Where Have all of the Warm Coats Gone?
Welcome back!
Photo from Flickr
I have two coats, one is a Columbia brand winter coat and the other is a wool coat. I have gotten lots of wear out of both coats. I also got both on sale. I have had them both for about three years now. While the Columbia coat is looking a bit shabby, but it is still wearable. I wear it when I am working outside, so it’s a little dirty.
My wool coat however, really has seen better days. I got it about 4 years ago at Target. They had the coat on sale for $50. It was made well, and most important it was warm. I live in Chicago and a warm coat is priceless when it gets really cold, and it does. My wool coat is warm. I can wear it on the coldest day and be nice and toasty. It is showing it’s wear. I have sown and resown the buttons on, mended tears and so on. The bottom line is, it is time for a new wool coat.
I began looking for a new coat in September. I have been amazed how thin women’s coats are being made, and women are buying them! I have looked from Nordstroms to K-Mart and everywhere in between. I am still searching for a reasonably priced, warm coat. I consider a reasonably priced coat to cost me between $50 and $70. Do these coats exist? I am starting to think that they do not.
Last weekend I saw an ad from Target advertising wool pea coats for $30. I figured that I would go take a look. The styles were cute and they came in lots of colors, there was just one problem, they were paper thin! I just don’t get it, why aren’t warm coats being made anymore? I have looked at many stores that sell coats at many different prices and the result is the same the coats are flimsy. I don’t want to be waiting for a train shivering in my winter coat.
Virginia asked if there was a Santa Clause, I ask is there a warm coat at a reasonable price out there?
To be continued…. (as the coat hunt continues)
Forget the “Christmas Creep.” It’s More like the Christmas SHOVE!
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Every year I complain how the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year. This year I started to see Christmas items creeping on to store shelves in August! I would just shrug my shoulders and walk by. However this year, it has been decided that we as a nation will just skip thanksgiving. The Sunday after Halloween my husband and I were reading the Sunday paper and the sales flyers were decked out for the holidays. We also noticed Christmas commercials on television on November 1st.
I don’t know about all of you, but I still have pumpkins on my porch, and as far as I know pumpkins are not a Christmas decoration. I see more and more houses lighting up their Christmas decorations. Has America forgotten that there is a between Halloween and Christmas? I admit it is usually pretty common to see Christmas decor before Thanksgiving, but I cannot recall seeing it this early. A few of my local radio stations have started playing Christmas music only.
I understand that with the economy still recovering that stores do not quite know what the retail sales will look like this holiday season. I went into a Kohls this past weekend and was amazed that they had decked their halls, with Christmas music included! My husband and I just looked at each other as if we had stepped into another dimension. It’s just too early.
The last thing I would like to say on this topic; keep a good eye on those advertisements for amazing deals. I was watching tv about two weeks ago when an advertisement for Walmart came on. They were advertising a gaming system for a deeply discounted price along with a $100. gift card for purchasing the system. This sale was to take place on a Saturday morning starting at 8am. I thought to myself, wow what a great deal. Then the commercial aired again, this time I read the small print at the bottom of the screen and it said, “limit 10 consols per store.” WHAT? That just seemed so wrong to me as desperate parents would be crowded in to their local Walmart stores to take advantage of this sale, and learn that the store only had 10 gamming consols.
There are good deals to be had out there, I am sure of it. Just make sure to read the small print. As for me, I will not be hanging my Christmas lights until AFTER Thanksgiving.
Martha Stewart.. This is reality calling!
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I have been a Martha Stewart fan since I was a teenager. My mother and sister used to make fun of me for my Martha Stewart obsession. I have always admired how she has such attention to detail and makes sure that things are done properly. I do recognize and always have, that she tends to go a bit overboard on some things. I have been a loyal reader of her magazine and I used to watch her show on NBC. I bought her products and I was even going to go to a book signing.
As the recession hit, I continued to watch her show. She had on guests like Jim Cramer who was talking about stocks and the stock market. While this is helpful to some, it is not helpful to all. While the rest of the country geared up for the recession, to me it seem as if it was business as usual at Martha Stewart Omnimedia. I watched her show to see if she would have money saving tips for the average American household, but I never saw anything of the sort. Eventually I got fed up and just stopped watching her show. Last week I read an article that said that viewership was down for her show. I was not surprised.
My annoyance did not stop with her television show either. I continued to read the magazine but I soon found myself feeling betrayed. I felt like the Martha magazine was targeted to a different audience, one that had not been effected by the recent recession. Recipes and crafts in the magazine still required pricey ingredients and pieces. While she talked about the recession did she actually realize what the average middle class household was going through? The final straw for me was a piece about what every woman should have in their closet. While the pictures were beautiful, the clothing was outrageously priced.
I eventually started reading the magazine Real Simple. I like this magazine because I feel like it has the same quality as the Martha magazine but that it is more accessible to the average middle income house hold. They too have their out- of touch artciles too, but not as bad.
Even though I have been annoyed by Martha Stewart’s constant bragging about the vacations she goes on or the show about designer dresses, I do not hate her and I occasionally do watch her show. I just wish that she would realize that we aren’t all millionaires and target her show that way. I bet if she did, her ratings would go back up.
How About a Little Kindness?
In the past few months as the economy has continued to deteriorate and materialism is being stripped from people, we are having to reevaluate how we look at others. During times of crisis we learn how far we can be stretched and who we truly are. During these economic times, people are having to make tough decisions and are having to give a lot more of themselves then they did before.
My husband and I recently had a discussion about how the value of a person has been measured by the wealth that they process rather than their character. As Americans, we are not shy like other cultures about discussing our finances. We are proud when we have gotten a good price on something.
Many people have defined themselves by their wealth. Now with the downturn in the economy, people are loosing what they have. People are having to show their true colors. The days of a pseudo-wealthy facade are over. Many of these people don’t know how to define themselves apart from their money.
I say that is time that we go back to valuing people based on their character, not the balance in their checkbook. While this phenomena may not effect all of society, it does effect many Americans. I am pleased that this country is “going back to basics.”
The first place to start is how we teat each other. The “golden rule” still applies no matter what the economic situation. For those of you out there who do not know what I am talking about, just look at how rude people are when behind the wheel of their cars. There is a complete lack of common curtsey for our fellow Americans.
We all have value and deserve to be treated with respect. What is the point of being a millionaire if you have spent all of your time following that goal, and have lost the ones you love in the process. The value of people should be measured in the good deeds they do.
Times are rough, life is harsh. We as a country are going through this. I know that not everyone will agree with me, but that is okay. However, take the time to be courteous, you never know if the person behind you has just lost their life savings, their job, or their home.
Inexpensive Spring Break Fun
Tis the season for Spring Break for many students out there. While thoughts of Spring break usually gravitate towards fun vacations in sunny warm destinations, many are cutting back this year due to the economy. However, just because funds may restrict big travel plans for this upcoming Spring Break, fun is still out there to be had for all ages.
I grew up in a household, where my parents always seemed to struggle with financial obligations. I spent many Spring Breaks at home with my younger sister, while our friends were jetting off to islands and Disney World with their parents. While our parents could not afford such elaborate vacations for my sister and I, my mother always went out of her way to made sure we had a great time. We spent most spring breaks hosting sleepovers, having movie marathons, and playing outside.
As my sister and I got older, my mom would take us on day trips into Chicago for the day. While this may sound really expensive, it was not. In my family, it was understood that we walked, no cabs for us. We would be so excited to go, it did not matter how far we wold have to walk. At one time, the museums had free days that we’d go to. Mom would pack a lunch for us and we would take the train into the city. The whole day would maybe cost us $40. We always had a blast.
My mother had another ingenious idea, to take a car trip to see our cousins and family in Nebraska. Every Spring Break for almost 10 years my mom would pile my sister and I into the car and down I80 we would go. We would stay with family to minimize costs. My sister and I were lucky to have cousins close in age. We would play for a week strait, while my mom had time to visit with family as well.
I found that my most favorite Spring Breaks were the low key ones. One year when my sister and I were in high school she decided that we would be allowed to re-do our bedrooms over the break, after all paint is cheap. We each helped work in each other’s rooms. We had so much fun. It was a wonderful treat.
So, keep in mind, Spring Break does not have to be outrageously expensive. Just remember to keep it loose and fun. Find fun things that you can do cheaply and enjoy your time off!
Brunch on a Budget
When I think of brunch, I think of elegant food and mimosas. I also think about how expensive it can be to host a brunch in your home. I recently had the pleasure of having my mother and her boyfriend to brunch at my house. I love to entertain, but it can be pricey.
I was delighted at the thought of having my mother over for the first time since I had moved into my new home. However, the dread of how much a brunch meal was going to cost set in. Rather than freak out about the situation. I decided that I would spend as little as possible and still have a wonderful brunch. Brunch is supposed to be a mix between lunch and breakfast foods.
I started my planning with by looking online for traditional brunch menus. I searched many websites so I could get a well rounded idea of what to serve. After I had a good idea of what kind of food I wanted to serve, I looked up some brunch recipes. I took stock of what I already had in my pantry and went from there. I found some wonderful recipes on the Food Network website. Not only were some of the recipes inexpensive to make, but they were sophisticated. From these recipes, I made a shopping list.
Once I got to the grocery store, I priced out everything I would need. I chose generic or store brand goods where I could. I spent less than $15 on my whole meal! My brunch, looked beautiful and tasted delicious. It looked as if I had spent a fortune. I simply took everything I had bought and put it in nice serving dishes. My table looked beautiful.
We all had a wonderful time. My guests were very impressed with all of the yummy foods that were available. I will include my menu for those of you who are interested. As always, continue to enjoy entertaining in your home, just remember it does not have to be expensive to do.
Brunch Menu
Fluffy scrambled eggs with a dash of seasoning salt
Cinnabon cinnamon rolls from Pillsbury
A cheese filled coffee cake (store bought)
A container of “mini muffins” which included blueberry, lemon and bananna nut (store bought)
A bag of frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
Fried potatoes with onion
Coffee
Tea
Orange Juice
Milk
I am not a Degenerate!
It comes as no surprise that times are hard, and seem to be getting harder. Many Americans are having to decide what bills they can afford to pay. While budgeting and careful planning may help, sometimes there is just a shortage of available funds to pay the monthlies. As, the cost of living seems to continue to rise, the dollar seems to be stretched further than ever.
When you have missed a payment or are late on a payment these days, creditors are quick to let you know it. While you are clearly do owe them, do not allow yourself to be tormented and harassed by creditors. You have rights and there are laws for your protection from harassing creditors.
Unfortunately, I have had to start making tough choices recently. I just do not have enough money to pay everything on time. I like many Americans am doing the very best that I can.
I was prompted to write this post by an event that happened this week. My husband and I live in a very nice community, which we usually do not have a problem with. Last week, I received a call from our town’s water department. My check had been returned. I was so embarrassed, it had merely been an accounting error on our side. I returned the call to the water department to let them know that I would fix this mess right away. In the same phone call, they said that they would not take a check from my household anymore, due to my irresponsibility. Instead of arguing with the woman on the phone, I told her I would drop off the payment at the end of the day.
Two days went by since I had re-paid my water bill. I thought all was fine, until I got a call from the water department. The woman left a message on my phone at 8 am. in the morning. Her message that was left on my phone was incredibly rude and demeaning. Apparently I had not paid the bill correctly, which was a simple miscommunication. In the message she went on to demean my character and my husband’s character. I was shocked at the brazenness of her call and I was angry.
Later that afternoon, I went into the water department to pay my bill and set the woman who had made the call strait. I told her that I am not a bad person due to an accounting error. Further more, I asked her if she treated everyone who had issues with their bills in this manner. I reminded her that we are in the grips of a very serious recession and that a little compassion for people’s struggles might be in order. The woman did not seem to even register what I had said, and her rude service continued through out my business there. As a bill payer/ customer, you do have rights and you should be heard.
I was utterly shocked by her rudeness. There was absolutely no call for it. My husband was appalled at the treatment I had received as well. He jokingly said, that I should tell them that I was going to dig a well, and that they could keep their city wanter. This was a tricky situation, where I as the customer was not heard. Because it is a city service, I just have to deal with her behavior. I told my husband that the whole situation reminds me of a Simpsons episode where, Homer insults the local garbage men and does not have pick up service for months, causing his rubbish to pile up in his yard.
While I was clearly in the wrong for my accounting error, I still deserver to be treated with dignity and respect.
Dumpster Diving Is Back
As a child I grew up in a home where we just managed to get by financially. Once a week my mom would pile us kids into the car to go “dumpster diving” in the wealthier neighborhoods in our area. I know this idea sounds repulsive to some, but it really isn’t. We would not go through the garbage bags, but instead keep an eye out for things set next to the rummage bin.
My sister and I used to love “dumpster diving night.” Believe it or not, we actually found some pretty cools stuff over the years, things that were in perfect condition. As I got older, we didn’t do dumpster dive nights anymore. However, I still do keep my eye out when I am driving. Once, I found a perfectly good Radio Flyer wagon in someone’s trash. It was old and a little rusty, but it worked just fine. I use it as a garden cart for when I am out working in my yard.
Recently I have been reading articles that say dumpster diving is back in a big way. This made me chuckle until the other night when I actually saw a guy doing it! I personally don’t care if someone wants to rummage through my trash, believe me all they’d find is coffee grounds and cat food tins. I am not condemning the man that I saw. Way to go for him, now that’s being resourceful.
However, like most things, dumpster diving has become more technologically advanced. Craig’s List has a free category on their website, the new modern dumpster dive. I have been amazed at the things people give away. I have seen beautiful furniture, appliances some working, and some for scrap, clothing. You name it, you’ll find it.
There are a few tricks to this modern dumpster dive. First, you must check often, especially on the weekends. Second, if you see something you want, contact the giver right away. Things can go very quickly on Craig’s List. It is okay to ask the giver a few questions about the item before you commit to taking it. This can be a great way to get what you need for free.
While Craig’s List is free, a word of caution, this type of dumpster dive can be dangerous. Most times when someone lists an item, they usually have you pick it up at their home. Please be cautious, take someone with you when you go. We have had two robberies in the area that lured people by using the free category on Craig’s List. The people showed up to pick up the items and instead, they were robbed and assaulted. So, please be careful when using Craig’s List. However, in giving this warning, I must say, I have used Craig’s List many times and I have never had any problems.
A Guide For the Newly Uninsured
As the economy continues to struggle the cost of living is rising for Americans. Many Americans are so strapped for cash that they are having to pick and choose which bills to pay. Lots of Americans do have health insurance through work and some purchase health insurance on their own as well. If you are one of the many Americans who is losing or has lost their health insurance recently, don’t panic. Welcome to the club!
Not having health insurance is not the end of the world if you are healthy. The first thing to do is not to panic. Millions of Americans go without health insurance every year. To survive without it is possible. here are a few tips that I as an uninsured individual live by.
Assess when you really NEED to see a doctor
If you have a cold or the flu there really isn’t a need to see a doctor. A doctor should not prescribe any antibiotics for these issues. Let the body naturally fight it off. Over the counter fever reducer and cold medication should do the trick. To keep from spreading illnesses like these, try to stay contained to one bedroom if possible. Make sure to not let others handle used tissues. Also keep some bleach wipes near the toilet, so that you can wipe the handle when you are done, do the same with door knobs and phones.
The Drug Store and the Pharmacist
For example if you have a stomach ache, try Pepto or Amoduim. These work wonders and cost only a fraction of what the trip to the doctors would. Also if you are going to a store that has a pharmacy, do not be afraid to ask the pharmacist medical questions. They can usually offer sound medical advice. They can usually help you choose the right drug to help you as well. They can also inform you of what illnesses are going around, and tell you the best way to treat it.
When it is Time to See the Doctor
Sometimes, you must go to the doctor. I usually throw in the towel when I have a cold or flu that won’t go away. Another red flag that it’s doctor time, is when someone has a really high fever that will not go away. A high fever is usually a warning sign of infection. Usually when symptoms get worse or do not fade, it is time to see the doctor.
If you do not have a regular doctor, I recommend going to an immediate care center. These facilities have a doctor on staff, and the bill is much more manageable than the emergency room. If you do have a regular doctor, when you are scheduling an appointment let the receptionist know that you do not have insurance. Usually when you let your doctor know ahead of time, they can work out a payment plan. They also can try to keep unnecessary procedures and tests to a minimum.
I am not a medical professional so please use common sense when taking my advice. Please do not sue me if you arm falls off cause you did not go to the doctor. The best thing you can keep yourself healthy. Exercise, eat right and get plenty of sleep. Try to keep unhealthy habits to a minimum. Best of luck to you all!
Resources for Recent Layoffs
540,000 jobs were cut last month, and this month is looking to be worse. It is a scary time to be employed and unemployed right now. Strong stable companies are shedding jobs in an effort to help their bottom line. However, where does that leave the receiver of a pink slip?
Well, if you have recently received a pink slip you are not alone. I came across a statistic the other day that said 70% of Americans know someone who has been effected by the economic downturn or laid off. In looking at that stat, it is amazing to me to see how rampant this really is.
As I was searching the net for information to aid those who have been recently laid off, I came across this article on Mashable.com. They have an article that lists the best 30 websites for those who are jobless right now.
This database of websites is wonderful! It is very rare in the vast universe that is the internet, to find such a detailed and concise list. The database, has sites not only how to find a new job, but how to manage your money until you do.
Ben Parr, the author says,
“But the worst time to panic is when you are laid off and lose your main source of income. We live in a new and powerful era of communication, one where we can find support, gather news, and network without ever leaving our computers.”
I would encourage all to take a quick glance at his database. This is a wonderful resource. I hope that this helps to those of you who have recently recieved that dreaded pink slip
