tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66367351756499869112024-02-07T19:51:57.630-08:00Live Better for Lessmorganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-20731698200080685942016-09-01T05:55:00.000-07:002016-09-01T05:55:28.460-07:00Save on Your NOLA Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ip-QlsuMuEytQn5dMB2G5zpPcU6zDIXD508TuNG-ES8N_eOEJ3T5QoBkuCMV8gA_HOKWq7gTexcD43zYVMsocOjT1K-vw_5pz95sHaYc-2tWVonG0m6OoferyW9xbZq30c2NUij7Zv_B/s1600/new-orleans-pass-card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ip-QlsuMuEytQn5dMB2G5zpPcU6zDIXD508TuNG-ES8N_eOEJ3T5QoBkuCMV8gA_HOKWq7gTexcD43zYVMsocOjT1K-vw_5pz95sHaYc-2tWVonG0m6OoferyW9xbZq30c2NUij7Zv_B/s1600/new-orleans-pass-card.jpg" /></a></div>
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Is the Passport,Explorer, or Power Pass worth the money? Recently,
I was on Travelocity when planning our two trips and saw passes advertised in
Salem and New Orleans, our two travel destinations. Here are some things to
consider. The New Orleans pass ran $90 a day and allowed you to visit 70
different sites. Sounds great, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I thought so too, until I realized I would have to pay $90
each day. The multi-day card shaves about $20 off per day. So now, you are
paying $70 a day. Even though 70 sounded grand, there were probably eight
things I actually wanted to do. When the
pass lists the entry price of various attractions to show what you’re saving,
it includes the transportation fee price or the guided tour price. Many attractions
charge the pick you up at the hotel price and basic entry price. The card honors the basic entry unless it is a jump on or jump off bus. Many places you can go
on a self-tour free of charge. Look it up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZA3zx8ekEbG5cF9eTfysYShLSpDK3wo0vTSpkyZMrJThPxWYpiWTJqN8HtosMw5XqJav290DPbrbnGBZY1a7cTm90MWXhbuzyGDFu7AVxz16rWOR-Yq5dvqYb33J8p_AFRTLNkGp6rwr/s1600/bourbon-street-in-new-orleans-on-mississippi-river-cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZA3zx8ekEbG5cF9eTfysYShLSpDK3wo0vTSpkyZMrJThPxWYpiWTJqN8HtosMw5XqJav290DPbrbnGBZY1a7cTm90MWXhbuzyGDFu7AVxz16rWOR-Yq5dvqYb33J8p_AFRTLNkGp6rwr/s320/bourbon-street-in-new-orleans-on-mississippi-river-cruise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you’re driving or renting a car, you don’t need bus
services. We decided to take a swamp tour that was $13 a person and was very
near New Orleans. Those who were picked up paid $50 for their tour and had limited
hours they could go. While pickup service can be handy, you’re at the whim of
your driver who isn’t going to wait for you to roam through the gift shop
unless his cousin owns it. Most of the memorable things we have done on our
previous trips were something we stumbled onto in the process.<br />
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Ironically, I wrote down what I really wanted to do and looked
it up on Groupon. I booked four different tours that were on Explorer/Passport
Badge for two of us for $120 easily saving us over $500 as opposed to going the
badge route. There are websites for
wherever you want to go such <a href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/followyournola/">FOLLOWYOURNOLA.COM</a>
that have all sorts of coupons.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I left some items open such as our riverboat jazz cruise
because I didn’t know if we’d have time to do it. If we had bought a Power Pass,
it would have had us running from 10
am and 4 p.m since the attractions close at five. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also found if attractions are willing to be on the card
where they get a smaller cut of their original price, they also have other discounts.
In the end, it’s about how workable is it for you. It is similar to the discount books you buy to get cheap
eats, but find the restaurants are about twenty miles out of the city and wasn’t
someplace you really wanted to go, anyhow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We passed on the Salem, MA card too. Not out of expense, but
it didn’t offer places we wanted to go. Some attractions were only open for a short
prime time season, which wasn’t when we were there. Always look up the attraction website for
operating times. I’ve made the mistake of expecting to do something on our last
day that wasn’t open.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In conclusion, what on the surface seems like an amazing deal,
may not be after you decide what you want to do. I did everything on the NOLA card I wanted at a
fraction of the card cost. I could take it easy in The Big Easy without the
stress of trying to get my money’s worth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My advice is to do your research. Often, if you take a
walking tour or food tour the first day of your trip, then your guide will let
you know what are <i>the don’t miss </i>places
and possible discounts. Don’t overlook weekday visits, which are usually cheaper.
Read expiration dates and exclusions. It
is good to plan ahead, but make sure your discount, or<a href="https://www.groupon.com/" target="_blank"> Groupon</a> is still good
for when you go. Do you have a Restaurant.com certificate? Read it carefully
for details. Some aren’t honored on holidays, weekends, etc. I highlight
this information in yellow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The attraction card sounds good in theory, but it can be like
paying a hefty price for a buffet you can’t
possibly eat all of it. In the end,
discover what works for you.<br />
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Even though this blog is about the attraction
card, avoid visiting places during prime season if you want reasonable accommodations. There are gorgeous places to rent in NOLA through <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBNB</a> or<a href="https://www.vrbo.com/" target="_blank"> VRBO</a>
at minimum prices, but not during Mardi Gras or Jazzfest. Same goes for Salem
in October.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-11244891775439141872015-09-03T08:57:00.001-07:002015-09-03T08:57:13.361-07:00Airlines Smoke & Mirrors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Southwest_Airlines_Boeing_737-7H4_N231WN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Southwest_Airlines_Boeing_737-7H4_N231WN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you ever been in a crowded airport and they start
asking people to give up their seats. They start out by offering vouchers. Maybe $75 dollars toward your next flight.
It’s not on this one that is apparently overbooked. The voucher is time limited
too. Unless you’re the type of person
who can take several vacations a year, you might not be able to use it. It is
only good for the airline that issued it. It also could be invalid on premium
flights, which is the one you wanted to fly on anyhow. Occasionally as you wait,
the price goes up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, while my husband
and I waited for our flight, the price went up to $400 vouchers per ticket. My
husband and I looked at each other considering the possibility, but our luggage
had already left. We decided to follow it. If we had a carry-on with the needed
items, it might have worked. The airlines pay for the hotel,dinner, transportation and guarantee a flight the next day. I did that once. It turned out to be a relaxing evening
and the morning flight wasn’t as crowded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Overbooking is more prevalent
than you might suspect. Airlines load thirty minutes before departure. Once the
door closes, you don’t get on the plane. I've watched college students mill around
thinking they had all day to board the plane only to be left. They assumed the
flight wouldn’t leave twenty-two of them. They thought wrong. Flight attendants
are anxious to get you settled to keep the flight on time, identify any troublemakers
before they’re in the air, and most importantly, they aren’t on the clock until
the door closes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes just getting a
ticket could test the patience of a saint. Trust me: I know. One thing I
discovered when trying to book business flights with my husband is that airlines don’t always show you all the flights. They tend to show you the ones they need
to fill. I got around this by calling the airlines directly. In truth, they don’t
want you to do this and even have a pre-recorded message telling you your
flight will be twenty-five dollars more because you called for assistance. If I
end up on the right plane with my husband, then I will pay the extra
twenty-five.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some airlines reward you for
booking through them such as Southwest. It allows you to get the cheaper
Internet Wanna Getaway price. Others penalize you for contacting them directly
as opposed to going to a third party or travel agent. I called Lufthansa to get
an estimate to see my son in Germany. They doubled the price because I dealt
directly with them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Flying on weekdays is cheaper
than weekends. Business travelers usually return on the weekends and families often
start the vacation on a weekend. Monday seems to be the more reasonable day to
fly. Your computer could be the problem too since it stores your searches. When
I was trying to find a ticket on several different airlines I noticed the price
kept going up. I signed off for a couple hours, then tried again, and received
cheaper rates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Using accumulated travel
miles can be tricky. It does take a while to accrue enough for travel. If you
think that won’t ever happen, use them to upgrade to a better seat. Often using
a credit card such as Delta Sky Miles will help you accrue the miles faster.
When you want to use your points remember the less desirable flights like the
red eyes require fewer points. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, take care of
yourself on the plane. Bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up once you
pass security. Bring your own snacks and possibly a pillow. Follow the rules, do not stay on your phone to
finish a call. Airlines have dealt severely with people who refuse to follow rules.
Anyone who appears demanding, loud and drunk could cause the plane to land
early placing everyone else behind schedule. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch how you address an
attendant. Use your inside voice and good manners. A tired employee who has
already dealt with rowdy passengers might decide your brusque request for
service could be threatening. Make sure the person who causes the unexpected
landing isn’t you. Southwest is the most willing to make sudden landings due to
unruly passengers, which explains why their flights tend to harbor fewer difficult
people and arrive on time. (This is a personal observation, not a commercial. I only wish they flew more places.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Want more travel tips. Follow my travel folder on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/travel-secrets/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</div>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-68442320179601176452015-07-04T12:25:00.000-07:002015-07-04T12:25:34.309-07:00Saving Summer Vacation Dollars<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6Y3zkGelnIb_mSi0lfnuVQayETETaR5QRWKZyseVNjxan6YigAEyKxteNfr70DrdB8EXERC3KT-SzVaSCRaG69R_4J0QX0PgwzmuMzAyk0XOm9ZV9DmZk9fjKC95Fh27g68q_uDbIyga/s1600/sprinkler2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6Y3zkGelnIb_mSi0lfnuVQayETETaR5QRWKZyseVNjxan6YigAEyKxteNfr70DrdB8EXERC3KT-SzVaSCRaG69R_4J0QX0PgwzmuMzAyk0XOm9ZV9DmZk9fjKC95Fh27g68q_uDbIyga/s320/sprinkler2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer is here and everyone wants to go on vacation. A recent article in USA Today highlighted how credit cards finance many vacations. The younger the adult, the more likely he or she will charge the trip unaware it will take over two years to pay off a two-week vacation. My first thought was who takes a two-week vacation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It helps if you save for a vacation even if it is only twenty dollars a week. Twenty dollars each week for a year adds up to $1040 plus interest. It’s better to have a budget before you plan your vacation so you don’t overspend. A co-worker confided she spent $10,000 on a Disneyworld Vacation.<br />
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When my daughter was five, she had a primo Disneyworld vacation because we had relatives who worked there then, but we did not spend $10,000 dollars, I doubt if we even spent $2,000 for a family of five. We booked a travel package that included airfare, hotel, and car rental. Years later, I asked my daughter if she remember the vacation, she didn't. Sigh. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Ironically, she did remember the low budget mini golf, kayaking, and even Girl Scout camp. Keep this in mind, when planning your trip. Standing in long lines on hot pavements in massive crowds doesn't always result in magical memories.<br />
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How do you get around the high price of vacation? Here are a few things I learned the hard way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Contact airlines and hotels directly. You usually get the same or better price than through a third party such as a discount travel site. The travel sites can mess up your room and don’t come through when your flight is changed or canceled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Take advantage of discounts such as booking through the week, flying at off times, vacationing off- season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Driving to a popular tourist destination, then book slightly out of the area. Prices will be lower and it be a calmer atmosphere too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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* There is no rule you have to stay two weeks or even a week. Cut down your vacation time into chunks of 3, 4, or 5 days. Consider your travel time too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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* Take advantage of hotels that offer free breakfast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Eat two meals a day with an evening snack. We always have a late lunch to beat dinner price upswing, but indulge in appetizers or snacks for the evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Transportation may be your most expensive item. Try to be flexible with your travel time when flying, which can result in a better price. Big cities offer reliable public transit. Never underestimate walking when possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Car rental can be a gamble because they hike prices for events, holidays, and weekends. Sign up for a loyalty program. Take advantage of AAA or AARP discounts. Book during a weekday and lock in prices. Flying in, check to make sure your rental car agency is at the airport.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Read travel reviews. Often people feel tricked because they didn’t know their hotel was located next to a strip club. People do complain in reviews, but consider if what they’re complaining about is an issue for you. The woman who complained that the hotel ran out of wheat toast one morning was not a problem for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Plan ahead & pack appropriately. Having to buy toothbrush, socks, even a swimsuit is an unexpected expense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Make time to relax. Our hotel had outside tables and chairs. Often sitting outside and discussing what we did provided us with a much-needed break. Families with young children might consider camping because the <a href="http://www.campjellystone.com/" target="_blank">YogiBear </a>campgrounds have constant activities for the children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Allow for some impulsive decisions. While walking on Pier 39 in San Francisco, we took a short cruise around the bay for $10 per person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Google free things to do in wherever you are going. You’d be surprised there are dozens of free things. Some will depend on the season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you can’t afford a vacation, consider a staycation. There is plenty to do in your local area. Don’t think so? Check out your state’s local festivals or go on <a href="https://www.groupon.com/" target="_blank">Groupon</a>. You’ll be surprised. Never discount the county 4-H fair either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The best thing about taking a vacation you can afford is that you’ll only pay for it once, but you’ll remember it forever unless you're my daughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-50528781332940992522015-03-31T14:21:00.000-07:002015-03-31T14:21:00.286-07:00FOOD LIFE HACKS<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYMa5FraLzLmGIwF2vE2Zem5QXI7ocJmNwdxNOzpaySxDstVk0gDsUeqCpj24tZXD0rHqN9dsLJin6yWmkYI9TwVT_vExr8PvEfUFbcjq1Zx_LBbheIgo6zI-JP0W7c0VNnrTUq0XS9ln/s1600/granny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYMa5FraLzLmGIwF2vE2Zem5QXI7ocJmNwdxNOzpaySxDstVk0gDsUeqCpj24tZXD0rHqN9dsLJin6yWmkYI9TwVT_vExr8PvEfUFbcjq1Zx_LBbheIgo6zI-JP0W7c0VNnrTUq0XS9ln/s1600/granny.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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Life Hacks<o:p></o:p></div>
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We all wanted to know how to save money. Here’s a few I’ve
learned over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Food<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Check out
the bargain bakery bin. Most of the bread and bakery good are ready to expire,
but can be frozen.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Orphan or
bargain fruit rack. The majority of the items broke off from the bunch or
spilled out of a bag and or much less than normal.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Sample items.
Because they usually come with a $1 coupon and are on sale that week. Don’t get
them if they’re still very expensive or you don’t like the product.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>In-store
coupon dispensers. Often it could be dispensing a coupon for something you were
going to buy anyhow.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Rotate
your groceries. Use what is going to go bad first. Over forty percent of food gets
thrown away in the US. Some because it de-evolved into something nasty while
waiting to be used.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Browse
the deli for the sale stickers. It’s hard to go wrong with a rotisserie
chicken.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Always
check out seasonal items the week after a season passes. I used to load up on
seasonal candy for my students. They didn’t care it if had reindeer, eggs, or
hearts on it.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>At home,
make sure you include a paper towel in your salad kits to soak up the excess moisture.
Try to use it within a week too.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Spinach
limp? It can be sautéed, go into soup, or form the base of a green smoothie.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Sale on
cheese? It can be frozen too, except for cream cheese.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Meat is
usually cheaper in the huge family packs. Can’t afford it, then split it with a
friend. </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Crackers,
chips, cookies can be refreshed in the oven on a high rack, around 225 for 5-8
minutes. The object is to make them crisp, not cook them.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Slow
foods are less expensive, instead of minute rice, use long grain rice. You can
use a rice cooker, which you can pick up at your local thrift shop. Several
couple received one as a wedding present and don’t have a clue what it is.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Too much
salad? It will last another day if you don’t put cut tomatoes or dressing on
it. Grape or cherry tomatoes are your better choice.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Don’t
overlook The Dollar Tree when shopping for food items. I picked up name brand
premade turkey gravy for a dollar, which was less than the grocery. They have a
large assortment of spices too.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Applesauce,
apple butter, and other fruit sauces can be turned over after securely fasten
the lid to make an air vacuum. This prevents mold.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Storing
dry pasta in a plastic container prevents weevils.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Putting
bread on top of the fridge dries it out and promotes house pests. <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Freeze
bacon, especially turkey, it goes slimy in about two weeks.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.8in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Feeling
ambitious, pre-cook a large meal and freeze half of it. Then helps on those
rushed days. It also uses less electricity.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Those are my food tips for the week. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-52638659068846113292015-03-24T14:17:00.001-07:002015-03-24T14:17:12.719-07:00Seasonal Bargains<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lEH3_8iV83UxVzoq1WeySsef1sBXRnkHtCLoBu-scPVWXeANiJgEXSDa2XopE6Dc5CddVamZaIt3nopw6xKQL_yeu56Jkehan_KYTsPCEVu9W_yrgNyF535jsjfErQexFPs7XxTgEmhg/s1600/impulse+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lEH3_8iV83UxVzoq1WeySsef1sBXRnkHtCLoBu-scPVWXeANiJgEXSDa2XopE6Dc5CddVamZaIt3nopw6xKQL_yeu56Jkehan_KYTsPCEVu9W_yrgNyF535jsjfErQexFPs7XxTgEmhg/s1600/impulse+shopping.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’m wishing I bought the greatly
reduced patio furniture back in October. It’s full price now. What should you
buy in late March & April?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Television and other electronics made in Japan
because the Japanese fiscal years ends in March. They are now last year’s
models.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Houses. Yeah, houses. Those who plan to sell are
putting their houses on the market. A crowded market makes for a motivated
seller. It’s easy to point out that the house down the street is going for $30,000
less.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Cookware and kitchen essentials are on sale,
probably because all the big cooking holidays and it is time to fire up the
grill. (Grills are not on sale.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Digital cameras, which would be perfect for your
vacation. Digital cameras aren’t the must have item they used to be with smart
phones, but still better as far as photo quality and getting your photo off the
camera.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Thrift Items because people are spring-cleaning.
Check weekly. Monday is the best day since people tend to drop off items on the
weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Home Improvement Items. There are sales on
everything from blinds to paint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sneakers. There are several winter shoe
clearances going on right now. Get boots for ridiculously low prices now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Vacations. Not the spring break kind, but those
after all the college kids leave, especially cruises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Seasonal clothes- most stores already have
summer clothes in stock, which means major clearance on winter and even spring
clothes. I noticed J.C. Penney’s is already on their 80% off on clothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-3406800126307254882014-12-08T06:11:00.000-08:002014-12-08T06:13:02.423-08:00Where Are the Holiday Discounts?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS5NAf8bWVveaZiDdVHPWkdMIX7FkOzX4zZEMdaAYhHVDx_2c71MO_f4YX85AwuGKWXI77t-j8fNaehU6sXT0otQq72JNwim40lBEwVSrRUbv0vUk7ItVMrEBZaHCAde2G3ntc5wsJLZb/s1600/empty+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS5NAf8bWVveaZiDdVHPWkdMIX7FkOzX4zZEMdaAYhHVDx_2c71MO_f4YX85AwuGKWXI77t-j8fNaehU6sXT0otQq72JNwim40lBEwVSrRUbv0vUk7ItVMrEBZaHCAde2G3ntc5wsJLZb/s1600/empty+store.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Black Friday Let Down<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Did you go out on Black Friday or
did you stay home, tucked in bed, with your laptop? Statistics show that it
wasn’t the blow-out Black Fridays of the past.
My daughter reported that she went into Target, got what she came for
and was out in ten minutes. A friend went to Walmart for the advertised television
and found out they were out and he was the fifth person in line. That’s part of
the issue with Black Friday is very limited stock. Sometimes, you wonder how
limited the stock is. They count on people buying the desired item when the
price goes up the next day and they have, surprise, stock. The frustrated
shopper also might buy a similar item, which isn’t deeply discounted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Stores are trying to maximize
their profit margin while shoppers try to stretch their shopping dollars. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Where
are the discounts?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The Waiting Game. Hats off to Menards who
readily announces in their ads how much of a discount they’ll take off on trees
& décor depending on the week. If you’re willing to decorate the week of
Christmas. You could save 50%. If you plan ahead, buy after the holidays for
next year and save even more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Year round savings- This happens when you pick
up items on clearance year around that would be good gifts. This doesn’t work
for kids since their interests change. Items like wine, toiletries,
collectibles, even candles work well. (Seal the candles in plastic bags to keep
the scent.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Corporate Buying Sites- sometimes your company
gets a better price than you would as an individual. I used my daughter’s
corporate member buyer’s card to save 10% on her gift. Yes, this is legal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Coupons and discounts- We are now in the 2<sup>nd</sup>
week of December and stores lure people in the store with discounts and
coupons. Google where you’re going first, there may be an online promo you can
print. Yankee Candles <a href="http://www.yankeecandle.com/;$urlparam$$O$PS0XVoYARFmLiEj0NFA?source=DWD21&mr:adGroup=13553952253&mr:ad=63343527253&mr:keyword=yankee%20candle&mr:placement=&mr:match=e&mr:device=c&mr:referralID=NA&mkwid=shj5E4WDw_dc&pcrid=63343527253&pkw=yankee%20candle&pmt=e&cm_mmc=PPC-_-google-_-Trademark+-+Top+Exact-_-yankee%20candle&gclid=Cj0KEQiAtZWkBRC9ibSfhoKEyLYBEiQA5fDxkbqEduhd0AEoXebRvMEgKMQCitO2JWcDcAUt7HkAG4MaAraB8P8HAQ">has
a buy two; get two free offer right now</a>. My coupon came in the paper, but you can still
get a discount online.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Friends and Family Day- this is decent discount
usually 20-25% on certain days. Comes up more often the closer you get to
the 25<sup>th</sup>. Know your prices because sometimes the prices are jacked
up to cover the discount.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.amazon.com/greenmonday/b/?node=9017820011">Flash Sales</a>- these
happen online while you’re browsing a site and usually last a few hours in
duration. Amazon will give you alerts on particular items you want to buy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Unusual items in unusual places. I grabbed a
great deal on lawn chairs at Walgreens during the summer because they don’t
normally carry them, which means they won’t go back into stock. I also had to insist on my holiday discount on Christmas decorations that I received an email about. Not all employees are aware of the emails that go out to Walgreens shoppers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Read the sales ads. Your Dollar stores often have
the same product cheaper than your bigger box stores.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Check out your TJ Maxx, Marshalls & Home
Goods clearance. Often you can make a gift basket for the price you’d have paid
for one item at one of the box stores.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Shopping after Christmas. Attending a party
after Christmas, seeing friends or family after the day, feel free to shop on the
26<sup>th</sup> and rack up the discounts. Inventory might be slim though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .55in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The Snow Guarantee- several jewelers offer to
refund your money if it snows on Christmas. Check out the specifics on this.
They aren’t just talking flurries. Remember jewelry has a 1000% markup. Less
than 40% of the people who bought jewelry will cash in on the snow guarantee. (I
followed last year’s snow promises in the news and noticed not everyone made
good on them.) Don’t use this as an excuse to spend wildly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p> It might be a year you want to cut back on gifts. If you do, announce this now, before friends, or co-workers started handing you shiny gift sacks. They can give that bottle of wine or box of fruit to someone else.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b>Bonus: Big Lots has Hickory Farms gift sets in stock.</b></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-77936622723396861622014-11-14T04:46:00.000-08:002014-11-14T04:46:15.743-08:00Tis the Season to Return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://festivals.iloveindia.com/christmas/pics/christmas-gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://festivals.iloveindia.com/christmas/pics/christmas-gifts.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are you one of those people who
never returns anything no matter what? You reason it’s too much trouble. My
husband is one of those too. Me, not so much. There is an art to returning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Make sure you know what store it came from<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Have the receipt with you if possible<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Return on weekday mornings, possible Tuesday or
Wednesday if possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Know the return policies. Some prohibit returns
after 30 days, others as little as seven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If it was a gift. Say so. Gifts are usually only
exchanged for store credit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Have an excuse. Didn’t fit. Allergic to wool.
Unflattering color.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some items break after initial use or shortly
after. The product may have a guarantee that allows you to return it. I
returned a gardening tool three times that had a lifetime warranty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Items with warranties should have the warranty
and receipt stapled together and kept in an accordion file. Warranty does you
no good when you do not have proof of purchase.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If there is a possibility of someone returning
your gift item, shop at a store with a good return policy such as Kohls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Be realistic. Most stores will not accept anything
worn or missing tags. There’s no way to resale it or identify it as theirs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If you cut off the tags, you can bring them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<b> Some items you can't return because
it is past time. Anything bought with rewards, coupons, or other discount method can't be used for a cash refund, only store credit.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Regifting is always an option. Make sure to bestow
it upon someone not related or wait a year before Regifting. This way your
regifting is less obvious. My grandmother used to put notes on her various
gifts who they came from to avoid regifting them back to the same social
circle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Donate them. Why allow the unused gift to take
up space in your closet? You can also write it off a tax deduction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Recycle it. A velvet smoking jacket isn’t
something you always want, but it can make a nice throw pillow or tiny jacket
for your dog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the end, it’s the thought that
counts. Most people forget what they gave you a month later. Instead of storing
the item, only to bring it out whenever the friend or relative visits, do
something useful with it. In the end, a gift should make the person happy even
if they have to exchange it for something they do want.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://festivals.iloveindia.com/christmas/pics/christmas-gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://festivals.iloveindia.com/christmas/pics/christmas-gifts.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-60175724547301435052014-11-08T03:05:00.000-08:002014-11-08T03:05:45.697-08:00Stretching Your Meat Dollar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/weighttraining.com/datas/2/content.jpg?1290538195" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/weighttraining.com/datas/2/content.jpg?1290538195" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Did you read about the woman who
ate dog food for a week? If not, here’s the <a href="http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/weird-news/woman-dishes-eating-dog-food-almost-week/nh2YT/">link</a>.
Her objective was to save money because of the expense of maintaining her Paleo
Diet, which is protein heavy. As an Atkins Life Style Change person, I’ve
watched meat spike in price. How can a person deal with the rising cost of meat
without consuming dog food?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Rethink your shopping and cooking habits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Invest in a freezer. I picked mine up at a yard
sale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Watch for bargains at your local stores. This is
where the freezer comes in handy. Turkeys after Thanksgiving showed up at Deals
for $5 each. They take up a lot of room in the grocery stores and if they aren’t
moving, they’re gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Seasonal meats often go on sale just like candy.
Corned beef will be on sale during and after St. Patrick’s Day. Hams are
usually a good bet during and after Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sales. When chicken breasts are .99 a lb., stock
up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Coupons. Occasionally, buying a brand specific
meat is beneficial when you have a coupon and it is on sale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Kosher. Normally, kosher meat costs more, but it
gets clearance too. Surprisingly, it is better quality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Sales have a limit of what you can buy. You can
put your purchases in the car and buy more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Buy a ¼ of a cow, pig, or even lamb. Prices vary
from region, but you could be at $3 a pound for both steak and hamburger. It
also gives you control over the amount of fat in your hamburger too. Ask a
friend or relative to go in with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Consider non-traditional meats such as bison,
lamb, veal, ostrich, duck, even rabbit. Normally, these meats are higher, but
when they don’t sell, they’re clearance. Krogers does the better clearance
marking everything 50% off as opposed to Meijer’s’ 20% off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Remember eggs, nuts, tuna, and even peanut
butter are good inexpensive protein sources. Peanut Pan Peanut Butter has only
4 carbs per serving less than expensive natural PB.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Examine your portions. Often people eat more
than a serving. Thinking somehow if one hamburger was good than three would be
better. Overeating is still overeating. Your metabolism can only use so much
food a day. Not losing weight, portions may be a factor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Store your meat properly in freezer containers
or freezer bags. Freezer burn wastes meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The cheaper, tougher cuts are great for the slow
cooker. You can help tenderize by using a meat mallet first, then adding a cup
of wine, which breaks down the tissue as it cooks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Those who like to hunt and fish can add to their
diet this way. Although hunting on the whole is not a bargain sport. Sometimes,
it just helps to be friendly with a hunter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Change the way you use meat too. Consider stews,
soups, stir-fry, and salads. Instead of loading up on starches, use vegetables
keeping the carb count down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->After the holidays, all those leftover meat
sticks tend to go on sale too. There will be plenty of sales on cured meat
during the holidays too. Know your prices. A one-pound summer sausage will
between 2.50-3.99 at the grocery (Aldi’s, Kroger’s, and Meijer’s.) If it is on
sale for 6.99, it isn’t on sale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Jerky and cheese are mobile proteins. Jerky can be bought in bulk on Amazon for lower prices per pound.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There is usually some type of sale on cheese and it can be frozen. The exception is cream cheese, which is edible after freezing, but crumbly.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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The good news is you won’t have
to resort to you and your dog eating the same thing. The woman who sampled dog
food found most of it bland. The best dog food came refrigerated in a roll, but
it cost more than buying hamburger when it wasn’t on sale. In the end, she
returned a human diet with required less vigorous chewing.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-72128258671918587872014-10-26T06:11:00.000-07:002014-10-26T06:11:10.636-07:00DIY Gift Baskets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cherryblossomflorals.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Tea-Gift-Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cherryblossomflorals.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Tea-Gift-Basket.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cherryblossomflorals.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Tea-Gift-Basket.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy of Cherry Blossom Floral</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It’s that time of year, when you
are considering your Christmas shopping budget. You could be considering your
lack of one too. Instead of a run to the mall or hovering over your laptop, you
could make or assemble your gifts. I’m a big assembler.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>DIY Baskets</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I save any decorative box, basket or tin
for this purpose. I also pick up baskets at yard sales and thrift shops.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Coffee or Tea basket</b>- Include a pound
of coffee or tea boxes, cups, a box of cookies, and possibly a chocolate bar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Cook’s Basket</b>- Works as a wedding and
house warming gift too. Group hard to find and essential tools together.
Suggestions: garlic press, cheese slicer, cheese grater, bottle opener,
corkscrew, pan scraper, vegetable brush, cheese cloth, dish cloth, dish towel,
hot pad, egg timer, kitchen timer, meat thermometer, egg separator, whisk,
wooden spoon, slotted spoon, measuring cups, butter brush, and measuring
spoons. (Most of these items are available at the Dollar Tree.)<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ae/29/af/ae29afa18247afc0d333e128bfc46f1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ae/29/af/ae29afa18247afc0d333e128bfc46f1a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Couch Potato Basket</b>- Think of the recipient’s
favorite junk food. A universal remote, TV Guide, and a DVD is a nice touch
too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Emergency Kit</b>- This isn't for your
survivalist friend, but something kept in the car for personal emergencies as
opposed to the end of the world kind. Contents can vary depending on the sex of
the person. It is also great for the traveler. A small zippered pouch or even a
pencil bag works great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Contents: granola
bar, water enhancer mix, gun, mints, individual packet of aspirin, antacid,
bandages (2), wet wipes (2), small package of tissues, small deodorant, perfume
or cologne samples, tiny sewing kit, comb, emery board, dental floss, Wisps
tiny toothbrush, lip gloss or Chapstick, and a small bottle of hand cream.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Hot Chocolate Basket</b>- This is the same
as the coffee basket with hot chocolate tin or mixes, candy canes, marshmallows
and a small stuffed animal. (This one could go to a younger relative or
friend.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Italian Dinner Basket</b>- Spaghetti sauce,
pesto, salami, breadsticks, Italian cookbook and pasta.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Movie Lovers Basket</b>- This is similar to
the couch potato basket, but it is heavy on DVDs. It should include popcorn and
movie candy. (Walmart, Big Lots, even Amazon are great places for cheap DVDs.)
You don’t have to get the latest movies, but stick to a theme depending on the
person. A big fluffy throw can line the basket too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Scrapbook Basket</b>- Fill it up with
multi-colored Sharpies, wooden stamps, stickers, craft scissors, and a gift card
to the local craft store. A small scrapbook works too. (Scrapbooking is
expensive, which means this might be on ongoing shopping project. Buy out of
season stickers once the season passed. Dollar Tree has several of these items
too. Michaels features a 40% off coupon in their weekly ad. ) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Teacher Basket</b>- Teachers spend major
dollars supplying their own classroom. They don’t need any more teacher-themed
accessories for their desks. They could use a heavy-duty stapler, good scissors,
Sharpies, large paper clips, pushpins, Post-it notes, yearly planner, colored
pencils, dry erase markers, box of generic notecards for personal notes, and a
calendar for the classroom. Depending on the age of the students, you might include
aspirin, stickers, and wooden stamp and an inkpad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Romantic Picnic Basket</b>- A picnic basket
with a tablecloth & napkins, plates, wine glasses and a bottle of wine. (I’ve
picked up picnic baskets at yard sales and thrift shops. Check out the
clearance section in home and discount stores for tablecloth and napkins. A patterned tablecloth hides stains too. Single wineglasses are available at the Dollar
Tree or Goodwill.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You can create
all sorts of baskets. One of my standbys is the generic basket. It’s for when
someone gives you a present you didn’t expect. It also works for people you don’t
know well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Generic Basket</b>- small to medium
basket, which can include, but not necessarily all, coffee, tea, hot chocolate,
cups (2), cookies, chocolate, nuts, and an ornament.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVNzwoQPyE5pOWhpdMbO_D47P3tRkNMZvCKzP1ixiy8KMqgJuIkBQMvCzS0LKjHJ5DCQ0Q6hxrdawClHbP0-yM1EYZ4O3iHYRcIBVHPH7t20Y8fWC-REOrPRqsuAFn85fxsurMokmWn6N/s1600/Romantic+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVNzwoQPyE5pOWhpdMbO_D47P3tRkNMZvCKzP1ixiy8KMqgJuIkBQMvCzS0LKjHJ5DCQ0Q6hxrdawClHbP0-yM1EYZ4O3iHYRcIBVHPH7t20Y8fWC-REOrPRqsuAFn85fxsurMokmWn6N/s1600/Romantic+picnic.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romantic Gift Basket </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-14235162698871371622014-10-01T04:38:00.000-07:002014-10-01T04:38:53.429-07:00Winning Contests, Raffles, and Sweepstakes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everydaygyaan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fotolia_40983581_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://everydaygyaan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fotolia_40983581_XS.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping for Joy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Let me start this out by
admitting, I’ve never won the lottery jackpot. I’ve won several other things including:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Grocery Shopping spree<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Calvin Klein Wardrobe<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Flowers<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tickets to movies, events, and concerts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Food<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Chocolate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Books<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->DVDs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Gym membership<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Trips<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Amazon Gift Cards<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Starbuck Gift Cards<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
What all of these things have in common is
that I entered to win. I never got a mysterious email stating I won a contest I
never entered. This is a phishing scam that will either solicit your credit
card number or ask you to pay shipping.
A variation of this is they’ll ship the items, and then tell you you’re
obligated to pay for them or you’ll be turned over to collections. If you didn’t
order it, postal guidelines are you don’t have to pay for it. If you want to avoid the barrage of threats,
send it back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Second secret to winning is enter when
there is a small pool of applicants. That’s usually a local contest for a short
time period. Publisher’s Clearing House or Powerball aren’t a good bet. People
often spend chunks of money chasing after a winning number combination. There
are commercials about how someone won forty million dollars. The flipside is
people have gone bankrupt or to jail for writing bad checks in an attempt to
buy thousands of dollars in lottery tickets. A couple dollars isn’t too bad,
but when you’re skimping on other things to justify it, you’ve crossed the
line.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Some effort is involved. On the grocery
contest, I raced my grocery cart around competing against other shoppers trying
to grab $200 worth of food and check out. The winner snagged groceries for a
year. As a runner up, I got a $100 gift certificate. Not too bad, when you
consider I didn’t win. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Enter contests that require some skill from
writing a jingle to a cute photo of your pet. Often people will bypass a contest
that expects something. Read the rules carefully. Occasionally, there’s a
prompt to answer. Disqualification
happens because people fail to follow the rules. If you’re writing about using
a product, mention the product by its full name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Location is another item to consider.
Particularly your location, this weekend I was at an author faire with a listed
giveaway time. People entered and drifted away.
When no winner came forward, a new ticket was drawn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Enter often. My daughter remarks that I win
every time, but I don’t. I enter hundreds of contests, and every now and then,
I win something. One of the easy wins for me is radio contests. I always have
the radio on; it makes sense to enter a contest that involves listening to the
radio.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Go small. It’s easier to win a quilt or a
hanging basket at the local church picnic than it is the lottery. It’s still a
good feeling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Be careful of contests that are only
building mailing lists. These are usually at big events including state fairs
and concerts. If you don’t mind getting
a call about replacement windows or timeshares, then go ahead and enter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Beware of spending too much time, entering
contests. What’s too much time? My guideline is more than 10 minutes a day. Don’t
enter a contest if you don’t want any of the finalist prizes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Some contests don’t deliver. You may have
won, but you never get the prize. Happened to me once. Wrote to the company,
even copied my winning announcement letter. Nothing. As a result, I never
entered any contest sponsored by that company again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .8in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
Your local lottery or casino plasters
posters of winners holding up an oversized check to prove they actually give
away the money. Go with contests you know have proven winners too. In the end,
it is about luck, but believing you’re a winner helps too. <o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-66711927933170832402014-09-02T16:34:00.000-07:002014-09-02T16:34:00.343-07:00Hotel Discount Website Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://new-bintexas.webs.com/22258332.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://new-bintexas.webs.com/22258332.png" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I recently discovered a secret
when it comes to the travel discount websites. They’re no discount, really. Let
me explain why. A hotel might go for $89 on Orbitz, Travelocity or numerous
other sites. Good deal when the price is normally $115 a night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As some of you’ve discovered when
you click on the button and try to reserve the room for a desired night, the
price might change. You’ve made the mistake of wanting a room on a weekend, or
worse yet, a holiday weekend. The $89 jumps to, surprise, $115. The discount
sites do not add taxes and associated fees that can be sizable in resort areas.
So even now, that discount room is back to regular price, and then some.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My daughter works in the hotel
industry for a major corporation; she gave me insights about website
discounters. People assume their reservation happens immediately as they type
in their credit card number. Not so, a third party at the website has to contact
the hotel to make the actual reservation. This doesn’t always happen in an
expedient manner resulting in no reservation. The disappointed traveler usually
takes their anger on the desk clerk. The wrong number of nights, rooms, even
hotels, especially when there is more than one Marriott or Holiday Inn in a
city happen when a third party makes the reservation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your best bet is to contact the
hotel yourself. Mention the $89 room special, most hotels will match the price
or even offer a better deal. In the end, the hotel gets $89. If you go through
a discount site, they may only earn $50. Direct booking benefits them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If something goes wrong. Your
reservation never occurred, you need to cancel it, or you want your money back,
you have to go through the web discounter. Good luck with that! My cancelled flight
I booked with a web discount site is a case in point. Drove to the airport,
expecting to fly out on my vacation, but had to stay overnight nearby to avoid
the long drive home. The airlines told
me if I booked with them directly they’d put me on the next direct flight.
Since I booked with a website discounter that I’d have to work it out with
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This involved a series of phone
calls. Most of the time I listened to a recorded message before
disconnection. Finally, I reached someone in a call center who insisted I fill out
a travel insurance, which I did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As for flying, my only instructions
were to arrive early the next day and try to fly stand by. Ironically, the
website service kept calling me and telling me my luggage was ready for pickup in
Atlanta. Pretty weird, since I hadn’t even boarded a plane. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
More than a year later, I
received my reply from the travel insurance company. Despite all my documentation, they refused my claim deciding
that losing a vacation day, flying standby, driving back and forth to the
airport repeatedly, and staying at a nearby hostelry was not a hardship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I book all flights direct now. As
for hotels, I book direct too. Most hotels have loyalty programs; you can’t use
points earned with discount websites. I recently redeemed a free night at the
Marriott. It was totally free, no hidden charges. As a loyalty member, by going
to the members reward site I receive a bigger discount than the public on room rates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As for the discount travel
websites, I do use them to read reviews, check out area attractions, and flight
prices. After doing that, I often use the name of the place I want to go and Google
it. I found several discounts that way on our recent trip to San Diego. Once
there, I ask locals about good places to go or discounts. They’re able to tell
me, which restaurants offer two for one specials, or the best beach to visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-45801849963179054792014-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:002014-08-27T17:40:50.753-07:00Local Vs. Corporate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.alwayspromptrepairs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Friendly-Repair-Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alwayspromptrepairs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Friendly-Repair-Man.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When we moved into our current
residence, we had the furnace serviced. The man, who did it, not only charged
us $600 for the service, but also talked us into a service plan. The service
plan results in a technician coming to our house every couple of months and
insisting a $200-$300 repair must be done or our house will self-combust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This is odd considering we had a
very thorough home inspection done and nothing appeared to be wrong with the
heating and air system. They would need to be replaced eventually, but not just
yet. We’d signed with one of those
national corporations with a catchy commercial. I noticed that none of the
techs were never the same or even had the same diagnosis. When I would repeat
what the last one said, the current tech would roar with laughter as if I were
conducting a comedy routine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This was all a bit unsettling. A clogged dryer vent due to a bird nest would
cost almost $500 to remove. I may know nothing about heating and air, but I
knew that was too much. I decided to ask for a second opinion of a local
contractor. He was his own company and charged only one-fifth of one my
corporate tech charged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When our air conditioning wouldn’t
work, we decided to go with the local man as opposed to endless techs that
worked for the major corporation. He came late on a Friday evening to examine
our air conditioning and would only take a standard service charge for his
visit that left our air conditioning humming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The independent contractor gave
us an estimate of $3600 to replace our furnace and air conditioning. Big
difference from the $11,000 the corporation rep quoted us. Keep in mind; we have
a small slab house that barely measures a thousand feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the end, I’d rather go with
the local guy than the large corporation and the endless army of techs.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-22430426534843991542014-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:002014-08-21T07:33:51.919-07:00ESHAKTI Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://welloneofmyblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/eshakti11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://welloneofmyblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/eshakti11.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Ever envy celebrities in their customized
clothes? They don’t battle with gaping pants waistlines or dresses that don’t
fit across the shoulders because of linebacker shoulders. Wouldn’t it be great to get something made just
for you? Wouldn’t it be better if it fit?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That was the premise that
interested in me in <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/?utm_source=CJ">Eshakti</a>.
An ad kept popping up in my Facebook sidebar about custom dresses for a
fraction of the cost. Yeah, probably like the article in a popular woman’s
magazine that thought $200 was not too much to pay for jeans that fit. I
clicked on the button and Eshakti had a sale going. They usually have some type
of sale going. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I decided to investigate. All
customizing fees were waived for the first order. I could change the neckline,
hem or sleeves. To customize an outfit
to fit me I had to take exact measurements with a tape measure. This is a very
important step and I’ll explain later why.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
For my initial order, I picked
out a sleeveless lightweight dress and a three quarter sleeve dress of heavier
winter weight. This cost me about $35 a dress and postage, which is less than
an off the rack dress. It took about three weeks for the dresses to arrive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The sleeveless dress fit fine. It
really looks good on me. Amazing what the right fit can do. The winter weight
dress was tight across the shoulders. Turns out, I could not accurately measure
my own shoulders and the material had no give. Each outfit has a description of
what type of material is used. Keep this in mind when measuring your bust,
waist and hips. If you’re a 38” in the bust, you don’t want something that is
38” because it will be skintight. You
can choose regular sizes too, still vary the hem length, and sleeve style. Most
dresses come with discreet pockets and bra strap holders, which is great with
the wider necklines or sleeveless dresses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I had to send back my winter weight
dress. Eshakti refunded me $44, which included postage. For filling out a
survey about the process, they sent me a $25 credit. I used the credit to buy a darling clearance dress
for a mere $10. Clearance dresses are probably returns and only come in standard
sizes. I usually buy dresses in 10 or 12. I decided to go with a twelve since
the previous material had little give to it. Good decision on my part because
the dress fits wonderfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you’re a fan of dresses, this
is your go to spot. Factor in ironing too. Not all the dresses need pressing,
but the majority do. <o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-73191632530878586002014-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:002014-08-21T06:53:12.111-07:00WHY THE FRAMILY PLAN DIDN'T WORK FOR US<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thefilmstage.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/en-cloque-mode-d-emploi-knocked-up-knocked-up-10-10-2007-01-06-2007-11-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thefilmstage.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/en-cloque-mode-d-emploi-knocked-up-knocked-up-10-10-2007-01-06-2007-11-g.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We need five more people on our phone plan. Kids, got any suggestions?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Who hasn’t seen Sprint’s kitschy
commercials about adding on family members and near friends to get a small
phone rate of $25? Sounds great, doesn’t it? I thought so too. Commercials are misleading. At the end are
disclaimers this is for only new service. You already have Sprint, and then you
aren’t eligible. You could add someone new onto your phone and he could
benefit, but there’s no real value until you hit seven people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Why would Sprint do this? Each
person receives a separate bill as stated in the commercial, several times.
Great, you won’t be responsible for Cousin Edna’s bill. Around $25 is added
onto each bill for taxes and other vague charges. At the cheapest rate, each
person is paying $50, which is actually more expensive than the former family
plan. Each person pays a $35 activation fee. If you managed to coerce or bully ten people into joining that's $350 for Sprint. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What if your daughter's boyfriend breaks up with her? Of course, you drop him from the plan or he just stops paying. Your rate automatically goes higher. You can't guarantee any of the people you put on your Framily plan will keep up their side of the bargain. They had no real investment; it's your plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve been a Sprint customer for
over a decade. Every two years, I get a new phone when I re-up for another two
years, except this year. True, I only got the most basic phone, but it was
free. This year I had to pay from $60 to $199 for my choice of a phone. This was with my upgrade too. You’re starting to
see how Sprint is changing the game. They are not losing money. Even if you
think you’re saving money, you’re not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is a highly sophisticated
shell game. This is one of the reasons I split company with Sprint, but there
is another reason, a huge reason, a $700 reason. My husband’s company would pay
$150 phone bill reimbursement if it were in my husband’s name, instead, of
mine. Sounds like a no-brainer, right. We spent four and half months trying to
get the bill changed. Initially, we were told it couldn’t be done, but
eventually customer service warned us of dire consequences before sending us
long legal documents to fill out, scan and send back with our photo
identification. We also conducted two conference calls with both of us on the
line swearing we really wanted to do this. This took so long because the
automated system would throw us out of the process forcing us to start again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We spoke with people in the
United States, who could understand what we were saying, but still the account
was never changed as specified. I spent hours on the phone and online on this
one simple matter. We lost over $700 in possible phone reimbursement. My frustrated
husband started an account with a competitor in his name only.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I tried to make a go with Sprint with
the two remaining family members. I wanted to downgrade our plan to call and
text only with the most basic phones. The only phones they’d show me where
Droid phones, despite my insistence I didn’t want one. Their basic phone
package was still $140 dollars, which was what we were paying for three people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sprint was more like a disagreeable
relative that I tried to get along with, but finally had to distance myself
from for peace of mind. Yes, I did get the talk and text plan for $30 a line. I
also snagged two phones for the grand total of $1.07. I went with Verizon who
was willing to give me what I wanted and didn’t try to sell me up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-59228943774766961052014-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:002014-07-23T03:49:53.757-07:00Are You A Target?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJutt_gRsDYrqWzW6qXJOarfn81V-RbVrWwD6WzreJ-BBUMSFf7fyG9NGY5Dc1OxBTqMcV4atLcBgMxKa08QFcf3S2scujQIKuhjFplgtCwvOyFJojm27Sp_HNH4An7Q-T8KrJtX3Kskhe/s1600/carstickfigure1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJutt_gRsDYrqWzW6qXJOarfn81V-RbVrWwD6WzreJ-BBUMSFf7fyG9NGY5Dc1OxBTqMcV4atLcBgMxKa08QFcf3S2scujQIKuhjFplgtCwvOyFJojm27Sp_HNH4An7Q-T8KrJtX3Kskhe/s1600/carstickfigure1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick Figures Tell Total Strangers with Criminal Intent Too Much<br />
Find out Why. Read More</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ever wonder how robbers pick homes to rob? It usually isn’t
impulse. The important thing is to avoid being a target. What are the ways we make ourselves a target?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Checking in at various locations via your smart phone. Anyone
with social media knows where you’re at and it’s not at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Broadcasting your vacation plans before or while you are on
vacation via social media. Plenty of time to post after you get back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Big events announcements such as a wedding, funeral, even
graduation can lure a burglar to your house. A house sitter or a neighbor would
be helpful on these occasions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Bought a new television or computer? Cut up the box as
opposed to leaving it whole beside the trash can. You might be excited about
your new toy, but no reason to advertise to would be burglars.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Do you have sliding glass doors? If so, use the pole stick
in the door to keep uninvited guests out. This is the number two method of burglars
entering a home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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* The favorite entry is through unlocked doors. Many people,
especially those with children, leave doors unlocked when they leave. Not on
purpose, the children who have been running in and out of the house left them
unlocked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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* Lock second stories windows do not assume they’re
unreachable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Change your garage code if it is 000, 1234, 2345, 9999,
etc. An enterprising robber can go through a quick series of common numbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Know your neighbors. Bold burglars showed up with a moving van systematically robbed a swanky neighborhood. They would occasionally change out the moving van for a white panel van. The neighbors never expected anything even though they watched the robbers load
all the goodies into the van. Staying current with the neighbors would have
alerted them of any moving plans or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Got vanity license plates on your car? Con artists are very
fond of these because it demonstrates a strong need for attention and the
belief that the owner is special. These are key elements for a face to face con.</div>
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<br /></div>
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*Stick people on cars, especially if they include sports figures.
Your son’s football helmet with his name identifies that he’ll be at practice
or games. It isn’t hard to look up school games and knowing when the family
will be gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Pedophiles can use the stick people to shop for potential
targets, especially if emblazoned with the child’s name. (Of course, a mini-van
is hint enough you have children.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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*Being nice & talking to strangers. Remember your mom
always warned you about strangers. Con artists approach people who are nice to them.
Those who rebuff them are saved the trouble of trying to get out of a too good
to be true deal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Don’t Expect a Free Lunch. Ever found yourself in a resort
city and been approached by timeshare rep offering you free or reduced tickets
for a few minutes of your time. First, it will a daylong ordeal, leaving you little
time to use the hard-earned tickets. Using your AAA discount is a better
solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*Secure Your Valuables- This no brainer is true for any
time. Traveling-hide your valuables,
lock your car, and use the hotel safe. Often robbers aren’t always strangers. With this in mind,
keep your valuables locked up. Often prescription medicine can be the item targeted as opposed to grandmother’s pearls. Be aware of who is in your house
from maid service, handy men, etc. Once something is missing, it’s gone. A high
deductible would cancel out any benefit of even registering a claim. Often insurance companies refuse to pay, especially if the house was unlocked or you have no proof of purchase of the stolen item.</div>
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Your best bet is try not to be a target.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-5565781422278434212014-07-01T06:25:00.000-07:002014-07-01T06:25:27.921-07:00Summer Freebies for Bored Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKu1bpIPVUNJ_n_TSwoT7XDETc_NurBlziclEhyphenhyphen3dGIf59o7F3eJBXCi2vI9Z0rCDP3llIDAhFOp9e0ZF461lrg76xxynGiOyFSCltGFEcNw3aioooxOithvvgbAv4volfg-gGE9R3izh/s1600/sprinkler2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKu1bpIPVUNJ_n_TSwoT7XDETc_NurBlziclEhyphenhyphen3dGIf59o7F3eJBXCi2vI9Z0rCDP3llIDAhFOp9e0ZF461lrg76xxynGiOyFSCltGFEcNw3aioooxOithvvgbAv4volfg-gGE9R3izh/s1600/sprinkler2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Summer Freebies & Almost Free Activities for Bored
Little Ones<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s summer and the children are bored! If you are a work at
home mom, dad, or even grandparents. It’s hard to know what to do with children
during the summer. Here’s some ideas that work well with the under 12 set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Library Book Club</b>-Not
only can the children improve their imagination by reading, but the library
offers incentives and often in-house programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Free Movies</b>- Many
local theaters will offer morning children’s movies one day a week during the
summer. This is a time the theater wouldn’t normally be open. Look in your
paper or online for details. Many parks also have outdoor movie night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Museums</b>-Most
museums have one free day. You’ll have to research the ones around you.
(Indianapolis Museum of Art is free, except on Monday when it is closed.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Parks</b>- There are
usually trails and playground equipment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Picnic</b>-Eat lunch
outside<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>DVDS</b>- You can
borrow them free at the library. Get Christmas movies and have a Christmas in
July marathon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>The Sprinkler</b>- Introduce
the children to the old fashion fun of running through the sprinkler. At the most,
it will only be on for 20 minutes. You can also put it close to anything that
needs watering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Sidewalk Chalk</b>- This
is a dollar at the Dollar Tree. If you have a budding artist, this will
entertain for a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Time Capsule-</b> All
you need is an old popcorn tin or even a good size coffee can with a lid. The
children find items they think represents right now. It can be items they’ve
cut out of the newspaper. Have the children write letters to their future self.
Make predictions. Seal the can with tape
and bury it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Bubbles</b>- If you don’t have any, these are also a dollar at the
Dollar Tree. Make nighttime bubbles by cutting open glow sticks and pouring the
liquid into the bubbles. Glow sticks are also available at the Dollar Tree<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Board Games</b>- You
may have to supervise a few before the kids get the hang of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Outside Games</b>- This
can be anything from catchers to bike riding. Teach the kids a few of the games
you loved when you were a kid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>4-H-</b> This club is
more popular in rural areas, but it kept my children busy for a couple weeks
preparing their project they should have been working on all year for the 4-H
fair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Cooking</b>- Let the
children to help you cook or allow them to think up a meal. I will admit the
peanut butter sandwich & pudding banquet was decent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Create Books</b>- Small
ones can draw a book with crayons or cut images out of magazines or newspaper.
This does wonders for the imagination. Older children can write or type their
stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Science Experiments-</b>
Here a<a href="http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/"> site</a> that uses
items you probably already have at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Gardening</b>- A
packet of seeds is all you need to start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Exercise</b>-it is
important to set goals. Your child might want to try to walk a mile. Start with increments to build up endurance
and a sense of accomplishment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Have a
Yard/Garage/Tag Sale</b>- This is a sneaky way to get things cleaned out and
earn a little spending money for all the things that aren’t free.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Puppet Theater</b>-
Socks without partners and a permanent marker equal sock puppet. Remember you
do have to watch the show. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Summer Camp</b>- Many
scouts and church organizations have camp scholarship for those who can’t afford
to pay. You do need to apply early.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Vacation Bible School</b>-
If you’re okay with the idea of church this is a great summer activity. Some
are better than others are. The emphasis should be on fun as opposed to
forcible conversion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once you start thinking outside the television box, you’ll
be surprised what you’ll discover. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Read your local paper or website. My kids
entered a free riding lawnmower contest with the prize being a trip to
Disneyworld. They didn’t win, but a neighbor kid did. They still had fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-31819932024490667152014-06-18T13:29:00.000-07:002014-06-18T13:29:23.316-07:00Zulily Review<img src="http://kylegatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/zulily_logo.gif" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you spent any time on social media, then you’ve seen
Zulily ads. What is it? I thought at first, it was only a larger woman clothes
site. It isn’t. Sure, they do have a large variety of women’s clothes, along
with children’s, shoes and household items. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/ac/4e/88/ac4e887d30e5c74287e121fb5790c722.jpg" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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The items that interested me the most are the clearance or
LAST DAY items. These items go fast. I ordered a pair of pants, a maxi skirt, a
tank top, and a sundress all for $68. Shipping was free.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the items arrived, I noticed they ran a bit small. I
currently wear a 10/12. I ordered size large, which they specified would fit a 12-14. The lightweight sundress and pants would
require constant ironing. Thankfully, the skirt and tank would not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<img height="320" src="http://mcdn.zulilyinc.com/images/cache/product/350x1000//81718/zu9750695_main_tm1398137971.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The quality was cheap not anything I would expect to last more
than a season. It was similar quality to the current summer fashions available
in Macy’s, Dillards and Kohls at less than half the price.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pants didn't fit. A shame since they were cute. I called to find out how I could
exchange them. No exchanges are available on last day/clearance items because there
aren’t any more left. The helpful customer service rep advised me to give them
to someone they would fit and credited my account.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://allaboutthemommies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/zulily-sandals2.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went back to last day clearance and ordered another sundress
since I knew how they ran. I’d give Zulily two thumbs up. You can also earn $20 in merchandise credit by telling your friends. Haven't tried it yet, so I can't report on the procedure <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSOa1PaDJOYHCzHNF4GilDe_NAitOkBuGD_unE0x5w9E9UMyKF4AcomtWxQ-S4ykJGlXTiTDuBIPTgNPsI0lvPW-reNkas6EpTeVbnZlAerC78jdi7AkjYDl96LcwGQyYCa2xb-EN_g4/s400/MACBETH_M_75294.jpg" /></div>
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The only drawback to the company is shipping is not fast.
Expect it to take at least two weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to check it out on your own? <a href="http://www.zulily.com/?ns=ns_708805485|1403122820750" target="_blank">Here's the link.</a></div>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-40842966389842473562014-05-30T05:33:00.000-07:002014-05-30T05:33:47.236-07:00Do You Really Get What You Pay For?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.mediapost.com/images/inline_image/2012/11/12/Shopping-Woman-Shocked-Shutterstock-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.mediapost.com/images/inline_image/2012/11/12/Shopping-Woman-Shocked-Shutterstock-A.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span id="goog_1547527157"></span><span id="goog_1547527158"></span>Ever heard the expression you get what you pay for? It’s a
common expression to warn people to beware of cheap, shoddy goods. A <a href="http://dollarstoredeals.net/what-to-buy-and-not-to-buy-from-the-dollar-store/">recent
article</a> I read about shopping at dollar stores advised people what was good
to get at the store or not so great. Truth is you only spent a dollar do you
expect it to last the rest of your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When does it not pay to lay down the big bucks? Usually on
big ticket items or services. Let me explain, often companies have figured out
splashy ads or boasting they’re the favorite of customers will get people to
buy assuming costlier is better. Remember they have to pay for their ads and do
not have to offer any proof of being customer’s favorites.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Twenty years ago, I wanted the house painted. Several people
came and gave us estimates. Two brothers who had painted several houses in the
neighborhood gave us a modest estimate. My ex-husband reasoned we should go
with the expensive one because it had to be the best. After all, the company had
a brand new shiny van with their company name across it, and the guy who gave
us the estimate arrived in a suit and tie. It ended up being a horror story.
For three thousand dollars, we had our house trashed for an entire week while
two inept painters listened to loud music and took lengthy smoke and lunch
breaks. In the end, they painted the living room and hall the wrong color. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The smart thing would have been to go with the brothers who
did work I could actually see and had the ability to talk to previous customers.
Word of mouth is usually your most reliable reference. Keep in mind, some
companies require their employees to write up good references.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another item that cost more than it is worth is special
order items. It is more of the cachet of having something made especially for
you. Keep in mind, you will never get a special order on sale and probably
won’t get what you want anyhow. If you walk into a store, you can handle the
merchandise even try it out, to see if it is what you want. When you special
order something, you wait forever for a needed and desired item and receive
something that is similar to what you ordered, but never exactly, what you did
order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The company will often insist it is what you ordered or
offer to replace it while keeping your money while you wait a couple more
months. The best example of this is customized computers. This has happened to
me more than once. You might has well go into an electronics store and pick out
one that has the most features you want. It will be easier and cheaper than
waiting for one that isn’t quite what you wanted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many companies will not refund your money because it was a
specialty item and they can’t sell it to anyone else. This is untrue, but is
the usual excuse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any special order item is an inconvenience to the seller. It
is also a green light to jack up the price. People special order cars, bridal
and formal wear, even furniture. If price doesn’t matter go ahead and special
order it. I used to work in a furniture warehouse, when a special order came in
the employees would walk through acres of furniture to find the most similar
item. Often it would look exactly like the desired item, but without the requested
cushioning or finish. In the end, the customer never knew because they assumed
it was what they ordered. Consider that the next time you want something made
specifically for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll have to pay up front. Often there will be a no return
policy too. Once you have your not exactly right expensive item, you’ll stuck
with it.This is a case of not getting what you paid for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-28011847772293152822014-03-18T04:58:00.001-07:002014-03-18T04:58:48.773-07:00The Frugal Dieter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCoKrAJuKT0-ish6H82TSTZk2LhINdnTuOxeZEVM3J0a5JHrdvW65FfMoBlQ9r0X5qKbMIhwOtzzVuRNnz9Zr71l75dOlE7Q1jbB9mDuOXIjx8Vp9v5VhYpFXWgV9tdNSTGjenQ_TVzgk/s1600/scales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCoKrAJuKT0-ish6H82TSTZk2LhINdnTuOxeZEVM3J0a5JHrdvW65FfMoBlQ9r0X5qKbMIhwOtzzVuRNnz9Zr71l75dOlE7Q1jbB9mDuOXIjx8Vp9v5VhYpFXWgV9tdNSTGjenQ_TVzgk/s1600/scales.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
Maybe your health or the thought of swimsuit season demands
you make a change in your eating habits. The number one issue is people don’t
like change or expending too much effort. The second issue is money. Diets or
weight loss is expensive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
They can be. My sister lost a great of weight using a
commercial method they delivered a week’s supply of food every week. The dehydrated
food wasn’t exactly tasty and ran about thirty dollars a day. Since that was
over twenty years ago, the price has probably gone up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
How can you lose weight while maintaining your budget? It is
do-able. First, think of it as a lifestyle change as opposed to dieting. There
will be many side benefits including more energy, ease of movement, improved
skin tone and hair texture and self-confidence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Decide on the approach you’ll take either
counting carbs or calories. Don’t switch back and forth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span> An average
woman must walk for at least thirty minutes a day to MAINTAIN her current
weight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dump anything with <a href="http://drhyman.com/blog/2011/05/13/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you/">high
fructose corn syrup</a> in it. Check your jelly, soda, ketchup and salad
dressings. Not only is it bad for you, but it plumps up your fat cells
preventing weight loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water
helps moves the fat out of your body. It also helps you eat less because your
stomach feels fuller.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Avoid alcohol because it slows down your
metabolism up to 80% especially when consumed while eating. There is a reason
they call it a beer belly. Although, some <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2006/12/06/fattening-drinks-cocktails-forbeslife-cx_1207cocktails_slide_2.html">mixed
drinks</a> can pack as much as 800 calories a cocktail. Unfortunately, many people
usually do not stop at one cocktail, either.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
If you feel you can’t avoid it, then limit yourself to one beer or a
glass of wine on the weekends. Think you can’t do this, then, face it you don’t
really want to get in shape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No fast food. Healthy & fast food don’t go
together. There are sit-down restaurants
that offer healthy options including TGIF, Denny’s and Applebee’s. The simple
strategy is to avoid fried and breaded food, sugary sodas, and pasta and
potatoes. A nice steak, chicken breast, even a burger without the bun, works. Throw
in a salad or vegetables and you have a meal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Portion control. I remember episode of The
Biggest Loser television show where Bob the trainer made a visit to a mother
and daughter who were eating healthy, even using Biggest Losers approved
recipes, but were not losing weight. They were eating about five servings of everything
per meal. Know what a portion is. Measure it. You’ll be surprised that the
plate spaghetti is more like four servings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Prepare your snacks ahead of time. It is easy to
make small packages of nuts, berries, carrots, or dried fruit to grab when you’re
in a hurry. A lite string cheese stick works well too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Diet food can be convenient too since it is
pre-measured, but often it is expensive. I stock up on diet deals when I see
them at Big Lots, Deals, or even The Dollar Tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Raise you own veggies. The prices of spaghetti
squash made it a luxury. I decided to grow this simple veggie in my backyard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Your freezer can be your best diet friend. Stock up whenever
there is a sale on diet entrees to lean meat. It is also
useful to make healthy meals in bulk and freeze part of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Look for no calorie alternative treats. Instead of a trip to the all you can eat buffet,
how about a pedicure instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Step up your activity level by taking the
stairs, not parking near the store, dancing while you do simple home chores,
even lifting weights while watching television.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It also helps to have a friend or family member
making a life style change with you. Often the ones we love seem the most
determined to throw obstacles in our way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<o:p>15. Write down your starting weight and measurements. It won't melt off overnight, but it is great to see positive change.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
You will be saving money without eating out as much, by consuming less alcohol and
convenience food. The money you save might go toward a new wardrobe, just
saying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-37075252350835741812014-03-06T06:09:00.000-08:002014-03-06T06:09:00.543-08:00The Art of Thrifting, Part Two<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlEcd7A9ZahaFFa6-SOygPiQbCqre-U5njNN8X5-73GhxGWHjqbwbmPzZGsgX2KnOC68wvAJbd2MEtAsp4qlKOmJBbLlv7Gfw6QILCdAfCZHFJZmGVrBd-k44oneNxM5hMSLS7rc9PFi_/s1600/thrifting+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlEcd7A9ZahaFFa6-SOygPiQbCqre-U5njNN8X5-73GhxGWHjqbwbmPzZGsgX2KnOC68wvAJbd2MEtAsp4qlKOmJBbLlv7Gfw6QILCdAfCZHFJZmGVrBd-k44oneNxM5hMSLS7rc9PFi_/s1600/thrifting+2.jpeg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<b><u>Deciding to Buy Clothing</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The first thing you do in deciding to buy
clothes is to look for stains, tears or underarms stains.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Washing will eliminate the smoke smell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Ugly buttons can be replaced, but are you the
type to replace buttons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Broken zippers will add on another $15 to repair.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Try on the clothes if possible. Even if it is pulling it, over what you
already have on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Will go with anything else?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Basic pieces are the best<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Look at the cuffs, do they show signs of
fraying?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Is it a current style? This doesn’t matter to
some people<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The quality and brand. You want to get the best
items for your money.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Is it missing a belt? Can you accessorize with one you already have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Do you have any possible use for it? Sometimes
it is okay to pick up a formal dress for a couple of bucks even when you aren’t
intending to go anywhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Be very careful when buying for resale. The
bottom has fallen out of the resale clothing market on Ebay. Most people have
discovered they can thrift on their own and save money too. On higher end
clothes and large sizes, it is still good, but the items have to be perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Large clothing can be altered to fit. Keep the
cost in mind, unless you are doing it yourself<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Avoid any dry cleaning only items, unless you
are willing to dry-clean them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The same with items that need ironing, unless
you are willing to iron<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some stains can be removed. It all depends on what it is and if the item
has been dried. Ink, marker and crayon are often removable. It is better if
there is a pattern in case your removal attempt proves unsuccessful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Avoid sweaters with holes or unraveling. This is
not an easy fix problem. Undone seams can usually be repaired. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Other Items</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t buy cookware with scratched Teflon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Try out all electronic items. If they don’t
work, don’t buy them thinking you'll fix them. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Do pay attention to prices. Goodwill marks items individually. A glass
might be a dollar, which makes six of them six dollars. You could have bought a
new set of matched glasses from Wal-Mart for the same price.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Love an item, don’t just like it. The okay items
merely vacation at your house before
making a return trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Before buying something for someone else, call
them. They may not want the items as much as you think<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tarnished items can be cleaned, but you’ll also
have to clear them regularly. Many will have already developed pitting or spots
due to neglect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Can you refresh the item? Furniture can be painted. Lampshades can be changed
on a lamp base, buttons changed on clothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Items can be recycled too. A large skirt can
become a small tablecloth or a throw pillow. A friend buys oversized
clothing for the fabric and uses it for costumes. It is much cheaper than
buying material at a fabric store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The one thing you don’t want to do
is to buy something you have no use for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-27677016003495771752014-02-27T05:59:00.001-08:002014-02-27T05:59:46.825-08:00The Art of Thrifting, Part One<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL0AQyr4s4qEVupDXMrQK5lw_HQ_Bq-Klc0a41j3GOvZ7V5q5Z2ynqA0IBYbfUipTvN7Gp8kG1k2Sqewr2jD_LYqyEAtCjNkQk9WsyrSkOdgxT1lRGVJm8nAGYL7X7iBV2KgwWN-tAQj9/s1600/thrifting+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL0AQyr4s4qEVupDXMrQK5lw_HQ_Bq-Klc0a41j3GOvZ7V5q5Z2ynqA0IBYbfUipTvN7Gp8kG1k2Sqewr2jD_LYqyEAtCjNkQk9WsyrSkOdgxT1lRGVJm8nAGYL7X7iBV2KgwWN-tAQj9/s1600/thrifting+1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a weak economy, more people are turning to thrift stores
and yard sales to snatch bargains. They are discovering that you can get items
for less than half the price new.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>What Should You Buy Secondhand</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Clothing, especially children’s or babies.
Formal dresses that were worn only worn once often go for less than ten bucks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dishes, tableware, pots and pans, small
appliances</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Furniture<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Books<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Gardening equipment<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Lawn furniture<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Games & toys<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pictures, mirrors, and other décor items.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Purses, shoes, jewelry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pet items<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sporting equipment<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Coins/collectibles (be aware of current prices.
Smart phones are a big help to check this.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><u>Probably
shouldn’t Buy Second Hand</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Anything electronic you can’t test<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Aquariums (Improperly cleaned aquariums or those
used for reptiles can harbor toxins that will kill future fish. Cleaning an
aquarium with any type of cleaner will also result in dead fish.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Clothes that don’t fit, but you plan to lose
weight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Underwear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Mattresses<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Food (even though it is in a sealed package, you
can’t determine what conditions it was stored under.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Toiletries (often used or old cosmetics carry
bacteria, which causes infections)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Fire arms or fireworks (It is illegal to sell
these in a store not licensed for this.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Any broken item you think you can fix. ( I’ll
explain more later)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Items that you don’t need and have no use for
even if it is a good buy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Personalized items. If it isn’t your name, why
do you want it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Open puzzles<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>The Art of Thrifting</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->People toss things because they no longer want
them, never wanted them, they’re broken, or a reminder of a relationship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Before you go thrifting, make a list of what you
hope to find. This will reduce some impulse buying. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Research where you want to go. It will take a
series of stores or yard sales to find your desired items. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Know your stores too. Goodwill often has .99
Sundays and half-priced holidays.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Leave your coat in the car and your money in
your pocket. You need your hands free to handle the merchandise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Be prepared to spend a while looking. Think of
it has a treasure hunt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t overlook stores like the DAV, Hospice
Thrift, Salvation Army or Mission stores.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->After Christmas and Mondays during the May
through October are great times to visit thrift stores. People often bring
their items they didn’t sell at their yard sale on Saturday and the items are
on the floor by Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-70616498927956379412014-02-05T17:44:00.000-08:002014-02-05T17:44:53.269-08:00Inexpensive Valentine Ideas<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUHffIwNvbvmfH7jdI6RXXsEKuNe6J0z3_nhx37m8UUwBsZZzWJbLv2JSTZN2Fa-NgMUlHYpOjOLqON26ALB6JbBYpE5VOPwmFrVdo7EGa-DxfNTRw7OYcrw532EXZ6GHpN_F5wSwEWsF/s1600/v-day+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUHffIwNvbvmfH7jdI6RXXsEKuNe6J0z3_nhx37m8UUwBsZZzWJbLv2JSTZN2Fa-NgMUlHYpOjOLqON26ALB6JbBYpE5VOPwmFrVdo7EGa-DxfNTRw7OYcrw532EXZ6GHpN_F5wSwEWsF/s1600/v-day+couple.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
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This year’s Valentine’s Day reminds me of another similar one several years ago. Nature provided sleeting rain for the occasion, slowing rush hour traffic to a crawl. As I waited for my light, I was able to observe heavy traffic at the local Walgreens and florist where people hurried through the cold rain carrying balloons, roses, and bags containing candy and red or pink plush animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the other side of the street was an elderly woman with a walker. Her equally elderly spouse held an umbrella over her as she walked. Icicles hung from his beard. There was no question which was the greater gift. An unselfish sacrifice or a red stuffed animal from the local drug store. With that in mind, maybe this could be a more personal V-day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>You can make your own card or love letter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Write a poem or song.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Make a collage from tickets, photos of things you’ve done together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Put together a scrapbook.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Send a smile box e-card.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Make heart shaped cookies, pancakes, or anything else you can press in a heart shape mold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Is your Valentine far away? Create a special box filled with dozen of messages, candy or other treats that can be read one at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Recreate a romantic dinner at home with candle light. It will be cheaper and easier than heading out to a crowded restaurant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Make it personal. Get her a book she’s been talking about or a model of the ‘57 Chevy he’s always wanted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Recreate your first date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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11.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Make it a romantic movie night at home with plenty of snacks and tissues. If you can’t think of any movies, check out this <a href="http://www.elizabethlos.com/top-10-must-see-romantic-movies/">link</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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12.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Reuse the same Valentine’s card every year and pen in different messages. Before you think ultimate cheapskate, keep in mind it reminds you of how your love has grown and changed with the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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13.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Is your sweetie a gardener? Instead of roses, a live plant or seeds would be more welcome, or maybe a certificate for a rose bush since they aren’t in stores in most areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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14.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Plan a <a href="http://nestfullofnew.com/fondue-dinner-home/">fondue party</a> at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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15.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Do something totally different. It could be anything from indoor rock climbing to taking a cooking class together. You may not be able to schedule it on the day so a certificate can serve too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t be shy about your plans being on a day other than Valentine’s either. Business and restaurants raise the prices on roses, chocolates and a romantic night out. If you can wait until the next day after or even before to go out, you’ll experience less crowds and expense.</div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-88768596165816662082014-01-03T05:04:00.000-08:002014-01-03T05:04:07.798-08:00The Scoop on Grocery Delivery Services<img height="212" src="http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journal-topics.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ef/4ef719a8-8075-11e2-806f-001a4bcf6878/512d546e40a8e.image.jpg" width="320" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Maybe you’ve seen a few grocery delivery
trucks. Ever wonder how expensive this is and what is involved? Grocery
delivery used to be a regular service rather than a luxury. My great
grandparents ran a grocery and my grandmother was the delivery ‘boy’ when her
brother joined the service. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Research required I Google delivery
groceries and found eleven near my home. Some are independents ran by enterprising couples who shop for you and others are chains. I will focus on <a href="http://www.peapod.com/">Peapod</a> and <a href="http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/">Greenbean Delivery</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Delivery is beneficial for those without transportation, busy, mothers with several young children, elderly and housebound.</div>
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Here’s how it works. You go online develop
an account. Pick out your groceries. Specify a delivering time and pay with a
debit or credit card.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peapod has sales, accepts manufacturer’s
coupons and doubles them up to .99. They have all the major brands and carry
their own store brand, which is cheaper. Currently, they have a clearance sale
on all things holiday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My first thought was it must be very
expensive. It is a little higher. It runs a nickel or a dime higher per items,
some more. You can use coupons, and, you can buy the Peapod brand, which is
cheaper. They also have weekly sales just like a brick and mortar store. There is a delivery fee of $6.95 on a $100 or
more order. Your first order is $15 off
and no delivery fees for the first sixty days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If
you want to be more in harmony with nature, consider <a href="http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/">Greenbean Delivery</a>, which brings
you local organic produce along with your other staples. This is only available
currently in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Missouri. This works a little bit more like food co-ops
in that you can get a basket of organic produce. Here’s an example.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A small produce bin is for 2- people and
costs $28. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Quantity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Product</span></b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">5</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Each Oranges, Navel</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">5</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Each Pears, Red
D'anjou</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">16 oz. <b>Local</b>Husk
Corn, Sweet</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">2</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Each Peppers, Green</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Bunch Broccoli -</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">2</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Each Avocado</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">5</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Each Apples, Braeburn-</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">15-17 oz. Zucchini,
Green</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Bunch Greens, Lacinato
Kale</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">1</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">10 oz. Peas, Snow</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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They have other things including canned
goods, dairy, meat, snacks, sweets and condiments. Greenbean delivery offers
free delivery. Items go on sale too.
Since I wasn’t familiar with the brands, I took Kettle potato chips and
compared them to buying them from the Kettle Chip store in bulk. Greenbean
Delivery was cheaper at $2.45 per 5oz bag. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Have people in your family with food
allergies, they offer gluten and lactose free products.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I haven’t used either service, but I did
use one in North Carolina. It didn’t offer as many benefits, but went along
with my vacation rental. It was nice rolling in at night and not having to
shop. The only down part to that experience so many years ago was bruised
apples. The delivery service was the only one on the peninsula. Now, with so many people competing for your
service, I imagine most will try to avoid the bruised fruit, especially Greenbean
delivery, which has several glowing reviews.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Does this sound like a service you’d like?
Check it out on your own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-59480858108903678682013-12-19T08:33:00.001-08:002013-12-19T08:33:34.715-08:00Target Hacked: Are You Safe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1_QKxl14Lb6mh6xT3pzf6j18yrvRG_x9Nwp1oCgIeAMut3Z8-ErP_Y18kUjx7MrJP7tHpYWdLN8Tep4ITL3_-d_epYbCIrCE_kHvqrwuwsUEmQDTQQ-_u8Y5TjDaXj3-m_N_64lqYvIC/s1600/target-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1_QKxl14Lb6mh6xT3pzf6j18yrvRG_x9Nwp1oCgIeAMut3Z8-ErP_Y18kUjx7MrJP7tHpYWdLN8Tep4ITL3_-d_epYbCIrCE_kHvqrwuwsUEmQDTQQ-_u8Y5TjDaXj3-m_N_64lqYvIC/s320/target-2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The better question to ask is your debit card safe?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt; text-align: justify;">
Perhaps you’ve
heard about shoppers who used debit and credit cards at Target for their
holiday shopping having their data hacked. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/target-hacked-customer-credit-card-data-accessed_n_4471672.html">To
learn more here is the full article.</a> People who suspect they could be
victims are to call credit card agencies and change their ATM numbers. This is
a consumer’s worst nightmare especially so close to the holidays.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt; text-align: justify;">
Trust me; I
know the feeling. My debit card number was hacked at a routine refill at a
Meijers' pharmacy. I heard about it on television before I found out I was a
victim. Foolishly, I thought those card
readers at the register were so much safer than the old fashion carbon paper
slide device for credit cards. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt; text-align: justify;">
I stood
transfixed watching the reporter explain that a ring of Meijers' employees downloaded
the credit card numbers from the machine each night. This was standard procedure.
Then eight employees would charge gift cards for either $25 or $50. Most people
could accept they spent that much at Meijers and didn’t question the charge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course,
once they had the number and the pin number. They would go back and charge more
gift certificates. That was their downfall.
Apparently, some people wondered about the mysterious charges and
contacted Meijers. My phone rung as the news story continued only to find out I
was a victim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I quit using my debit card with the numbers. If I use it, I run it as credit. My credit card company protects me more.
Often refusing to run a charge when I am out of state, I have to call and
verify it’s me. Of course, that wouldn’t have helped at the local Target or
Meijers, which are both in my town.</div>
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The message I
received from this retail disaster is that cash is your best option. You don’t spend as
much. Some gas station and groceries have started adding a surcharge for using
a debit card. All these little charges add up. Right now, I am glad I didn’t go
to Target. However, online Target purchases were safe because of the encryption used.</div>
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Think about everyone who handles your credit information. This process happens at gas stations, groceries, retail stores, even credit card agencies. I had a friend who had her identity stolen by a credit card employee. Another lost her identity to a travel agent who planned her honeymoon. </div>
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Knowing all this, check out who gives out your information easily. It could be you! Discover card never ever uses your entire number. It isn't on you card or even in your account. You are identified by your last four numbers. </div>
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Many credit cards uses your entire number on your statement. This is important because felons are shopping your mailbox for this information. Some companies try to make your statement look less like a statement. Still, the greatest culprit is the consumer who throws the stub into the garbage can. People do search your trash and dumps for this type of information. This is the reason for paper shredders. As bad as someone getting your credit card number is, getting your debit card is worse.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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If someone
gets your ATM number your bank won’t reimburse you for the money shifted out of
your account. Not knowing what happened immediately adds on overdrawn fees, which makes the
situation even more dire. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember the bank telling you never to give your pin number to anyone? A close friend lost her entire savings due to using an ATM in front of an <i>alleged </i>friend. While she didn't give him the number, he paid attention, then lifted her card later and cleaned out her account. Be paranoid about your ATM number.</div>
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Another thing
about the dangers of debit cards is charges don’t show up immediately. Some
businesses will take up to a week to post. That money you think you have as
available balance might not be so available at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s
something to consider.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6636735175649986911.post-23046282759308786942013-12-02T05:47:00.000-08:002013-12-02T05:47:18.279-08:00Black Friday Vs. Cyber Monday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT9K7Gw-dz3CmK_B0a7cM8G-xNPkgjRPlF37Wu2tsxBQDlbGko-pn5oWL2blijhjg-oTKUKzAnbn1hNN8IRbgxk6tTK1qdcXi4lh9Y9-qfpBpfdi9emYos7qYPeTSCSI8CAO11C5Oo7Dm/s1600/black+riday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT9K7Gw-dz3CmK_B0a7cM8G-xNPkgjRPlF37Wu2tsxBQDlbGko-pn5oWL2blijhjg-oTKUKzAnbn1hNN8IRbgxk6tTK1qdcXi4lh9Y9-qfpBpfdi9emYos7qYPeTSCSI8CAO11C5Oo7Dm/s320/black+riday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bagged any
bargains on Black Friday? A cartoon
circulating on Pinterest has a woman touting Black Friday is for amateurs. Real
professionals shop year around. It’s good for a laugh, but how true is it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Secrets Behind Black Friday Sales<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Prices
started going up in October, so they could be slashed on Black Friday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Some
of those great prices offered included a rebate. Over 60% of the people never
even do the paperwork to fill out the rebate form. Another 8-12% do it wrong
and do not get the rebate. This is a pretty sweet deal for the manufacturer.
They offer a sale that few cash in on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Limited
quantities. Ask my parents about that who stood in the cold at 4am to get a
computer, that the story only had four to sell. Unfortunately, they were number
five in line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Knock
off brands. The amazing price is on a cheap version of the original
manufactured exclusive for Christmas. Quits working shortly after, surprise,
you cannot get it fixed or replaced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->This
was no great sale. It was the price that the manufacturer set to make a profit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--> Refurbished items often masquerade as new
items. The ad may not mention it, except in six font buried somewhere in the
description. It depends on how you feel about refurbished items. My stepfather prefers them because he insists
they went back to be refurbished because of an issue. The refurbished item has
the issue worked out. This is especially good if it comes with a warranty. (I
bought a refurbished camera that lasted for years until I lost it in a move.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->The
store may intend to slash prices even more it you can wait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Cyber Monday:
What's Good about It?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->No
taxes if you should a store that is exclusively online.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Free
shipping. (If you aren’t getting it today, shop elsewhere)<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Home
delivery<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Flash
sales. Some people might not think these are great, but you have the option of
low discounts for a couple of hours. (Amazon at least lets you know what is
going to be on sale and when.)<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Shopping
from your home or office<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Low
prices—last year I bought popular blue-ray movies for $3 each.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]-->Safety-no
fears of being trampled or involved in a shoving match<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Shopping online today, check out <a href="http://www.ebates.com/index.htm">Ebates</a> and <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/">Retailmenot</a> for additional discounts. It
always helps to get a little extra off.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Reflecting back
on my first Black Friday, I was barely nineteen shopping at the Fashion store
and I had my hands on a pair of purple jeans for my sister. The jeans would be perfect for my stylish
sister and the price met my meager budget too.
As I admired the jeans, a small elderly woman grabbed onto them. She
shouted at me that she had them first and she was a great grandmother. Shocked at the woman’s behavior and
determination, I gave up the jeans. Technically,
I knew I had my hands on the jeans first, but refused to get in a tug of war
with an elderly woman. I can’t remember what I bought my sister that year.
Whatever it was it wasn’t worth getting into knockdown fights over it. Maybe
this is one of the reasons I am embracing Cyber Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817293003630581559noreply@blogger.com0