Welcome to Marilyn’s Portfolio
Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto is a Connecticut-based freelance writer, journalist and editor who has contributed to a wide variety of respected print and online publishers.
A skilled interviewer, Marilyn knows how to put people at ease. She has interviewed a wide variety of personalities, from architects to plastic surgeons to company presidents and independent designers and architects, each with a distinct personality.
In addition to her bylined work, Marilyn writes marketing materials, blogs, edits and is a project manager for book publishers.
For a complete list of books, articles, and special projects, please visit those pages.
Marilyn’s newest venture is an unexpected, but exciting extension of her blog, Two Frugal Fairfielders. The blog has resulted in requests for her popular workshops on saving money, budgeting and couponing. In addition, she has spearheaded The Fairfield Coupon Exchange at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library in Fairfield, CT.
“Marilyn is a superb writer/editor with deep knowledge of the architecture and design field. She is creative, trustworthy and delivers excellent results on time working well with a wide range of internal colleagues and external clients. The added bonus is that she is a delight to work with both personally and professionally.” Loren Arethas, formerly ad director at New York Spaces Magazine, currently Director at LUXE Magazine/Sandow Media.
Links to Articles by Marilyn
(See a comprehensive list on the Articles page.)
Saving Money:
Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank
The thermometer is cranked up past 70 degrees, but you’re still shivering. You’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 50 percent of a typical household’s energy budget goes toward heating and cooling the home, yet many people say their houses never feel comfortably warm. That’s enough to give anyone chills.
Read more: Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank | eHow.com
Home Improvement:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Deck Grunge
It‘s clear that our decks could use a little help. There are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association. In a deck this old, the wood may be seriously weathered. But how do you make your deck more attractive? “It can be a mind-boggling process to deal with a deck,” says Susan Uram, brand manager at Olympic Exterior Stain. Read more: The Do’s and Don’ts of Deck Grunge/Shelterpop.com
Real Estate:
Home Buyer’s Guide: How to Keep From Getting Burned–New Construction Isn’t Fail-Safe
If you’re in the market to buy a house, which is right for you: a brand new house or one with a bit of mileage under the roof?
Read more: Home Buyer’s Guide: How to Keep From Getting Burned | eHow.com
Architecture:
What’s So Big About the Small House Movement?
Each year Dee Williams speaks to hundreds of students in the Pacific Northwest, from first grade through college, and none of them aspires to live in a large home. Williams has taught them — in the words from one fourth grader’s thank-you letter — that it’s not the size of a person’s house that matters; it’s the size of a person’s heart that counts.
Read more: What’s So Big About the Small-Home Movement? | eHow.com
Consumer Behavior:
Why I Hate Air Conditioners
I hate to sweat, really. But I’d rather sit on the couch with a cold compress draped around the back of my neck than turn on one of the four perfectly fine air conditioners in my house. My friends think I’m a martyr. My kids can’t understand why everyone except us has the air conditioners running when it’s 75 degrees outside. Read more: Why I Hate Air Conditioners/Shelterpop.com
On My Unnecessary Spending Guilt
I’m getting my kitchen remodeled as a 50th birthday gift, but I feel guilty. I coupon; I make my owndishwashing detergent; I made my kids start an iTouch fund—and then I blog about all my economizing. Read more: On My Unnecessary Spending Guilt
