tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20173854488889301892024-03-13T18:22:24.926-04:00Hidden MagnoliasThoughts of a Southern girl who loves crumbling mansions, antiques, decorating and all things pretty.Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-22624066346471358512021-07-29T09:24:00.008-04:002021-07-29T09:24:52.863-04:00Thoughts on Frugal Blogs<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I love reading frugal blogs. Lately, most of the blogs seem
to have articles about how to save money on things that really aren’t that
important – wreaths for doors, outdoor decorations for holidays, buying
containers and boxes and things for organizing, fancy containers for meal prep,
patio ideas, and on it goes. I found
myself scratching my head. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjCqvxIHBM/YOXllMw4umI/AAAAAAAAGjc/sPCMW_25KT8gKk1VLD_9TTxQbWdpM_YWACLcBGAsYHQ/s381/7-7-2021%2B1-32-31%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="227" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjCqvxIHBM/YOXllMw4umI/AAAAAAAAGjc/sPCMW_25KT8gKk1VLD_9TTxQbWdpM_YWACLcBGAsYHQ/w239-h400/7-7-2021%2B1-32-31%2BPM.jpg" width="239" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_WQJVW2uDw/YOXlm3ds6MI/AAAAAAAAGjg/SdUpB5gNCNIhYEHwBq2ZP_bTP7UcIUbRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s379/7-7-2021%2B1-31-18%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="328" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_WQJVW2uDw/YOXlm3ds6MI/AAAAAAAAGjg/SdUpB5gNCNIhYEHwBq2ZP_bTP7UcIUbRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w346-h400/7-7-2021%2B1-31-18%2BPM.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">While I am reading, I am thinking, if this is a frugal blog, then why are they promoting
spending money? Even if it is in the dollar store?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">They should be talking about how to decorate things spending $0 money. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And once you have made a door wreath – why not reuse it the
next season and the season after that, and so on? Who cares? No one will remember or even looks that closely and if they do, why care? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Storage and organization ideas. Why buy when you can reuse
for free? My family has many, many iPhone boxes and we have not thrown
away any of them at all. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfroHoIlXro/YOXtQNuIePI/AAAAAAAAGj0/D7ByXz3bL_kwd4SEELiMLvP6YqKyh3siACPcBGAYYCw/s830/7-7-2021%2B1-36-24%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="830" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfroHoIlXro/YOXtQNuIePI/AAAAAAAAGj0/D7ByXz3bL_kwd4SEELiMLvP6YqKyh3siACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h244/7-7-2021%2B1-36-24%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-ooOqXzVgI/YOXtfcYhWAI/AAAAAAAAGj4/etK5kgB2zqIbKbehOHnOxCeLNhf-w5HAACPcBGAYYCw/s761/7-7-2021%2B2-07-34%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="761" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-ooOqXzVgI/YOXtfcYhWAI/AAAAAAAAGj4/etK5kgB2zqIbKbehOHnOxCeLNhf-w5HAACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h368/7-7-2021%2B2-07-34%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Phone boxes are great for small items – makeup, Q-Tips, hair clips,
small jewelry, etc. But….if they are going to be in a drawer, why spend money decorate
them? No one sees them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Food storage ones are another one where you can spend money for food storage. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Why not use empty plastic and glass jars? Instead of throwing those jars away, use the ones with lids to store flour, beans, tea bags, etc. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I love glass jars -- they can be thrown in dishwasher to sanitize and non porous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDSEf8AKwQo/YQKrWQtR_LI/AAAAAAAAGk8/15Y3nEKoGlMw3PfASQR-w0lQ9ExwimtzACLcBGAsYHQ/s477/7-29-2021%2B9-22-08%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="477" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDSEf8AKwQo/YQKrWQtR_LI/AAAAAAAAGk8/15Y3nEKoGlMw3PfASQR-w0lQ9ExwimtzACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h290/7-29-2021%2B9-22-08%2BAM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We need to mindful of the things we throw away. And of the things we buy -- it is not frugal to buy stuff to be frugal, now is it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Pat</span></h1><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-17751923361098124722021-05-19T10:58:00.005-04:002021-05-19T10:58:50.412-04:00Frugality and the Modern World<p>While searching for information about saving money, I ran into this fun to read site outlining some of the creative things people did during WWII. </p><p><a href="https://learnincolor.com/frugality-how-to-from-the-greatest-generation.html">https://learnincolor.com/frugality-how-to-from-the-greatest-generation.html</a></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGcP4heEfNg/YKUN9eQaOUI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/yA3I28l_tDM9kXVDUoX_5iSc3n6GiHHCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/5-19-2021%2B9-03-55%2BAM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGcP4heEfNg/YKUN9eQaOUI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/yA3I28l_tDM9kXVDUoX_5iSc3n6GiHHCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w342-h640/5-19-2021%2B9-03-55%2BAM.jpg" width="342" /></a></div></blockquote><br /><p>Samantha outlines 10 areas on"how to use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Save Paper</span></h2><p>With my parents and grandparents being part of the <b>Greatest Generation</b>, this peaked my interest. I remember fondly some of the things my grandparents di that at the time in the 60's, I thought very old fashioned. </p><p>For one thing, on my grandfather's roll top desk, he kept a stack of envelopes he used as note paper. He would carefully open all mail with a sharp letter opener, turn the written side over and stack it with the back side and viola -- a scratch pad. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2_F2uGrJg/YKUT5rvt6HI/AAAAAAAAGdY/_n81Do4U-YcGtC5K1VWrwp2nSOkARaQFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/scratch%2Bpad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2_F2uGrJg/YKUT5rvt6HI/AAAAAAAAGdY/_n81Do4U-YcGtC5K1VWrwp2nSOkARaQFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/scratch%2Bpad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></blockquote><br /><p>I do this now because of the huge amount of waste paper in my life. I noticed one day that most of my trash was paper -- used computer paper, envelopes and the like. Yeah, it could go into the recycle bin, but why not let it have a second life before that fatal action? </p><p>It has been perfect for me while I am working remotely. At the office, we tend to grab a sticky note to scribble something down. This replaces those notes and in small way. helps the planet.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Use it up</span></h2><p>According to the FDA:</p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">"</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">In the
United States, food waste is estimated at between 30–40 percent of the food
supply. This figure, based on estimates from USDA’s Economic Research Service
of 31 percent food loss at the retail and consumer levels, corresponded to
approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food"</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p>Wow - just wow. One of the things I learned from my grandparents was to save leftover veggies in the freezer, add to it from time to time. Once you have enough, make a pot of soup. It may just be a spoonful of carrots or green beans or peas, but it adds up. Even left over rice works -- pasta, not so much, it tends to disintegrate. </p><p>My family loves my home made soup especially on a cold night. So during the summer when fresh vegetables are plentiful, I save the leftovers and store them and then months later when it is soup time just toss in pot. So easy and fast. </p><p>Soap - another thing I do is save the slivers of soap that are too small for the bath and use for washing hands. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nywvUvPS3gs/W0ycBjeokrI/AAAAAAAAET4/IBZ4hgdT8ywfRIU0a_YozRlQrBTXmzeHQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nywvUvPS3gs/W0ycBjeokrI/AAAAAAAAET4/IBZ4hgdT8ywfRIU0a_YozRlQrBTXmzeHQCPcBGAYYCw/w240-h320/IMG_1660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This has come in very handy during the pandemic. </div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Do Without</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a good one for me. I am like so many other modern women who have more of everything than they need -- shoes, clothes, makeup, jewelry -- you get the picture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last January I started a buy nothing new campaign. It has been over a year and I haven't felt much need to buy new with the exception of when I ran out -- makeup items, cleanser and moisturizer. I did recently buy some new Sandals? Tennis shoes? Whatever you call these things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxrvvtvKwWk/YKUgR61-43I/AAAAAAAAGdg/pOtFv9DnfuIxlPQY5hLVDGyKdPSwTRfdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/5-19-2021%2B10-25-04%2BAM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="800" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxrvvtvKwWk/YKUgR61-43I/AAAAAAAAGdg/pOtFv9DnfuIxlPQY5hLVDGyKdPSwTRfdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h183/5-19-2021%2B10-25-04%2BAM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My previous casual tennis shoes had just worn slap out as we say down here. They lost all their support and were uncomfortable to wear. I didn't feel guilty at all buying these since I have been so frugal with shopping this year. And tried them on with a summer dress. I like the way they looked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has actually been fun to not buy clothes and rediscover my closet. I have put together new combinations, revived older, but almost new items. Funny thing, there were some things I could not remember why I never wore them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">Pat</span></i></h1><br /><p><br /></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-78104001970178921522021-04-08T14:12:00.002-04:002021-04-08T14:12:21.078-04:00People have lost their minds - monster houses<p> Monster houses. </p><p>They are everywhere. No city of any size is immune. </p><p>Some of them are ugly and the insides are appalling. Closets the size of some people's living rooms, kitchens with professional appliances that are hardly used. Play rooms, wine cellars, exercise rooms, bonus rooms, wet bar, bathrooms with showers the whole 4th grade could use at the same time, all fun and exciting things to have, but....are they really that important? Topic for another post. </p><p>It is the outsides that get to me. </p><p>Houses used to have a style -- colonial, traditional, craftsman, ranch, victorian, tutor, well, you get it. </p><p>Today builders are adding the oddest features to the outside of houses. Take this one for example. I am still scratching my head over this. What the hell is it?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6iNrb0PiXk/YGNoVV-VdXI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/BSEIM8EEl-I0peoB-hoIA0slHwvkxzbfACLcBGAsYHQ/s501/3-30-2021%2B2-00-35%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="501" height="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6iNrb0PiXk/YGNoVV-VdXI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/BSEIM8EEl-I0peoB-hoIA0slHwvkxzbfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h634/3-30-2021%2B2-00-35%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zillow.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>This house was listed as "stunning" "spacious" "luxurious" etc etc etc.</p><p>The mix of styles is ugly and unappealing. A touch of farmhouse (shutters & garage doors)? A touch of, what? tudor with that thing sticking out over the garage doors? Mixture of materials -- stone and brick on front. Very cheap looking useless deck just slapped over front door. </p><p>And then there is this...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6m6zd92vzs/YGNs1fOcKiI/AAAAAAAAGaE/zM3341lquLknl0N6QrkipJLNBlEdhsG4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1004/3-30-2021%2B2-21-48%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1004" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6m6zd92vzs/YGNs1fOcKiI/AAAAAAAAGaE/zM3341lquLknl0N6QrkipJLNBlEdhsG4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h376/3-30-2021%2B2-21-48%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zillow.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I guess the builder or architect could not decide on a material to use or perhaps had just enough leftovers to mix. brick, stone, stucco, all tied together by the chimney. </p><p>And this.....</p><p>The window eyebrows are making me dizzy. to curve or not to curve and oh yeah, we will throw 3 bricks over that small window.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vByXCk3limQ/YGNtyUhw5DI/AAAAAAAAGaM/ECx_BiwWZGQ9yeEPLCvxSkbpnDRSz_J1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s717/3-30-2021%2B2-26-34%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="717" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vByXCk3limQ/YGNtyUhw5DI/AAAAAAAAGaM/ECx_BiwWZGQ9yeEPLCvxSkbpnDRSz_J1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/3-30-2021%2B2-26-34%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zillow.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>UGH. All these houses sell for close to 1 million dollars. </p><p>What happened to symmetry and consistency? Here is an nice example of brick ranch. Built in 1966. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQzXBQIQdp4/YGNvLq9SYfI/AAAAAAAAGaU/_ZjnD0i0pdAaHvo48ZZs7DhbRK3QPNNngCLcBGAsYHQ/s965/3-30-2021%2B2-32-42%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="965" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQzXBQIQdp4/YGNvLq9SYfI/AAAAAAAAGaU/_ZjnD0i0pdAaHvo48ZZs7DhbRK3QPNNngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h192/3-30-2021%2B2-32-42%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zillow.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The front door are is symmetrical with a balanced classic design. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMkdbCJ18o/YGNwB3ZlVnI/AAAAAAAAGac/SmZ-6ihgrm0eT7tthdFC8qZChZOLF1hfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s977/3-30-2021%2B2-35-11%2BPM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="977" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMkdbCJ18o/YGNwB3ZlVnI/AAAAAAAAGac/SmZ-6ihgrm0eT7tthdFC8qZChZOLF1hfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h420/3-30-2021%2B2-35-11%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zillow.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Done with my rant<div><br /></div><div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></h1><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-52083187955543181162021-03-29T16:27:00.001-04:002021-03-29T16:27:16.644-04:00Snagov Monastery<p style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes I get a wild hair and just research something I know little to nothing about. Today, it was Romania. Why? It just popped in my head and I realized I know very, very little about this country. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epwFkgJmGzg/YGIwYlm4BwI/AAAAAAAAGZE/YK2X2vz_regTdrQhF9riCjAb_Zi2UlbgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1322/3-29-2021%2B3-53-37%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1322" height="397" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epwFkgJmGzg/YGIwYlm4BwI/AAAAAAAAGZE/YK2X2vz_regTdrQhF9riCjAb_Zi2UlbgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h397/3-29-2021%2B3-53-37%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did know it was close to Ukraine. I thought and confirmed it was on the Black Sea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, in typical Pat Fashion. I googled and googled and read and read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fair warning -- all photos have come from various other websites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did find something that peaked my interest. A small monastery on an little island on a lake or possibly a river -- north of Bucharest and north of the town of Snagov. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLqJW8_B34/YGIzOhoeA9I/AAAAAAAAGZM/36ZXvYnmn_I_m85BN47cr8nRJV9CE0GQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1170/snagov-monastery-1024x683-ogrfsaqv9g4jmlthvl0kmrpibdujg3cnznvkguaxo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1170" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLqJW8_B34/YGIzOhoeA9I/AAAAAAAAGZM/36ZXvYnmn_I_m85BN47cr8nRJV9CE0GQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/snagov-monastery-1024x683-ogrfsaqv9g4jmlthvl0kmrpibdujg3cnznvkguaxo8.jpg" title="https://www.imperialtransilvania.com/2018/08/29/read-more/argomenti/places-of-interest-1/articolo/the-snagov-monastery-the-island-that-houses-the-tomb-of-vlad-tepes-known-also-as-dracula.html" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://covinnus.com/snagov-monastery/</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inside of this tiny building is just lovely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But first .... a bit of history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; text-align: start;">"The first historical evidence dates back to 1408, but apparently there was a small chapel here, since the reign of Vladislav I (1364-1379). In 1456, Vlad Tepes decided, that in this isolated place surrounded by water and forests, to build a prison for traitors, a defensive wall, a bridge to connect the earth to the island and a underwater refuge tunnel. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; line-height: 1.462; text-align: start;">The church of the establishment was restored by Prince <b>Neagoe Basarab</b> in 1521. Built of brick in the Byzantine style, with four polygonal towers covered with tiles, like the rest of the roof, the church is among the most beautiful of its kind in the area. Inside the church is adorned by splendid frescoes of the fifteenth century, along with portraits of prominent personalities of the time such as St.Neagoe Basarab and his son Teodosie, Mircea Ciobanul with the whole family. Although, over time, the frescoes have underwent many transformations and restorations, these make up the largest mural ensemble that is preserved in a church in Romania. The cultural value of the settlement increased in 1643, when the Ruler Matei Basarab endowed the settlement with a printing press. Here were printed books in Greek, Slavic, Arabic and Latin."</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikd0CNIfX6Q/YGI0ABkPNJI/AAAAAAAAGZU/LjRUKJKuC90Q6kxfPDSBzU4oWug8uej9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/snagov-monastery-1-1024x683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikd0CNIfX6Q/YGI0ABkPNJI/AAAAAAAAGZU/LjRUKJKuC90Q6kxfPDSBzU4oWug8uej9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/snagov-monastery-1-1024x683.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://covinnus.com/snagov-monastery/</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8JVEQksWNM/YGI0NBh0qcI/AAAAAAAAGZY/FOqWr2Z0-ZQ31hZkRl-OpXXx1GJIuYUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/1280px-Snagov_monastery_left_side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8JVEQksWNM/YGI0NBh0qcI/AAAAAAAAGZY/FOqWr2Z0-ZQ31hZkRl-OpXXx1GJIuYUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1280px-Snagov_monastery_left_side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snagov_monastery_left_side.JPG</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOFB0O2cy5Y/YGI0gdeCKyI/AAAAAAAAGZk/rOEC_rxjExggjZD8eOG88YC6sirTvbXIACLcBGAsYHQ/s700/1200px-Flickr_-_fusion-of-horizons_-_Snagov_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="700" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOFB0O2cy5Y/YGI0gdeCKyI/AAAAAAAAGZk/rOEC_rxjExggjZD8eOG88YC6sirTvbXIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/1200px-Flickr_-_fusion-of-horizons_-_Snagov_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://europeupclose.com/article/tracking-down-dracula-at-snagov-monastery/</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxn5Mv1ae4s/YGI1DFA0QxI/AAAAAAAAGZs/1wVIBrWXjeY2kK5fOWVX4nJN3PvpbCEYACLcBGAsYHQ/s685/M_7e9a3f09c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="486" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxn5Mv1ae4s/YGI1DFA0QxI/AAAAAAAAGZs/1wVIBrWXjeY2kK5fOWVX4nJN3PvpbCEYACLcBGAsYHQ/w454-h640/M_7e9a3f09c0.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://www.imperialtransilvania.com/2018/08/29/read-more/argomenti/places-of-interest-1/articolo/the-snagov-monastery-the-island-that-houses-the-tomb-of-vlad-tepes-known-also-as-dracula.html</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The monastery's other claim to fame is it houses the tomb of Count Dracula (Vlad the Impaler) whose death and burial is cloaked in mystery. Different story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpnxZ7_ytw4/YGI3h13cGFI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/PdZTA4vmeXkb1HcMOTC2pXa14E5WjTsvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s298/8C9549782-131031-vladphoto-hmed-1015a-files.fit-760w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="298" height="481" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpnxZ7_ytw4/YGI3h13cGFI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/PdZTA4vmeXkb1HcMOTC2pXa14E5WjTsvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h481/8C9549782-131031-vladphoto-hmed-1015a-files.fit-760w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many of the travel websites say it is not particularly architecturally significant. <br /><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;">"The current exterior is sand-colored brick with characteristic arches and four polygonal towers. The interior is ornate and brightly-colored as is the fashion with Romanian churches, but it can’t claim the aesthetic merits of, say, the wooden churches of Maramureş in northern Romania, recognized World Heritage sites." </span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;">I thought it lovely and captivating. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;">Pat</span></span></div><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.462; text-align: start;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-30591697583938550862021-02-01T12:53:00.000-05:002021-02-01T12:53:07.260-05:00We Need to Want Less<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvz0VjmGQNs/YBg0VvicwBI/AAAAAAAAGV4/lVluli55hdcLfnSxaVEqbSSnFLRjBLEWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s749/2-1-2021%2B12-02-54%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="749" height="554" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvz0VjmGQNs/YBg0VvicwBI/AAAAAAAAGV4/lVluli55hdcLfnSxaVEqbSSnFLRjBLEWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h554/2-1-2021%2B12-02-54%2BPM.jpg" title="https://uncomplicatedspaces.com/how-im-working-towards-a-slower-wardrobe-this-year/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://uncomplicatedspaces.com/how-im-working-towards-a-slower-wardrobe-this-year/</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I was reading this blog and Instagram account and this just popped out at me. </span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">This is the key. </span><br /></b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In trying to live a more sustainable life, focusing on my wardrobe first, this really hit home. Just recently a friend sent me pics of purses she purchased second hand. <br />There were 5 of them. <br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwGCAkKBbwE/YBg_decnVlI/AAAAAAAAGWk/daWVP-H56ZEGIvIyD8048NYanMCUUJMIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2497/five-finger-voting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="2497" height="122" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwGCAkKBbwE/YBg_decnVlI/AAAAAAAAGWk/daWVP-H56ZEGIvIyD8048NYanMCUUJMIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h122/five-finger-voting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My envy kicked in immediately -- they were all great scores and gorgeous. But 5? <br />Who really needs 5 new purses? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It felt excessive. Especially knowing her current purse wardrobe. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Yeah, I know -- some are into shoes, some are into coats, some are into purses. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">But how many do we really need?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I think I need to ask myself that about everything. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">But...how do I change a mindset of "I want, I want, I want" to "I don't want"? <br />Tricky.<br /><br />Particularly hard for those of us that like stuff. <br />I like stuff -- pretty stuff.<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR0rlLENVCc/YBg9evIz8YI/AAAAAAAAGWI/xiehPQ21-wok9h7S-I6S6qECBexT7zbKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/524748_3528261859005_251144073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR0rlLENVCc/YBg9evIz8YI/AAAAAAAAGWI/xiehPQ21-wok9h7S-I6S6qECBexT7zbKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/524748_3528261859005_251144073_n.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_0X_RZc_4/YBg9ev5tptI/AAAAAAAAGWM/oVwrMuS8s-A-1WzCLAhbRJRksTU07FNoACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10169292_10202997292287025_5134389012393888414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_0X_RZc_4/YBg9ev5tptI/AAAAAAAAGWM/oVwrMuS8s-A-1WzCLAhbRJRksTU07FNoACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10169292_10202997292287025_5134389012393888414_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, it hard to think "I have enough." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking for suggestions. Anyone have any to offer?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pat</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-61827184352466813182021-01-22T07:00:00.003-05:002021-01-22T07:00:02.963-05:00One Dress 100 Days<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">In doing my research (surfing web) on sustainability, I ran into the blog of a teacher who wore the same dress for 100 days to drive home the point that we really do not need the amount of clothes most of us own. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2RgEBF2kA8/YAXa2Oi773I/AAAAAAAAGUk/j8rGX9Su5LkPEwNopH4siGMhvltzo6yhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s672/1-18-2021%2B2-00-12%2BPM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="672" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2RgEBF2kA8/YAXa2Oi773I/AAAAAAAAGUk/j8rGX9Su5LkPEwNopH4siGMhvltzo6yhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w412-h238/1-18-2021%2B2-00-12%2BPM.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/teacher-wore-same-dress-days-4857511">https://www.treehugger.com/teacher-wore-same-dress-days-4857511</a></p><p>Katherine Martinko</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was fascinated and happy she was driving the point home to children who are so susceptible to peer pressure when it comes to clothes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Doing some more digging (clicking links) I found a Instagram hashtag <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/oneoutfit100days/" target="_blank">#oneoutfit100day</a>s. Seems like others are doing the same thing. They are very creative in adding various accessories to spice things up and to accommodate weather changes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Katherine also proposes that we stand up to excessive waste and damage caused by fast fashion with the concept of being an "Outfit Repeater."</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3SgTfZsSfk/YAXc8YycmVI/AAAAAAAAGUw/EKuZwzjJxMMMWw27DXOkGwaTDo0bNmUCACLcBGAsYHQ/s706/1-18-2021%2B2-09-12%2BPM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="706" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3SgTfZsSfk/YAXc8YycmVI/AAAAAAAAGUw/EKuZwzjJxMMMWw27DXOkGwaTDo0bNmUCACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h246/1-18-2021%2B2-09-12%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/why-you-should-be-proud-outfit-repeater-4852164">https://www.treehugger.com/why-you-should-be-proud-outfit-repeater-4852164</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then my guilty mind drifted back to the 1980's while I was working in one of my favorite jobs. Our department</span><span style="font-size: large;"> was very young and trendy and VERY FASHIONABLE. And dare I say it? Snotty. Yes, as only 20 somethings can be... </span><span style="font-size: medium;">C</span><span style="font-size: large;">lothes were everything.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>We had a girl getting her masters at night and she had exactly 5 dresses she wore during the week. Monday's dress was always Monday's dress, Tuesday the same dress as the previous Tuesday, and so on. Now, don't get me wrong -- her dresses were beautiful and cost way more than I could afford. Our little snotty band would make catty comments and make fun of her behind her back. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>I finally asked her why she wore the same thing all the time. She was kind (obviously much more mature for her age than I was and we were the same age) and replied without any ugliness, "It is all I can afford. I like quality over quantity." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>She stopped me dead. What could I say? But that encounter (guilt) has stuck with me over the years. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>After I left that company, I remembered her words and I bought better things and higher quality and wore them more often. (Since I couldn't afford more - LOL) But even over the past few years, I have became trapped in the fast fashion frenzy. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vh8TfT6BySs/YAXifMggH1I/AAAAAAAAGVI/NAEFrJaabIYC_ywhFADcYZI8nQCDLEQrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s633/1-18-2021%2B2-32-51%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="633" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vh8TfT6BySs/YAXifMggH1I/AAAAAAAAGVI/NAEFrJaabIYC_ywhFADcYZI8nQCDLEQrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w460-h311/1-18-2021%2B2-32-51%2BPM.jpg" width="460" /></a></div></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>And now, it is 2021 and I cannot find the quality clothes I used to be able to find -- at any price range. I can afford the high end stuff now but even that is flimsy, poorly made, and inconsistent sizing. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bet0BAa6Uo/YAXhEUkylVI/AAAAAAAAGU8/qWV-aS_pMmcbYCyB0UA2-vPodDWKQ22rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s894/sigh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="894" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bet0BAa6Uo/YAXhEUkylVI/AAAAAAAAGU8/qWV-aS_pMmcbYCyB0UA2-vPodDWKQ22rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sigh.png" width="320" /></a></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></h1><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-65098433293484371622021-01-18T11:50:00.002-05:002021-01-18T13:58:02.447-05:00New Year Lessons Learned<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gt7BgjgdeQ/YAWxGHrsiEI/AAAAAAAAGTg/5Som8AoCqokjt_pV2pNj2WRKX3WHwEDiACLcBGAsYHQ/s626/2021-neon-signboard_73458-714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gt7BgjgdeQ/YAWxGHrsiEI/AAAAAAAAGTg/5Som8AoCqokjt_pV2pNj2WRKX3WHwEDiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/2021-neon-signboard_73458-714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;">Wow! Can you believe it is 2021? <br /><br /></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;">Time just flies. <br /><br /></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;">And for me, because I have been able to work from home, it seems that the past year went by even faster.<br /></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;">Almost all of us have been affected by sort of lock down, social distancing, craving for favorite restaurant meals, a party, a visit to a bar or even to the mall. Our lives have been changed and we have adjusted. <br /><br /></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;">Since I like to look at lessons learned, here are some:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I need to call and reach out to my old friends more often. And when this is all over, I must make plans to visit them.</span></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDCGv3HzSto/YAW2vhKY-PI/AAAAAAAAGTs/LnjWtYqdtsgYwcZarAkjp-vY4yvt2ACWACLcBGAsYHQ/s750/74d1f2bf1d0348061a5600ed32325bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="750" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDCGv3HzSto/YAW2vhKY-PI/AAAAAAAAGTs/LnjWtYqdtsgYwcZarAkjp-vY4yvt2ACWACLcBGAsYHQ/w382-h237/74d1f2bf1d0348061a5600ed32325bad.jpg" width="382" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I really enjoy playing ball with my dog. When the church bells go off, I am presented with a ball reminding me, it is lunchtime and time to play. The fresh air and sunshine helps my mood and makes me more productive in the afternoon.</span></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #4c1130; display: inline !important; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9C_Pb8dTpo/YAW3NlJD1OI/AAAAAAAAGT0/e9Q6OViHSDgS71WP0DNgkWQYDTjwcA5RACLcBGAsYHQ/s251/1-18-2021%2B11-28-01%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9C_Pb8dTpo/YAW3NlJD1OI/AAAAAAAAGT0/e9Q6OViHSDgS71WP0DNgkWQYDTjwcA5RACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1-18-2021%2B11-28-01%2BAM.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't need to shop for clothes. The causal work at home wardrobe is very liberating and when I do go back to the office, I am going to be a whole lot less concerned about "the right outfit."</span></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="486" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz5uMTmSiFM/YAW5H1X5eVI/AAAAAAAAGUI/tgascoqb6vEkX3LJ2ZEFWiGxmF9PWTvkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w385-h307/1-18-2021%2B11-36-15%2BAM.jpg" width="385" /></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><br /></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have saved money -- lots of it. I had no idea how much money we spent eating out just because I was too tired to cook. I am actually a good cook and I enjoy it more because the evening commute time is now spent preparing a healthy meal. I don't have that rushed feeling of "what do we have for supper?"</span></span></div><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8BIFRQUy2I/YAW5fWaHwjI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/_2yz63Y0sPklrmnp-WwzqGeTV_XoYKADQCLcBGAsYHQ/s226/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="223" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8BIFRQUy2I/YAW5fWaHwjI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/_2yz63Y0sPklrmnp-WwzqGeTV_XoYKADQCLcBGAsYHQ/w278-h282/images.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My house is cleaner and more organized. A tidy, clean house keeps everyone in a good mood. Clutter just clutters up one's life and mind.</span></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr5IR23p83M/YAW56M85UUI/AAAAAAAAGUY/eaBpntrIYcwteJc6evF9QRPoKvsyhu68gCLcBGAsYHQ/s443/1-18-2021%2B11-39-37%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="443" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr5IR23p83M/YAW56M85UUI/AAAAAAAAGUY/eaBpntrIYcwteJc6evF9QRPoKvsyhu68gCLcBGAsYHQ/w423-h242/1-18-2021%2B11-39-37%2BAM.jpg" width="423" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So there it is. I would like to make a goal to blog more. I like it and even though I don't think anyone reads my blog anymore, it is still fun to do.</span><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Have a good year!!!</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia;"><i>Pat</i></span></h1><p><br /></p>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-3476941761232826832020-09-23T09:45:00.004-04:002020-09-23T09:46:56.003-04:00The Good Witch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GQmrgMDCik/X2pUcFzfD9I/AAAAAAAAGOc/ihg8tioVaGsoNq9TfcZpvZfc5ew-giC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/90db052d9a3caafbba32553095b9f062.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GQmrgMDCik/X2pUcFzfD9I/AAAAAAAAGOc/ihg8tioVaGsoNq9TfcZpvZfc5ew-giC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/90db052d9a3caafbba32553095b9f062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is getting close to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Halloween time and time to re-watch the Good Witch. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Good Witch is Hallmark's most popular and long lasting movies/series. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why is it so popular? I like it and ask myself that all the time. Perhaps it is the subtle hint of supernatural powers but not the overt "wicked witch" kind. Perhaps the great building that is Gray House. (Which is really a B&B in Dundas, Ontario called Foxbar House.) <a href="http://historicalhamilton.com/dundas/foxbar/" target="_blank"><b>You can read about it here. </b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY14yZyvIto/X2pYuCP7jwI/AAAAAAAAGOo/YYpDnPLimxEMco9O6E5J1iurBr4Zd4DFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/3490.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY14yZyvIto/X2pYuCP7jwI/AAAAAAAAGOo/YYpDnPLimxEMco9O6E5J1iurBr4Zd4DFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/3490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Or perhaps, the positive endings of each show. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why do I love Hallmark Movies? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Well, they give us an out, albeit temporary, from our fast-paced, often ugly, in your face, realistic worlds. They feature small towns, people who have known each other for years; small family owned businesses that thrive because they aren’t strangled out of existence by big box stores on the edge of town; people who take pride in their homes, appearance, schools and town. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">These towns rarely exist, if at all except in the imagination of the creators. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As much as I love these shows, some things do bother me. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzN8zJlxHNg/X2tNpyJiFOI/AAAAAAAAGO4/P7FXb1miOXsBukLDbfdE9L3KrUiUu6BpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s338/woman-lift-her-hand-with-confused-face_10045-323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzN8zJlxHNg/X2tNpyJiFOI/AAAAAAAAGO4/P7FXb1miOXsBukLDbfdE9L3KrUiUu6BpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/woman-lift-her-hand-with-confused-face_10045-323.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How can people who by storyline have low wage jobs – clerks, baristas, library aides, art gallery assistants, stock people, etc. have such fancy, upper middle-class houses? And even if the house is small, the inside is huge with expensive furniture, elaborate accessories, and high dollar coffee mugs? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How can these people afford the artisan jewelry they all wear? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And coffee -- let's talk about coffee! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXtuBauSQAI/X2tOs4Pd9NI/AAAAAAAAGPA/wI84kgY87wsuNLbA7cCjMMxzjvJGnnIZACLcBGAsYHQ/s620/empty-coffee-awkward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="620" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXtuBauSQAI/X2tOs4Pd9NI/AAAAAAAAGPA/wI84kgY87wsuNLbA7cCjMMxzjvJGnnIZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/empty-coffee-awkward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">People walk around the streets of their quaint small town talking holding high dollar coffees they just bought from the barista who lives in the fanciest house in town. They walk fast, gesture and swing those cups around like there is nothing in them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That is because -- there is nothing in them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But back to the Good Witch. I do like this series. I like many of her sayings. And I like her non-judgmental attitude toward people. I should be more like that. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As I have gotten older, I </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">cheer myself up by watching happy things on TV that smooth out the rough roads of life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I guess that is part of t</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">he formula that makes these movies and TV shows so popular.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What do you think?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></h1>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-19340514869179633712020-07-20T13:12:00.003-04:002020-07-20T13:45:51.872-04:00Saving Money During a Pandemic <br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are staying at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are social distancing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are masked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a pandemic. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many people have lost jobs, small businesses, and income.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result, I have seen a resurgence online of younger
people discovering some of “grandma’s” or “great grand ma’s” frugal tips, ways
to cost costs and save money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I just had to join in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of web sites focus more on saving the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some on sustainable living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some on reducing waste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are my favorites.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmbawtnEVPI/XxXNe9WI2JI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/3fosiA0cmuUY0m43pAsCfSnyAXwknjvAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7-20-2020%2B12-59-15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="871" height="87" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmbawtnEVPI/XxXNe9WI2JI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/3fosiA0cmuUY0m43pAsCfSnyAXwknjvAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/7-20-2020%2B12-59-15%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/30-old-fashioned-frugal-tips-from-grandma/">https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/30-old-fashioned-frugal-tips-from-grandma/</a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/vintage-frugal-tips/">https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/vintage-frugal-tips/</a></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT7xWM6f3Eg/XxXN8D6XKAI/AAAAAAAAGMY/S8ZqLoW5nTQEUrCD-SD05Zk-5f2pMJwRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7-20-2020%2B1-01-14%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="1048" height="91" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT7xWM6f3Eg/XxXN8D6XKAI/AAAAAAAAGMY/S8ZqLoW5nTQEUrCD-SD05Zk-5f2pMJwRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7-20-2020%2B1-01-14%2BPM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shoestringcottage.com/favourite-frugal-recipes/">https://www.shoestringcottage.com/favourite-frugal-recipes/</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shoestringcottage.com/favourite-frugal-recipes/">https://www.shoestringcottage.com/favourite-frugal-recipes/</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG44nHdIfC8/XxXPHKRRxiI/AAAAAAAAGMo/RxuBLg0uZEAzVsesiDENIPfWNbINEcn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7-20-2020%2B1-06-15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="588" height="95" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG44nHdIfC8/XxXPHKRRxiI/AAAAAAAAGMo/RxuBLg0uZEAzVsesiDENIPfWNbINEcn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7-20-2020%2B1-06-15%2BPM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://nanaisfrugal.wordpress.com/">https://nanaisfrugal.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYOm0K9qqSY/XxXQGhMXtEI/AAAAAAAAGM0/miXMKhU4GrwI5eEBy5tsM-vprAViHraAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7-20-2020%2B1-09-47%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="1176" height="55" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYOm0K9qqSY/XxXQGhMXtEI/AAAAAAAAGM0/miXMKhU4GrwI5eEBy5tsM-vprAViHraAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7-20-2020%2B1-09-47%2BPM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/05/27/reader-suggestions-what-to-cook-during-a-pandemic/">https://www.frugalwoods.com/2020/05/27/reader-suggestions-what-to-cook-during-a-pandemic/</a></div>
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Hope you learn as much I have and enjoy these interesting, practical blogs while we wait this thing out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-19438358653367277272020-07-06T09:38:00.001-04:002020-07-06T09:38:50.317-04:00Seaside Hotel or BadehotelletAmazon Prime had an offer for Season 1 of Seaside Hotel so I thought, why not?<br />
It is a delightful series and one I am really happy I found. In the series, the woman go to Skagen for a girl's afternoon out. Never heard of it.<br />
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But in usual Pat fashion -- I knew nothing about that part of Denmark. I marveled while looking a the pictures of sea oats and sand dunes that look just like the Georgia Coast. Naw, this is Denmark -- where did they film it? Denmark is cold. It couldn't possibly have sand dunes and sea oats --- I investigated.<br />
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With my old friend Google Maps, I first had to locate Jutland. Silly me, I checked the south side of Denmark first. Finally I just asked and there it was -- way up on the tip top part.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLxIOtNYkI8/XsLfhUg8ZiI/AAAAAAAAGIA/HkGHlfCxYBMJgX1v649J113qVvMMsM_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/denmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="549" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLxIOtNYkI8/XsLfhUg8ZiI/AAAAAAAAGIA/HkGHlfCxYBMJgX1v649J113qVvMMsM_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/denmark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In reality, the show was filmed in Jammerbugten. The hotel is a set. But Skagen is real. Anyway, here are a few things I discovered.</div>
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<b>There really are some adorable beach cottages.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">House in Skagen, Denmark</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">© Gunvor Eline Eng Jakobsen / Alamy Stock Photo</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Skagen is a fishing town and has been for centuries. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jg2nw_T2fg/XsLji5CEz6I/AAAAAAAAGIk/W1sq9we2waY9U9yKdiM7StYJZ8101H3WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5-18-2020%2B3-34-55%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1013" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jg2nw_T2fg/XsLji5CEz6I/AAAAAAAAGIk/W1sq9we2waY9U9yKdiM7StYJZ8101H3WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/5-18-2020%2B3-34-55%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">S</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">kagen Harbour, Denmark</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">© Marc Lechanteur / Getty Images</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Interesting Natural Occurrence</b></div>
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There is a place where two seas meet. Grenen, north of the town of Skagen is the northerner most place in Denmark. Here you walk out on a sandy sand bar and see the Baltic and North seas meet. I was amazed by the color of the water -- almost like a tropical ocean.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Grenen</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #121416; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>© EHRENBERG Kommunikation / Wikimedia Commons</span></td></tr>
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<b>Weather</b></div>
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All this is beautiful and the beaches are gorgeous. However, being a person from the Southern United States, even these summer temps in Skagen are a bit chilling...brrrrr</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://weatherspark.com/y/68646/Average-Weather-in-Skagen-Denmark-Year-Round">https://weatherspark.com/y/68646/Average-Weather-in-Skagen-Denmark-Year-Round</a></td></tr>
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I loved the series and hope there is more. I really learned a lot about I place I know very little about. </div>
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PatHidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-38011935352783345622020-05-18T10:15:00.001-04:002020-05-18T10:15:16.894-04:00Things I Learned During Quarantine I’ve been in a weird place for the last month or so. Maybe weird isn’t the right word — but with all this social distancing, working from home, wearing a mask while out buying groceries, numbers of sick & dead in the USA growing daily – I find things a bit disconcerting or even eerie. Don’t you?<br />
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So what have I done? <o:p></o:p><br />
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Well, I have done some introspection.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://constructorus.ru/psixologiya/samoanaliz-ili-pomoshh-psixologa.html" style="background-color: white; color: #551a8b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">https://constructorus.ru/psixologiya/samoanaliz-ili-pomoshh-psixologa.html</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></td></tr>
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Here is what I came up with - the good, the bad, the ugly:</div>
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<li><b><span style="color: purple;">I don't need clothes/shopping</span></b> A good outcome of all this stay at home situation, is that I haven’t bought any new clothes – only makeup, because I pitched all my other makeup that was made in China. You can read about that in my previous post.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: purple;">I am more creative than I think</span> </b>Why is this a good outcome? Well, for one, my closet is so full, I am rediscovering clothes from way back in the depths and being creative to put together new outfits. Also, doing different items from around the house to freshen up rooms for the season.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: purple;">I am a dang good cook </span> </b>I have always been a good cook. I am refining my skills by cooking from what I have and making things go further so I can reduce the time I am in the grocery store.<br />
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<li><b><span style="color: purple;">I am not really minding the Stay at Home order </span></b>I have not felt the angst and restlessness others seem to experience while staying at home. I am loving it. as someone who has worked outside the home her whole adult life, I am actually feeling good about being in my own space.<br />
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<li><b><span style="color: purple;">I am more of an isolationist than before</span> </b>I am beginning to winder if all this globalization is worth it. Not only are substandard items sent to this country but now various creatures have invaded -- the killer hornet and the Tegas lizards have arrived -- not to mention the previous killer bees. How are they getting in? thorough large shipping containers. And as always, people go to other countries and bring back all sorts of germs. I know this is an unpopular and ugly opinion but there it is.</li>
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<br />Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-88583272104819836162020-04-28T15:12:00.000-04:002020-05-18T10:15:41.117-04:00Quarantine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During our quarantine time, I have been reading various sustainability sites and blogs. And I am profoundly disappointed. I am not going to name the sites because I don't like to publicly humiliate people -- there is enough of that in the news.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But here is one.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Shopping with a picnic or other basket</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
A particularly delightful blogger uses a picnic basket when she goes to the farmer's market. It looks cute and does reduce the waste of putting things in plastic bags or paper sacks. And is a great idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So what is my beef?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She directs people to an Etsy store, where they are some beautiful hand made baskets you can buy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>BUY????</i></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why buy? Yard sales, garage sales, jumble sales, and thrift stores are full of these things. The baskets on Etsy don't say anything about being made from recycling materials or anything, in fact they look brand new.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, it is reusable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, it does cut down on waste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, it is cute and trendy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, it is handy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But a truly dedicated sustainable person would procure a used basket. Buying a new one only contributes to the problem.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-33111796763681345182020-03-02T12:18:00.001-05:002020-03-02T12:18:08.821-05:00Becoming a Merle Girl - Merle Norman CosmeticsIf you have read any of my blog, you know I have a thing for made in the USA products. Until recently, I never gave any thought as to whether my makeup is made in the USA or not.<br />
<br />
Last week, I stumbled upon a You Tube Video where a girl was reviewing a new line of lipsticks by an internet influencer. The colors were beautiful. The packaging was stunning if not a little over to top. But the product inside was something else.<br />
<br />
The lipsticks had hair and particles in them. I was aghast!!! What happened? How could this be?<br />
You can view it here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGUylu-Gwj0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGUylu-Gwj0</a><br />
<br />
Curious, I viewed other videos -- it just got worse and worse.<br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA8zfi3kCY0/XlvT0X_DgXI/AAAAAAAAGCs/9xKCcuBqFiUQtW8ocf_Og1nlOngOL1zpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1_-7-XkhqM2cSib8WnVjONxQ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="768" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA8zfi3kCY0/XlvT0X_DgXI/AAAAAAAAGCs/9xKCcuBqFiUQtW8ocf_Og1nlOngOL1zpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1_-7-XkhqM2cSib8WnVjONxQ.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://medium.com/@jyssicaschwartz/7-business-lessons-from-the-jaclyn-hill-cosmetics-disaster-cd6fef58fc06">https://medium.com/@jyssicaschwartz/7-business-lessons-from-the-jaclyn-hill-cosmetics-disaster-cd6fef58fc06</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An3bsCA_aPY/XlvUbS8imdI/AAAAAAAAGC0/Yl2LWLzA0bQ_3xTl-oFKmmuBWIBnoeJqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An3bsCA_aPY/XlvUbS8imdI/AAAAAAAAGC0/Yl2LWLzA0bQ_3xTl-oFKmmuBWIBnoeJqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/download.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a27892318/jaclyn-hill-lipstick-line-controversy/" style="background-color: white; color: #551a8b; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a27892318/jaclyn-hill-lipstick-line-controversy/</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
People all over were complaining about them being unclean and even dangerous to health. I know I would not like to use them.<br />
<br />
I watched every video I could find. Even the ones Jaclyn Hill made to explain the situation. Over and over again, the blame was laid on the lab. Only once in a video by another beauty influencer, Marlena Stell, kinda let it slip, that they were manufactured in China was mentioned.Whether they were or weren't, I was appalled. The lipsticks were a mess.<br />
<br />
Sooooo......<br />
I googled "makeup made in China."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT75T-kJ4n0/Xl0yTOkdCfI/AAAAAAAAGDM/gN3DtKhOWHgyqmrYBPH2abSsItUEEhCCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3-2-2020%2B11-20-06%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="332" height="130" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT75T-kJ4n0/Xl0yTOkdCfI/AAAAAAAAGDM/gN3DtKhOWHgyqmrYBPH2abSsItUEEhCCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3-2-2020%2B11-20-06%2BAM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I kid you not. Reports of feces, urine, hair, and various unknown particles in the makeup, ingredients that should not be there.... the list goes on.<br />
<br />
As a result, I quickly threw out all my makeup and searched for Made in the USA. This website has a pretty comprehensive list - breaking down Made in the USA, Made Mostly in the USA, Made in Other Countries: <a href="https://blushinginhollywood.com/makeup-made-in-the-usa/">https://blushinginhollywood.com/makeup-made-in-the-usa/</a><br />
<br />
And then I saw it --- my old friend from the early 70's when mother introduced to me makeup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kKmHoh4JBc/Xl0wBn8lSfI/AAAAAAAAGDA/9YLQfRO_Gg8SQy2My3NPYiVcwGoHbfGIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/merle_norman_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="452" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kKmHoh4JBc/Xl0wBn8lSfI/AAAAAAAAGDA/9YLQfRO_Gg8SQy2My3NPYiVcwGoHbfGIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/merle_norman_logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am very lucky because there are several Merle Norman Boutiques near me. I literally ran to one to at least get the basics - since everything else was now safely in my garbage can - foundation, moisturizer, eye shadow, lip stick.<br />
<br />
I was very pleased -- the store was fresh and pretty. It was comforting to see all the new things and some of the old standbys.<br />
<br />
After a complementary makeup session showing me the various items for my skin type, age, and use, I bought what I needed and came home. I felt like a school girl. I have never in my life pitched out ALL of my makeup and started over.<br />
<br />
Now several days later, I am glad I did. My face looks better. Their moisturizer is killer; my cheeks no longer feel as if the are going to crack when I smile. Here are few selfies taken at the end of the day. I have touched up my lipstick but nothing else. I do like the wear ability.<br />
And the coverage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WQlMn66w_0/Xl03vzW1eWI/AAAAAAAAGDc/Lpcg0uUH_5k6RkDShfH50NyRr8C2zXrjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1169" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WQlMn66w_0/Xl03vzW1eWI/AAAAAAAAGDc/Lpcg0uUH_5k6RkDShfH50NyRr8C2zXrjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2790.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYMK6OYPuv4/Xl03v3pAj-I/AAAAAAAAGDY/sgFrvV1uZ8UCmee7TOa2gnL3ZTTUtlkwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYMK6OYPuv4/Xl03v3pAj-I/AAAAAAAAGDY/sgFrvV1uZ8UCmee7TOa2gnL3ZTTUtlkwgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2789.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because I have hooded eyes, the Merle Girl who worked with me should me a method of haw to do my eyes to open them up. I am still trying to master this technique.<br />
<br />
I am definitely going to be a Merle Girl going forward and using only Merle for all the makeup and skin care needs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat </i></span></div>
Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-42443909312406569832020-02-06T13:07:00.000-05:002020-02-06T13:08:25.272-05:00Fast Fashion Thoughts<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Just read an article about iconic brands closing. You can read it </span><a href="https://hypegalore.com/a-retail-apocalypse-the-brands-weve-loved-and-are-being-forced-to-say-farewell-to-branches-in-2020/?utm_term=ip&utm_medium=CNN%7CCNN%20(Turner%20U.S.)&utm_source=OB&utm_campaign=Stores_Closing_Desktop_ER_WL_A2_USA_OB" style="color: #073763;">here.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">What I thought was very interesting is the H&M is closing some stores in the USA. I was happy when I read that sentence because they are one of the worse pushers of "Fast Fashion." </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">(Read the book, <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Overdressed-Shockingly-High-Cheap-Fashion/dp/1591846544/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Overdressed&qid=1581011182&s=books&sr=1-1">Overdressed</a></u> to learn more.)</span><br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63Zb7yvm3oY/XjxNl_WciZI/AAAAAAAAGBI/zPJWHA1DldMhmIW7lFmwsw6hYLMwzbcbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2-6-2020%2B12-31-50%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="740" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63Zb7yvm3oY/XjxNl_WciZI/AAAAAAAAGBI/zPJWHA1DldMhmIW7lFmwsw6hYLMwzbcbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2-6-2020%2B12-31-50%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Hypebae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I was happy, I was dancing. But then....I stopped in my tracks when I read this sentence:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>"However, while they are booming, the H&M’s in the U.S. are showing slower growth and they plan to close 160 stores. The good news is they’re planning to open more stores in other parts of the world."</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are going top open more stores in countries whose </span>consumers<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are not </span>conscientious<span style="font-family: inherit;"> as those in the USA. More and more we are saying NO! to fast fashion.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> But many other countries are not. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Two</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> brands reducing their stores:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Charlotte Russe</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>"Since 1975, the Californian-based retail chain, Charlotte Russe has been the ultimate source of trendy and affordable fashion for women in their teens and twenties. The company became a popular choice for fast-fashion bargain hunters and branched out to 560 stores across the U.S."</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Forever<span style="background-color: white;"> 21</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , , "ubuntu" , "cantarell" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>"The American fast-fashion retail brand, Forever 21 has been going strong since 1984. Since the first store in LA, it has been keeping fans on top of the latest trends and forever young for over 30 years. With its trendy offerings and affordable prices, the popular brand swelled to 700 stores globally."</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice both that the </span>description<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of </span>both<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: inherit;"> these </span>stores<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>includes<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the term "fast fashion". </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We don't need fast fashion. It is </span>clogging<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>our<span style="font-family: inherit;"> closets, our </span>landfills<span style="font-family: inherit;">, our thrift stores, our </span>lives<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I hate that people are losing their jobs but something has to be done. It has gotten out of hand. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Am I guilty of fast fashion -- you bet. But I am working on it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></span>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-14105824828136805112020-01-28T13:19:00.001-05:002020-04-03T11:05:54.710-04:00Sustainable Living?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am constantly bewildered by the enormous amount of things out there for me to buy to help with sustainable living. It has almost become a huge Industry by itself -- t<b>he prices are outrageous! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's look.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz5AQapI92w/XjBiqarLAdI/AAAAAAAAF_k/Y-ma2AHRfW0NgQf9meErgdxqmGZy62qfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/woman-is-detective-looking-through-magnifying-glass_47649-297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="626" height="397" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz5AQapI92w/XjBiqarLAdI/AAAAAAAAF_k/Y-ma2AHRfW0NgQf9meErgdxqmGZy62qfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/woman-is-detective-looking-through-magnifying-glass_47649-297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One website offers an on-the-go reusables kit for $114.99. Now I like all this stuff, it looks good and is very cool. BUT.....</span><br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pglOg826IQg/XjBjQ-l34PI/AAAAAAAAF_s/JQ1NfoQKirQCOSRDROX46CC8s8ZxJ521ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1-28-2020%2B11-35-51%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1184" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pglOg826IQg/XjBjQ-l34PI/AAAAAAAAF_s/JQ1NfoQKirQCOSRDROX46CC8s8ZxJ521ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-28-2020%2B11-35-51%2BAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.netzerocompany.com/collections/bundles/products/on-the-go-reusables-kit?variant=30683874164834">https://www.netzerocompany.com/collections/bundles/products/on-the-go-reusables-kit?variant=30683874164834</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why not use what you have instead of buying this kit?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Start with the utensils. Just pull out of set of stainless steel you already have in your kitchen drawer. OR buy a set from a thrift store or yard sale if you don't want to use what you have at home? Pennies on the Dollar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can make or have a chum make you the carrying case with left over fabric from a shirt/top/skirt/pants that you are throwing away or from a scrap of cute fabric you can find at yard sales.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another things that had me scratching my head is the silicone bags. Isn't silicone made from petroleum? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good alternatives: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jar with lid - a good old mason jar with lid is a wonderful thing. You can pack carrot and celery sticks, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit,
granola, or any other snack you want throughout the day in a mason jar. again, easily found at yard sales & thrift store. Doesn't have to be a mason jar -- really, any old jar with a good fitting lid will do. </span><br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKZstGmEk-U/XjBuKU8BVBI/AAAAAAAAF_4/MNSXZPSklp8jQdSG-sNcO8zh9_TuEuUEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1-28-2020%2B12-23-26%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKZstGmEk-U/XjBuKU8BVBI/AAAAAAAAF_4/MNSXZPSklp8jQdSG-sNcO8zh9_TuEuUEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-28-2020%2B12-23-26%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tasty.co/compilation/clever-mason-jar-hacks"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://tasty.co/compilation/clever-mason-jar-hacks</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For many items, like a sandwich or brownie, you could use good ol' waxed paper. It is cheap and keeps your food clean and fresh. </span></div>
<div>
<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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnCYt9IRXKk/XjBzzLibulI/AAAAAAAAGAc/95GpsDt4Rrcg495PIpULlywliNngQP6gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1-28-2020%2B12-47-23%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="832" height="163" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnCYt9IRXKk/XjBzzLibulI/AAAAAAAAGAc/95GpsDt4Rrcg495PIpULlywliNngQP6gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-28-2020%2B12-47-23%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RJ Reynolds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now you are saying....the bees, the bees....you can use soy wax paper.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">OK, 2 down a few to go.....</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Collapsible telescopic straw. Oh, yes, with case. Now really? When bamboo straws are dirt cheap, and weight nothing, why do you need this? </span><br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BcT3ed_j4A/XjBv0uX4BoI/AAAAAAAAGAE/eAmYel5QoIoWFmGUWcQ-R3vk01NkKXpjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1-28-2020%2B12-30-15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="790" height="594" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BcT3ed_j4A/XjBv0uX4BoI/AAAAAAAAGAE/eAmYel5QoIoWFmGUWcQ-R3vk01NkKXpjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-28-2020%2B12-30-15%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://zerowastestore.com/products/zero-waste-bamboo-straw#&gid=1&pid=3">https://zerowastestore.com/products/zero-waste-bamboo-straw#&gid=1&pid=3</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Collapsible coffee cup. To save space, make it easy to carry? Again, it is made of silicone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the water bottle? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get a Yeti Tumbler and use for both. </span><br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7GcVbrHKGI/XjBxgUvGN6I/AAAAAAAAGAQ/skMsN4tQ-HoSLYKuxwmjYVfpI372uXg_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1-28-2020%2B12-37-28%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="425" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7GcVbrHKGI/XjBxgUvGN6I/AAAAAAAAGAQ/skMsN4tQ-HoSLYKuxwmjYVfpI372uXg_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1-28-2020%2B12-37-28%2BPM.jpg" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.yeti.com/en_US/drinkware/rambler-20-oz-tumbler/YRAM20.html?dwvar_YRAM20_color=stainless-steel&cgid=tumblers#start=1">https://www.yeti.com/en_US/drinkware/rambler-20-oz-tumbler/YRAM20.html?dwvar_YRAM20_color=stainless-steel&cgid=tumblers#start=1</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, there you go. This is my 2 cents worth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you want to live a sustainable life? Just remember, companies that sell you these products are just that... COMPANIES. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They are in it to make money. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, their About Us pages are full of things we want to hear -- saving the environment and animals, reducing waste, saving the planet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But, be aware, this is capitalism at its finest. </i></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Pat</span></h2>
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Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-41105803199138217622020-01-13T10:17:00.000-05:002020-01-13T10:17:09.060-05:00Where have you been?<span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe it. Someone asked me where have I been. I didn't think anyone (besides me) reads blogs anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I may come back on and I may not. I often think about things to blog about but somehow I never get around to it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pat</span>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-3998826602394990822019-05-13T09:48:00.000-04:002019-05-13T09:48:07.430-04:00Just General UpdatesI just thought I would check in and let you know how some of my "projects" are going.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First - the Buy No New Clothes</span></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K7koKOns50/XNlr489xklI/AAAAAAAAFys/ANe90c9hVeYHJDT7XcYOKNHnyMockTp9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Presentation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1039" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K7koKOns50/XNlr489xklI/AAAAAAAAFys/ANe90c9hVeYHJDT7XcYOKNHnyMockTp9gCLcBGAs/s640/Presentation1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have really been pleased with this one. It is now May and I haven't spent money on clothes at all this year and that is really good for me. I am usually buying something at least once a month.<br />
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However, when I examined my Spring/Summer clothes, I noticed 2 pairs of dress pants for work that really cannot go another year; thus I will be replacing them.<br />
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Also, for full disclosure, my hubby gave me a little money to spend as I want. He often does that and I faithfully squirrel it away but this weekend I visited my favorite boutique and bought a few blouses -- again for work.<br />
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Even though I didn't hit the mark 100%, I feel good about the progress made.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second - Spend No $$$ Weeks</span></h3>
This one I have done surprisingly well. I have had several weeks since the new year where I spent no money at all --None, Zero, Natch, Nada -- with the exception of gasoline. It takes a tank a week to commute to work and back every day. :(<br />
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The key is to PLAN. Plan my lunches, plan my dinners at home. No impulse shopping.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gettyimages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I keep reading articles about how bad it is to eat at your desk because you never get a break. And that is true. Other reasons include:<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>You wind up sitting more and not getting up and moving about.</li>
<li>Lowers productivity -- being inside with the same scenery is counter-productive to creative thinking.</li>
<li>Your keyboard gets nasty. And then, you have to deal with the crumbs, the smears, the rings on your desk. Sigh. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
But since we don't have a good break room -- I sit at my desk and clean it after each meal.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Third - Throwing out Unwanted Junk</span></span></h3>
This one I am not doing as well with as I thought I would. So far, I have piles, bags and boxes but just haven't got around to donating yet. The nagging thought -- "I could sell this in a yard sale" lingers in the back of my mind thus paralyzing my legs from taking said junk to car.<br />
<br />
Will I do a yard sale? I haven't done one in years and I have to admit our first (and only) one netted us much more money than anticipated. I guess I need to get off my behind and just plan one.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoK3LxxxmCo/XNl0OoC5EyI/AAAAAAAAFzE/cgrl89IFyXo5dxj22aEKQphE1vqIqHcqwCLcBGAs/s1600/1380541_10201681685157669_2002829628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoK3LxxxmCo/XNl0OoC5EyI/AAAAAAAAFzE/cgrl89IFyXo5dxj22aEKQphE1vqIqHcqwCLcBGAs/s640/1380541_10201681685157669_2002829628_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That is all for now.<br />
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Will keep you posted.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-42362839204261618702019-03-04T10:13:00.000-05:002019-03-04T10:13:02.838-05:00A No Spend Week<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to try an experiment – a no spend week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The idea is to spend absolutely no money this week. No lunches
out, no dinners out, no cokes/junk out of the machine, no splurging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My biggest hurdle is eating out at a night. I am so tired at
the end of the day, that just having someone else cook for me (and clean up) is
very enticing. Nevertheless, I am going to try this week to </span></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>SPEND. </b><b>NO. </b><b>MONEY. </b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At all. Nothing, nada, none.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel as if I may be at the beginning of the dreaded Debt
Spiral. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I in the danger zone? I am getting close – real close.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-e5-mWlaeo/XH095pJrXAI/AAAAAAAAEaY/Su7I6aX1AeE58L29QYztocgVr6RIu80QgCLcBGAs/s1600/3-4-2019%2B9-51-39%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="501" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-e5-mWlaeo/XH095pJrXAI/AAAAAAAAEaY/Su7I6aX1AeE58L29QYztocgVr6RIu80QgCLcBGAs/s640/3-4-2019%2B9-51-39%2BAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/stop-spending-budgeting-tool/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, yes, we were really bad over the holidays – had several
trips and really didn’t hold back.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then car repair expenses – radiator fan and then
transmission. URG! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of our income properties became empty – well, we had to
evict – after not having 3 months’ rent, along with all the costs, so that has added a income hole.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do I plan to do it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I already take lunch and coffee everyday so that is not a problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to plan what we are going to eat every night AND BE HAPPY WITH IT. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, I am going to resist the snack machine -- hard to do if you are having a bad day -- somehow those M&Ms really do hit the spot and provide a little comfort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So cross your fingers for me....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-59172784879491152832019-02-27T15:21:00.000-05:002019-02-27T15:21:23.288-05:00#UMCGC2019<br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will make some of you mad but, please....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recent decision of the UMC Church to take a more
traditionalist approach, is the decision that was made whether you agree with
it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To those affected, I cannot even begin to fathom your pain over
the UMC decision. One person said, people who stay (in the UMC) are staying in
an abusive relationship. That really hurt and I am sure hurts those of us who
HAD NOTHING TO DO WHAT-SO-EVER WITH THIS DECISION and should not be blamed, slammed, shamed or called names.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each person must make their choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you disagree, leave. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you agree, stay. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is as simple as that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't stay if you feel unwanted.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it painful? You bet.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are there many people confused and upset by this decision? Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But some of the awful, vehement statements I have read in the
past day or two serves absolutely no purpose and do not help. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One person refused to agree to disagree and will only accept all people to see her point of view. She just cannot fathom that her road is the higher moral ground. Well, only God can judge that.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6xgTI5G01g/XHbvotioUlI/AAAAAAAAEaI/DQK3Rb7aI7YkuLn-b1HFhn-vyJBWVvSDACLcBGAs/s1600/10_fascinating_facts_about_john_wesley_and_united_methodism-582x388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="582" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6xgTI5G01g/XHbvotioUlI/AAAAAAAAEaI/DQK3Rb7aI7YkuLn-b1HFhn-vyJBWVvSDACLcBGAs/s400/10_fascinating_facts_about_john_wesley_and_united_methodism-582x388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little known fact about John Wesley:</span><br />
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<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: TradeGothicBold, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 100; letter-spacing: -0.06em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 639.984px;">
John Wesley coined the term “agree to disagree.”</h4>
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Over the years, Wesley had serious theological differences with another popular pastor named George Whitefield. Though they both argued passionately, Wesley reflected on these differences in a memorial sermon for Whitefield by saying: “There are many doctrines of a less essential nature. ... In these, we may think and let think; we may '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agree_to_disagree" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #e4002b; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.15s linear 0s; width: auto;" target="_blank">agree to disagree</a>.' But, meantime, let us hold fast the essentials. …” This appears to be the first recorded use of the term. It was a hallmark of Wesley’s way of holding to his convictions while remaining in connection with those with whom he disagreed.</div>
Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-29722323606462145502019-02-14T09:11:00.004-05:002019-02-14T09:12:51.562-05:00A little update<br />
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Ok, so just a little update....</div>
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Just when we are working hard to be frugal, have a little
nest egg building, WHAM!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DJY-wtOQU/XGVz0ncSNeI/AAAAAAAAEZk/uDP-XjPx0cAsfCu8KOo5Ncm3G5sYMyrsACLcBGAs/s1600/Wham-O_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1424" height="158" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DJY-wtOQU/XGVz0ncSNeI/AAAAAAAAEZk/uDP-XjPx0cAsfCu8KOo5Ncm3G5sYMyrsACLcBGAs/s320/Wham-O_Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Real life kicks in.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li>The transmission needs rebuilding
in your almost 20 yr old car. And this is just after we have repaired my
husband’s car.</li>
<li>One of our tenants had to be
evicted. Lost rent, court costs, and probably clean and repair on house.</li>
<li>And my poor doggie had a bad tooth
and had to have an extraction, plus all her shots, etc</li>
<li>And because it is winter and was
cold last month, our natural gas bill is enormous – thank goodness we have an
energy efficient heat pump.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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But we survive. We have a warm
house, food to eat, water to drink, pets to love, comfy beds, and each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wriQLPzpo0/XGV2gwn3J4I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/VikqoGLl7CICY1pTN45TOk8s0Na7Y7EYQCLcBGAs/s1600/sketchy-hearts-579be9955f9b589aa98c282d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wriQLPzpo0/XGV2gwn3J4I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/VikqoGLl7CICY1pTN45TOk8s0Na7Y7EYQCLcBGAs/s320/sketchy-hearts-579be9955f9b589aa98c282d.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-55909382536139934892019-01-09T12:06:00.001-05:002019-01-09T12:06:24.462-05:00Nail Salons - A rip off?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I needed a BASIC manicure. My cuticles were beginning to look at bit ragged and I am very busy right now, so I thought I would just get a manicure. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember those?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I picked the nail salon closest to my office and wandered over.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my goodness. What an experience!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First woman handed me a basket of sample nails to look through. It was full of these types of nails pasted on little sticks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjElHJECH5g/XDYdd5ikZQI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/xRRvmbRB3YgluA6xvXSFji2uoz8m3UAGwCLcBGAs/s1600/820d3fef1cd81552de7e58b51ad9563b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="946" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjElHJECH5g/XDYdd5ikZQI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/xRRvmbRB3YgluA6xvXSFji2uoz8m3UAGwCLcBGAs/s400/820d3fef1cd81552de7e58b51ad9563b.jpg" width="398" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKg9ZlUwQOU/XDYdd4bx-GI/AAAAAAAAEYM/vvDnwayMZFgjykgxRVBKKUTyy70MBO3EACLcBGAs/s1600/10446991_627564334018164_2727516604903448724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKg9ZlUwQOU/XDYdd4bx-GI/AAAAAAAAEYM/vvDnwayMZFgjykgxRVBKKUTyy70MBO3EACLcBGAs/s400/10446991_627564334018164_2727516604903448724_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGWPa57xXfQ/XDYdd5O0CfI/AAAAAAAAEYU/N5prY3pGdJYPHaqwd3bMiEONKHdR3nnqgCLcBGAs/s1600/wholesale-e-a-1g-holographic-nail-polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGWPa57xXfQ/XDYdd5O0CfI/AAAAAAAAEYU/N5prY3pGdJYPHaqwd3bMiEONKHdR3nnqgCLcBGAs/s400/wholesale-e-a-1g-holographic-nail-polish.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">YAK!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I declined and then none of the women wanted to do my nails once I declined. I explained I had a work event and needed a simple manicure and neutral polish. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was obviously unless, I wanted something remotely like this...</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZte2oUwsNQ/XDYeVubEJOI/AAAAAAAAEYk/0l9F-4O1t5Uv5kVVKRwc9fntBJEpvFDigCLcBGAs/s1600/348s%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZte2oUwsNQ/XDYeVubEJOI/AAAAAAAAEYk/0l9F-4O1t5Uv5kVVKRwc9fntBJEpvFDigCLcBGAs/s320/348s%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">...no one wanted to wait on me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, a woman came from the back and started my manicure. She looked somewhat put out, (a little huffing and puffing) but did a good job. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it came time for the polish, I had picked an OPI polish in a nice neural shade.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63KQlymXi7k/XDYiAuEgFDI/AAAAAAAAEYw/jQ00AqyUotcm8mgUp-iY9dG-AMXhLSSbACLcBGAs/s1600/5._lp-colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63KQlymXi7k/XDYiAuEgFDI/AAAAAAAAEYw/jQ00AqyUotcm8mgUp-iY9dG-AMXhLSSbACLcBGAs/s400/5._lp-colors.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She tried to up-sale me on a gel polish. She said it was shinier, faster drying, and doesn't chip. When I asked how much, she said $30! yes, you heard me -- $30 in addition to the basic manicure fee!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>No, thank you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Afterward, I did a little research on gel polish and found this interesting article, <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/130155-does-gel-or-regular-nail-polish-last-longer-i-tested-the-two" target="_blank">"Does gel or regular nails polish last longer? </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check it out, she has some interesting things to say about it all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I sat in the salon, I noticed that several women had a huge Starbucks or some other kind of expensive energy drink.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were getting manicures and pedicures.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The woman next to me was getting a fancy nail job. And when it came time for her to pay, it was</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OVER $80!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That just got all over my frugal self. What a waste of money. And for what? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">$80 will:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fill my car 2 1/2 times with gas;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pay for an oil change and have some left over;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">buy quite a bit of groceries;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">or dog food & treats;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">or make an extra credit card payment.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My imagination wandered all over. I bet these women have HUGE credit card debt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some may even be behind in their mortgage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But their priority is obviously their nails.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://frugalbeautiful.com/blog/sexy-athome-spa-manipedi/" target="_blank">Frugal Beauty blog </a>has a great post about "doing it yourself" with suggested supplies that work for her. It is a good read.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My conclusion is that I will <u>not be going back to that salon</u>. Nor will I frequent nail salons often in the future. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They really just don't fit in to my frugal plan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">End of rant.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pat</span></div>
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Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-28288558946000682532019-01-02T14:13:00.001-05:002019-01-02T14:13:35.321-05:00No New Clothes for a Year Challenge<br />
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As someone facing retirement in the not too far future, I am
saddened and dismayed by some of the blogs I read. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXQH9YbnDCI/XCz-aBVDxVI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Ymnjoz0__YIANkSyD0AOiiHMgk3bUvvFACLcBGAs/s1600/1-2-2019%2B1-04-11%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="257" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXQH9YbnDCI/XCz-aBVDxVI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Ymnjoz0__YIANkSyD0AOiiHMgk3bUvvFACLcBGAs/s400/1-2-2019%2B1-04-11%2BPM.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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One senior blogger tells of how many food banks and senior
food services near her are closed, moved, or redistributed. She depends on a
bus service to get her to the food banks and now it is a long walk for her to
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She received grocery
gift cards for Christmas but is too afraid to use because she might need later
since food prices in her area are going up and up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This made me very sad for her and fearful for me and mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a country where people are spending $300,000 on a car and this woman’s grocery budget is $30. Ouch.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L00rV6bxAAk/XCz_APNiW1I/AAAAAAAAEXg/cPl7YG_qzjglq218WRvadvhE_bJjfPETACLcBGAs/s1600/1-2-2019%2B1-11-38%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="504" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L00rV6bxAAk/XCz_APNiW1I/AAAAAAAAEXg/cPl7YG_qzjglq218WRvadvhE_bJjfPETACLcBGAs/s640/1-2-2019%2B1-11-38%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't get me wrong, I AM NOT ADVOCATING SOCIALISM.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I cannot help but feel we have the least prepared group of people fixin' to retire. I don't want to be one of ill-prepared people.</div>
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What am I going to do about it? </div>
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Pull in the reins. </div>
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I have always been a frugal-ish kinda person but now I think I need to concentrate more on saving more. So, I think I will take up this challenge:</div>
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As I have stated before, <a href="https://hiddenmagnolias.blogspot.com/2018/10/" target="_blank">my closet is so full when I open the door, it burps.</a><br />
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Can I do it?<br />
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Not sure.<br />
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<ul>
<li>I love fashion blogs, but they may have to go temporarily.</li>
<li>I love the feeling something new gives you, but I may need to create new out of what I have.</li>
<li>I always seem to have some special social event that REQUIRES a new outfit, but I may have to rethink that. </li>
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I found several good websites for inspiration:<br />
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<a href="https://www.mintnotion.com/frugal-living/went-whole-year-without-buying-new-clothes/" target="_blank">https://www.mintnotion.com/frugal-living/went-whole-year-without-buying-new-clothes/</a><br />
Mint Notion has some thoughts about how to get started. I was a little put off with her commercial site -- ads full of clothes and jewelry kept popping up all over. But ignore them and read her posts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mamalina.co/could-you-buy-no-new-clothes-for-a-year/">http://www.mamalina.co/could-you-buy-no-new-clothes-for-a-year/</a><br />
This woman talks about the way fast fashion is truly wasteful. A sentiment I feel as well.<br />
Actually, yesterday, I wore this top that I also wore in 2014 at Christmas. Made me feel good.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zv5laldNNY0/XC0KkzS8xRI/AAAAAAAAEX4/XA5KGiLdrr8GYjr4DIBgkl2r8WKsvtyUgCLcBGAs/s1600/10849840_10204591778628187_5029448773542341014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zv5laldNNY0/XC0KkzS8xRI/AAAAAAAAEX4/XA5KGiLdrr8GYjr4DIBgkl2r8WKsvtyUgCLcBGAs/s640/10849840_10204591778628187_5029448773542341014_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found this article from Huff Post to be inspirational.<br />
<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-i-learnt-from-a-year-of-not-shopping_us_5a369298e4b0e1b4472ae748">https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-i-learnt-from-a-year-of-not-shopping_us_5a369298e4b0e1b4472ae748</a><br />
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<i>"<span style="font-family: ProximaNova, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excessive spending and the need to constantly buy new things is modern life, its hard wired into us. New is better, we need, we deserve, we want, we get."</span></i><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think that statement is so very true in this day and age.</span></span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, as I begin this new endeavor, I will keep track here with my thoughts, my frustrations, and my failures. </span></span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-34941855351948218202018-12-04T10:19:00.003-05:002018-12-04T10:19:42.260-05:00Being a Frugal Senior?I just got back from my trip to Savannah. It was wonderful!<br />
I could bore you with tons of pictures, but I think I will just add my favorite for now.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4VzBuvoNFs/W-Ghau38NRI/AAAAAAAAEWc/4ai385HS_58WB9VgKEO5Ewd7E_0gysihACLcBGAs/s1600/Savannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4VzBuvoNFs/W-Ghau38NRI/AAAAAAAAEWc/4ai385HS_58WB9VgKEO5Ewd7E_0gysihACLcBGAs/s640/Savannah.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Of course, I spent a ton of $$$ but I had saved up for the trip so it really didn't hurt. But once I got home, I begin to feel a touch of guilt and decided with the holidays coming up to pinch some pennies.<br />
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I have always been pretty frugal by some standards:<br />
<ul>
<li>I rarely buy Starbucks or other fancy coffees. I always bring my own coffee to work.</li>
<li>I never buy bottled water. Our water in our town is really good and if I run it through my fridge filter, it beats anything in a plastic bottle.</li>
<li>I take my lunch more often than I don't.</li>
<li>And I use small soap slivers until they die. (<a href="https://hiddenmagnolias.blogspot.com/2018/07/you-sure-are-frugal.html" target="_blank">see post here</a>)</li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G0oYnTuiH4/W-GlEFnvPwI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3tWZ-zZEH-MpakoFgFtB3tnRft6vIUbuACLcBGAs/s1600/Piggy%2Bbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G0oYnTuiH4/W-GlEFnvPwI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3tWZ-zZEH-MpakoFgFtB3tnRft6vIUbuACLcBGAs/s400/Piggy%2Bbank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But can I do better?<br />
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So, I turned off the radio during my morning commute -- they were just going on and on about the usual -- so I missed nothing. And I pondered. What could I do?<br />
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With Christmas coming up, I know we will spend quite a bit of money on travel, so I need a way to cut costs. Can I regift? Is that just too tacky? I have so many things given to me over the years, that I don't use, haven't gotten around to using, have too many of -- could they be part of a regift plan?<br />
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBlhGv-Xh10/XAaXV-cpPZI/AAAAAAAAEW0/HVHxftQCxI4npsd8lSjPDnnNE6ryQ_RBgCLcBGAs/s1600/165043-849x565-Christmas-gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="849" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBlhGv-Xh10/XAaXV-cpPZI/AAAAAAAAEW0/HVHxftQCxI4npsd8lSjPDnnNE6ryQ_RBgCLcBGAs/s400/165043-849x565-Christmas-gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:Christmas_Gift_Wrap_Ideas</td></tr>
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Not really sure about this, I googled regifting and <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/10-rules-of-regifting" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey had 10 Regifting Rules</a>. I am going to highlight them here.<br />
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Basic Rules for Regifting</h2>
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1. The gift should make sense.</h3>
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While regifting is a great way to save money and declutter, don’t regift something for the sake of regifting it. If you didn’t like the gift, there’s a chance the new recipient won’t like it either.</div>
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As a general rule of thumb, only regift an item if it’s something you would have gone to the store and purchased for that person. They should have a use for it. In other words, if your sister has killed every houseplant she’s ever come in contact with, she’ll probably have no use for the herb-growing kit you got last year.</div>
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2. Take off the gift tag!</h3>
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When you decide to regift the scarf your Aunt Susan gave you last year, make sure you take the old gift tag off the bag or box. Imagine the fun at your Christmas party when your friend Sarah opens up the gift bag addressed to <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">you</em>, signed "with love" from Aunt Susan. Talk about a regifting fail!</div>
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3. Don’t regift gifts you received from meaningful people.</h3>
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Speaking of Aunt Susan, she took the time to pick out that scarf, even if it’s not your style. She’s so sweet, and you love her so much. Imagine the smile on her face when she sees you sporting that scarf at your next family gathering. Sometimes you just have to keep the gift to keep the peace.</div>
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4. Don’t regift family gifts.</h3>
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This should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: Don’t give family heirlooms away. For example, your mom sentimentally gave you your grandmother’s ornate broach last month. You know you won’t wear it, but you have a friend who loves vintage items and would adore it. That’s fine, but please don’t regift that broach. Instead, hit up a thrift store for your friend and keep the broach in your jewelry box where it belongs.</div>
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5. Avoid regifting within the same circle of friends.</h3>
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Here’s an embarrassing regifting scenario: Your friend Jen gave you a perfectly fine set of coffee mugs for your birthday this year. Only problem is, your cabinets are already filled to the brim with mugs and dishes. So you decide to regift the mugs to Amanda for Christmas. On New Year’s Day, you’re invited to brunch at Amanda’s house, and lo and behold, she pulls the mugs out of her cabinet and thanks you profusely for the gift—right in front of your mutual friend Jen. Now you’re embarrassed, and Jen’s feelings are hurt. Save yourself the humiliation and don’t regift if your friends are in the same social circle.</div>
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6. Beware of the regift that keeps on giving.</h3>
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If an item has been sitting in your "regifting closet" for a couple years, you might not remember where it came from. Assume you’re always one regift away from giving the gift back to the original giver. Regifting is okay, but when we tell you to give back this holiday season, this isn’t what we’re talking about.</div>
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7. Give sooner rather than later.</h3>
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In theory, fruitcake has an expiration date. But even if you’re not regifting an edible gift, remember that trends come and go and "it" gifts of yesteryear eventually become irrelevant. For example, there’s only very few people who want your unopened Wham! CD.</div>
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8. Regift in moderation.</h3>
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Look, if you’re following these guidelines, regifting here and there is fine. But let’s not pretend we’re the Oprah Winfrey of regifting: "<em style="box-sizing: inherit;">You</em> get a regift! <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">You</em> get a regift! <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Everybody</em> gets a regift!" With that strategy, you’re bound to regift the wrong item and end up hurting someone’s feelings. Plus, you could come across as just being plain cheap.</div>
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9. Rewrap the gift.</h3>
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Rewrap everything—the box, the gift paper, the packaging. You don’t know what lurks deep inside that box. It could be a personal note to you or a second smaller gift you totally missed. Be thorough. At least by rewrapping, the gift feels fresh and offers your personal touch.</div>
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10. Be honest.</h3>
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Maybe you accidentally regifted an iPhone case back to Jason, who gave it to you last year. Or maybe you forgot to take the gift tag off the bag. Okay, you screwed up. If you find yourself in that situation, own it. Sure, it’s embarrassing at first, but be honest about why you regifted the item and move on.</div>
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We always have a White Elephant swap at work, so that is a place where I can regift. No one expects a great gift anyway.<br />
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1OPyoioqr8/XAaXrcCCLHI/AAAAAAAAEXA/Ki781fBKoAUHPRPQmXnAEZMjRoBXc2lAQCLcBGAs/s1600/White-Elephant-Gift-Exchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="770" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1OPyoioqr8/XAaXrcCCLHI/AAAAAAAAEXA/Ki781fBKoAUHPRPQmXnAEZMjRoBXc2lAQCLcBGAs/s400/White-Elephant-Gift-Exchange.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.partygameideas.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ok -- that is One.<br />
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Now, I just have to go through all the stuff I have been gifted, stored away and that I have never used and never will use and figure out what to do with the rest.<br />
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So what do you think about regifting? Is it OK? Not OK? What do you do with those pesky, unwanted, unused gifts?<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span><br />
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<br />Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-87180387457148990272018-10-19T09:04:00.004-04:002018-10-19T09:04:39.506-04:00Ah, Savannah<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">In a week, my dearest friend of 40+ years and I will be traveling to Savannah for Halloween week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoPb9tYTMRw/URKAecvcWtI/AAAAAAAAAcw/t66p6tYq8asEeWkh29_lfQVRwT3ju24xgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2013-02-06%2Bat%2B11.09.42%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="531" height="387" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoPb9tYTMRw/URKAecvcWtI/AAAAAAAAAcw/t66p6tYq8asEeWkh29_lfQVRwT3ju24xgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2013-02-06%2Bat%2B11.09.42%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We will be taking every <a href="https://ghostcitytours.com/savannah/ghost-tours/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjbC8-cCS3gIVCo3ICh3fLwegEAAYASABEgJ2rPD_BwE" target="_blank">ghost tour</a> we can and there are bunches of them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLR6oeunzJU/W8nOjgvW8GI/AAAAAAAAEVo/ngffW7zrh2IYMxv5suVKPzUUl6Hk2_SJgCLcBGAs/s1600/10-19-2018%2B8-30-50%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="910" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLR6oeunzJU/W8nOjgvW8GI/AAAAAAAAEVo/ngffW7zrh2IYMxv5suVKPzUUl6Hk2_SJgCLcBGAs/s640/10-19-2018%2B8-30-50%2BAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We will eat in all my favorite places.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Pirate's House</b> -- yes, it is haunted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX5K4C--fcs/W8nPZj3D-zI/AAAAAAAAEVw/RdOotfHboPEjWxT2EIgRSDmBT3zh8tIjACLcBGAs/s1600/C4110058-Pirates-House-Restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX5K4C--fcs/W8nPZj3D-zI/AAAAAAAAEVw/RdOotfHboPEjWxT2EIgRSDmBT3zh8tIjACLcBGAs/s640/C4110058-Pirates-House-Restaurant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">And the <b>The Olde Pink House</b> -- yes, it is haunted.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">And the <b>17Hundred90 Inn</b> - yes it is haunted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1i2yErOVb0/W8nQS2I2nfI/AAAAAAAAEWA/YPLMg7-4kMEtRlFlBy8HQOd9dqsJjxL5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Haunted-17Hundred90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="440" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1i2yErOVb0/W8nQS2I2nfI/AAAAAAAAEWA/YPLMg7-4kMEtRlFlBy8HQOd9dqsJjxL5QCLcBGAs/s640/Haunted-17Hundred90.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We will be staying in a B&B that is haunted.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Eliza Thompson House</b> - yes, it is haunted and has haunted room. unfortunately, the haunted room is booked years in advance.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y97QqzOn4kY/W8nSBJzIMNI/AAAAAAAAEWM/4oa0-tQ5NVEcIKjCOvguCr03i4WaQxwbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Eliza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y97QqzOn4kY/W8nSBJzIMNI/AAAAAAAAEWM/4oa0-tQ5NVEcIKjCOvguCr03i4WaQxwbQCLcBGAs/s640/Eliza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Also, we will be nipping over to Tybee Island for a Dolphin Tour and to check out the <a href="http://mermaidcottages.com/" target="_blank">adorable bungalows </a>nestled around all the new development on that really crowded island. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">But, some eye candy for you from my last few trips. (excuse some of them -- taken on the fly with an old iPhone)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Pat</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<br />Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017385448888930189.post-84260529840854840212018-10-01T10:34:00.000-04:002018-10-01T10:34:30.183-04:00Shopping My Closet<br />
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I have been reading lots of frugal blogs lately and have
found some really good ideas about where to cut the budget. Being frugal in this day and age is really hard,
especially if you are a working woman and you need work clothes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the themes I have seen in all the frugal websites is:<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">“<b>MAKE
DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.</b>”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are like me, your closet probably burps when you open
the door. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I pulled everything out – and I mean <i>everything</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I sorted through. Made the three piles: Keep, Repair/Clean,
Give. </div>
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And then put it all back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After all this, I made list using Notes on my iPhone. I listed various combinations, and even found some combinations I hadn't thought of before.<br />
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Then as I wore them, checked them off. I used various icons to make it more fun.<br />
The list helped me realize that there are clothes I hardly ever wear. There are combinations that I wore often and some I only wore once or twice.<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">This was a surprise!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>A big surprise.</b></span></div>
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If anyone had told me this, I would have said, "Naw - I wear everything, all the time."<br />
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Well, I don't.<br />
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This little exercise has helped me be much more aware.<br />
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If you need inspiration, I found some with this blog <a href="https://www.frugalwoods.com/category/clothes/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Frugalwoods</span></b></a>. Mrs Frugalwoods documents how she stopped buying clothes for three years and how she shopped her closet. Her blog also has great ideas about how to maintain those clothes so they last longer. Give it a read.<br />
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Will I stop buying clothes for three years? I am not sure.<br />
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But, Maya Angelou once said, “We need much less than we think we need.” I need to dwell on this thought.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Pat</i></span></h2>
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<br />Hidden Magnoliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12283582467485898452noreply@blogger.com0