As a Frugally Fabuloso woman, I have, of course, a Netflix account. And I get my money's worth from it. Something I have taken to doing this month is trying to understand other women of other cultures. Which is not as simple as it may seem. But I have movies. Indie films to be exact. And yes, I am aware that movies, no matter how much truth they are based in are fantasy. But they are a good jumping off point.

So far this month I have watched in this category and highly recommend are:
The Stoning of Soraya M - Iran, 1986
White Rainbow - India
The Day I Became a Woman - Iran
Bangkok Girl : A Documentary about Thailand's Night Life - Thailand

Movies I intend to watch in the next few days:
Bamako - Mali, Africa
Not One Less - China
Lemon Tree - Palestine

I will give you all my quick view of each of the four movies I watched.
The Stoning of Soraya M - This story is based on a true story from 1986 Iran. To a woman raised in a home where female children were desired and a blessing for at least 700 years, I was...stunned. A reality check. A harsh reminder that my family is much different than other families. Through the entire film I had to remind myself that it was a modern Iran and not 1000 years ago. Be aware that the actual stoning is very realistic. The filmmaker did not shy away from showing the ugliness of what happened to this beautiful woman. This film...I can not say enough good about it without ruining it for you. But I will say this, if you see one film this year, make it this one.




White Rainbow - A beautiful story of the plight of Widows in modern day India. This story is based upon true events-the trials and tribulations of the Mali are very real. From being forced into prostitution by the "caring" men (both priests and Panda) that run the Ashrams and temples for the Mali to the squalid conditions many Mali are forced to live in. Something left over from previous eras when to be a Widow was to be a disgrace. While Bollywoodish did touch the film in parts it was done in such a clever way I cheered it on. My favorite scene is when the lead character, Priya, smacks the crap out of the vile Pramod Panda saying, and I loosely quote, "What about a woman that hits you back?!?"




The Day I Became a Woman - A disjointed film that is broken into three parts showing the ancient aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. That is the first thing that amazed me in this Iranian film. The film was difficult to follow as a Westerner. But I kept telling myself "Much is lost in translation". I will admit the ending left me puzzled and a touch sad. I will not reveal why but once you have seen it, you will probably feel the same way. Despite the film being three distinct stories, the filmmaker did tie all three stories together. An interesting insight into women in Iran.




Bangkok Girl : A Documentary about Thailand's Night Life - This documentary filmed in Thailand focuses on 19 year old Pla and her current life. I loved how the director Jordan Clark, gave the Thai women the face blur as well as the men in one scene. He essentially explains that while law says he has to blur the face of the men, no such luxury is afforded to the exploited women so he gives it to them. This is a bitter-sweet movie and one that has won many many awards.




Here are the other movies, in case you want to check them out for yourself.





Disclaimer: No one paid me for reviewing these movies. No one sent me the movies. This review is completely spontaneous and has no official sponsorship other than by me, Janna Hall.

Just a quick update about kgb_. Wow, talk about slow!!! I participated in a conversation that ended with finding out that the company hasn't advertised since August 5, 2010! No wonder no texts are coming in and my earnings dropped from $3/hour to $0.55/hour. Since my earnings with them have dropped so much, I have been devoting less time to kgb_ and instead doing more surveys. Top that with the influx of outsourcing to the Filiphines and presto, less money. Who would have thought such a way to earn money in the USA would be outsourced? Oh well, this is how things are in the USA. No wonder the economy isn't picking up. *le sigh*

Also my poor Mali (Thai for Flower), for those of you that remember, is my red Siamese Fighting Fish, got a boo-boo on her eye. Which in turned caused her eye to swell. Dech (Thai for Strength) was swiming frantically close to her trying to stay at her side, showing signs of stress. I fear I will lose both him and her. I check on her what seems like 100 times a day. Other infections can set in. I have put up the divider for now. But first sign of outward infection, I have to move him.

To be honest, I am thinking of moving him anyway as he stays pushed against the divider now and she also stays pushed against the divider.They seem to be trying to be next to each other. I'm very worried as all the remedies I am told to do are not working. This action breaks my heart. I can't imagine being kept away from the side of someone I cared about.

These little fish survived Hurricane Katrina as I sacrificed my precious little water to give them some fresh water for ages. Then alone in the tub with the last of my water I finally fled the city of New Orleans because the Police and US Marines had made life too unsafe in the French Quarter. They were alive, barely, when I came back a month later. Then they survived a move across the country to Pennsylvania in my lap. Then another move within Pennsylvania. They have me trained and seem to know the difference between me and others as I am the only one that can hand-feed them.

To my horror I realized today that I do not have any pictures of these guardians of my desk. Who have sat for years at my right hand, watching me scratch out a living online and gleefully finding freebies. They have provided me with solace and peace. It is very relaxing to watch fish. Even if they are just hanging around in the water. And with the sad state they are in now, I can not take a picture of that. So no pretty pictures of them for this post. I am sorry.

I know these little fish do not live long and both have lived beyond what experts claim is the maximum life span (ever) as they are now beyond 5 years old. Most small creatures live hard and fast. But...I'm just not ready. And Dech is not ready for his Mali to go either.

While housework itself is not fabuloso, it is frugal. Cleanliness keeps many diseases at bay and provides pride in self and home.

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of doing housework. As a result, I despise, no, loath, housework. I had much to do as a child, and when my sister, Jesse was old enough, much for her to do as well, though much less than I. When I was 11, she and I sat down and made a list of all the chores we had. We came to a startling revelation that we did all the housework. From that moment on, my hate-affair with housework started.

Other than basic instructions, my Mother gave me no real tips or clues to how to clean things. Over the years I gleaned information from my grandmothers, friends of my immediate family and my friends. Like a thirsty woman, I drank up knowledge about housework. Mentally filing away tidbits on making housework easier and quicker.

For you, my dear readers, I will try to present these tips. Be aware, there is no real order to them. Each are as valuable as the others. Use what you want, discard what is irrelevant to you. Regardless, I hope you find something to help you be more frugal with your time and efforts.

1. After each use of a condiment bottle give it a little rinse at the sink. This will help keep your refrigerator/shelves cleaner. Result? Simple. Instead of a bucket of water to clean, now only a cup of water. In addition, instead of hours cleaning, cleaning time is now minutes. Savings-Time, environment and effort.

2. Recycle means to use again/to find another purpose for and thus extend the life of. What it does not mean is you sort into brightly coloured tubs and leave out for a corporation to pick up and handle without another care in the world. Yes, that is part of it. But it means things you buy, before you plunk down money for them, can they be repurposed? Do they have multiple purposes? Once the item is consumed, is what is leftover dangerous to me and/or the earth? Have I gotten all I can from this as I stand over the waste bin ready to chuck it out? Savings-Time, environment, money and effort.

3. Housework is a job. Like all jobs should be scheduled. Laundry on this day. Vacuuming on that day and so forth. Regular maintenance will help prevent "housework overload". Even if you work 3 jobs and are raising kids by yourself, 5 minutes in a room in apartment or house will help keep things nice. Savings-Time and effort.

4. Old fashioned cleaning agents tend to be better and safer to use. While bleach is not environmentally friendly, it is darn good at destroying harmful bacteria and viruses. Also in ruining any black clothing I own. However, vinegar is just about the most perfect item on the planet as far as cleaning goes. Savings-Time, environment, money and effort.

5. Toothbrushes, brave soldiers in the war against cavities, are not retired to the landfills. Instead they are put to use in cleaning. Every sink in the home should be armed with a toothbrush. Every laundry room should have a toothbrush to help work out those stubborn stains. Only when the valiant toothbrush has died should it be given a hero's burial in the recycle bin. Savings-Time, environment, money and effort.

6. If you do not do any housework for a day or two, it is OK. No need to have negative emotions over it. The world will continue on. Days off are allowed. Repeat after me, "Days off from housework are allowed." Savings-Sanity.

7. Pretty scented cleaning agents are a luxury. Not a necessity. Most are not actually good for people with asthma and allergies. Most are not good for the environment. Want a pretty smell? Get a nice candle or open windows. Want a pretty smelling cleaning agent? Speak to an expert on essential oils. Savings-Time, environment, money and effort.

8. For an instant "House Is Clean" look, ensure doors and door frames are clean, counters are clutter-free and clean, tabletops (dining, coffee, side) are clutter-free and clean and any big spills much darker or lighter than your floor are spot cleaned. Savings - Time, effort, sanity.

9. Your way isn't the only way. This means, if your significant other cleans something, let it be. Seriously hun, put down the sponge and spray. Just because the chore wasn't done the exact way you do it, doesn't mean the chore was not done. Instead hugs, kisses and thank yous are in order. This also applies to friends helping out around your house. Once upon a time, I worked three jobs. OK it was really two jobs. I was gone from 8a until 11p each day Monday-Friday. I often worked 8 hours on Saturdays too. And Sundays I worked for 4 hours. I was tired. Really tired. But I did it all, work, housework, partying, friends. The problem was, things were starting to weigh me down. At this time I had a friend, Melonie. One day she just started doing my dishes. Being how I was, I tried to stop her. She stood up to me and explained how she was my friend. Friends help friend. She couldn't help me with my jobs. But she could help me with my house. Realization dawned on me as she shoved me to my bedroom insisting I have lay down for a bit. So what if she put my coffee cups with my drinking cups instead of the shelf above the coffee pot? Doesn't matter. What mattered was my friend loved me and was trying to help me succeed in the world. Unlike so many people that try to pull you down or hinder you. Savings - Time, effort, sanity

10. Learn, practice and prefect what I call "The Mama Whirlwind Maneuver". This is where, each day you dedicate between 5 and 15 minutes in each room of the house. Set a timer, watch a clock or use common sense to keep track of the time. Your goal is to make each room presentable within that time frame. Easy peasy. Just carry a clothes basket and chuck everything in the basket that does not belong in each room. Then at the end of the quick cleaning, put everything in the basket into its proper place. Should you not have time to hit every room just hit the big 3 - Kitchen, Living Room and Bathroom. I personally keep a spritz bottle with cleaning solution under my bathroom sink to give a quick cleaning. In addition you will soon find that items stop having to be replaced as they are no longer lost and your home will feel cleaner overall. Savings - Time, effort, money

Finally, and I think most importantly, have a schedule. That's right. Just like with working, housework is in dire need of scheduling. Some things need to be done daily. Others need to be done weekly. Some chores only rear their ugly heads monthly. And then there is the Spring Cleaning. For me there is Spring Cleaning and Fall Cleaning. Twice a year. Allergies and hygiene demand it of me. :D

I have provided some sample To Do Lists which are, of course, free to download. (Looking for new host for the files.)


A Week of Daily Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Now, remember with these lists:
a. Edit to fit your home and lifestyle.
b. Lists are only guides not the Holy Bible of Cleaning, if you miss/skip something see #6.
c. Time with children will always over-throw chores like an angry mob a bad ruler
d. It is OK to say "No" to someone if it will over-schedule you and send you into a downward spiral of "Hoarders".
e. Spring/Fall Cleaning lists are basically a combination of both lists. Many people also add outdoor chores to their Monthly and Spring/Fall Cleaning lists. I did not as this post is about indoor chores.
f. If you don't like the chores lists, you can always delete them from your hard drive.



A Week of Daily Schedule
Monthly Schedule

After much work I am pleased to present to everyone the Frugally Fabuloso Toolbar.

♥ Download Toolbar ♥

The Frugally Fabuloso Toolbar is compatible with Firefox, IE and Safari browsers for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Features
Search
Of course there is a search option using Google. Just to make things easy.


Coupons

These coupon links make it easy to get to money-saving coupons and to print from Frugally Fabuloso's coupon finds, Smartsource, Red Plum and Coupons.com.

Alerts
Anything really important from me to you, it will be here! (Opt-out anytime)

New
The Frugally Fabuloso Toolbar features RSS feeds from Frugally Fabuloso blog and Twitter feeds. Always be on top of things.

Earn
Easy access to proven online earning programs and methods.

E-Mail Notifier
Set this up so you keep on top of your e-mail.

Chat
Click "Chat" to open a window where you can chat with other Frugally Fabuloso-ers!

Twitter
Keep up on various Twitter-ers.

Facebook
Log into your Facebook account to get your Facebook alerts.

Privacy
What kind of Frugally Fabuloso would I be if I did not provide you all with some help in navigating the internet with protection?

More
The toolbar allows for a lot of customization:
tools > get new gadgets for toolbar
gadgets available include a to-do list, calendar, games, and more.

or

tools > toolbar options
To add features like a radio, weather alerts or to remove the features that you don't want!

♥ Download Toolbar ♥

Problems installing the toolbar? Let me know @ jmandsa @ gmail . com 

Keep your eyes open for this month's fabuloso deals & steals!

Walgreens
Save 10% on all Beauty and Personal Care Purchases (Online only) with coupon code MTB10. More info.
$10 off a $30 purchase of select Revlon and Nexxus products. (Rebate) Link to rebate.
Until September 30, 2010
Spend $10 or more on Neutrogena products and get a hair elastic ball from Allure. (Mail receipt to redeem)
Score an "I heart Glamour" tote when you make a Nexxus purchase worth $10 or more. (Mail receipt to redeem)
Buy any ROC® products worth $10 or more and get an accessories pouch from Self. (Mail receipt to redeem)
Fine Print
While supplies last. Receipts must be received by October 30, 2010. Limit 1 gift per household. Mail your original Walgreens receipt showing qualifying purchase, your name, address and phone number to:
Walgreens More than Beautiful Giveaway,
Attention: Erin Linney,
Log-On Computer & Mailing Services, Inc.,
520 Eighth Avenue, 14th Floor,
New York, NY 10018.
Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

CVS
High Octane Energy Chews 3 ct $1.99 get $1.99 EB limit 1 per transaction, limit 2 total
Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops 2-pack $10.99 get $2 EB limit 1
Complete Multi-Purpose Solution twin pack $10.99 get $2 EB limit 1
Estroven Women's Supplements (select) get $4 EB limit 1
Motrin PM 40-80 ct get $2 EB
Charm When You Buy $15 Beauty 8/29-10/02
Scan your ExtraCare® card at the coupon center and get a coupon for a free charm with a $15 beauty purchase. Beauty categories include items from Skin Care, Healthy Skin Care, Sun Care, Cosmetics, Hair Care, Ethnic Hair Care, Hair Color, Hair Accessories, Fragrances, Hosiery and Personal Care Appliances. New charm each week for a total of four.

allure
September 7: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel
September 8: Blistex Five Star Lip Protection
September 9: Amala Soothing Moisture Cream
September 10: Too Faced Glamour To Go Fairy Edition
September 13: Rodial Glamtox Eyelight Pen

Seventeen
September 2010 freebies:
1- bath
2- chic
3- pink
4- fantastic
5- hair
6- tech
7- fierce
8- glam
9- style
10- cute
11- watch
12- comfy
13- jeans
14- hot
15- shimmer
16- sleek
17- body
18- cool
19- beauty
20- sneakers
21- fabulous
22- organize
23- amazing
24- jewelry
25- smart
26- dream
27- bombshell
28- pretty
29- fun
30- gadget

Sephora
Skincare Challenge-Each facial skincare item purchased in store or online ($20 or more) earns one credit. Every four credits get a free regular-size product. More info.

Home Depot
Fall Face Lift: Interior & Exterior Painting
Saturday, September 4 2010 from 10 a.m - 11 a.m.
Saturday, September 11 2010 from 10 a.m - 11 a.m.
Saturday, September 18 2010 from 10 a.m - 11 a.m.
Saturday, September 25 2010 from 10 a.m - 11 a.m.

Decorative Flooring Solutions
Saturday, September 4 2010 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 2010 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, September 18 2010 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 2010 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Save Energy. Save Money
Saturday, September 4 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 18 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Fall Planting and Maintenance
Saturday, September 4 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 18 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 2010 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Maintaining Your Driveway
Saturday, September 4 2010 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 2010 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 18 2010 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 2010 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Kids Workshops - Enter zip code for more info.

Do-It-Herself - Enter zip code for more info.

Lowes
Build And Grow - Every Saturday at 10am. Sign up online.