples, Rhubarb, Oysters, Salmon, Berries...One of the great things about living in the Northwest is the abundance of fresh local food. Not only is it tastier and environmentally friendly, but eating in season is a great way to maximize your food budget. Heart of Washington is a great place to look to see what's in season locally. Right now is a great time for various Asian vegetables and asparagus. Stir fry anyone?

Have Your Latte and Drink It Too

Seattle's cost of living is estimated to be about 31% higher than the average cost of living in the U.S. according to Sperling's Best Places. Most residents pay far more than the recommended 30% net income on housing; with the average home costing above $400k while the median household income hovers just above $70,000. This is not a city that is easy on the pocketbook.

Still, Seattle is one of the most desirable cities in the country because of the abundance of natural beauty and culture. Our city regularly makes the "Best Places" lists and continues to see growth. Seattleites are educated, well read, active and like their wine, making this truly one of the best places to live.

The trick is to enjoy our latte drinking, arts patronizing, outdoor adventuring, bookstore hopping, and green Seattle lifestyle without breaking the bank. Forget skipping the mochas - this is Seattle for crying out loud - it's one of the main reasons we live here! Let's figure out how to eat drink and get wealthy (even if we didn't purchase Microsoft stock in the 80's).

How do you stick with a budget and enjoy Seattle?