June 2, 2015
Hey everyone! I hope that you all are getting geared up for summer. I have one graduating and going off to college this summer, as well as a 8 day trip to Scotland, (we saved the money) and Scout camp. I will still be doing school with my younger son. So it should be a pretty busy summer.
In the Sunday paper there is a column called the Motley Fool which I have read for many years. They were commenting on the meeting of Berkshire Hathaway. If you have never heard of Berkshire Hathaway, itis the investment group led by Warren Buffet. If you have never heard of Warren Buffet, he takes turns with Bill Gates as the richest man in the United States. You may also see their real estate signs when you are out and about. I have seen them when driving around in Norfolk.
Warren said the following:
During a period of inflation, invest in things that you buy only once like real estate and avoid ones that require subsequent investments like utilities. However, Birkshire Hathaway is heavily involved in utilities, especially wind energy. Curious.
He favors increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit to raising the Minimum Wage as a way of helping the working poor.
BH has made a commitment to investing in all sorts of renewable energy. Charles Munger of BH says they are doing it for the benefit of humanity. You may be asking yourself why they are really doing it; so am I. All I can come up with is that they don't have to make money off this investment in the short term or in the long term. BH is so profitable and has so much money in other investments that they can wait for the long, long term for this to pay off. Who knows? they might be right.
Freebies
Apparently you can get a free hat when you buy booze at certain Virginia ABC stores. Who wouldn't want a "Virginia is for Lovers" trucker type hat?
I have so much more to share, including a thrift store review, but I have to go. Boyo graduates this week. Lots to do!
T
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
Two posts in one day? Yeah we must be on Spring Break!
Thrift Store Review
I promised that I would be doing these on a regular basis, but the bad winter and other issues have kept me home a lot recently. I will get caught up this summer.
Thrift Store City
This has been one of my favorites for years especially because they have a lot of boys clothes. Typically, like in most retail stores, the boys departments are smaller than the girls' sometimes much smaller. I have been able to find boys pants and jeans from good brands in good condition at really low prices.
They do have a couple of racks of Plus Size, and lots of other womens items. They have a lot of area and a lot of volume with large sections for shoes, households, bags, home appliances and furniture. Their motto is "Miss a Deal, Miss a Day" I have not been able to determine what charity they support so if you know send me a comment.
As you know I came up with the following "test" to compare prices between different thrift stores. I look for items that an average size woman could find to put together for a work outfit. This list includes a basic pair of pants, a nice button down shirt, jacket, bag and shoes. so here it is.
Pants 3.99
Jacket 1.98
no shirt
bag 6.98
shoes 3.98
They are located at
1760 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23518
757-583-6639
They are on Facebook.
Thats it. Now go get outside!
Terri
Thrift Store Review
I promised that I would be doing these on a regular basis, but the bad winter and other issues have kept me home a lot recently. I will get caught up this summer.
Thrift Store City
This has been one of my favorites for years especially because they have a lot of boys clothes. Typically, like in most retail stores, the boys departments are smaller than the girls' sometimes much smaller. I have been able to find boys pants and jeans from good brands in good condition at really low prices.
They do have a couple of racks of Plus Size, and lots of other womens items. They have a lot of area and a lot of volume with large sections for shoes, households, bags, home appliances and furniture. Their motto is "Miss a Deal, Miss a Day" I have not been able to determine what charity they support so if you know send me a comment.
As you know I came up with the following "test" to compare prices between different thrift stores. I look for items that an average size woman could find to put together for a work outfit. This list includes a basic pair of pants, a nice button down shirt, jacket, bag and shoes. so here it is.
Pants 3.99
Jacket 1.98
no shirt
bag 6.98
shoes 3.98
They are located at
1760 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA 23518
757-583-6639
They are on Facebook.
Thats it. Now go get outside!
Terri
Hello everyone
Sorry so long between posts, but I have been enjoying some unplanned time with DH and good friends. We don't get to connect with some of our "family" because of the crazy schedules we all have so I take advantage of every moment.
As a lot of you who know me are aware of I am a little OCD about schedules. I have each day blocked with the activities, and inside the blocks are more lists or blocks. I hate to waste anything especially time which I cannot get more of. I can always make or save more money, but time is very limited.
In the News
In the Sunday paper, I was pleased to see a full page on the Norfolk Curbside Recycling program. There is the calendar for the year as well as a reference to the Recycling Perks program. What is the Recycling Perks program? It allows you to get coupons to use at local businesses just for recycling. We have been with the program for a few years and it is really good. The coupons include restaurants (real restaurants, not fast food) and stores like Farm Fresh. You are rewarded according to the weight of you recycling can each week and the points add up pretty fast. You know I have not checked it in a while; put that on my To-do list.
Sorry so long between posts, but I have been enjoying some unplanned time with DH and good friends. We don't get to connect with some of our "family" because of the crazy schedules we all have so I take advantage of every moment.
As a lot of you who know me are aware of I am a little OCD about schedules. I have each day blocked with the activities, and inside the blocks are more lists or blocks. I hate to waste anything especially time which I cannot get more of. I can always make or save more money, but time is very limited.
In the News
In the Sunday paper, I was pleased to see a full page on the Norfolk Curbside Recycling program. There is the calendar for the year as well as a reference to the Recycling Perks program. What is the Recycling Perks program? It allows you to get coupons to use at local businesses just for recycling. We have been with the program for a few years and it is really good. The coupons include restaurants (real restaurants, not fast food) and stores like Farm Fresh. You are rewarded according to the weight of you recycling can each week and the points add up pretty fast. You know I have not checked it in a while; put that on my To-do list.
Monday, March 2, 2015
February 25, 2015
A happy, snowy day to all! We are all waiting for the next snow storm to arrive, but at the moment it is sunny and beautiful. I had Little Man earn $20 for shoveling the drive way and sidewalk, but now it is melting off in the rest of the neighborhood. I should have waited until tomorrow.
IN THE NEWS!
I saw in the Sunday paper that several stores are leaving MacArthur mall. I am particularly disappointed at the exit of Harry and David. Hubby loves their Moose Munch. I suspect that this is another example of the changing retail market. So many people shop online that a lot of traditional retailers are finding that an actual, physical store is no longer worth the cost of operation. in the article by Sarah Kleiner Varble, a spokesperson for Hallmark, who is also closing a store, said the card company, "has taken a big hit because consumers tend to put birthday messages on Facebook or send e-cards for special occasions"
This is a case where technology is a win-lose. The winner is the consumer who can save money by not purchasing a card or a yummy treat. The loser is the person who needs the job at the store. According to Rick Caruso, ' Within 10 to 15 years , the typical U.S. mall, unless it is completely reinvented will be a{n} historical anachronism-a 60-year aberration that no longer meets the public's needs, the retailers' needs, or the community's needs."
I had promised you all a few things and I do mean to get to them
MEAL PLANNING
I know that sounds a lot like a budget and most people hate the idea of both. Of course, I know that none of you feel that way and I am sure you all make a budget every payday. If not we will deal with that later.
There are many reasons to have a meal plan. First it can help you keep a balanced diet with healthy meals and lots of fruits and veggies. It also helps you to create a list of what you need before you go to the store. If you only buy what you need for the week or pay period, you will have a little leftover to take advantage of specials to stock up. The best reason for a meal plan in my opinion is that you do not have to look at the clock at 4:00 in the afternoon and in a panic say what is for dinner. I hate that.
I set up a weekly calendar of 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. I did this years ago because needed to have some order in meal preparation and a weapon against picky eaters.( I will explain that later.) I used Microsoft word and set up a grid with spaces for the meals and snacks.
Now, let's take a moment and be real. Before you panic and start pulling out your cookbooks trying to fill in each grid with some big fancy meal, think about what you eat already. I usually eat the same thing most mornings for breakfast. I do this because I am not awake enough to be creative before my first cup of coffee. I bet you aren't either. If you are trying to rush kids out the door, or you homeschool and they are making their own breakfast, how much mess do you want with making pancakes or something else that you have to cook.I love a big breakfast. However, Monday through Friday it is not practical. So what do you eat? Write it in the spaces for breakfast.
We will continue this later. get to work and send me your suggestions and ideas!
T
A happy, snowy day to all! We are all waiting for the next snow storm to arrive, but at the moment it is sunny and beautiful. I had Little Man earn $20 for shoveling the drive way and sidewalk, but now it is melting off in the rest of the neighborhood. I should have waited until tomorrow.
IN THE NEWS!
I saw in the Sunday paper that several stores are leaving MacArthur mall. I am particularly disappointed at the exit of Harry and David. Hubby loves their Moose Munch. I suspect that this is another example of the changing retail market. So many people shop online that a lot of traditional retailers are finding that an actual, physical store is no longer worth the cost of operation. in the article by Sarah Kleiner Varble, a spokesperson for Hallmark, who is also closing a store, said the card company, "has taken a big hit because consumers tend to put birthday messages on Facebook or send e-cards for special occasions"
This is a case where technology is a win-lose. The winner is the consumer who can save money by not purchasing a card or a yummy treat. The loser is the person who needs the job at the store. According to Rick Caruso, ' Within 10 to 15 years , the typical U.S. mall, unless it is completely reinvented will be a{n} historical anachronism-a 60-year aberration that no longer meets the public's needs, the retailers' needs, or the community's needs."
I had promised you all a few things and I do mean to get to them
MEAL PLANNING
I know that sounds a lot like a budget and most people hate the idea of both. Of course, I know that none of you feel that way and I am sure you all make a budget every payday. If not we will deal with that later.
There are many reasons to have a meal plan. First it can help you keep a balanced diet with healthy meals and lots of fruits and veggies. It also helps you to create a list of what you need before you go to the store. If you only buy what you need for the week or pay period, you will have a little leftover to take advantage of specials to stock up. The best reason for a meal plan in my opinion is that you do not have to look at the clock at 4:00 in the afternoon and in a panic say what is for dinner. I hate that.
I set up a weekly calendar of 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. I did this years ago because needed to have some order in meal preparation and a weapon against picky eaters.( I will explain that later.) I used Microsoft word and set up a grid with spaces for the meals and snacks.
Now, let's take a moment and be real. Before you panic and start pulling out your cookbooks trying to fill in each grid with some big fancy meal, think about what you eat already. I usually eat the same thing most mornings for breakfast. I do this because I am not awake enough to be creative before my first cup of coffee. I bet you aren't either. If you are trying to rush kids out the door, or you homeschool and they are making their own breakfast, how much mess do you want with making pancakes or something else that you have to cook.I love a big breakfast. However, Monday through Friday it is not practical. So what do you eat? Write it in the spaces for breakfast.
We will continue this later. get to work and send me your suggestions and ideas!
T
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
a couple of articles of interest
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is ready to start the new year.
I am not a big resolution gal, but I do like to spend some time in the quiet post-holiday season thinking about what happened last year and considering what I want to change this year. In that mind set, I do have some things that I want to try to do differently:
I want to eat at home more. I was guilty this last year of taking advantage of many of the fine eating establishments (and some not so fine) of my home town. Now that DH is home (mostly) I want to eat at home. Of course that involves my having to plan meals and shopping trips. Thankfully, all of the men in my house can cook so that helps to get the food on the table.
I want to buy more of everything I purchase in my own town. I have a lot of reasons for this. Actually, I have one main reason and several other reasons. First and most of all, I hate traffic. I would rather pay a little more and not have to spend the time and gas to crossover to another city. Seriously, when I consider the value of my time and the wear and tear on my vehicle, is the savings really worth it? If you need another reason, I want to support local merchants, even if they are chains, because they are the ones who provide jobs in my town. I would rather spend my money to help the economy here. Last of all, I don't want to provide revenue to a city that I don't get to vote in.
I want use more of what I already have. The Environmental movement has the slogan "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". You can apply this in a lot of ways in a lot of areas of your budget. If you are shopping for a new home, how big a house do you really need? There are a lot of people saddled with big houses and crippling mortgages so they can live in a McMansion in the "right"neighborhood. It is sad because they are now slaves to that house. Why did they buy it? to impress other people with where they live? to have a place to entertain? I will tell you the truth. I have lived in this area for a long time and the "right" neighborhood changes about every 5-8 years. And how often do you entertain? I know some people have a real gift for this (I do not) but if this is just for family who come and stay once a year you are really better off saving some money and getting them a room at the hotel or traveling to see them.
So, do you have any money resolutions for the new year? Anyone up for a challenge?
How about this:
Make, shop for and execute a meal plan for two weeks. I have had a meal plan for many years and will tell you more about it in two weeks. (Sorry, but my birthday is next week so I will be busy).
I will show you how I did it, and how to use it. I will also want to hear from you about great websites and other resources for planning meals.
That is all for now. I look forward to hearing from you in the new year.
T
.
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is ready to start the new year.
I am not a big resolution gal, but I do like to spend some time in the quiet post-holiday season thinking about what happened last year and considering what I want to change this year. In that mind set, I do have some things that I want to try to do differently:
I want to eat at home more. I was guilty this last year of taking advantage of many of the fine eating establishments (and some not so fine) of my home town. Now that DH is home (mostly) I want to eat at home. Of course that involves my having to plan meals and shopping trips. Thankfully, all of the men in my house can cook so that helps to get the food on the table.
I want to buy more of everything I purchase in my own town. I have a lot of reasons for this. Actually, I have one main reason and several other reasons. First and most of all, I hate traffic. I would rather pay a little more and not have to spend the time and gas to crossover to another city. Seriously, when I consider the value of my time and the wear and tear on my vehicle, is the savings really worth it? If you need another reason, I want to support local merchants, even if they are chains, because they are the ones who provide jobs in my town. I would rather spend my money to help the economy here. Last of all, I don't want to provide revenue to a city that I don't get to vote in.
I want use more of what I already have. The Environmental movement has the slogan "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". You can apply this in a lot of ways in a lot of areas of your budget. If you are shopping for a new home, how big a house do you really need? There are a lot of people saddled with big houses and crippling mortgages so they can live in a McMansion in the "right"neighborhood. It is sad because they are now slaves to that house. Why did they buy it? to impress other people with where they live? to have a place to entertain? I will tell you the truth. I have lived in this area for a long time and the "right" neighborhood changes about every 5-8 years. And how often do you entertain? I know some people have a real gift for this (I do not) but if this is just for family who come and stay once a year you are really better off saving some money and getting them a room at the hotel or traveling to see them.
So, do you have any money resolutions for the new year? Anyone up for a challenge?
How about this:
Make, shop for and execute a meal plan for two weeks. I have had a meal plan for many years and will tell you more about it in two weeks. (Sorry, but my birthday is next week so I will be busy).
I will show you how I did it, and how to use it. I will also want to hear from you about great websites and other resources for planning meals.
That is all for now. I look forward to hearing from you in the new year.
T
.
Monday, December 8, 2014
So how are your holiday plans going?
I have already received one Christmas Card by mail. Some people are too organized!
As we are running about shopping, I want to throw this out to the community
The Big Money Question of the Week
What would you do with Military Circle Mall?
Back in November a panel of local business people sat down with the VA Pilot to discuss the future of Military Circle Mall. The topic was what should be done with it. Here are the facts:
They have lost the Double Tree Hotel and two of the anchor stores (JC Penny and Sears). There are a lot of empty shop fronts and traffic is low. It has a good location and it used to be a great shopping hub.
So what happened? Is it the internet? Is it the fact that people are in a hurry and don't want to have to walk the whole mall to get what they want? Other malls are doing well like MacArthur and Lynnhaven, so it is too much competition?
Of course the ultimate question is, what can be done with it?
What are your ideas? Can the site be reworked like Coliseum Mall in Hampton, or is it just over.
Thrift Store Review
One of the reasons for starting this blog was to share my thrift store experience. I have been frequenting thrift stores in this area since I was in high school and I have accumulated a lot of knowledge of where they are and what you can find where. While I do have my own list of favorites I want to share, please feel free to contact me about ones that you know and love.
I have already received one Christmas Card by mail. Some people are too organized!
As we are running about shopping, I want to throw this out to the community
The Big Money Question of the Week
What would you do with Military Circle Mall?
Back in November a panel of local business people sat down with the VA Pilot to discuss the future of Military Circle Mall. The topic was what should be done with it. Here are the facts:
They have lost the Double Tree Hotel and two of the anchor stores (JC Penny and Sears). There are a lot of empty shop fronts and traffic is low. It has a good location and it used to be a great shopping hub.
So what happened? Is it the internet? Is it the fact that people are in a hurry and don't want to have to walk the whole mall to get what they want? Other malls are doing well like MacArthur and Lynnhaven, so it is too much competition?
Of course the ultimate question is, what can be done with it?
What are your ideas? Can the site be reworked like Coliseum Mall in Hampton, or is it just over.
Thrift Store Review
One of the reasons for starting this blog was to share my thrift store experience. I have been frequenting thrift stores in this area since I was in high school and I have accumulated a lot of knowledge of where they are and what you can find where. While I do have my own list of favorites I want to share, please feel free to contact me about ones that you know and love.
Name of store and location
Charity
|
Second Chance Thrift
Supports the SPCA
|
Contact info and hours
|
Contact Info
Web:
www.secondchancethrift4pets.com
5193 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
(757)318-7387
9 to 7 (I assume this is M-Sat, but the website doesn’t say.)
|
What’s nearby and how is parking
|
Lake Shores Plaza
JEB Little Creek,
Mexican restaurant
Chinese take out
Food Lion
Taco Bell
Arby’s
Plenty of parking
|
Layout and organization
|
It is clean comfortable, well lit and organized but not spacious.
There is a decent selection of clothing for men, but as small boys
section
They have beautiful furniture sets that are well displayed.
VHS, books and households are in the second room; there is a lot of
variety and the items are generally of good quality.
|
Special features
|
|
Special deals
|
Outside book table
Outside clothing
rack
Military discount
Punch card
|
Pricing base
This is based on a hypothetical purchase of an interview outfit for a
woman.
I white button down shirt
A nice jacket
A pair of black pants _not jeans or dockers
A pair of dress shoes
And a good bag
|
Pants $4.99
Shoes $3.99
Bag $5.99
Coat $11.99
On the day I went I could not find a white button down shirt, so I chose
a turtleneck sweater. This might work if you have a great jacket, which I
found for $11.99.
Turtle neck-$4.99
Total-$31.95
|
Score-7/7
|
6.75 out of 7.
This is one of my favorite spots. It is just down from our favorite
take out Chinese restaurant and I usually order dinner and stroll down to
have a look. It is well worth the trip.
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