eRamblings

I attended my first sleepover in at least a decade. For the first time ever, I was the last one to fall asleep and no one was able to freeze my underwear. Although I did contemplate doing that to the others just for revenge from my earlier years. Then I remembered it was my 11 year old niece’s birthday party and they probably wouldn’t look to kindly on the adult doing the hazing.

Enjoyed most of Sunday by myself. Which doesn’t happen very often, but when it does I don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. I just turned on the tv and watched, I mean zombied out for a few hours. I got up at one point to do something, but after wandering an empty, yet VERY QUIET house, I realized whatever it was really wasn’t that important anyway. So I went back to enjoying the tv.

I watched the following programs {that I can remember, since I tend to zone out while watching tv}

Ace of Cakes - I can tell that the people who run this cake decorating business truly enjoy ther job and that is excellent tv

The Butterfly Effect - with Ashton Kutcher; now this was kind-of freaky and I don’t like freaky movies; it was also pretty interesting

Hope Floats - with Sandra Bullock; one of my favorites; a very sad, yet enlightening movie

The Breakup - with Jennifer Aniston; a real close portrayal of {more than I would like to admit} days in my house, they just forgot to add a stepson to the movie

Then I caught up on all the things I dvr during the week -

• Women’s Murder Club
• Survivor
• House
• Heros
• Greys Anatomy

Started a new book called The Brethren by Beverly Lewis. This book has been eyeballing me for the past couple of weeks from the top of my bookshelf. A long forgotten new book that never got read. I am deeply interested in others lives that are completely different from my own. I love reading about people, cultures and the way people live. This is fabulously interesting about Amish. Nice treat, when I am trying not to spend money on frivilous luxuries. And yes, for a book-a-holic books become a dangerous and expensive hobby.

On the same subject of being nosy about people’s lives. My mother was ever so kind as to tape an Oprah on the subject of Plural Families. I have been fascinated with this topic gor years now. There concern now is to try and legalize plural marriages. And I would be in complete agreement with this because I believe in people’s rights, BUT I worry about the fact that this religion cuts off their own people for chosing NOT to live their lifestyle and religion. I find that morally wrong. Then again, I don’t like to think that religion should be  anything but open arms. Rules, I get. Living a certain way of life, I get. Outcasting people because they choose to believe different than you, is wrong. {if you ask me, and hey this IS my blog LOL}

Started watching Knocked Up  (click link to see trailer) last night with hubs, but didn’t make it all the way through it. Wouldn’t you know it, I wasn’t sure about starting the movie because I planned to go to bed early, but then decided it wasn’t really that important. Then about 11:30 p.m. I decided fighting my eyes closing was just too hard. Hit the bed with about 20 minutes left in the movie. I have to say though, so far I really enjoyed the marriage humor. Right down my alley. I even heard hubs laughing a few times. Wonder if it was because he can relate or he has done that thing he was laughing at??

We never made it to the grocery store yesterday. We will be having sloppy joes for dinner and then hit the store tonight. Hopefully.

I have been collecting receipts since Thursday of last week. We are supposed to be curbing our spending, but we seem to have collected just as many receipts as in a normal week. How is that possible? We both say we are not spending more money, yet we still have a good handful of receipts. Hmmm

Alright, peace out

I decided a week or so ago that my husband and I could stand to save a little. And by a little I mean about $1800 a month.

I am tired of not having any money. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I am tired of my husband saying we can’t spend any money - which is at least once a week. I am tired of not being able to have some spare cash for whatever I want to buy - which isn’t much; it is really just the option to buy that I like.

So I made a plan -

• start by writing down all purchases - cash or credit
• keep all receipts
• cut out all luxuries - housecleaning, storage, eating out, etc
• figure out where to cut even more costs - coupon clipping, shopping by ads/sales
• recycle and save at home

Those are just the beginning ideas. I have been researching as much as possible.

When I first approached my husband about his topic. He said it was a great idea. Then proceeded to add $15 to our tv bill and another $50 to our water bill. All in about 5 minutes from him saying what a good idea it was.

Thanks for you help honey!

It was a hard sell, but so far he has been on board.

I have decided to stay away from the tv. I get the impression that he will not cut back. In fact, he would rather eat leftovers than cut back tv. This is serious. So I will compromise and make him eat leftovers. LOL

This Sunday will be the first day we will go to the grocery store in a week. GASP! This is very big for us. When we need something, we just go and pick it up. Along with fifty million other things we don’t need. I think that is our biggest problem. We don’t stick to a list. We just see something we like and throw it in. A $10 trip, ends in $60. So this Sunday, hubby and I will be parousing the grocery store ads and brain storming meal ideas for the week. We will write up a grocery list for these meals, then search for coupons. {hey grandma, need coupons}  And then the real test begins when we go to the store and shop.

Please God help us only buy the stuff on our list.

This will be a true test of willpower and marriage-power. We will either have a great time and save LOTS of money. Or we will create an all out war and hate each other for a few days.

My mother gave me this book. Which I thought was really great because then I didn’t have to go out and BUY a book about saving money. {see the problem here?}. But I find this book to be way too extreme for me. I did get a few ideas though - recycling plastic ziplock bags and more make at home recipes.

We will be eating in a lot more - I should say we will be eating out only once every two weeks. And we will have some sort of budget for that too. So if we decide to eat out more than that once, we will be eating at a half the price location than if we ate out once.

I am really enjoying eating at home though. I am surprised by this. One of my biggest happinesses in life is being able to eat out at a really nice, really good restaurant. I don’t know why this is. I just know it is huge for me.

But since I started eating healthier, I know love to cook for myself and others. I am really getting into this. I poached salmon the other night. Me! I poached something. Wohoo!!

And my hubby is still doing his cooking. Between the two of us, he is the gifted chef. He is the one who can make dinner out of anything. Me? I can make dinner out of chicken, pasta and veggies. Before this year, that was all I could do. Now with lots of practice and no fear I have expanded by recipes and kitchen skills immensely.

My recent favorites and very easy recipes -

Tortilla Soup

Bring to boil 3 cans of broth soup; add 1 cup of salsa, add cut up chicken chunks. Boil for 15  minutes. Then serve in bowls. Top with tortilla chips and cheese.

YUM!! This was a huge hit at our house. Next time though we will serve it with those seashell looking crackers my hubby likes so much.

The other was a twist on spagetti and hambergers -

Open Face Spagetti Burger

Cook a hamberger, heat spagetti sauce and toast one piece of bread per hamberger. Put ketchup on piece of bread, top with hamberger, then pour spagetti sauce on top, then add melted cheese.

I loved this one. But neither my hubby nor my stepson really cared for it. They didn’t get the open face sandwich. It was way too much for them to process. Apparently, this is weird. Whatever, it will be great for leftover night for me anyway. And it was quick and easy.

Would love to know any great tips you have for saving money. Do you clip coupons? Do you shop in bulk? What is your best kept saving secret?

Why don’t we have sleepovers as an adult? It is good, honest bonding between friends. There is gossip, health and beauty, fun and goofy stuff, entertainment, rest and relaxation, and just all around good times.

My niece is having her first group sleepover this evening for her 11th Birthday. So far it has been great.

The girls have eaten pizza, danced to music {high school musical}, used the Madonna headphones, sang Happy Birthday, ate cake, ran around outside and screamed and acted like idiots, opened presents, got in their pjs, had avocado masks and cucumber eye thingys, and now the girls are down for a movie. I imagine it will be a long night ahead of them all.

Who will fall asleep first? And who will fall asleep last?

Then it becomes who will wake up first? And who will awake last?

I simply can not contain myself.

I have noticed a little competition for my niece’s affection and attention. And she is loving every minute of it. A few times it has clearly been mean, but she is still young and has plenty of time to learn what it is like to be the recipient of meanness.

The best birthday gift, I think, is matching pjs for the birthday girl. What a great gift for you BFFL {best friends for life}. Now why didn’t I think of that? I can think of a few girlfriends I would like to have over for cocktails, late night bs-ing, movies and matching pjs. I miss the sisterhood I used to experience as a teenager. We always had a lot of fun.

Sigh, to be 11 again . . .

Quote from Oprah, when she interviewed Seal and Heidi Klum.

Seems like a great life philosophy.

Happy wife, happy life.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

I wouldn’t say missed it because I did post comments on other’s blogs. I like the button. Who wouldn’t? Ever feel like your blog just needs a button? It may be expired, but a girl can try can’t she??? Swiped from Schmutzie’s Milkmoney or Not, Here I Come blog.

All lurkers - hellooooooooo out there!

Leave me a comment. On anything.

Leave me your blog. Leave me your link.

Leave me a question.

Just don’t leave me without a comment.

Hey, is that a homily poem? LOL

I came home and found, not one, but TWO packages from Creating Keepsakes!!! Oh, yeah!! It is about time. I asked for them way back in August. Now, I really like CK. The website is very informative and always has the latest merchandise on hand. The message board is also very helpful and I like the friendliness of all the people. one of my fav online bloggers from CKMB is Scrapbook Obsession The only issue I have encountered is it takes FOREVER to get anything from CK and as all scrapbookers know by the time we order something we really wanted/needed it last night.

Here are my goodies -

I went with “A Designer’s Eye” by Ali Edwards because I think Ali portrays the simple, but elegant scrapbooker. Her look is clean, yet really intelligent space, color and photos. This will be a great addition to my scrapbook library because it will definitely help my scrapbooking pages look better.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! This is fabulous that Becky has all of her sketches in ONE BOOK!! And they have these really great tabs for however many photos you are using. Super simple! Oh, I have nine photos; flip to 9-10 photo section and viola - I have a number of layouts and sketches to choose from. This is perfect when I am brain dead or just not having any great ideas.

HAPPY SCRAPPIN’ TO ME!!

No more procrastinating. I know how inspiration and new books.

What is your favorite scrapbook book??? Or at least, what is your most recent scrapbook book purchase??

So my neighbor, Notes from the Trenches  {not really a neighbor, but I feel like she is and this is my blog, so there} did a post on trick or treating and is there an age limit?

Well, I am a complete overreactor and I tend to stick to the rules and like a good kid I listened to my mother and she didn’t approve of these older trick or treaters, so neither do I. Until recently when I turned over a new leaf . . .

not everything is going to bother me. Notes from the Trenches brought up some really good points and so I got to thinking . . .

Thought 1 -Why do we give the younger kids more candy and the older kids one piece? {I do that} It doesn’t really make sense to me now that I think about it. The little kids aren’t going to eat it. The parent’s of the little kids may not even eat it {not that they need it} and then it is just going to go bad or get thrown away. At least the older kids will eat the candy long before they leave my driveway.

Thought 2 - Why do we pay more attention {and give better treats} to the little kids and not the older ones? Just because the little kids are cuter; and you know they are!! Aren’t the older kids the ones that will remember the event? Shouldn’t you want to make the older kids happy because they can egg your house if they aren’t happy? LOL

Thought 3 - Shouldn’t we give a little credit to the kids who come to the door dressed in regular clothes? I think these kids have bigger guts than the other kids who dressed up and didn’t really want to. see reference above about egging houses

Thought 4 - In the long run, the world will not end if I give the older kids candy because to be completely honest I DON’T NEED IT sitting around my house tempting me and making me fat.

Thought 5 - I have been contemplating handing out those really cheap {but totally cool} little toys that my son gets out of the quarter machine instead of candy. My husband thinks this idea sucks. He doesn’t want to do something different. He just wants his candy. Me? I likebeing different. I would not be contributing to the endless amounts of candy these kids will be getting all night long. I will not only be provided endless amount of entertainment {if I have learned anything from those 25¢ machines}, but I will be providing a healthier option. I would love to purchase toys from Oriental Trading Co. Now they have some really great cheap ass toys that my son could play with for hours. And ignore the quack-a-billion really expensive toys we have already bought him.

I can’t remember what the other thoughts I had on this subject. So leave me yours -

one must have really thick skin. There are some really tough days.

The days when it seems like every customer has it in for you. The days when nothing you do is right. The days you are afraid to answer the phone because it is probably someone else calling to complain. These are the days it is really hard to work in retail.

I have owned a retail business for many years now and I can honestly say the hardest part is dealing with the complaints, issues and overall bad demeanor of people. It doesn’t matter how hard I work, some days I just run in to the wrong person.

The wrong person is as follows -

• always wants an exception - just this one time
• shops here all the time - but can’t remember who the owner is (you’re looking at her) or what our store policy is
• wants a discount - every time they shop
• doesn’t care if the store policy is this - it should be this
• says “If I owned this shop I would do it so different” - but can’t give any feedback on how I could do better
• can’t believe my prices are higher than the internet
• swears they saw this item in the dollar store the other day

and the list goes on.

My favorite issue is my return policy is listed in front of the register in big bold letters and on each and every receipt. Yet, they can not believe I didn’t tell them. How would I? When would I. “Okay that will be $48 and before you pay make sure this is a good purchase because I only offer store credit.” or how about, “Will that be cash or charge? Oh and don’t open and use a couple of these items then return it because I can’t take it back once you open and use it.” This happens all the time. People constantly open product, ruin it and then try to return it. I actually have had people tell me, “Why can’t you sell a half opened box of merchandise?”

TIP: Read before you sign ANYTHING

I can not tell you how many times I tell people over and over again in one time period, please look over the order before you sign your approval because it will be delivered exactly as you ordered it. And time and time again, people just sign away and then either a) change their minds and wants something different or b) didn’t order it that way or my new favorite c) you must have changed it after I left. Uhm, yes I do that. I once had an employee ring up a customer order for $138 and charged the lady $1038. Not only did my employee enter the number on the credit card machine wrong, but the customer signed it; which means according to my bank I just earned $1000 tip because her valid signature was on the receipt. I am an honest business owner and called the customer to tell them I was refunding the extra $1000. And just in case you didn’t know this - I also paid the bank a nice handsome interest charge for that refund. I am so nice.

TIP: Read everything BEFORE you sign it.

Seriously folks, how often do you go to a restaurant and sign the receipt without looking at it??? Almost every one of my family and friends have done it while I am with them. This is a BIG no no. Once you sign it you are authorized to pay it. Not everyone is as honest as I am. And think again, you can not reverse the charges - your valid signature is on it. Not to mention think of all the time you will waste trying to nail down the manager and then your bank.

TIP: all banks CAN and WILL hold your money for 2-6 weeks just because they can.

Do you return a shirt after you have washed it because it shrank even though it doesn’t say pre-washed?

Do you send back your breakfast because you didn’t read the part where it said onions were in the omlette?

Do you return a can of mushrooms after you opened it simply because you didn’t look at the can and thought it was carrots?

Well, if you work at Walmart like Behind the Counter, I would imagine you have seen a lot worse. But in the real world, SOMEONE ALWAYS PAYS FOR THAT RETURN. You may leave the store after you threw a fit and never look back, but someone has to pay for damaged product, old product, used product. You may be okay with the fact that you got away with that return, but someone lost money on that deal. And probably dealt with some really pissed off customer.

I know what you are thinking - but you kept a customer because you were good to them. Not necessarily. Sometimes the biggest detrement to your business is keeping that customer that will inevitably return everything you sold them for one reason or another. On the other hand, I always try to work with every unhappy customer to make the situation right. I may not give the customer what they felt would be good for them, but I try to at least find another solution. That is one huge benefit to shopping a small business.

How many times have you researched on the internet, found what you want and then go to the nearest shop to look at it because it was hard to see online? Any idea how long this shop will stay in business knowing they are just a research tool for you to purchase it online at a discount?

How many times have you gone into a shop and got some really great ideas and then purchased somewhere else? How long do you think this company will be in business when they just feed you ideas and not purchased product?

TIP: Support your local businesses. You may spend a little more, but my guess is they have BETTER customer service and MORE personal service.

I can’t tell you how many times I have someone come into my shop looking for another store they swear was right around the corner. Nope it went out of business two years ago. Their response - but I shopped there all the time. I find this funny because if they really shopped there all the time then they would know that they haven’t been here for the past couple of years. What exactly does that mean, “I shop here all the time.”

Now don’t get me wrong. I love my business. I love what I do.

My day is filled with diversity. There are days I don’t do the same thing in a week. I work in the back, I work out front, I am on the phones and with customers face to face.

I love my customers. I have built a customer base to the point I know people by face. Sometimes they feel like family I have known them so long. I love that.  And my customers who have worked with me long enough know I will do right by them. They trust my expertise. I love that too.

There are days that I I don’t make a cent, in fact,I have had days where my only customer was a return. And I have had days that make my year and I do the money dance.

I just think we are so caught up in our own lives that we forget there are other people out there who help us. Yes, I said HELP US. Those are the people who would love a smile and a thank you, a deep breath when frustrated and if you had a really great experience tell them. Don’t forget about the people who are there right in front of your face and never get so much as a backward glance.

Customer service people rule.

I would say burning the midnight oil except I rarely make it to midnight. I am not much of a night owl, but when it happens I truly enjoy it.  It is so quiet and peaceful.

The weather has been gorgeous lately. It has been cool with lots of breeze. I have all the windows open right now and I love how the curtains billow around. The air is just so invigorating.

Really enjoyed getting out last night. Having a few drinks, walking around town and just being out and about. A little strange to be walking around where I used to go to school. Way back when. Brings back odd memories. The place has changed or maybe just the people or maybe I am just older and don’t feel the same.

The bar we stopped into and  had a few drinks was fun. The atmosphere was lively and the employees all seemed to enjoy each other company. Nice change to see people truly laughing and joking with each other. I think it is so easy to forget to have fun at work. Get so wrapped up in time schedules and stress.  I think it told a lot about the bar and how the employers run the place.

Had some issues with my stepson today, but it all worked itself out. Thankfully.

My niece has the stomach flu. Uhg. I will be going over to my parent’s house to take care of her tomorrow. Interesting way to spend a day off, but I love being around my niece. Even sick she will be a joy. So sweet and loving. Can’t get enough of her.

Lots of thoughts. Lots of time. Burning the late night oil.

I am so tired of the new Ford commercials. They are really annoying.

The latest is The Ford People got together and decided to GIVE someone a NEW FORD car/truck for a week. Then get the reviews.

Honestly, are we so dumb that we can not figure out that if you gave ANYONE a NEW CAR it wouldn’t matter what car it was, WE WOULD STILL LIKE IT because it is NEW and not old. Duh?!!

And I love how they only give out the good reviews. Didn’t anyone complain that the gas tank is on the wrong side of the car, the windshield wipers go to fast, the back doors automatically lock and can only be unlocked by double pressing the button or something else we always complain about after owning a car for awhile? Oh, no? That is because THEY ONLY GOT TO DRIVE IT FOR A WEEK!

Hello. Ford thinks we are stupid.

That is why I drive a VW. LOL

Every time, I hear these stupid Ford commercials I really wonder if I would like driving a Ford for a week because I only purchased my car over a year ago and I still love it. No, I mean I really, REALLY still LOVE my VW.

Tell me, honestly, if you could drive any car for ONE WEEK, what car would you drive?

I have never driven a MiniCouper, ‘57 Chevy Stingray Corvette or one of those new Mercedes SUVs. But they don’t give out the really, really cool cars for a week. Do they? Figures.