I have to tell you, I've been a slave to those magazines and stores for too long. I've called quite a few to get OFF their list....I don't need to be spending money that we've worked so hard to save (or more importantly..NOT SPEND!) on things I don't need.
I can look over my past credit card statements and think 'What did I get here?'..or I can look at my free wicker bedroom set in our guest room and be happy to have friends and family who have donated such nice stuff to our first house.
First, at my parent's, they bought a kitchen set, a living room set and a bedroom set when they married and built the house about 25 years ago. That is the only new stuff that ever went into their house. And it was very good quality I guess because years and 4 kids later, everything is still there in good shape. Everything else comes from church basements and garage sales. Our basement is entirely furnished in used stuff, including 2 couches, and 3 armchairs, a used tv stand, used computer desk, used chairs, etc. Also, all of the kid's bedroom were furnished with used stuff. The only thing that we had that was new was those plastic drawer units and wal-mart bookshelves because those are cheaper to buy new. I never felt that I was missing out on anything because I grew up in a house like that. My parents aren't poor. Instead of throwing money away on stuff, they set up college savings account for all 4 of us that amounted to close to 50K each by the time we finished high school.
At my apartment, almost everything is used. We have a really cool, retro kitchen table with four matching chairs in light blue patent leather!! We also have a used couch, armchair, tv stand, used desks, used mattresses, etc. Honestly, I feel happier with my 'old junk' anyways; and I don't have to worry about damaging it.
of the furniture in my house is inherited and I wouldn't change a thing. I have pieces that belonged to my great grandmother, grandmothers, grandfathers, great aunts, great cousins and parents. They are gorgeous and I wouldn't change or exchange them for anything. A new cheaply made dresser cannot be compared to a dresser that belonged to my great grandmother and is mahogany and lovely and reminds me of her.
I find that every time I get one new piece, it stands out among the other new pieces, and then I feel like the old pieces need to be replaced to "match" the new one. This happens with furniture, clothing, or anything else where items are viewed as part of a set.
Just wanted to say thanks so much. I've been looking for an article just like this, basically advice on what to do if you've been laid off that's practical and even hopeful. I just got laid off last week and after reading this, I feel a lot better.
Linsey,darling, your ugly, old, stuff has a much prettier, french name- antique! I wish I had more ugly, old stuff from my family. You are right, older furniture is much better made, and can so easily be stripped, refinished, re-upholstered. My favorite "ugly old stuff" goes by the name "the hog table" because when my grandmother found it, a man was slaughtering hogs on it. She recognized it as a solid cherry gate leg dining table and bought it for a song. Refinished, it is absolutely gorgeous and is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.
So,when you are ready to get rid of those concert stickers, start by going to the hardware store and purchasing some furniture stripper and have at it!
Older, quality pieces of furniture are absolutely terrific. We have some newer things in our home that affect our quality of life (sofa, mattress) but pieces that aren't functionally affected by years of wear like dressers and bookshelves are still around.
Plus, have you noticed that on all the design websites and blogs, the "in" look features lots of distressed, vintage furniture? People pay a fortune to get that feel, and you're on the cutting edge for free. :-) It's all about perspective.
I love our old mismatched furniture for its character, its sturdy solid wood, and for the fact that it will never wear out the way newer veneered pieces will. It's paid for, mostly acquired secondhand. Even our kitchen cabinets are old and unfashionable. I agree that new items are very beautiful and tempting, so we usually avoid window shopping.
By not spending to follow styles and fashions, we are debt-free, and that is definitely a better feeling than having fancy new stuff to show off to visitors. I'm sure people think we are really poor, when they see our decor. They can think whatever they like! I hope to refinish some of our furniture, so that it will look a bit better. It's amazing how old wood can be cleaned up and restored...
I used Peapod for 3 months because I had a free delivery for 90 days deal. Not sure how often I will use it now that I have to pay for delivery, I'll be honest. I did tip, usually $3-5. Never had a problem with the coupons, I was tempted to try an expired one once, but didn't. What they do is credit you back your credit card for the amount of the coupons. They always got them correct. I also have to say, one of my issues too was spending the $100. Their specials were some GREAT deals, but the rest of their prices leave a lot to be desired, so I couldn't bring myself to buy something I knew I could get cheaper at Ultra or Jewel.
Instead of "What if you knew you were going to die", here is what I think the biggest quesiton is (for making decisions big and small):
If I am going to die the next moment, can I go with peace if I do this? If I am going now, can I forgive myself and what I have done?
This focuses on your values and priorities in life and puts your actions on course with them, and this is instead of being hedonistic and thinking "Oh, I may die soon anyways, what the hell, I will..."
My previous comment got messed up, the first paragraph should read:
My living room is furnished with a coffee table and a side table that we had as our family room furniture in the early 80's. It's really good, solid furniture and always in style. I actually sanded both pieces down and refinished them because I liked them so much.
My living room is furnished with a coffee table and a side table that we had as our family room furniture in the. It's really good, solid furniture and always in style. In the early 80's. I actually sanded both pieces down and refinished them because I liked them so much.
My mother loves antiques, so my bedroom furniture was always old--like 1800's old. But the great thing about pieces like that is the craftsmanship. All you have to do is look at the side of a dresser drawer and see the dove-tail method of assembly and you know you have some good quality furniture.
I grew up in a poor family where hand-me-downs were normal. I still remember the furniture and how I even knew exactly where to sleep on that old mattress I was given when I was 5 (kept until I was 24). Everything was comforting and mine. That is why it was a special treat when my dad surprised me during my 16th Christmas with a platform bed that looking showcase new. It was new alright but not from a store - my dad made it. The white finish gleamed and the drawers under slid perfectly. My dad was a carpenter by trade and although kitchen cabinets were his specialty, he worked at the shop on his free time to make this perfect bed for me and I loved it!
What is ironic is that when I left my family back on the east coast, I also left the realm of being "poor". With my first paycheck in hand, I started to spend like there is no tomorrow. Everything had to be new - no hand-me-downs! That was, until only a couple of years later I found myself having to replace these new but cheaply replaced items ever couple of years.
With my credit cards heavy and my heart empty, I began to get sick whenever I looked at these "new" items and found myself, one again, longing for the day where we had little and the things we cherished were the things that our loved ones would make for us. That, my friends, was the day that I knew what would fill my heart could not be bought in any store.
Wikipedia is as legitimate as a Encyclopedia as ever.
As you correctly stated, everyone can edit a Wikipedia article.
So, every change that is made to a page can be restored. In the end, on the Wikipedia, truth prevailes.
(And, anyhow, where else should you search for facts? Microsoft Encarta? Don't make me laugh.)
Many common sense answers to common interviewing questions. Thanks. Also found great answers from the Interview Doctor (interviewdoctor.wordpress.com) to tricky and strange questions and behavioral questions. Particularly like the answers to the off the wall questions and what interviewers hate.
Well, I totally understand the frustration of the shelves being empty when you have a good coupon that will double and make the product free as I went on my first outing with coupons this past week. We drove 1 hour to K-Mart that had double coupon day only to find the shelves were empty of the items I could have gotten free.
It was frustrating, but I might have done the same thing. I have a group of friends that do this and I know it seems that the items would remain on their shelves for months or even years by purchasing that many "free" items at once... but you would be surprised. We have 5 children, so we go through a lot of HBA items in a short amount of time. Those friends of mine that over-purchase actually bless others with their extra items. I am a stay at home mom and with one income times can be tough. My husband lost his job last year and times were extremely tough! It was then that I was very grateful for these friends that had overstocked shelves as they blessed us with these HBA items they had!!
So, I have been there done that with the frustration of empty shelves, but I have to think that the items are being used by someone that needs them somewhere out there!! I will just need to get to the store sooner the next time...
I've been watching my FICO on creditkarma.com for about a year now. It was pretty steady - running about 765/766 or so every month, until February 2009. It then dropped over 30 points.
I've been debt free except the house since 12/2007. I will not play the credit game anymore because it practically put me in the poor house.
I suppose I will slowly watch it go to zero, long after my house is paid off.
I have never had a late payment or bounced a check in all my 45 years.
This is something I never thought to do before, but it seems like a great way to save money on your car. I manged to find 8 recall notices for my mini-van.
There is nothing more feminine and sexy than a woman wearing a silky slip. A full slip in smooth satin or nylon, trimmed with delicate lace is perfect to wear to bed in lieu of a plain old nightgown!
Forgot to tell you that NO! You are screwed in this country regardless if you have insurance or not. If you have insurance and your have a catastrophic disease, expect to file Chapter 7 or 11 because you are going to pay tons of money anyhow. Your insurance company will screw you any ways.
I have to tell you, I've been a slave to those magazines and stores for too long. I've called quite a few to get OFF their list....I don't need to be spending money that we've worked so hard to save (or more importantly..NOT SPEND!) on things I don't need.
I can look over my past credit card statements and think 'What did I get here?'..or I can look at my free wicker bedroom set in our guest room and be happy to have friends and family who have donated such nice stuff to our first house.
I completely agree!
First, at my parent's, they bought a kitchen set, a living room set and a bedroom set when they married and built the house about 25 years ago. That is the only new stuff that ever went into their house. And it was very good quality I guess because years and 4 kids later, everything is still there in good shape. Everything else comes from church basements and garage sales. Our basement is entirely furnished in used stuff, including 2 couches, and 3 armchairs, a used tv stand, used computer desk, used chairs, etc. Also, all of the kid's bedroom were furnished with used stuff. The only thing that we had that was new was those plastic drawer units and wal-mart bookshelves because those are cheaper to buy new. I never felt that I was missing out on anything because I grew up in a house like that. My parents aren't poor. Instead of throwing money away on stuff, they set up college savings account for all 4 of us that amounted to close to 50K each by the time we finished high school.
At my apartment, almost everything is used. We have a really cool, retro kitchen table with four matching chairs in light blue patent leather!! We also have a used couch, armchair, tv stand, used desks, used mattresses, etc. Honestly, I feel happier with my 'old junk' anyways; and I don't have to worry about damaging it.
of the furniture in my house is inherited and I wouldn't change a thing. I have pieces that belonged to my great grandmother, grandmothers, grandfathers, great aunts, great cousins and parents. They are gorgeous and I wouldn't change or exchange them for anything. A new cheaply made dresser cannot be compared to a dresser that belonged to my great grandmother and is mahogany and lovely and reminds me of her.
I find that every time I get one new piece, it stands out among the other new pieces, and then I feel like the old pieces need to be replaced to "match" the new one. This happens with furniture, clothing, or anything else where items are viewed as part of a set.
Philip,
Just wanted to say thanks so much. I've been looking for an article just like this, basically advice on what to do if you've been laid off that's practical and even hopeful. I just got laid off last week and after reading this, I feel a lot better.
Linsey,darling, your ugly, old, stuff has a much prettier, french name- antique! I wish I had more ugly, old stuff from my family. You are right, older furniture is much better made, and can so easily be stripped, refinished, re-upholstered. My favorite "ugly old stuff" goes by the name "the hog table" because when my grandmother found it, a man was slaughtering hogs on it. She recognized it as a solid cherry gate leg dining table and bought it for a song. Refinished, it is absolutely gorgeous and is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.
So,when you are ready to get rid of those concert stickers, start by going to the hardware store and purchasing some furniture stripper and have at it!
Older, quality pieces of furniture are absolutely terrific. We have some newer things in our home that affect our quality of life (sofa, mattress) but pieces that aren't functionally affected by years of wear like dressers and bookshelves are still around.
Plus, have you noticed that on all the design websites and blogs, the "in" look features lots of distressed, vintage furniture? People pay a fortune to get that feel, and you're on the cutting edge for free. :-) It's all about perspective.
I love our old mismatched furniture for its character, its sturdy solid wood, and for the fact that it will never wear out the way newer veneered pieces will. It's paid for, mostly acquired secondhand. Even our kitchen cabinets are old and unfashionable. I agree that new items are very beautiful and tempting, so we usually avoid window shopping.
By not spending to follow styles and fashions, we are debt-free, and that is definitely a better feeling than having fancy new stuff to show off to visitors. I'm sure people think we are really poor, when they see our decor. They can think whatever they like! I hope to refinish some of our furniture, so that it will look a bit better. It's amazing how old wood can be cleaned up and restored...
I used Peapod for 3 months because I had a free delivery for 90 days deal. Not sure how often I will use it now that I have to pay for delivery, I'll be honest. I did tip, usually $3-5. Never had a problem with the coupons, I was tempted to try an expired one once, but didn't. What they do is credit you back your credit card for the amount of the coupons. They always got them correct. I also have to say, one of my issues too was spending the $100. Their specials were some GREAT deals, but the rest of their prices leave a lot to be desired, so I couldn't bring myself to buy something I knew I could get cheaper at Ultra or Jewel.
Linsey I completely agree with the new stuff being so much cheaper. I love old furniture because it was made to last.
-Nate
Instead of "What if you knew you were going to die", here is what I think the biggest quesiton is (for making decisions big and small):
If I am going to die the next moment, can I go with peace if I do this? If I am going now, can I forgive myself and what I have done?
This focuses on your values and priorities in life and puts your actions on course with them, and this is instead of being hedonistic and thinking "Oh, I may die soon anyways, what the hell, I will..."
So, if you die now, will you die in peace?
My stuff has a story to tell. My experiences are built into each scrape, stain, or chip.
Of course those experiences are exactly why my fiance says my stuff is ugly!
My previous comment got messed up, the first paragraph should read:
My living room is furnished with a coffee table and a side table that we had as our family room furniture in the early 80's. It's really good, solid furniture and always in style. I actually sanded both pieces down and refinished them because I liked them so much.
My living room is furnished with a coffee table and a side table that we had as our family room furniture in the. It's really good, solid furniture and always in style. In the early 80's. I actually sanded both pieces down and refinished them because I liked them so much.
My mother loves antiques, so my bedroom furniture was always old--like 1800's old. But the great thing about pieces like that is the craftsmanship. All you have to do is look at the side of a dresser drawer and see the dove-tail method of assembly and you know you have some good quality furniture.
I grew up in a poor family where hand-me-downs were normal. I still remember the furniture and how I even knew exactly where to sleep on that old mattress I was given when I was 5 (kept until I was 24). Everything was comforting and mine. That is why it was a special treat when my dad surprised me during my 16th Christmas with a platform bed that looking showcase new. It was new alright but not from a store - my dad made it. The white finish gleamed and the drawers under slid perfectly. My dad was a carpenter by trade and although kitchen cabinets were his specialty, he worked at the shop on his free time to make this perfect bed for me and I loved it!
What is ironic is that when I left my family back on the east coast, I also left the realm of being "poor". With my first paycheck in hand, I started to spend like there is no tomorrow. Everything had to be new - no hand-me-downs! That was, until only a couple of years later I found myself having to replace these new but cheaply replaced items ever couple of years.
With my credit cards heavy and my heart empty, I began to get sick whenever I looked at these "new" items and found myself, one again, longing for the day where we had little and the things we cherished were the things that our loved ones would make for us. That, my friends, was the day that I knew what would fill my heart could not be bought in any store.
Great list. Definitely worth saving.
I have a software giveaway for Taxcut 2008 this week. Anyone interested, come by my blog to get a copy. http://frugalnyc.blogspot.com/2009/02/freebie-taxcut-premium-software.html
Wikipedia is as legitimate as a Encyclopedia as ever.
As you correctly stated, everyone can edit a Wikipedia article.
So, every change that is made to a page can be restored. In the end, on the Wikipedia, truth prevailes.
(And, anyhow, where else should you search for facts? Microsoft Encarta? Don't make me laugh.)
Many common sense answers to common interviewing questions. Thanks. Also found great answers from the Interview Doctor (interviewdoctor.wordpress.com) to tricky and strange questions and behavioral questions. Particularly like the answers to the off the wall questions and what interviewers hate.
Great tip-- I'm going to check my cars . . .
Well, I totally understand the frustration of the shelves being empty when you have a good coupon that will double and make the product free as I went on my first outing with coupons this past week. We drove 1 hour to K-Mart that had double coupon day only to find the shelves were empty of the items I could have gotten free.
It was frustrating, but I might have done the same thing. I have a group of friends that do this and I know it seems that the items would remain on their shelves for months or even years by purchasing that many "free" items at once... but you would be surprised. We have 5 children, so we go through a lot of HBA items in a short amount of time. Those friends of mine that over-purchase actually bless others with their extra items. I am a stay at home mom and with one income times can be tough. My husband lost his job last year and times were extremely tough! It was then that I was very grateful for these friends that had overstocked shelves as they blessed us with these HBA items they had!!
So, I have been there done that with the frustration of empty shelves, but I have to think that the items are being used by someone that needs them somewhere out there!! I will just need to get to the store sooner the next time...
Seems eveyrhing can be done for free in this world ;)
I've been watching my FICO on creditkarma.com for about a year now. It was pretty steady - running about 765/766 or so every month, until February 2009. It then dropped over 30 points.
I've been debt free except the house since 12/2007. I will not play the credit game anymore because it practically put me in the poor house.
I suppose I will slowly watch it go to zero, long after my house is paid off.
I have never had a late payment or bounced a check in all my 45 years.
This is something I never thought to do before, but it seems like a great way to save money on your car. I manged to find 8 recall notices for my mini-van.
Thanks once again.
There is nothing more feminine and sexy than a woman wearing a silky slip. A full slip in smooth satin or nylon, trimmed with delicate lace is perfect to wear to bed in lieu of a plain old nightgown!
Forgot to tell you that NO! You are screwed in this country regardless if you have insurance or not. If you have insurance and your have a catastrophic disease, expect to file Chapter 7 or 11 because you are going to pay tons of money anyhow. Your insurance company will screw you any ways.