Kay Iscah's Blog, page 20
January 2, 2012
Welcome to 2012
My brother, my co-writer, and I welcomed the New Year with Sparkling Grape Juice and a chorus of "It's the End of the World as We Know It" (Mayan calendar joke). Hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday.
I love doing a reflection and plans post this time of year. I'll try to make it an abridged version this time.
My Cafepress shop did much better this year. Not enough to live on, but it really encouraged me that this could become a livable income supplement, particularly if I can get my Zazzle and Printfection shops fully updated. Book sales were low, but we weren't able to schedule any book specific promotion until this year (so not surprising). I've been very disorganized the past few months, and while it's easy to blame my nephew and sister for that, it's mostly my fault. (Sis is now in charge of her own department, and much overtime is being demanded of her, in preparation for a "Grand Reopening"...which means I'm doing lots of extra babysitting without extra pay.)
Personally:
I've spent too much money on food this year. Fallen into the trap of eating out when better planning would have meant packed lunches. I think I've also fallen into the trap of spending "spending" money just because I have it...been dipping too often into the "backup" twenty I keep in my wallet for minor emergencies. And again, the disorganization has crept it. I probably spent too much time watching TV on DVD series that I or my sister had picked up. It's hard for me to space those out instead of doing multi-hour marathons. Not as much of a problem if I'm multi-tasking, but haven't been a good multi-tasker. One TV marathon knocked me off some good exercise habits I had going earlier this year. :(
Looking forward, professionally:
My big goals are all pretty much set. I need to write more lists on the specific steps of those goals. I did purchase a calendar to help me keep track of special business related dates. The start of the year is tax season. My goal is to buckle down and get all the tax related paperwork done in the next two weeks (I may file closer to the date due, but I want the paperwork done). I will not have as much baby sitting income as I did last year, which means I really have to find ways to make money with the writing/PoD stuff. This may mean writing a blog with ads to fund it. (I HATE doing that, but it may be necessary.)
Personal:
When you run your own business, particularly from home. Personal and business life tend to bleed into each other. So I need to stake out firmer "personal time" vs "work time" for myself. In general I need to get more organized. I know *how* to this. I just need to make it a priority and actually do it.
My mind kept drifting back to those bad reviews. I think they got to me because I saw something in them that I've seen in so many people around me and sometimes in myself. It's very easy to get stuck in a rut. We do the same thing or the same type of thing over and over and expect things to magically change or hope we'll be rescued. We whine and complain, but taking the steps to actually DO something, to make the needed dramatic change, are hard and scary. So we don't do it. And/or we're horribly reluctant to accept help that would require us to change anything.
So this year, I encourage everyone to think over "what are my personal ruts?" For some of us they're emotional, others financial. Pretend you were watching yourself as a character on TV or in a movie. What would you be shouting at the screen? Urging them to do or not do? What's stopping you from following your own advice?
My rut last year has been the food/weight thing. I know how I should be eating, but over and over I let myself make little wrong decisions, shushing down that little voice that knows better. I've made a few right decision too, but what's stopping me from doing what's right all the time? Nobody but me.
Personal responsibility is kind of a heavy thing to acknowledge, but it's also a powerful thing. If you have the responsibility to change something, that also means you have the power to change it. So get powerful in 2012.
I love doing a reflection and plans post this time of year. I'll try to make it an abridged version this time.
My Cafepress shop did much better this year. Not enough to live on, but it really encouraged me that this could become a livable income supplement, particularly if I can get my Zazzle and Printfection shops fully updated. Book sales were low, but we weren't able to schedule any book specific promotion until this year (so not surprising). I've been very disorganized the past few months, and while it's easy to blame my nephew and sister for that, it's mostly my fault. (Sis is now in charge of her own department, and much overtime is being demanded of her, in preparation for a "Grand Reopening"...which means I'm doing lots of extra babysitting without extra pay.)
Personally:
I've spent too much money on food this year. Fallen into the trap of eating out when better planning would have meant packed lunches. I think I've also fallen into the trap of spending "spending" money just because I have it...been dipping too often into the "backup" twenty I keep in my wallet for minor emergencies. And again, the disorganization has crept it. I probably spent too much time watching TV on DVD series that I or my sister had picked up. It's hard for me to space those out instead of doing multi-hour marathons. Not as much of a problem if I'm multi-tasking, but haven't been a good multi-tasker. One TV marathon knocked me off some good exercise habits I had going earlier this year. :(
Looking forward, professionally:
My big goals are all pretty much set. I need to write more lists on the specific steps of those goals. I did purchase a calendar to help me keep track of special business related dates. The start of the year is tax season. My goal is to buckle down and get all the tax related paperwork done in the next two weeks (I may file closer to the date due, but I want the paperwork done). I will not have as much baby sitting income as I did last year, which means I really have to find ways to make money with the writing/PoD stuff. This may mean writing a blog with ads to fund it. (I HATE doing that, but it may be necessary.)
Personal:
When you run your own business, particularly from home. Personal and business life tend to bleed into each other. So I need to stake out firmer "personal time" vs "work time" for myself. In general I need to get more organized. I know *how* to this. I just need to make it a priority and actually do it.
My mind kept drifting back to those bad reviews. I think they got to me because I saw something in them that I've seen in so many people around me and sometimes in myself. It's very easy to get stuck in a rut. We do the same thing or the same type of thing over and over and expect things to magically change or hope we'll be rescued. We whine and complain, but taking the steps to actually DO something, to make the needed dramatic change, are hard and scary. So we don't do it. And/or we're horribly reluctant to accept help that would require us to change anything.
So this year, I encourage everyone to think over "what are my personal ruts?" For some of us they're emotional, others financial. Pretend you were watching yourself as a character on TV or in a movie. What would you be shouting at the screen? Urging them to do or not do? What's stopping you from following your own advice?
My rut last year has been the food/weight thing. I know how I should be eating, but over and over I let myself make little wrong decisions, shushing down that little voice that knows better. I've made a few right decision too, but what's stopping me from doing what's right all the time? Nobody but me.
Personal responsibility is kind of a heavy thing to acknowledge, but it's also a powerful thing. If you have the responsibility to change something, that also means you have the power to change it. So get powerful in 2012.
December 28, 2011
Making Good Use of Post Holiday Sales
Most of the stuff that goes on sale post holidays is of the decor/candy variety, and since I'm up to my eyeballs in decor and don't need to eat anymore candy, I'm not so interested in those things. But you can also find a lot of everyday items that have been marked down simply because they're red and green and/or culturally regarded as a seasonal item. I used some cash/gift cards I got this year and combine them with sales to get gifts for other people. Two kids got gifts that are semi-Christmas related, but I think they'll enjoy them beyond that (a light up "naughty or nice" journal and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" book). I snagged a box of Dark Chocolate Russel Stovers for my dad, since he's a dark chocolate lover, 6'+ and in no danger of getting fat (They should keep til his February birthday). I got a good deal on some T-shirts at Walmart with will be given as gifts in mid-summer.
I spotted napkins/paper towels/paper plate/cups. Found boxes of butter cookies for 25 cents, which I thought would be a good free snack to offer at the book talks I have lined up next month. I spotted large Turkey roating pans on markdown, which I didn't have a place for, but could certainly see the usefulness of. There were also some ceramic cake pans/servings bowls, that were solid red, green, or white...and not necessarily "Christmas" only ware.
The point is, even if your sick of Christmas and don't want any candy, it may still be worth a stroll through the holiday mark downs. Resist the impulse grab, but a can of nuts still has the nutritional value of a can of nuts, even if that can is red and green. Paper towels will clean just as well with ginger bread men printed on them.
Most stores have to do inventory in January so they'll mark down everyday things just to simplify the count. It is a good time of year to spot practical items at better prices. Just remember: if you don't need it, it's a not a good buy, no matter how low the price.
I spotted napkins/paper towels/paper plate/cups. Found boxes of butter cookies for 25 cents, which I thought would be a good free snack to offer at the book talks I have lined up next month. I spotted large Turkey roating pans on markdown, which I didn't have a place for, but could certainly see the usefulness of. There were also some ceramic cake pans/servings bowls, that were solid red, green, or white...and not necessarily "Christmas" only ware.
The point is, even if your sick of Christmas and don't want any candy, it may still be worth a stroll through the holiday mark downs. Resist the impulse grab, but a can of nuts still has the nutritional value of a can of nuts, even if that can is red and green. Paper towels will clean just as well with ginger bread men printed on them.
Most stores have to do inventory in January so they'll mark down everyday things just to simplify the count. It is a good time of year to spot practical items at better prices. Just remember: if you don't need it, it's a not a good buy, no matter how low the price.
December 27, 2011
Rent a Friend?
I was searching through Craigslist and discovered www.rentafriend.com . I was skeptical, but googling turned up no outcry of foul play. It seems like a legitimate and customizable service. I'm actually considering putting myself up for "rent", and encouraged an out of work friend to consider it. My biggest hesitation is giving the site my personal info. They're not asking for socials but names, email addresses, phone numbers, etc. I'm careful who I give that info to, but it seems like they're asking for a reasonable amount to run the site safely.
Probably what I like most is the strictly plutonic, no touching policy. I'm sure you still need to be on the look out for crazies, but there are lots of very legitimate roles the site is looking to fill from tour guides to tutors to companions for the elderly or disabled to temporary personal assistant or something as simple as someone to watch a movie with.
While you could conceivably turn this into a business or side business, there's also the option to use it simply as a chance to do things you couldn't otherwise afford. Like make yourself available for concerts, movies, restaurants, Ren Faires, etc. provided the other person pays for entry/meals.
I'm not advertising the site. But I do think the concept is intriguing. I had toyed with the idea of offering "If you can pay for things, I can hang out" through okcupid....but given the dating focus on that site, it felt a little weird.
I'm wondering if anyone else had experience with the rentafriend website? Or if you know anyone who has a profile with them. Success stories? Horror stories? Would you consider renting your time/companionship this way?
Probably what I like most is the strictly plutonic, no touching policy. I'm sure you still need to be on the look out for crazies, but there are lots of very legitimate roles the site is looking to fill from tour guides to tutors to companions for the elderly or disabled to temporary personal assistant or something as simple as someone to watch a movie with.
While you could conceivably turn this into a business or side business, there's also the option to use it simply as a chance to do things you couldn't otherwise afford. Like make yourself available for concerts, movies, restaurants, Ren Faires, etc. provided the other person pays for entry/meals.
I'm not advertising the site. But I do think the concept is intriguing. I had toyed with the idea of offering "If you can pay for things, I can hang out" through okcupid....but given the dating focus on that site, it felt a little weird.
I'm wondering if anyone else had experience with the rentafriend website? Or if you know anyone who has a profile with them. Success stories? Horror stories? Would you consider renting your time/companionship this way?
December 19, 2011
Green Christmas Ideas
I've written one article for Thrifty & Green, and may try to squeeze in another before the year ends. Regardless, I like the concept of the site and wanted to share with you.
First my usual reminder to save reuseable wrapping items like gift bags, bows, tissue paper, and large pieces of ribbon/wrapping paper. All of these will eventually wear out, but most of them can go through multiple uses.
The Second idea is to get creative with leftover cardboard. One grandfather built a little girl I know a lovely play castle using cardboard, hot glue, and spray paint. I used the inner part of two Thomas expansion packs my nephew got for his birthday to make "Mommy and me" shadow boxes for my nephew and a little girl I've been keeping on Saturdays. I made "paper dolls" of the kids and their moms (both single moms, otherwise I'd include dads) out of cardboard, and we used scrap fabric to "dress" them. I may have more craft scraps on hand than most people, but we also used baking cup liners to make a "skirt" for one doll. So it's quite possible to "dress" the dolls using cuts outs from advertisements.
The point I'm trying to get to is that cardboard and other items we would normally toss can be turned into something to play with. Granted there's a limit on how much you should hold onto. Straight up recycling is a fine option as well. But if Christmas is feeling a little "thin" or you're looking for things to entertain visiting kiddies, playing with the boxes can be a good option.
P.S. We're trying to potty train my nephew over Christmas break. So, while I may link articles I find, the blog shall otherwise be on hold til January.
First my usual reminder to save reuseable wrapping items like gift bags, bows, tissue paper, and large pieces of ribbon/wrapping paper. All of these will eventually wear out, but most of them can go through multiple uses.
The Second idea is to get creative with leftover cardboard. One grandfather built a little girl I know a lovely play castle using cardboard, hot glue, and spray paint. I used the inner part of two Thomas expansion packs my nephew got for his birthday to make "Mommy and me" shadow boxes for my nephew and a little girl I've been keeping on Saturdays. I made "paper dolls" of the kids and their moms (both single moms, otherwise I'd include dads) out of cardboard, and we used scrap fabric to "dress" them. I may have more craft scraps on hand than most people, but we also used baking cup liners to make a "skirt" for one doll. So it's quite possible to "dress" the dolls using cuts outs from advertisements.
The point I'm trying to get to is that cardboard and other items we would normally toss can be turned into something to play with. Granted there's a limit on how much you should hold onto. Straight up recycling is a fine option as well. But if Christmas is feeling a little "thin" or you're looking for things to entertain visiting kiddies, playing with the boxes can be a good option.
P.S. We're trying to potty train my nephew over Christmas break. So, while I may link articles I find, the blog shall otherwise be on hold til January.
December 15, 2011
Post-party gleaning
Lots of groups are having parties this time of year. They held a "Little Drummer Boy Breakfast" at my nephew's weekdayschool. The parents all brought food, and they took donations for a charity. Like many holiday parties there were leftovers...a lot of leftovers. I volunteered to help with set up and clean up. I made it my self appointed job to see that all the leftovers went to places they'd get eaten. I hate to see good food go to waste.
My parents keep the fridge stocked these days, but during tighter times, party leftovers were nice to ease the grocery bill. Often I've taken party leftovers to friends of mine who were out of work or in a tight financial spot, which is what I did this year.
I'm glad I was on guard cause I stopped them from throwing away some perfectly good food.
I know sometimes it feels a little awkward to find that right moment between giving people the chance to take home their fair share and saving things from reaching the trash can, but I think it's really worth it. Despite providing extra food to someone (be it yourself or others), it's a very green thing to do. Sure food is biodegradable, but there's energy, gasoline, and effort that goes into harvesting plants, butchering meat, processing, and shipping. When we throw it away unnecessarily, that energy is wasted, life is wasted.
My parents keep the fridge stocked these days, but during tighter times, party leftovers were nice to ease the grocery bill. Often I've taken party leftovers to friends of mine who were out of work or in a tight financial spot, which is what I did this year.
I'm glad I was on guard cause I stopped them from throwing away some perfectly good food.
I know sometimes it feels a little awkward to find that right moment between giving people the chance to take home their fair share and saving things from reaching the trash can, but I think it's really worth it. Despite providing extra food to someone (be it yourself or others), it's a very green thing to do. Sure food is biodegradable, but there's energy, gasoline, and effort that goes into harvesting plants, butchering meat, processing, and shipping. When we throw it away unnecessarily, that energy is wasted, life is wasted.
December 14, 2011
Book/Money Talks in January
At the moment we have 3 events lined up for January. They're all Middle Tennessee for now. We'll travel more as opportunities arrise but starting local.
Jan 5, 5:00 p.m. Donelson Branch Library (downstairs meeting room)
Jan 26, 6:30 p.m. Mt. Juliet Public Library
Jan 28, 2:00 p.m. Madison Branch Library
While we come with a prepared talk, these tend to be smaller crowds, so we're very open to bending the talk to the interests of the audience. Not sure about Madison yet, but snacks will be provided at the other two. And we'll have copies of the book for sale for $5 (with 10% benefiting the Friends of the Library at Donelson and Madison), since we can sell them cheaper directly. We weren't given a definite stop time, but we'll probably be there for 2 hours, with most of the time being meet and greet and Q&A.
P.S. I've posted some book cover inspired designs on cafepress.
Jan 5, 5:00 p.m. Donelson Branch Library (downstairs meeting room)
Jan 26, 6:30 p.m. Mt. Juliet Public Library
Jan 28, 2:00 p.m. Madison Branch Library
While we come with a prepared talk, these tend to be smaller crowds, so we're very open to bending the talk to the interests of the audience. Not sure about Madison yet, but snacks will be provided at the other two. And we'll have copies of the book for sale for $5 (with 10% benefiting the Friends of the Library at Donelson and Madison), since we can sell them cheaper directly. We weren't given a definite stop time, but we'll probably be there for 2 hours, with most of the time being meet and greet and Q&A.
P.S. I've posted some book cover inspired designs on cafepress.
December 12, 2011
Bad Reviews and Reality Checks...
Got a couple of bad reviews on Amazon now. Had to happen sooner or later. So while reading them isn't fun, exactly, I'm not completely discouraged. (Though I am a little annoyed that they both reviewed under different editions than the one they bought...)
I think part of what they didn't like is that they had unrealistic expectations of what a budgeting book can do.
Part of me feels guilt, because I wrote this book to help people. And if it's not helpful, then it's a let down both for them and me. However, I have to be realistic about what a 120 page book can actually do. It's a basic budgeting book. The holistic approach is a little different, but if you are already a self taught and well disciplined budget user, then you won't get as much from it.
Budgets can only do so much. If you're working two jobs and still straining to make ends meet, something more dramatic has to change to change that situation. Do you love your current area enough that an $800+ room is worth it? Is it worth doing what you're doing to stay where you are? Those aren't questions I can answer for a reader. But if you can realistically look at these questions and say "yes" to both them, I hope you would at least come away a bit more satisfied with the life you have.
These are things that go beyond budgeting, which is simply making the best of the income you have.
A budgeting book will not magically gift you with more money, a job, or a better job. It will not suddenly take you from poor to not poor, but it may help you live through poverty with some more dignity. Prioritizing the things you want will not suddenly gift you with the ability to do everything you want, but it may push the things you want most to the top of the list where they belong.
The book is a quick and easy read, but it's not about quick and easy solutions. Making a better life for yourself takes time and effort. Sometimes it's working harder, sometimes it's about working smarter, and sometimes it's about changing your perspective.
Everyone is in entitled to their opinion. I've written some harsh reviews in my time, so I'm willing to take what I give. And the criticism on the book, I can accept as valid. However, my life is very real, my income is very low, so to be accused of being a masquerading politician pushing a conservative agenda....is kind of annoying. I'm promoting a minimalist philosophy that's far more socially and enviromentally motivated than politically. If you want to change the world, go for it. In the mean time, we have to live in it, even when that life is less than ideal.
Poverty can mean a lot of things. There's "I wonder how I'll pay the doctor and my rent" poor, and there's "camped in a tent and scrounging through a landfill with no food stamps offered in this country" poor. Neither is great, but I can tell you quickly which one I'd prefer.
I think part of what they didn't like is that they had unrealistic expectations of what a budgeting book can do.
Part of me feels guilt, because I wrote this book to help people. And if it's not helpful, then it's a let down both for them and me. However, I have to be realistic about what a 120 page book can actually do. It's a basic budgeting book. The holistic approach is a little different, but if you are already a self taught and well disciplined budget user, then you won't get as much from it.
Budgets can only do so much. If you're working two jobs and still straining to make ends meet, something more dramatic has to change to change that situation. Do you love your current area enough that an $800+ room is worth it? Is it worth doing what you're doing to stay where you are? Those aren't questions I can answer for a reader. But if you can realistically look at these questions and say "yes" to both them, I hope you would at least come away a bit more satisfied with the life you have.
These are things that go beyond budgeting, which is simply making the best of the income you have.
A budgeting book will not magically gift you with more money, a job, or a better job. It will not suddenly take you from poor to not poor, but it may help you live through poverty with some more dignity. Prioritizing the things you want will not suddenly gift you with the ability to do everything you want, but it may push the things you want most to the top of the list where they belong.
The book is a quick and easy read, but it's not about quick and easy solutions. Making a better life for yourself takes time and effort. Sometimes it's working harder, sometimes it's about working smarter, and sometimes it's about changing your perspective.
Everyone is in entitled to their opinion. I've written some harsh reviews in my time, so I'm willing to take what I give. And the criticism on the book, I can accept as valid. However, my life is very real, my income is very low, so to be accused of being a masquerading politician pushing a conservative agenda....is kind of annoying. I'm promoting a minimalist philosophy that's far more socially and enviromentally motivated than politically. If you want to change the world, go for it. In the mean time, we have to live in it, even when that life is less than ideal.
Poverty can mean a lot of things. There's "I wonder how I'll pay the doctor and my rent" poor, and there's "camped in a tent and scrounging through a landfill with no food stamps offered in this country" poor. Neither is great, but I can tell you quickly which one I'd prefer.
Jazzing Up Swiss Miss
Earlier this week, I read an article rating different hot chocolate brands, and the author was rather unkind to Swiss Miss. Sure I can accept that Godiva is richer/tastier, but it also cost more. Swiss Miss is a basic but decent hot chocolate (I prefer the Dark to the Milk, but the regular Milk Chocolate is ok). And there are some fun, not too expensive ways to jazz it up. A few of mine:
Add Milk: I usually boil 6oz. water in the microwave, stir it into the powder, then add milk to fill up the mug. Starbucks uses half and half, which will make for a richer/creamier drink, but it'll also make it more fattening. A second inspiration for this entry was a post on![[info]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380914749i/3218019.gif)
poor_skills
using Swiss Miss to emulate Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha
Add Extra Chocolate/Candy: This works best with something that melts easily like an Andies mint (very yummy addition). I've also used one of those mini Hershey's Special Dark bars.
Add Salt: Another idea stolen from Starbucks. It has the added benefit of helping to clear a gunky throat. I've been using a course Kosher salt I got at Deals for $1. My overall diet is fairly low sodium, so I don't feel bad sprinkling some into my cocoa. Too much salt is bad for you though, so moderate.
Add Marshmellows: You can't go wrong with a classic. Sometimes you can find fruity or other flavors, which may lend some variety. I prefer plain. (You can whip your own whipcream which is along the same line, but too much work for me.)
Add Spice: My co-writer PJ is a big cinnamon fan. I know you can get cinnamon flavored hot cocoa, but nothing says you can't experiment with flavoring what's already in the cabinet.
Anyone else have any good Swiss Miss recipes to share?
Add Milk: I usually boil 6oz. water in the microwave, stir it into the powder, then add milk to fill up the mug. Starbucks uses half and half, which will make for a richer/creamier drink, but it'll also make it more fattening. A second inspiration for this entry was a post on
poor_skills
using Swiss Miss to emulate Starbuck's Peppermint MochaAdd Extra Chocolate/Candy: This works best with something that melts easily like an Andies mint (very yummy addition). I've also used one of those mini Hershey's Special Dark bars.
Add Salt: Another idea stolen from Starbucks. It has the added benefit of helping to clear a gunky throat. I've been using a course Kosher salt I got at Deals for $1. My overall diet is fairly low sodium, so I don't feel bad sprinkling some into my cocoa. Too much salt is bad for you though, so moderate.
Add Marshmellows: You can't go wrong with a classic. Sometimes you can find fruity or other flavors, which may lend some variety. I prefer plain. (You can whip your own whipcream which is along the same line, but too much work for me.)
Add Spice: My co-writer PJ is a big cinnamon fan. I know you can get cinnamon flavored hot cocoa, but nothing says you can't experiment with flavoring what's already in the cabinet.
Anyone else have any good Swiss Miss recipes to share?
December 8, 2011
A Small Trick for Catching Bargains on Amazon
I *think* I'm done with my Christmas shopping. I have to double check and make sure I didn't accidentally omit one of my cousins, but pretty sure I've covered everyone else. After comparing the price at stores, I finished up by ordering about $100 worth of stuff from Amazon. (I do my mom's and grandmother's shopping for them as well as my own.)
One feature I've found really helpful is the "save for later" option in the shopping cart. 1. Because I don't have to re-find wishlist items, and 2. Because Amazon will e-mail me automatically when the price changes.
While I make my purchase decision based on available spending money, it is a helpful feature when you're "stalking" a particular item that's just out of reach and waiting for it to drop price wise.
Another Shopping Tip: While this should not be your main determining factor for what and when you buy, many stores offer discounts for "bulk" orders. Buy X amount and get $10 or Free Shipping. If you only have $15 worth of stuff you want, it's a little silly to buy $50 just to get a discount. However, if the store has several items on your list, getting organized and bundling your purchases does have some rewards. (Also for physical stores, fewer trips means less gas spent.)
Oh and take the time to browse your junk mail. I got a $10 off $10 or more from JCP last week. Combining it with a good sale rack find allowed me to get a higher quality gift than I otherwise could with my limited budget.
One feature I've found really helpful is the "save for later" option in the shopping cart. 1. Because I don't have to re-find wishlist items, and 2. Because Amazon will e-mail me automatically when the price changes.
While I make my purchase decision based on available spending money, it is a helpful feature when you're "stalking" a particular item that's just out of reach and waiting for it to drop price wise.
Another Shopping Tip: While this should not be your main determining factor for what and when you buy, many stores offer discounts for "bulk" orders. Buy X amount and get $10 or Free Shipping. If you only have $15 worth of stuff you want, it's a little silly to buy $50 just to get a discount. However, if the store has several items on your list, getting organized and bundling your purchases does have some rewards. (Also for physical stores, fewer trips means less gas spent.)
Oh and take the time to browse your junk mail. I got a $10 off $10 or more from JCP last week. Combining it with a good sale rack find allowed me to get a higher quality gift than I otherwise could with my limited budget.
December 7, 2011
No wonder my nephew likes Fruit Loops
Article: The 10 Sugariest Cereals
I noticed Fruit Loops high sugar content a few months back. Since my mom/sister tend to keep them on hand, I give my nephew mostly Cheerios when he asks for Fruit Loops for breakfast, mixing the two cereal together.
While they compare the sugar in Fruits Loops to the amount in a Twinkie, they don't compare the fat, which is like uber concentrated sugar, or the vitamin & mineral content. When you take those into account, then a cup of Fruit Loops is certainly a better breakfast than a Twinkie.
Calorie Counter was a fun website I found while verifying the info in the article. The Kashi cereal I got on mark down had a surprising amount of sugar too. (Not nearly as much as Fruit Loops, but about 8x the sugar in Cheerios.)
I noticed Fruit Loops high sugar content a few months back. Since my mom/sister tend to keep them on hand, I give my nephew mostly Cheerios when he asks for Fruit Loops for breakfast, mixing the two cereal together.
While they compare the sugar in Fruits Loops to the amount in a Twinkie, they don't compare the fat, which is like uber concentrated sugar, or the vitamin & mineral content. When you take those into account, then a cup of Fruit Loops is certainly a better breakfast than a Twinkie.
Calorie Counter was a fun website I found while verifying the info in the article. The Kashi cereal I got on mark down had a surprising amount of sugar too. (Not nearly as much as Fruit Loops, but about 8x the sugar in Cheerios.)
