Vicki, your Avon lady.
www.youravon.com/vicki210
Monday, January 28, 2013
Saturday, July 21, 2012
School Supplies
I just have to get this off my chest.
Every year, about this time, we see the stores filling with school supplies, the promises of hopes and dreams of a good education, good teachers, and great experiences for our children.
We anxiously await the sales, plan our shopping very carefully, sometimes even going to the store an hour or so earlier to try to beat the shoppers that will be jamming the isles while they are doing their restocking and looking for the items on their childs back to school supply list.
So here is my beef:
Just today, the San Antonio Freecycle moderators had to put up a post stating NOT TO ASK FOR CHARITY SUPPLIES, then they provided a link for people to get free supplies.
Below, color changed for clarity, is a copy of the letter that came in my email.
Greetings!
We know times are tough for most everyone these days but we are receiving many posts asking for school supplies. We want to remind you that Freecycle is here to keep things from going to the landfill, not a charity. Asking for used clothing, backpacks, ect is fine but asking for paper, pencils, ect is not. Due to this, all wanted posts are going to be more closely watched and edited.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Your San Antonio Freecycle Moderators
ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!???
Every single parent with a school age child knows this is something that has to be done every year. Is there really any reason for this begging for free supplies stuff???
If you have a child, why can't you put away $1.00 a week per child into a special school supplies fund?
I have been checking my daughter's school website on a weekly basis since February waiting for the 2012-2013 supply list to come out.
I know that in June the supplies will be stocked up, I also know that starting in Late July those same stores will be putting these items on sale.
And I am one of the lucky ones that lives in a state that will give me a tax free weekend on top of all of that. But I am seriously not going to sit in the lines for 2 hours just to save 8 cents on the dollar on a 17 cent item. Just pay the damn tax. really.
I am just really angry and pissed off that for as cheap as school supplies are, and for as much time and knowledge as we have to get it all together, there are still people who expect something for nothing. That is damn shameful.
It is to the point that no one takes responsibilty for themselves and their actions anymore, then expects then general populace to bail them out.
I don't want to see a kid suffer in school for lack of supplies, but the parents need to get it together.
Or better yet, since school uniforms are becoming the norm, why can't the school also get backpacks with the school logo, fill it with the needed supplies, then sell it for 15% over their cost? Even Walmart.com has a bundle that has basic supplies and a back pack for a low price. It would be a great fundraiser for the PTA.
Keep in mind, it is only the basics, but it is a good start.
Get it in gear people. You have 12-13 years of school supplies ahead of you if your kids are just starting. The rest of you have done this long enough to know better.
Every year, about this time, we see the stores filling with school supplies, the promises of hopes and dreams of a good education, good teachers, and great experiences for our children.
We anxiously await the sales, plan our shopping very carefully, sometimes even going to the store an hour or so earlier to try to beat the shoppers that will be jamming the isles while they are doing their restocking and looking for the items on their childs back to school supply list.
So here is my beef:
Just today, the San Antonio Freecycle moderators had to put up a post stating NOT TO ASK FOR CHARITY SUPPLIES, then they provided a link for people to get free supplies.
Below, color changed for clarity, is a copy of the letter that came in my email.
Greetings!
We know times are tough for most everyone these days but we are receiving many posts asking for school supplies. We want to remind you that Freecycle is here to keep things from going to the landfill, not a charity. Asking for used clothing, backpacks, ect is fine but asking for paper, pencils, ect is not. Due to this, all wanted posts are going to be more closely watched and edited.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Your San Antonio Freecycle Moderators
ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!???
Every single parent with a school age child knows this is something that has to be done every year. Is there really any reason for this begging for free supplies stuff???
If you have a child, why can't you put away $1.00 a week per child into a special school supplies fund?
I have been checking my daughter's school website on a weekly basis since February waiting for the 2012-2013 supply list to come out.
I know that in June the supplies will be stocked up, I also know that starting in Late July those same stores will be putting these items on sale.
And I am one of the lucky ones that lives in a state that will give me a tax free weekend on top of all of that. But I am seriously not going to sit in the lines for 2 hours just to save 8 cents on the dollar on a 17 cent item. Just pay the damn tax. really.
Let me give you a preview of what I was able to purchase today:
6 of the folders (one in each color for all her classes) at $0.15 each. 0.90
2 10 count packages of the ink pens at $0.50 each. +1.00
A pencil sharpener with the cap at $0.77 each. +0.77
20 count package of #2 pencils at $1.14 a box +1.14
2 packages of the Avery tab dividers at $0.88 each +1.76
6 of the 1 subject themebooks at $0.17 cents each +1.02
5 packages of 150 sheet count wide ruled paper @ $0.80 each +4.00
_______________________
GRAND TOTAL: $10.59
This amount is before taxes. She now has 90% of her school supplies at just over $10.00.
I know people that spend that in coffee and soda A DAY!!
What is wrong with these people?
What is wrong with these people?
Why can't they prepare? Why wait till the last minute then complain about the time and cost of what they know they have to do.
Please Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Favorite Aunties and Uncles. Just find out what your local school is, print a generic list. Get some of those supplies and keep them on hand.
I am getting a 2nd load of supplies next week to cover the mid term restock that is going to be required.
If you have a child that is only 3 or 4, start getting them supplies now.
Hell, even Walmart has printer paper around the $2.50 point. How many of you have home offices? That is a great deal on paper.
Crayons can be purchased for at little as $0.25. Crayola brand colored pencils are as low as $0.97 cents. Just get it all now, and hold it for a year if you have too.
I even found Scientific calculators (required in 6th, 7th, an 8th grade) at the local Dollar Tree. Whew, just saved $11.00 - $70.00 there. Since it is only a buck, we can afford it if it gets lost or stolen. I may have to go back and get a few more that she can share with friends?
I know that total I will make about 3 - 4 runs for supplies this summer, but, I won't have to go in December when all the prices have gone back up. I may not have to go at all next year as she will still have stock from this year.
And, God (ess) forbid that any of her classmates meet tragedy such as fire, emergency move, etc, I will have enough suplies on hand that I can pull together a starter bag to help that child get back to school. All for around $10.00.
Any one who knows me is aware that right now I have no job. I am unemployed, broke, out of scratch, etc. But I knew I would have to get supplies. So, when I was working, I stocked up what I could and put some money away.
My daughter is not going to be brand new label clothing. She knows this. I want to give it to her, but she is 11. Why does she need $50.00 jeans? I can go to Goodwill, support a charity, maybe get that same label jean for $4.99. She is only going to grow out of it in a few months anyway.
I am just really angry and pissed off that for as cheap as school supplies are, and for as much time and knowledge as we have to get it all together, there are still people who expect something for nothing. That is damn shameful.
It is to the point that no one takes responsibilty for themselves and their actions anymore, then expects then general populace to bail them out.
I don't want to see a kid suffer in school for lack of supplies, but the parents need to get it together.
Or better yet, since school uniforms are becoming the norm, why can't the school also get backpacks with the school logo, fill it with the needed supplies, then sell it for 15% over their cost? Even Walmart.com has a bundle that has basic supplies and a back pack for a low price. It would be a great fundraiser for the PTA.
Keep in mind, it is only the basics, but it is a good start.
Get it in gear people. You have 12-13 years of school supplies ahead of you if your kids are just starting. The rest of you have done this long enough to know better.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Welcome to the Land of Piss Me Off: Laundry Soap Dilema Solved
Welcome to the Land of Piss Me Off: Laundry Soap Dilema Solved: Where do I start with this one? I know, lets start at the begining. I typically purchase liquid laundry detergent. As I buy in the ...
Laundry Soap Dilema Solved
I know, lets start at the begining.
I typically purchase liquid laundry detergent. As I buy in the big "lay down" style jug, I don't often pay attention to the amount of liquid in the jug.
Only when I see the liquid trickle in the cap, do I lift the jug to see (by weight), how much liquid is left. Then I can make a run to the store to get my replacement jug.
I also think of all the manufacturer's out there that are trying to "Go Green". If they don't put dyes in their liquid product, why put it in the jug that is going to hold the product?
If the Big Blue Box Store can carry a beverage dispenser that is translucent (see thru), why can't the manufacturers do the same thing?
One of the laundry soap products I have seen recently is a cardboard container, about the size of a dish soap bottle. Eh, not really a well thought out concept. After all, who wants to pay over $12.00 for a bottle as big as a Dishsoap Bottle just because it is made from recycled cardboard.
If the Laundry Soap Companies really want to make an impact, they should go the way of the companies that are using refill bags. I know of a few, but won't mention them here as I don't want to risk copyright infringement by mentioning any of the companies by name.
The concept is this: you buy a cute hand soap bottle that has a pump. then when empty, you just buy the liquid refills that come in a sturdy bag. That bag is made from recycled materials, weighs less then the cardboard box bottle, and will be much easier to store, ship, package, etc.
This jug is a 2 gallon beverage dispenser. If you choose to follow this idea, please make sure that you tighten the spigot before adding the fluid. I did not check that and lost the equivelent of a teaspoon or so before I realized. If you don't mind, can you also give me a credit on this idea so people can come see what else I have written?
As a precaution, I am going to get some caulking and seal the spigot since my refill air flow hole is at the top of the container.
I also like the fact the "air flow control" is on the top of the jug. On the liquid laundry soap, the air flow cap is in a place where if you bump against it, you are likely to spin the cap off, have it roll away and never see it again.
One of the best things about this jug is the fact it is see thru. I can tell with a glance how much soap I have left before I have to pull out some more.
It has a wide hole on the top to make it very easy for refills.
I am sure I am going to be coming back at some point and editing this post.
Thank you all for stopping in to see this. Please feel free to share and post on your facebook pages, twitter link, and pinterest my pics as well. Please give credit where credit is due, and hope to see you all again soon.
Friday, December 2, 2011
So I have been laid up in bed for the whole week. It started with a migraine, went to a sinus headache, then went to the flu. Today is the first day all week I have even wanted to be out of bed. My first impulse is to clean my house, but I know that will sap any and all energy I have. Besides, I have to go to work and clean someone elses house. My one client has been increadably understanding about me taking the week off of her so I can rest, and not risk her kids getting sick. Thank you Boss Lady.
I hate being sick, I hate losing a weeks worth of wages, but I also like not passing this crud on to a family that I love working for.
I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I am grateful that Paul does not expect me to get everything done right away. I am grateful I will have a job to go back to on Monday. Most employers would have canned me for missing more then 3 days.
I will come back later, energy permitting and try to start getting things caught up.
I hope things will get back on track quickly. I can't afford to keep missing work.
I hate being sick, I hate losing a weeks worth of wages, but I also like not passing this crud on to a family that I love working for.
I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I am grateful that Paul does not expect me to get everything done right away. I am grateful I will have a job to go back to on Monday. Most employers would have canned me for missing more then 3 days.
I will come back later, energy permitting and try to start getting things caught up.
I hope things will get back on track quickly. I can't afford to keep missing work.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Kick the Bucket Bash
I have had the most amazing week with my Momma.
She was fun to hang out with, fun to talk to, fun to get to see again, and best of all, she said I did a good job planning her vaca.
There are a few things that did not go as planned but they were so minor, it was no big deal at all.
I will be doing more on this at a later date, but she did inspire me to do something that has been in the back of my mind for some time.
As everyone knows, I live in San Antonio, TX. It is a place rich with history, historical landmarks and buildings, amazing architecture, and just when you least expect it, a piece of art work will pop up out of no where and surprise you.
I am going to start a 2nd blog or just post to this one, and call it Sights of San Antonio. I am going to spend at least one ay a month exploring a new to me part of the city. I am going to give you the highlights and lowlights of the area and let you decide on your own if it is worth visiting.
If you have a special area in San Antonio that you would like me to visit, please, ask me, and I will make it happen for you. I will give some of the usual known tour guide book stuff, but I will strive to find the hidden secret in each place that makes it a special place to visit.
She was fun to hang out with, fun to talk to, fun to get to see again, and best of all, she said I did a good job planning her vaca.
There are a few things that did not go as planned but they were so minor, it was no big deal at all.
I will be doing more on this at a later date, but she did inspire me to do something that has been in the back of my mind for some time.
As everyone knows, I live in San Antonio, TX. It is a place rich with history, historical landmarks and buildings, amazing architecture, and just when you least expect it, a piece of art work will pop up out of no where and surprise you.
I am going to start a 2nd blog or just post to this one, and call it Sights of San Antonio. I am going to spend at least one ay a month exploring a new to me part of the city. I am going to give you the highlights and lowlights of the area and let you decide on your own if it is worth visiting.
If you have a special area in San Antonio that you would like me to visit, please, ask me, and I will make it happen for you. I will give some of the usual known tour guide book stuff, but I will strive to find the hidden secret in each place that makes it a special place to visit.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Baking Spree
This week has been an interesting week.
Will leave it at that.
But on the other side of this coin, I got some much needed detailed cleaning done in my own home.
I have banana bread baking in the oven, Paul is sleeping in. He needs the rest, so I am doing quiet cleaning. I have my kitchen 90% done (just waiting for the dishes in the dishwasher to dry so they can be put away).
I have a few more dishes to do, then I am going to start inventory of what is in the pantry. I need to get it cleaned and sorted before My Mom comes out for a visit.
I know there is several times in my life I have disapointed my Mom. Just things a daughter does, regardless of how old we get.
My mom, has my entire life, joked (?????) that by the time she was 63 she was going to kick the bucket. Well, her 63rd birthday has come and gone. She is still here. Thank the God or Godess of your choice for that.
I deciced that I am going to bring to her San Antonio for a week to celebrate. I have not seen her in 5 years. Yep, I am scared for her to come visit.
Will my apartment be good enough for her? Will She have a good time? Will I be able to give her enough to do with out tiring her out? Will she be bored? Will she tell me she is having a good time when she really isn't?
How long will it be before I get to see her again? Will I get to see her again? Longevity is not a blessing in our family?
Will she approve of my Mate, My Best Friend, and my chosen partner?
There is so many unknowns with this visit. All I can do is the best I can do, and hope it meets her approval.
I love Mom. I am glad I will be getting to see her. I am also scared to see her. But I suppose any one is scared to have the Parental Unit come visit when the relationship has been strained at best.
Just pray this is a good visit, and things turn out for the best.
Will leave it at that.
But on the other side of this coin, I got some much needed detailed cleaning done in my own home.
I have banana bread baking in the oven, Paul is sleeping in. He needs the rest, so I am doing quiet cleaning. I have my kitchen 90% done (just waiting for the dishes in the dishwasher to dry so they can be put away).
I have a few more dishes to do, then I am going to start inventory of what is in the pantry. I need to get it cleaned and sorted before My Mom comes out for a visit.
I know there is several times in my life I have disapointed my Mom. Just things a daughter does, regardless of how old we get.
My mom, has my entire life, joked (?????) that by the time she was 63 she was going to kick the bucket. Well, her 63rd birthday has come and gone. She is still here. Thank the God or Godess of your choice for that.
I deciced that I am going to bring to her San Antonio for a week to celebrate. I have not seen her in 5 years. Yep, I am scared for her to come visit.
Will my apartment be good enough for her? Will She have a good time? Will I be able to give her enough to do with out tiring her out? Will she be bored? Will she tell me she is having a good time when she really isn't?
How long will it be before I get to see her again? Will I get to see her again? Longevity is not a blessing in our family?
Will she approve of my Mate, My Best Friend, and my chosen partner?
There is so many unknowns with this visit. All I can do is the best I can do, and hope it meets her approval.
I love Mom. I am glad I will be getting to see her. I am also scared to see her. But I suppose any one is scared to have the Parental Unit come visit when the relationship has been strained at best.
Just pray this is a good visit, and things turn out for the best.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Best Buy attempted to rip us off
So last night, 9/27/11, Paul and I decided to get out of the house for a few. We headed over to Best Buy where he had a $45.00 and a $40.00 gift certificate to burn.
He decided that he was going to get the 6 pack movie set of Star Wars. They had two price tags on the item of $124.99 and $99.99.
Next to that, there was a Darth Vader tshirt, which you could buy for $9.99 or (as it plainly stated on the yellow price tag) Gift with purchase. After double checking with a floor person, we were assured that the tshirt would be free.
We gather our items, head to the check out were we were promptly charged $2.34 for the tshirt. When questioning the cashier, we were told that the free tshirt was a first week only promo and he would not honor it. I told him "You're price tag says it is free, your floor people stated it was going to be a free shirt, I don't feel it is fair that we are being charged. We don't get the ads, we don't see any sign stating that sale is no longer valid, and if it is no longer valid, you need to get some one out there removing the old tags, and re-pricing them corectly." Paul at this point is sorry he took me there.
I am not going to apologize for my actions. The big box stores were trying to rip us off, and I was trying to save Paul some money. I don't care that is was $2.34 that I was trying to save him. By the end of the day, all the Best Buys that try this and get away with it are making a huge amount of money by the customers who won't protest and raise a fuss.
After talking to managment, it was agreeded, that they were in the wrong, we got the shirt for free, and Paul is mad at me. I was not yelling and screaming and having a fit. I calmly told the cashier I would not stand for being ripped off.
Was I wrong? I don't think so. After all, Welcome to the Land of Piss me Off is all about exposing the people that give crappy customer service.
I will continue my struggle to do stand up and do right, even if I am the only one standing.
He decided that he was going to get the 6 pack movie set of Star Wars. They had two price tags on the item of $124.99 and $99.99.
Next to that, there was a Darth Vader tshirt, which you could buy for $9.99 or (as it plainly stated on the yellow price tag) Gift with purchase. After double checking with a floor person, we were assured that the tshirt would be free.
We gather our items, head to the check out were we were promptly charged $2.34 for the tshirt. When questioning the cashier, we were told that the free tshirt was a first week only promo and he would not honor it. I told him "You're price tag says it is free, your floor people stated it was going to be a free shirt, I don't feel it is fair that we are being charged. We don't get the ads, we don't see any sign stating that sale is no longer valid, and if it is no longer valid, you need to get some one out there removing the old tags, and re-pricing them corectly." Paul at this point is sorry he took me there.
I am not going to apologize for my actions. The big box stores were trying to rip us off, and I was trying to save Paul some money. I don't care that is was $2.34 that I was trying to save him. By the end of the day, all the Best Buys that try this and get away with it are making a huge amount of money by the customers who won't protest and raise a fuss.
After talking to managment, it was agreeded, that they were in the wrong, we got the shirt for free, and Paul is mad at me. I was not yelling and screaming and having a fit. I calmly told the cashier I would not stand for being ripped off.
Was I wrong? I don't think so. After all, Welcome to the Land of Piss me Off is all about exposing the people that give crappy customer service.
I will continue my struggle to do stand up and do right, even if I am the only one standing.
Money saving tip for 9/28/11
Todays money saving tip is brought to you by the letter W.
W as in Water. I personally use a 5 gallon refillable jug. It weighs 48 pounds when full of water. It is heavy to lug up to a 2nd story apt. But I am glad I use it. I save I don't know how much plastic on the single serving 20 ounce water bottles. I also use a refillable sports bottle for my single servings. It holds up to 24 ounces, so I can get my morning quotient of water as I am working or commuting on my bus trips.
But for those of you that use the 20 ounce water bottles, what do you do with the water that is left over?
Some people use that water to fill up their pets water bowls, which is a fantastic idea, but when the bowls are full, and you have water left, what happens to it? Some people use the left over water to water their houseplants. Fantastic idea. But I have no indoor houseplants. Not yet anyway.
I do have outdoor plants though. I went to a big box hardware store, purchased a 3 gallon insectide sprayer with an extendable wand. I put all my leftover water (including my dirty pet water) in that sprayer. I use that to water my plants.
Here in San Antonio, where there is watering restrictions, people can litteraly get fined for watering their lawn on days they are not allowed to water on, so if you have a green lawn, you can expect a visit from a city water inspector to find out why your lawn is lush and green and your neighbors lawns is akin to a dust bowl.
When you put your left over bottled water in that sprayer, you can water your lawn all you wish. You already paid for the water. Why not use it accordingly? You are not taxing the current water system. You are not running up your home water bill. You can have a lusher lawn. And you can't get fined for resuing something that would just get poured down the drain anyway.
I know times are tough, I know people don't have any money, but if you can spend the $8.00-$10.00 to get one 5 gallon water bottle that can be refilled for an average of $1.20-1.50 per trip. Or you can continue to pay $5.00+ for one package of 24 bottle of water. I will research the numbers later and expand on this to show average savings.
I will bring you more tips to save money as I can get them.
Please, if you have a money saving tip that you want to share, please send it to me. I will post it and give you proper authors credit if you so desire.
W as in Water. I personally use a 5 gallon refillable jug. It weighs 48 pounds when full of water. It is heavy to lug up to a 2nd story apt. But I am glad I use it. I save I don't know how much plastic on the single serving 20 ounce water bottles. I also use a refillable sports bottle for my single servings. It holds up to 24 ounces, so I can get my morning quotient of water as I am working or commuting on my bus trips.
But for those of you that use the 20 ounce water bottles, what do you do with the water that is left over?
Some people use that water to fill up their pets water bowls, which is a fantastic idea, but when the bowls are full, and you have water left, what happens to it? Some people use the left over water to water their houseplants. Fantastic idea. But I have no indoor houseplants. Not yet anyway.
I do have outdoor plants though. I went to a big box hardware store, purchased a 3 gallon insectide sprayer with an extendable wand. I put all my leftover water (including my dirty pet water) in that sprayer. I use that to water my plants.
Here in San Antonio, where there is watering restrictions, people can litteraly get fined for watering their lawn on days they are not allowed to water on, so if you have a green lawn, you can expect a visit from a city water inspector to find out why your lawn is lush and green and your neighbors lawns is akin to a dust bowl.
When you put your left over bottled water in that sprayer, you can water your lawn all you wish. You already paid for the water. Why not use it accordingly? You are not taxing the current water system. You are not running up your home water bill. You can have a lusher lawn. And you can't get fined for resuing something that would just get poured down the drain anyway.
I know times are tough, I know people don't have any money, but if you can spend the $8.00-$10.00 to get one 5 gallon water bottle that can be refilled for an average of $1.20-1.50 per trip. Or you can continue to pay $5.00+ for one package of 24 bottle of water. I will research the numbers later and expand on this to show average savings.
I will bring you more tips to save money as I can get them.
Please, if you have a money saving tip that you want to share, please send it to me. I will post it and give you proper authors credit if you so desire.
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