Changing Taste

Cinnamon lattes and pumpkin muffins are now starring in the coffee shops and my friend Lisa is taking full advantage. When the seasons change so does her coffee drink. She prefers a pumpkin flavor over anything. This flavor is available year-round, but she waits until fall to indulge. She'll have a pumpkin spiced latte and a pumpkin muffin every morning, purchased lovingly at a neighborhood chain coffee joint and costing her $4.32 daily. Go ahead do the math, one week worth of breakfasts equals over $25. I can just hear my mother now "do you know how many groceries that money could buy." Lisa happens to be a successful single woman who can afford to eat out whenever she wants, unlike my mother's generation that really seemed to shun dining out unless it was to celebrate a big event. It's the little things like a new flavored muffin that brightens her hectic day. Personally, I don't like artificial flavors in my coffee; I'd much prefer it black with a little cream. However, I'm digging the new muffin flavor options. How can you spice up her life today?

She Buzz Words

• Rock Candy
• Cinnamon
• Conference
• Scan

Right Now She Could Be:

• Cleaning the bathroom
• Ordering lunchmeat
• Writing a proposal
• Knitting

She's kind

"Deed" cards are available thanks to the Kind Snacks Company. Use them to perform good deeds and to encourage others to do the same. www.kindsnacks.com

She saves

Just like cash for clunkers, the government will soon offer a plan to sell old household appliances for more energy-efficient models. About $300 million in rebates will be offered to consumers who want to replace their dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers.

She shops

She's shopping at the Dollar Store, finding everything from cleaning products to soft drinks. Now there are items from clothes to Cuisinarts that are more than a dollar yet are still a great deal. When shopping at a Dollar Store, she needs to watch out for items that are outdated or about to expire. Impulse shopping is easy in stores like these; sticking to a list is highly recommended. Also, check out the store policy regarding returns; most sales are final.

She fact

The U.S. Census Bureau reports more than 3.2 million American couples have a long-distance marriage. They live apart because of their jobs.

She fit

Somnio offers customized athletic shoes. A specially trained salesperson will fit her foot (and charge her about $100). If she's looking for a cushioned, perfect fit, she can visit www.somniorunning.com.

She hair

According to Women's Health magazine, here are the five worst and best cities for hair.

Worst

• Corpus Christi, Texas
• Olympia, Washington
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Phoenix, Arizona

Best

• Santa Barbara, California
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• San Diego, California
• Anchorage, Alaska
• San Francisco, California

She saves

The Kaiser Family Foundation reports one of five people did not fill a prescription yet this year due to finances. Fifteen percent skipped a dose or cut pills in half.

There are some prescription discounts available; check out www.yourrxcard.com and www.Familywise.com for a possible discount. She should also check with her doctor to see about using a generic or cheaper medication.

Some drug companies offer coupons and rebates at www.optimizerx.com.

She can keep track of her medicines at www.safemedication.com.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com