ELENA M. MACALUSO
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Books & Blogs.

Highlighted writings from clark.com, sacmag.com and a ​few
anthologies I’ve been honored to be a part of.

The Time I Traveled to London to Meet a Cat

7/27/2022

 
I became smitten with a cat named Bob after reading A Street Cat Named Bob and its sequel, The World According to Bob, about a recovering drug addict in London, James Bowen, who befriends a street cat (Bob) and how it changed his life: Bowen kicked the drugs, became serious about bettering his life and gained a sense of responsibility all because he had something to take care of, something to live for, something to love.

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Each Time I Do

7/27/2022

 
I was four when my first cat died. “She died of cat fever,” my mom told me. For years I pictured Tinkerbell, her body writhing and aching in pain under the grasp of a sweltering fever, wondering if the same could happen to me.

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4 Ways to Do Manhattan on the Cheap(er)

7/7/2022

 
Manhattan is not a cheap place to visit—or to live. I should know. I lived there for nearly two years. However, believe it or not, whether you are just visiting or plan to call it home, there are ways to be frugal in the most densely populated borough of the Big Apple. Here are four:

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8 Painless Ways to Pare Down

7/6/2022

 
I recently moved out of a fifth-floor walk-up apartment. Moving a dozen and a half boxes down five flights of stairs caused me to ponder the question: "Do I really need all of this stuff?" And it spurred me to pare down my belongings in anticipation of future moves. I have NO plans to live in a fifth-floor walk-up ever again, but I do know that I will be making more moves in my lifetime.

Many of us are aware of popular decluttering tips such as getting rid of clothes that no longer fit, and donating toys and books your child has outgrown to local charities. Below are eight more ways to whittle down your belongings.

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Man in a Blouse

6/29/2022

 
​My friend was followed out of a restaurant by a man in a blouse.

He accused her of stealing a glass, one of those souvenir glasses that restaurants charge $15 for but which probably cost 15 cents wholesale.

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6 Elements of a Successful Fundraising Campaign Letter

6/3/2022

 
I recently helped a friend compose a fundraising letter for an Indiegogo campaign she and her husband started. The couple is seeking $15,000 to help fund an alternative therapy they believe will help their 5 1/2-year-old son, who suffers developmental delays as a result of a brain tumor he was diagnosed with when he was 7 months old. In the first two weeks, the "Amazing Andy" campaign raised $7,000 of its $15,000 target.

Several years ago, I wrote my own fundraising letter, this time raising funds for the American Stroke Association. I surpassed my fundraising goal of $2,900 by more than $1,000 a full two months before the campaign's deadline.

There are some key elements to writing a successful fundraising letter. Below are six that worked for me.

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6 Items Not to Skimp On

6/2/2022

 
Everybody loves a bargain. But, believe it or not, there are some instances where going the cheap route will end up costing you more in the long run. Here are six things I won't skimp on.

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7 Ways to Have a Fabulous Garage Sale

5/11/2022

 
Garage sales take work, but they are a great way to clear out clutter and make a little money in the process.

Here are 7 ways to help your next sale run a little smoother

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3 Reasons Why Getting Paid Once a Month Instead of Twice a Month Works for Me

5/10/2022

 
​When I changed jobs a few years ago, I was faced, for the first time ever, with the prospect of getting paid just once a month rather than twice. At first, I was nervous. What if I ran out of money by the 20th of the month, or worse — the 10th?

But I soon realized that getting paid once a month actually boosted my financial savvy. Here are three reasons why getting paid once a month works for me.

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    Author

    Elena M. Macaluso. Freelance writer and copy editor.

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