It's a cold, windy Wednesday...thank God we have potluck tonight to warm us up (after class warms us up of course!)!!
Yesterday, someone brought up one of their pet peeves, so I thought we'd go through a few:
-Not knocking on a bathroom door (public or semi-public) when it's closed. Here's the thing, unless you're in your own house, knock on the dang door. The lock may not work, someone may have forgotten to lock the door and unless you'd like to embarrass that person or yourself, you'd best knock.
-Leaving lights on as you leave a room. When you use the bathroom here at the Center, shut off the light, k? (Unless, of course, someone is right there waiting to go in...) I think we're all trying to save the planet nowadays so shut off the GD light when you're done. Thanks.
-If you're driving around looking for a street (and/or your Tom Tom has gone haywire...) please kindly pull the F over so the 10 cars behind you can proceed. You stopping at every street and/or driveway, looking for your friend's house and pretending you're the only person on the planet is, well, rude. Look behind you as you need to slow down and, if you see a line of cars behind you, again, pull the F over. I hate to tell you this, but you're not the only one on the road!
-If you work at CVS, DD, or any other fine establishment please ACKNOWLEDGE when a customer approaches your counter. Continuing your deep, philosophical discussion on whether or not you and your baby-daddy should go to karaoke tonight is NOT more important than waiting on said customer. And, not making eye contact does NOT mean we just walked up to the counter when YOU decide you're done with the aforementioned discussion and actually look at us. Oh and when I say "Excuse me, is anyone working at this counter?" Don't you DARE give me attitude. Last time I checked you are there to WAIT on customers, not converse with your homies. You can do that when folks stop coming to your establishment because of the lousy service. You'll have plenty of time to chat then. A simple "I'll be right with you" goes a long way.
-When you bump into someone you know from long ago and they say "HI" to you, say HI back. They're not looking to get into a long, drawn out convo with you, they're just saying HI. Pretending you don't know them, when you clearly do, is rude.
-When you're at the drive thru ATM, please look the F behind you once you're done with your transaction. If there's no one there-please feel free to sit there all day long cleaning out your pocketbook, sorting your receipts, feeding your toddler a snack and talking to your Mother on the celly. However, if there is a car behind you-MOVE the F out of the way. There really should NEVER be a time when I need to honk at you (after waiting about 10 minutes to make sure you are truly done with your transaction) to get you to realize you're not the only person on the planet today. Let's pay attention, shall we?
Ah, those are some good ones, aren't they?
If you have any, please feel free to comment!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Layaway...
Happy Friday all!
As you all know, we've been chatting about the 'old time' practice of layaway vs. credit cards. 20-somethings, this is where you go to the store, pick out your purchases and go to the 'layaway' desk and make a 'down payment' on your purchases, then go back weekly or monthly and pay them off, without interest. There is, sometimes, a layaway fee but, otherwise, once you pick them up you OWN them...outright! WOOHOO.
K*art is all about the layaway and I hear S*ars is too. (I believe they are now one and the same Company) TJ Max* has always done layaway I'm told and I'm sure other retailers are jumping on this bandwagon.
I've also found a website called elayaway.com where you can shop online retailers that allow you to do this online (no real 'popular' ones but a ton of choices!) with a checking account.
As we've said 'forever', personal responsibility is so important and if we all take the 'PR' to pay down our debt and not create more, our own lives will be better and, in turn, our world will be better.
So, let's all try *not* to charge this holiday season. And, just think...you won't be staring down that mailbox with the huge CC bills in January! (And maybe, instead, you can treat yourself to a spa day-paid for in cash!)
See you in class this weekend!
As you all know, we've been chatting about the 'old time' practice of layaway vs. credit cards. 20-somethings, this is where you go to the store, pick out your purchases and go to the 'layaway' desk and make a 'down payment' on your purchases, then go back weekly or monthly and pay them off, without interest. There is, sometimes, a layaway fee but, otherwise, once you pick them up you OWN them...outright! WOOHOO.
K*art is all about the layaway and I hear S*ars is too. (I believe they are now one and the same Company) TJ Max* has always done layaway I'm told and I'm sure other retailers are jumping on this bandwagon.
I've also found a website called elayaway.com where you can shop online retailers that allow you to do this online (no real 'popular' ones but a ton of choices!) with a checking account.
As we've said 'forever', personal responsibility is so important and if we all take the 'PR' to pay down our debt and not create more, our own lives will be better and, in turn, our world will be better.
So, let's all try *not* to charge this holiday season. And, just think...you won't be staring down that mailbox with the huge CC bills in January! (And maybe, instead, you can treat yourself to a spa day-paid for in cash!)
See you in class this weekend!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
THE cookie recipe from Open House!
RICOTTA COOKIES
2 cups white sugar
2 sticks margarine
3 eggs
2 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Baking powder
5 cups flour
1 lbs Ricotta cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix sugar, margarine, eggs ricotta, vanilla in mixing bowl and use hand mixer. Then add flour, soda and powder. Mix well. Roll into a ball as big as a walnut. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
*I always end up adding more flour (1/2 cut to 1 cup (I usually end up adding about 1 cup)) to get the correct texture. The dough should not be sticky.
Frosting:
1 box powdered sugar (I always use more since cookie mix makes a large batch)
Add milk for consistency
1 tsp Anise (or other flavoring, I also like Almond extract). I also use flavoring to my liking. May be more than 1 tsp.
2 cups white sugar
2 sticks margarine
3 eggs
2 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Baking powder
5 cups flour
1 lbs Ricotta cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix sugar, margarine, eggs ricotta, vanilla in mixing bowl and use hand mixer. Then add flour, soda and powder. Mix well. Roll into a ball as big as a walnut. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
*I always end up adding more flour (1/2 cut to 1 cup (I usually end up adding about 1 cup)) to get the correct texture. The dough should not be sticky.
Frosting:
1 box powdered sugar (I always use more since cookie mix makes a large batch)
Add milk for consistency
1 tsp Anise (or other flavoring, I also like Almond extract). I also use flavoring to my liking. May be more than 1 tsp.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
TV shows you'd never admit to watching but...
You do.
For me, it really started with the "Real Housewives of Orange County" (which is an oxymoron-since I'm from SoCal the 'real' part is what gets me! HA), continued with the "RH of NYC" and is now on to the "RH of Atlanta". The latter basically could be called "Mean Girls Grow Up". Boy, am I glad I don't know those girls!
Anyway...let's move on:
-Jon and Kate Plus 8...FAVE!
-Flipping Out (hopefully it comes back on)
-Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D list (hope it returns too)
So, if you're looking for a bit of time to 'escape' into a few shows that's make you glad you live in your own life-check those out!
And, post and add your own guilty pleasures on TV.
Oh and one show I'm getting into that I love for different reason? The Locater on WE. (Ok, I've spellchecked 3 times, is that the right spelling?)
Anyway, it's a great show and you will love it. It's a real life investigator who finds lost loved ones...check it out!
Well, it's a rainy, cold Wednesday-so I hope to see you ALL in class tonight!
Have a great day.
For me, it really started with the "Real Housewives of Orange County" (which is an oxymoron-since I'm from SoCal the 'real' part is what gets me! HA), continued with the "RH of NYC" and is now on to the "RH of Atlanta". The latter basically could be called "Mean Girls Grow Up". Boy, am I glad I don't know those girls!
Anyway...let's move on:
-Jon and Kate Plus 8...FAVE!
-Flipping Out (hopefully it comes back on)
-Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D list (hope it returns too)
So, if you're looking for a bit of time to 'escape' into a few shows that's make you glad you live in your own life-check those out!
And, post and add your own guilty pleasures on TV.
Oh and one show I'm getting into that I love for different reason? The Locater on WE. (Ok, I've spellchecked 3 times, is that the right spelling?)
Anyway, it's a great show and you will love it. It's a real life investigator who finds lost loved ones...check it out!
Well, it's a rainy, cold Wednesday-so I hope to see you ALL in class tonight!
Have a great day.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Everything old is new again...
Hello everyone!
Well, it's Monday and if you had to be out early this morning it was freezing! Some like this weather, some don't. I basically see it as a prelude (and pretty one) to what's to come-the dreaded snow. Anyway...
We've been chatting in class lately as to how to make all our 'Benjamins' go further. Here's some of the ideas and information:
-Xmas/Holiday club at your bank. Remember when you used to start an account, in October, for next holiday season? Well, do it again now! That way, next holiday season, you'll have all the money you need to spoil those kiddos. (and maybe yourself too...) And, consider starting an account to *save* for that plasma TV or new washer/dryer you want, instead of charging it. (Unless it's an emergency purchase...)
-Save your change. Yes...that's right. Clean out your pocketbook every night into a jar or bank. Have your SO and kids do the same. Then, every 3 months, stop by the Coins*ar machines located in some local grocery stores. These machines count the change and you can even choose to buy gift cards with the proceeds or get cash. If you choose cash, why not consider depositing it in the aforementioned account to save for that snazzy new TV for the house!?
-Most folks who attend class at our Center actually pay less than $4 per class. Did you know that? And, exercise goes a long way to keeping healthcare costs down. You will be out of work less (there's always the 'mental health' day, right?) and if you have co-pays or have an insurance plan that only pays partially for some items-this is saving you money! And, some medical associations now consider 'exercise' medicine!
-Shop at K*art! They have re-introduced traditional layaway! Remember layaway? Remember going into the store with your list, picking out the items you wanted (but couldn't pay for in full right now) and having the store stash them away as you paid each month? Then, once paid, you can waltz right in and pick up your purchases with no incoming bill looming in the mail!
Brilliant! And, it can't hurt to call/check in with your other favorite retailers and see if they're 'on the bus' with this great idea! (Because remember, when you buy on a credit card and don't pay the balance in full each month, you are actually paying MORE for your items than the ticket price with all that interest!)
-"Shop" in your own closet!! A novel idea, no? You know you have too many things...(I know I do) and do we really need all that stuff? Uh, no. So, before you go shopping for a new outfit, 'shop' in your closet! Pull anything out you haven't worn in 6 months. Be honest with yourself. Then, donate the things you're not wearing or, if they're really nice, bring them into one of the many consignment shops in our area. You can get cash you need, space you need and someone can get a great buy on your unused items! WIN-WIN!
(PS Don't forget our coat drive is going on now-so grab those coats no one in the family is wearing and donate them here!)
Anyway, share your ideas and look here often for more. Let's work together to make all our lives better as we step through these next few months!
See you in class!
Well, it's Monday and if you had to be out early this morning it was freezing! Some like this weather, some don't. I basically see it as a prelude (and pretty one) to what's to come-the dreaded snow. Anyway...
We've been chatting in class lately as to how to make all our 'Benjamins' go further. Here's some of the ideas and information:
-Xmas/Holiday club at your bank. Remember when you used to start an account, in October, for next holiday season? Well, do it again now! That way, next holiday season, you'll have all the money you need to spoil those kiddos. (and maybe yourself too...) And, consider starting an account to *save* for that plasma TV or new washer/dryer you want, instead of charging it. (Unless it's an emergency purchase...)
-Save your change. Yes...that's right. Clean out your pocketbook every night into a jar or bank. Have your SO and kids do the same. Then, every 3 months, stop by the Coins*ar machines located in some local grocery stores. These machines count the change and you can even choose to buy gift cards with the proceeds or get cash. If you choose cash, why not consider depositing it in the aforementioned account to save for that snazzy new TV for the house!?
-Most folks who attend class at our Center actually pay less than $4 per class. Did you know that? And, exercise goes a long way to keeping healthcare costs down. You will be out of work less (there's always the 'mental health' day, right?) and if you have co-pays or have an insurance plan that only pays partially for some items-this is saving you money! And, some medical associations now consider 'exercise' medicine!
-Shop at K*art! They have re-introduced traditional layaway! Remember layaway? Remember going into the store with your list, picking out the items you wanted (but couldn't pay for in full right now) and having the store stash them away as you paid each month? Then, once paid, you can waltz right in and pick up your purchases with no incoming bill looming in the mail!
Brilliant! And, it can't hurt to call/check in with your other favorite retailers and see if they're 'on the bus' with this great idea! (Because remember, when you buy on a credit card and don't pay the balance in full each month, you are actually paying MORE for your items than the ticket price with all that interest!)
-"Shop" in your own closet!! A novel idea, no? You know you have too many things...(I know I do) and do we really need all that stuff? Uh, no. So, before you go shopping for a new outfit, 'shop' in your closet! Pull anything out you haven't worn in 6 months. Be honest with yourself. Then, donate the things you're not wearing or, if they're really nice, bring them into one of the many consignment shops in our area. You can get cash you need, space you need and someone can get a great buy on your unused items! WIN-WIN!
(PS Don't forget our coat drive is going on now-so grab those coats no one in the family is wearing and donate them here!)
Anyway, share your ideas and look here often for more. Let's work together to make all our lives better as we step through these next few months!
See you in class!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Customer service!
Why the exclamation point? Because we think customer service is important!
As we all know, economic times are tough and we all need to do some belt tightening, whether it be major or minor. And, in our personal finances and our business finances...but that does *not* mean we decrease our customer service to you!
We think that a very high level of customer service is what we owe our valued customers for your loyalty and continued business! Simple!
I've noticed (as a consumer) that some other companies are embracing this and, well, some are not.
For instance, I've gotten an increase in 'cold' sales calls, even though all my numbers are listed on the 'do not call' listing.
And, some businesses I patronize are going above and beyond (D'A*ngelo's sandwiches, C*untryside Vet Hospital, O'Gra*y Insurance) and some are going, well, the opposite way (Quiz*o's, DD...).
Look, I don't know about you, but when times are tough I want to spend my hard earned money on things that are of value to me AND at places where I receive outstanding customer service! I will not waste my valuable time and money on businesses that don't offer me a good value and good service!
So, chime in on businesses that do WELL by you (not good English, I know...) and those that do BAD by you...so we can all gravitate to the GOOD ones!
Have a great weekend and see you all in class!
As we all know, economic times are tough and we all need to do some belt tightening, whether it be major or minor. And, in our personal finances and our business finances...but that does *not* mean we decrease our customer service to you!
We think that a very high level of customer service is what we owe our valued customers for your loyalty and continued business! Simple!
I've noticed (as a consumer) that some other companies are embracing this and, well, some are not.
For instance, I've gotten an increase in 'cold' sales calls, even though all my numbers are listed on the 'do not call' listing.
And, some businesses I patronize are going above and beyond (D'A*ngelo's sandwiches, C*untryside Vet Hospital, O'Gra*y Insurance) and some are going, well, the opposite way (Quiz*o's, DD...).
Look, I don't know about you, but when times are tough I want to spend my hard earned money on things that are of value to me AND at places where I receive outstanding customer service! I will not waste my valuable time and money on businesses that don't offer me a good value and good service!
So, chime in on businesses that do WELL by you (not good English, I know...) and those that do BAD by you...so we can all gravitate to the GOOD ones!
Have a great weekend and see you all in class!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Wedding pics here for now!
Our website is acting up...again...so here are the FABULOUS pics of Jess and Adam's big day!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Money savings tips on groceries!
This comes from O's website and her show yesterday...good tips people!
Plan your meals and shopping lists around featured sale items.
Use your store's weekly sales ad flier to plan your menus for the week. Then, write your shopping list around the items and brands that are on sale.
Taking a few minutes to make a detailed plan will save you the time of making unplanned trips to the store during the week—which can ruin your budget.
Planning ahead also helps you avoid impulse shopping during your trip. Know how your stores' savings programs work.
Do they have "buy one, get one free" deals?
Do they double coupons?
Do they offer a store discount cards that gives you automatic discounts?
Do they have special store coupons?
Once you know your stores' rules, you can combine them to pay the lowest possible prices for your items, such as using two coupons with a "buy one, get one free" deal. Combining strategies can result in free items. Use grocery coupons, ideally when the item is on sale.
Buy the Sunday newspaper—75 percent of grocery coupons come from the newspaper. Buy two to three copies per week to save dramatically.
Go online—grocery stores often have their best deals and printable coupons on their websites.
Many stores offer electronic coupons that go directly on your store discount card. Stock up on common items when they hit their lowest price.
Don't buy a year's supply, just enough to last until the next sale (two to three weeks).
Boneless chicken is on sale every other week at Stephanie's grocery store, so she buys two weeks of boneless chicken every other week to store in her freezer. This habit saves her family of four $325 a year on this one item. Be flexible about brands and stores.
Buy the brand that's on sale with a coupon, or get the store brand if it's less expensive.
Shop at the store with the best prices for your items that week.
Plan your meals and shopping lists around featured sale items.
Use your store's weekly sales ad flier to plan your menus for the week. Then, write your shopping list around the items and brands that are on sale.
Taking a few minutes to make a detailed plan will save you the time of making unplanned trips to the store during the week—which can ruin your budget.
Planning ahead also helps you avoid impulse shopping during your trip. Know how your stores' savings programs work.
Do they have "buy one, get one free" deals?
Do they double coupons?
Do they offer a store discount cards that gives you automatic discounts?
Do they have special store coupons?
Once you know your stores' rules, you can combine them to pay the lowest possible prices for your items, such as using two coupons with a "buy one, get one free" deal. Combining strategies can result in free items. Use grocery coupons, ideally when the item is on sale.
Buy the Sunday newspaper—75 percent of grocery coupons come from the newspaper. Buy two to three copies per week to save dramatically.
Go online—grocery stores often have their best deals and printable coupons on their websites.
Many stores offer electronic coupons that go directly on your store discount card. Stock up on common items when they hit their lowest price.
Don't buy a year's supply, just enough to last until the next sale (two to three weeks).
Boneless chicken is on sale every other week at Stephanie's grocery store, so she buys two weeks of boneless chicken every other week to store in her freezer. This habit saves her family of four $325 a year on this one item. Be flexible about brands and stores.
Buy the brand that's on sale with a coupon, or get the store brand if it's less expensive.
Shop at the store with the best prices for your items that week.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Jessica and Adam get married THIS Saturday!
Ok kids, as you start your life together here's some 'sage' advice:
-Always keep your sense of humor
-Know that you are a 'team' now. I know you were before, but now it's official
-In 5 years you'll be SO glad you're not 'out there' anymore dating
-Adam, you're a Jazzerspouse now-it comes with it's joys and challenges. We know you'll be a great one
-Jessica, all those cute things he does now might not seem so cute later but keep it in perspective (Adam, ditto for you)
Right now it's Wednesday and Jess is teaching her last 'single' class...
She's excited and happy and we cannot wait to see our beautiful bride...and dance to celebrate with you both on Saturday night.
We'll miss you as you jet to Hawaii for your honeymoon but enjoy yourselves, relax and have FUN!
Love and years of happiness to you both!
-Always keep your sense of humor
-Know that you are a 'team' now. I know you were before, but now it's official
-In 5 years you'll be SO glad you're not 'out there' anymore dating
-Adam, you're a Jazzerspouse now-it comes with it's joys and challenges. We know you'll be a great one
-Jessica, all those cute things he does now might not seem so cute later but keep it in perspective (Adam, ditto for you)
Right now it's Wednesday and Jess is teaching her last 'single' class...
She's excited and happy and we cannot wait to see our beautiful bride...and dance to celebrate with you both on Saturday night.
We'll miss you as you jet to Hawaii for your honeymoon but enjoy yourselves, relax and have FUN!
Love and years of happiness to you both!
Monday, October 6, 2008
I may be a fitness instructor but...
I'm not an idiot.
The HeartWalk went well-we still need to drum up a bit more attendance but it'll come! We've raised a lot of money for a GREAT cause and you can still donate. Log onto www.heartwalk.kintera.org/merrimackvalley. Find our team and donate! THANKS
Now, why the title for today's blog?
Uh, yeah, the 'sound guy' from the Walk apparently thinks that a slightly blond (it is my real color but it's not the 'white' blond most folks think of, I think they call it 'dirty blond') fitness instructor is a moron and knows nothing about her mic. This was displayed in the snide comment, "Uh, is that a good battery you're using?"
Well, yes a**hole, it is.
Now, if YOU Mr. "I'm so important Sound Guy" could get DECENT speakers and MIX the sound so it doesn't distort and sound fuzzy, we'll be all set.
So if you could 'get on that' for next year, we'd appreciate it.
K?
The HeartWalk went well-we still need to drum up a bit more attendance but it'll come! We've raised a lot of money for a GREAT cause and you can still donate. Log onto www.heartwalk.kintera.org/merrimackvalley. Find our team and donate! THANKS
Now, why the title for today's blog?
Uh, yeah, the 'sound guy' from the Walk apparently thinks that a slightly blond (it is my real color but it's not the 'white' blond most folks think of, I think they call it 'dirty blond') fitness instructor is a moron and knows nothing about her mic. This was displayed in the snide comment, "Uh, is that a good battery you're using?"
Well, yes a**hole, it is.
Now, if YOU Mr. "I'm so important Sound Guy" could get DECENT speakers and MIX the sound so it doesn't distort and sound fuzzy, we'll be all set.
So if you could 'get on that' for next year, we'd appreciate it.
K?
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