From the odds and ends of the BlogHer 2011 exhibitors hall comes this bag of necessities. Good for temp workers, state employees, cubicle dwellers and anyone who needs to know that the boss is sneaking up on him.

I’ve got new articles up at both my day jobs, in which I counsel how to get bonus bucks from banks and how to protect yourself in the aftermath of a car accident.

I’m presenting a talk at the Financial Blogger Conference this coming weekend in Schaumburg, just outside Chicago. My plane lands early Friday morning. Can anyone recommend a good breakfast place? And does anyone want to join us?

My phone provider, Qwest, is now called Century Link. Today a customer service rep phoned to see if I am getting the best deal possible. Turns out I am, but the lovely and talented Jason suggested a new frugal hack.

I mentioned that one of my upcoming trips might last as long as seven weeks. He said, “Then you’ll be turning off your phone, right?”

I didn’t know you could do that. Some frugalist I am.

The first BlogHer 2011 giveaway is a whole bunch of items designed to make you feel good about yourself, both figuratively and literally.