We really are still here!
WE ARE INTERESTED IN COMMENTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN ECONOMY and THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.
Are you personally doing well financially?
Is the cost of living in your area making it impossible for you to save money though you're employed? (What part of the country are you living in?)
When it comes to PAID WORK, are you working two or three jobs?
Have you delayed having children or limited the number of children you have, because you can't afford them?
Are you satisfied with what the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION has done for your personal finances?
LET US KNOW!
Showing posts with label Economy - United States. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economy - United States. Show all posts
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
FINDING AMERICAN MADE ITEMS IN DOLLAR AND DISCOUNT STORES - and FOOD INSECURITY IN THE UNITED STATES
We recently went to some local Dollar - Discount type stores looking for products that have been MADE IN THE USA and we did find a few, among all the imports from China and other countries.
This included a brand of contact-type paper that we hadn't heard about before.
Locally many of the Dollar-Discount stores have added FOOD purchasable using EBT-Food Stamps and so we now have to look at labels to be sure that we are buying Pineapple from Hawaii and so on.
When it comes to food, having enough to eat, we have read that Americans throw out 40 % of the food they purchase. We sure don't. We make extra meals to freeze and we eat leftovers. We hate to throw food out.
Once a year I go through the cabinets and look for expiration dates, anything we haven't gotten around to eating for whatever reason, put the stuff in bags and donate it to a local charity that feeds people once or twice a week. Volunteer chefs there use what they have to create interesting meals.
We've heard about one local charity which picks fruit off peoples backyard trees and distributes it to food banks.
We encourage you to KEEP CHECKING LABELS!
We are especially concerned about cheap imports from China. We have nothing against Chinese people. In fact, we are concerned about the pollution and the working conditions of some Chinese who are worked like machines there. We've heard that some Chinese workers have commit suicide rather than continue the work. IF WE ARE SO AMERICAN... IF WE THINK SLAVERY IS WRONG... then why would it be OK to support inhumane treatment in the workplace of people in other countries by purchasing the product that is put out in these factories.
We will continue to seek out American Made Products when buying new, and seek used items in thrift stores and garage sales.
This included a brand of contact-type paper that we hadn't heard about before.
Locally many of the Dollar-Discount stores have added FOOD purchasable using EBT-Food Stamps and so we now have to look at labels to be sure that we are buying Pineapple from Hawaii and so on.
When it comes to food, having enough to eat, we have read that Americans throw out 40 % of the food they purchase. We sure don't. We make extra meals to freeze and we eat leftovers. We hate to throw food out.
Once a year I go through the cabinets and look for expiration dates, anything we haven't gotten around to eating for whatever reason, put the stuff in bags and donate it to a local charity that feeds people once or twice a week. Volunteer chefs there use what they have to create interesting meals.
We've heard about one local charity which picks fruit off peoples backyard trees and distributes it to food banks.
We encourage you to KEEP CHECKING LABELS!
We are especially concerned about cheap imports from China. We have nothing against Chinese people. In fact, we are concerned about the pollution and the working conditions of some Chinese who are worked like machines there. We've heard that some Chinese workers have commit suicide rather than continue the work. IF WE ARE SO AMERICAN... IF WE THINK SLAVERY IS WRONG... then why would it be OK to support inhumane treatment in the workplace of people in other countries by purchasing the product that is put out in these factories.
We will continue to seek out American Made Products when buying new, and seek used items in thrift stores and garage sales.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
HERE'S SOME IDEAS FOR YOU - ECONOMICS OF A HOLIDAY SEASON - KEEPING THE SPIRIT WITHOUT SPENDING
We had a small traditional Thanksgiving feast, laid back, and let "Black Friday" and other sales events go by without a purchase. That's because we're on a budget and committed to keeping the spirit of the Holidays alive while staying on that budget. We're committed to spending our money wisely, recycling, giving away things we don't need (without a tax deduction), being innovative and creative.
We don't think that a Christmas Tree piled high with gifts is important. In fact, this year we will decorate without a Christmas Tree. The drought has raised prices on real ones and we will not buy a fake one; they're bad for our economy and not biodegradeable.
Here are some ideas for you:
Instead of buying Christmas stockings (they get bigger every year) go traditional and put out one knee sock or one shoe.
Use old Christmas cards again by using them hung on string in windows, cut them to make your own present-tags, or use them to make tree ornaments.
Use old Christmas wrap again. Cut out the ripped, taped, or worn out parts and wrap smaller gifts with it.
Use fabric scraps or scarves for gift wrap.
Don't buy a tree. There is no reason that gifts must be under a tree.
Ornaments can be shown off and appreciated by placing them in bowls for the table.
Pull out old, ethnic recipes, and give things like casseroles that can be frozen and thawed out for meals, as gifts. (Call ahead and tell the person that's what you're giving them to be sure they will appreciate it and have room in their freezer. Reuse the small #5 Plastic containers from store bought frozen meals for smaller portions.)
Have a "misfit" toy party. You and your children's friends wrap a toy they used but which is in good condition that they are through with, bake a cake, and have the kids grab bag the toys.
Don't forget about caroling; cheering up others by appearing at their door with song is still a great gift... go by the nearest Assisted Living place in your neighborhood. Last time we did this people cried "You remembered us!"
We don't think that a Christmas Tree piled high with gifts is important. In fact, this year we will decorate without a Christmas Tree. The drought has raised prices on real ones and we will not buy a fake one; they're bad for our economy and not biodegradeable.
Here are some ideas for you:
Instead of buying Christmas stockings (they get bigger every year) go traditional and put out one knee sock or one shoe.
Use old Christmas cards again by using them hung on string in windows, cut them to make your own present-tags, or use them to make tree ornaments.
Use old Christmas wrap again. Cut out the ripped, taped, or worn out parts and wrap smaller gifts with it.
Use fabric scraps or scarves for gift wrap.
Don't buy a tree. There is no reason that gifts must be under a tree.
Ornaments can be shown off and appreciated by placing them in bowls for the table.
Pull out old, ethnic recipes, and give things like casseroles that can be frozen and thawed out for meals, as gifts. (Call ahead and tell the person that's what you're giving them to be sure they will appreciate it and have room in their freezer. Reuse the small #5 Plastic containers from store bought frozen meals for smaller portions.)
Have a "misfit" toy party. You and your children's friends wrap a toy they used but which is in good condition that they are through with, bake a cake, and have the kids grab bag the toys.
Don't forget about caroling; cheering up others by appearing at their door with song is still a great gift... go by the nearest Assisted Living place in your neighborhood. Last time we did this people cried "You remembered us!"
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Saturday, November 8, 2014
AMERICAN FLAGS AND OTHER JUNK MADE IN CHINA IS NOT A PATRIOTIC PURCHASE
We needed to be reminded ourselves. When you buy party supplies like paper plates and napkins that are DESIGNED with American Flags and so on and it's stamped Made in China, that is NOT a Patriotic Purchase. Not to pick on China, but so much is imported from that country. IF IT DOESN'T SAY MADE IN THE USA it's not a Patriotic Purchase no matter how it looks. And Beware! We have found things with big American Flags on the back so you don't read the "made in China" fine print!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
CALIFORNIA PLASTIC BAG BAN : OPINION BY PATRIOTIC PURCHASE BLOGSPOT
California has now banned plastic shopping bags at stores within the whole state. (Stores we've purchased at are allowing you to provide your own, or will sell you a paper bag for a dime and sometimes give away heavy promotional plastic bags or sell heavy plastic bags, destined, they hope, for reuse. Though there have been local votes in some places, such as Los Angeles City, any further localization of this ecology driven law is pointless.
On the basis that so many plastic bags are imported from China and other countries rather made in the USA, we have for the last few years tried to find and use bags made in the USA, with little success except for cloth bags bought at Trader Joe's.
WE HAVE FOUND SHOPPING MORE CUMBERSOME THAN EVER. We really want a bag from the store we just purchased in to carry our purchase out and around. We try to carry some folded, previously used bags around, jammed in a purse or the backseat of a car, but despite our best efforts we still find ourselves out shopping and needing more bags.
We have been stopped when our own bags, bulging with purchases from more than one store, appeared suspicious to sales clerks or a buzzer went off at a store front through no fault of our own. GREAT! Recently we were carrying both Farmer's Market Produce and clothing bought on sale in one bag when we entered a third store on a shopping avenue and the buzzers went off. Then again, we were once accidently charged for a library book at a cash register when we set the book down to get the wallet out.
MANY OF THE BAGS STORES ARE CHARGING A DOLLAR TO FIVE DOLLARS FOR HEAVIER BAGS THAT STILL FALL APART RAPIDLY. Often it's the handles that detach or we see a hole in the bottom after a couple uses. Don't know how many uses you're getting from them, but we did try to machine wash a couple of them (in cold water) that looked a little stained or stinky and that did them in. These heftier bags are often also made in China or other countries, and they are badly sewn and falling apart so rapidly, and then must be thrown out. From the looks of them, they will take a very long time to degrade naturally, especially in that PLASTIC is one of the materials used for these bags, such as the ones that are plastic over woven straw.
WE THINK THE IMPACT IS ON WATERWAYS and THE OCEAN WILL EVENTUALLY BE POSITIVE, but banning plastic bags is not enough... Also what should be banned is fast food drink containers and lids and straws because this isn't so much about the bags but the LITTER BUGS WHO DON'T THROW THINGS AWAY PROPERLY... Maybe PLASTIC IN GENERAL SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED... (Can you image, no more plastic shower curtain? Picnic table cloth? ) Really that SEA OF PLASTIC IN THE PACIFIC THAT'S THE SIZE OF TEXAS is VERY TELLING... However, SINCE PLASTIC BAGS ARE NECESSARY TO THROW TRASH OUT IN and the bags themselves go to the LANDFILLS we are not sure really how the plastic shopping bag ban will improve the ecological impact ON LAND!
WE JUST THINK THE COST OF THE BAGS WENT TO THE CONSUMER INSTEAD OF THE STORE.
Another phenomena is that BRING YOUR OWN BAGS seems to mean BAG YOUR OWN BAGS! That is also saving stores money they should be paying employees.
On the basis that so many plastic bags are imported from China and other countries rather made in the USA, we have for the last few years tried to find and use bags made in the USA, with little success except for cloth bags bought at Trader Joe's.
WE HAVE FOUND SHOPPING MORE CUMBERSOME THAN EVER. We really want a bag from the store we just purchased in to carry our purchase out and around. We try to carry some folded, previously used bags around, jammed in a purse or the backseat of a car, but despite our best efforts we still find ourselves out shopping and needing more bags.
We have been stopped when our own bags, bulging with purchases from more than one store, appeared suspicious to sales clerks or a buzzer went off at a store front through no fault of our own. GREAT! Recently we were carrying both Farmer's Market Produce and clothing bought on sale in one bag when we entered a third store on a shopping avenue and the buzzers went off. Then again, we were once accidently charged for a library book at a cash register when we set the book down to get the wallet out.
MANY OF THE BAGS STORES ARE CHARGING A DOLLAR TO FIVE DOLLARS FOR HEAVIER BAGS THAT STILL FALL APART RAPIDLY. Often it's the handles that detach or we see a hole in the bottom after a couple uses. Don't know how many uses you're getting from them, but we did try to machine wash a couple of them (in cold water) that looked a little stained or stinky and that did them in. These heftier bags are often also made in China or other countries, and they are badly sewn and falling apart so rapidly, and then must be thrown out. From the looks of them, they will take a very long time to degrade naturally, especially in that PLASTIC is one of the materials used for these bags, such as the ones that are plastic over woven straw.
WE THINK THE IMPACT IS ON WATERWAYS and THE OCEAN WILL EVENTUALLY BE POSITIVE, but banning plastic bags is not enough... Also what should be banned is fast food drink containers and lids and straws because this isn't so much about the bags but the LITTER BUGS WHO DON'T THROW THINGS AWAY PROPERLY... Maybe PLASTIC IN GENERAL SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED... (Can you image, no more plastic shower curtain? Picnic table cloth? ) Really that SEA OF PLASTIC IN THE PACIFIC THAT'S THE SIZE OF TEXAS is VERY TELLING... However, SINCE PLASTIC BAGS ARE NECESSARY TO THROW TRASH OUT IN and the bags themselves go to the LANDFILLS we are not sure really how the plastic shopping bag ban will improve the ecological impact ON LAND!
WE JUST THINK THE COST OF THE BAGS WENT TO THE CONSUMER INSTEAD OF THE STORE.
Another phenomena is that BRING YOUR OWN BAGS seems to mean BAG YOUR OWN BAGS! That is also saving stores money they should be paying employees.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
LAZY SUMMER or JUST NOT GETTING AROUND TO IT
Seems we're just not getting our lists done around here!
Oh to be LAZY, or is that TIRED, or is that OVERWHELMED? - Too much on the lists?
Well, it's hot. SUMMERTIME.
We've been going through old paperwork to see if there's anything we can throw out and thereby lighten our load. (We recycle paper.)
We've been bathing and grooming our dog by ourselves. (You can use DAWN DISH SOAP - the blue original formula with the chick on it - to FLEA BATH your dog. This is the same detergent used to scrub the oil off wild life that's effected by oil spills so it's safe. If you want to skip the poisons and collars on your dog, it's advisable to bath you dog every two days - no more than 3. A flea is born, it leaves poop for another hatching flea to feed on. There are hundreds of different kinds of fleas. Some jump three feet. You don't want them in your carpet. A flea bite itches. The itching your dog is doing after a flea bath may be the bite itch. Expect to see the fleas dead in the water!)
We've been reading some good books.
We've been testing our new medical insurance out by making appointments with new doctors. (So far we're not happy.)
We've been eating too much.
We've been walking as exercise, even when it's not with the dog.
We've checked out a half dozen stores that we've never been in before looking to see what's MADE IN THE USA!
Oh to be LAZY, or is that TIRED, or is that OVERWHELMED? - Too much on the lists?
Well, it's hot. SUMMERTIME.
We've been going through old paperwork to see if there's anything we can throw out and thereby lighten our load. (We recycle paper.)
We've been bathing and grooming our dog by ourselves. (You can use DAWN DISH SOAP - the blue original formula with the chick on it - to FLEA BATH your dog. This is the same detergent used to scrub the oil off wild life that's effected by oil spills so it's safe. If you want to skip the poisons and collars on your dog, it's advisable to bath you dog every two days - no more than 3. A flea is born, it leaves poop for another hatching flea to feed on. There are hundreds of different kinds of fleas. Some jump three feet. You don't want them in your carpet. A flea bite itches. The itching your dog is doing after a flea bath may be the bite itch. Expect to see the fleas dead in the water!)
We've been reading some good books.
We've been testing our new medical insurance out by making appointments with new doctors. (So far we're not happy.)
We've been eating too much.
We've been walking as exercise, even when it's not with the dog.
We've checked out a half dozen stores that we've never been in before looking to see what's MADE IN THE USA!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
SUMMER - PROSPERITY - A TIME FOR GIVING THINGS AWAY!
This morning we heard the news that Americans are not saving enough money.
USA TODAY - AMERICANS WITHOUT EMERGENCY SAVINGS
First, no we have not given up on buying as much as possible that's manufactured and sold right here in the United States but we are like most of you in that we have to be careful about what we buy.
One of the reasons we want American products is that they are usually well made to last. We wish we could have back all the money we spent on cheap stuff - especially things made in China - that we have now put in our trash dumps for eternity.
One of the ways that we can SAVE MONEY is to make important purchases in a studied manner, to read up on products and manufacturers, and to buy things that last. We did a lot of that for you when we first started blogging, and now we just hope to inspire you to do the same.
Another way we can SAVE MONEY is by using things we buy. We don't want to buy things we don't really need or don't really use.
Another way to save money is to GIVE THINGS AWAY!
Most people do this when they've had a garage sale and what ever is left over they donate! And they sometimes want a tax deduction. We say, forget the tax deduction and get your credits elsewhere!
We'd like to suggest that this summer, while you have the windows open and are cleaning the house that you start to make piles of things to give away because there is some sort of GOOD KARMA about it.
We're not trying to be hokey here!
Let's give you an example from our own recent experience:
After we got the new refrigerator we were inspired to do a good job of cleaning the kitchen.
We found we had a couple bags of food products still good to eat that we had bought and just had not used or that we didn't think we would by the time they were expired.
We dropped off two bags of the miscellaneous food stuffs to a homeless shelter.
Then we went through our closets. We think that if you haven't lost weight or gained it and so you haven't worn something for a couple years it's time to give it away unless it's something very expensive or very classic like a good coat and then we'd give it a few more years. So we did the same as we did with the food, we gave the clothes away, this time to a local hospital that happens to have a "thrift shop" inside it with a ongoing sale of used items to benefit the hospital.
NOW WE WERE REALLY MOVING THE ENERGY.
We put some items that were just cluttering our place up for sale on Craig's List but this proved to be a horrible experience. We seemed to attract no-shows, goof balls, and worse, a person who was verbally abusive and possibly criminal. WE KNEW WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT, and we didn't need it. (We don't think we'll do Craig's List again!)
Did we really need to make that extra money? We did! We also had in mind some things we would really like to buy. But we decided that this was not much different than when we gave away the food or the clothes we had bought but were not going to use. We decided to put some items out on the curb with a sign "Free Stuff" and to put this stuff out a good 6 days before the garbage pick up and out of the way of the lawn sprinklers.
We are not joking when we tell you that WITHIN AN HOUR OF PUTTING ALL THIS STUFF OUT IT WAS GONE. Now we figured, maybe one person with a car or truck took it ALL rather than share and maybe they are going to sell it on Craig's List, a garage sale, or maybe e-Bay. Maybe not.
Well, we are not joking when we tell you that some of our neighbors began to do the same thing!
Two of then are moving to another state for employment and left what they could not pack into U-Hauls or Containers. Other people put out boxes of books and misc. It was neighborly and it was sharing, even if we don't all know each other.
And guess what! Two of the items that we had on our wish list to buy were out there on the curb for us to take.
OK, is that INSTANT ECONOMIC KARMA or what?!
We are saying that if we had bought these items new we would be out about $400.
And that is $400 we are SAVING!
TRY IT!
USA TODAY - AMERICANS WITHOUT EMERGENCY SAVINGS
First, no we have not given up on buying as much as possible that's manufactured and sold right here in the United States but we are like most of you in that we have to be careful about what we buy.
One of the reasons we want American products is that they are usually well made to last. We wish we could have back all the money we spent on cheap stuff - especially things made in China - that we have now put in our trash dumps for eternity.
One of the ways that we can SAVE MONEY is to make important purchases in a studied manner, to read up on products and manufacturers, and to buy things that last. We did a lot of that for you when we first started blogging, and now we just hope to inspire you to do the same.
Another way we can SAVE MONEY is by using things we buy. We don't want to buy things we don't really need or don't really use.
Another way to save money is to GIVE THINGS AWAY!
Most people do this when they've had a garage sale and what ever is left over they donate! And they sometimes want a tax deduction. We say, forget the tax deduction and get your credits elsewhere!
We'd like to suggest that this summer, while you have the windows open and are cleaning the house that you start to make piles of things to give away because there is some sort of GOOD KARMA about it.
We're not trying to be hokey here!
Let's give you an example from our own recent experience:
After we got the new refrigerator we were inspired to do a good job of cleaning the kitchen.
We found we had a couple bags of food products still good to eat that we had bought and just had not used or that we didn't think we would by the time they were expired.
We dropped off two bags of the miscellaneous food stuffs to a homeless shelter.
Then we went through our closets. We think that if you haven't lost weight or gained it and so you haven't worn something for a couple years it's time to give it away unless it's something very expensive or very classic like a good coat and then we'd give it a few more years. So we did the same as we did with the food, we gave the clothes away, this time to a local hospital that happens to have a "thrift shop" inside it with a ongoing sale of used items to benefit the hospital.
NOW WE WERE REALLY MOVING THE ENERGY.
We put some items that were just cluttering our place up for sale on Craig's List but this proved to be a horrible experience. We seemed to attract no-shows, goof balls, and worse, a person who was verbally abusive and possibly criminal. WE KNEW WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT, and we didn't need it. (We don't think we'll do Craig's List again!)
Did we really need to make that extra money? We did! We also had in mind some things we would really like to buy. But we decided that this was not much different than when we gave away the food or the clothes we had bought but were not going to use. We decided to put some items out on the curb with a sign "Free Stuff" and to put this stuff out a good 6 days before the garbage pick up and out of the way of the lawn sprinklers.
We are not joking when we tell you that WITHIN AN HOUR OF PUTTING ALL THIS STUFF OUT IT WAS GONE. Now we figured, maybe one person with a car or truck took it ALL rather than share and maybe they are going to sell it on Craig's List, a garage sale, or maybe e-Bay. Maybe not.
Well, we are not joking when we tell you that some of our neighbors began to do the same thing!
Two of then are moving to another state for employment and left what they could not pack into U-Hauls or Containers. Other people put out boxes of books and misc. It was neighborly and it was sharing, even if we don't all know each other.
And guess what! Two of the items that we had on our wish list to buy were out there on the curb for us to take.
OK, is that INSTANT ECONOMIC KARMA or what?!
We are saying that if we had bought these items new we would be out about $400.
And that is $400 we are SAVING!
TRY IT!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
GENERAL ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR - OUR FIRST BIG MADE IN THE USA PURCHASE THIS YEAR
It was time. The 20 Cubic Side by Side had enough freezer space to put half a cow but since we've been budgeting we rarely buy more than a week's worth of food at a time, though we do have a supply of about one week of drinking water and canned goods too. Our fridge was not an ENERGY SAVER and it had begun to groan and shake when it turned on. Also, when we entered the house we could smell something like air conditioning on in the winter. So, we decided to get a new, smaller, fridge.
We got a 18 Cubic Freezer on Top by GENERAL ELECTRIC. The refrigerator is MADE IN THE USA, cost about $600, has a two year warranty, and is an ENERGY SAVER.
The information on cost of running it was from 2007 - for 2014 we figure about $10 a month - maybe $15. That means our electric bill will be cut and that money will go towards the payment of the fridge. Our old fridge was hauled away in the process.
IT WAS NICE TO FIND A THANK YOU IN THE PAPERWORK that said
your GE Purchase supports the proud workforce in Decatur Alabama, in the package.
GENERAL ELECTRIC OFFICIAL SITE
As always ASK "Is it made in the United States!"
We got a 18 Cubic Freezer on Top by GENERAL ELECTRIC. The refrigerator is MADE IN THE USA, cost about $600, has a two year warranty, and is an ENERGY SAVER.
The information on cost of running it was from 2007 - for 2014 we figure about $10 a month - maybe $15. That means our electric bill will be cut and that money will go towards the payment of the fridge. Our old fridge was hauled away in the process.
IT WAS NICE TO FIND A THANK YOU IN THE PAPERWORK that said
your GE Purchase supports the proud workforce in Decatur Alabama, in the package.
GENERAL ELECTRIC OFFICIAL SITE
As always ASK "Is it made in the United States!"
Monday, February 3, 2014
WE'RE BACK! 2014 AND FRIENDS ARE UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED
No - We haven't forgotten about YOU!
We haven't forgotten about STIMULATING THE ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES BY PRESERVING JOBS AND BUYING MADE IN THE USA!
We're back but we found the holidays challenging.
First the news that a friend of ours who was let go from a job where he had increased sales X5 was reaching the end of his unemployment.
Then the news that another friend of ours who had lost his business in 2007 and moved to Texas was back and looking for work, while living in an RV.
Both of these men are college educated and have worked for many years and are probably hitting into age discrimination. They have both taken jobs well beneath their education and experience in the past. And now? Will they join the homeless?
Our worries about the economy include concerns about the cost of living, in particular the cost of food, because of a long drought that may mean that some Californians will depend on water trucked in for drinking!
How can we SPEND when we too must BUDGET?
We're saying that if you have a dollar to spend, try to find that item, even if it's the DOLLAR STORE, that is MADE IN THE USA!
OTHERWISE, start learning CHINESE!
We haven't forgotten about STIMULATING THE ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES BY PRESERVING JOBS AND BUYING MADE IN THE USA!
We're back but we found the holidays challenging.
First the news that a friend of ours who was let go from a job where he had increased sales X5 was reaching the end of his unemployment.
Then the news that another friend of ours who had lost his business in 2007 and moved to Texas was back and looking for work, while living in an RV.
Both of these men are college educated and have worked for many years and are probably hitting into age discrimination. They have both taken jobs well beneath their education and experience in the past. And now? Will they join the homeless?
Our worries about the economy include concerns about the cost of living, in particular the cost of food, because of a long drought that may mean that some Californians will depend on water trucked in for drinking!
How can we SPEND when we too must BUDGET?
We're saying that if you have a dollar to spend, try to find that item, even if it's the DOLLAR STORE, that is MADE IN THE USA!
OTHERWISE, start learning CHINESE!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
THE MINIMUM WAGE AND COST OF LIVING - LIVABLE WAGES STIMULATE THE ECONOMY
We are all for a LIVABLE MINIMUM WAGE. We know that fast food workers are striking. We know that in Southern California, it takes about $18.00 an hour to rent a one bedroom or single apartment, drive, gas up, and insure a used car, and so on.
If we do not pay people a livable wage, then they cannot participate in life. They cannot stimulate the economy by spending on things that those with livable wages can.
People who don't make a livable wage often have to by USED rather than new products. We're all for recycling and reusing. We do it. However, buying a new product, if it's made in the USA, will provide more business stay in business and more employees stay employed.
If you are not for a livable wage, we ask you to see if you can live on about $10 a month. You'll have money in the bank that a minimum wage worker doesn't, but you may start to understand the limitations.
You probably won't be about to eat out much, maybe only the $1. menu at the fast food restaurant.
If we do not pay people a livable wage, then they cannot participate in life. They cannot stimulate the economy by spending on things that those with livable wages can.
People who don't make a livable wage often have to by USED rather than new products. We're all for recycling and reusing. We do it. However, buying a new product, if it's made in the USA, will provide more business stay in business and more employees stay employed.
If you are not for a livable wage, we ask you to see if you can live on about $10 a month. You'll have money in the bank that a minimum wage worker doesn't, but you may start to understand the limitations.
You probably won't be about to eat out much, maybe only the $1. menu at the fast food restaurant.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
MADE IN THE USA FOUNDATION : HALL OF FAME
We've been SPRING CLEANING and in the process of having a garage sale with our neighbors, we've been doing it ourself on home improvements and repairs.
We haven't forgotten you ECONOMIC WARRIORS who want to return the United States ECONOMY to us Americans by buying MADE IN THE USA products and services.
So today we were cheered to find this site: MADE IN THE USA HALL OF FAME!
2012 Winners Include : SOLAR WORLD, HERMAN MILLER, CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS and many others. Check this out!
We haven't forgotten you ECONOMIC WARRIORS who want to return the United States ECONOMY to us Americans by buying MADE IN THE USA products and services.
So today we were cheered to find this site: MADE IN THE USA HALL OF FAME!
2012 Winners Include : SOLAR WORLD, HERMAN MILLER, CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS and many others. Check this out!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
DYING EASTER EGGS NATURALLY!
Growing up we didn't put a Christmas Tree up until it was nearly Christmas, sometimes Christmas Eve and we didn't dye eggs until it was almost time to fill our baskets. Want to dye the eggs without buying commercial dye? A memory of a grandma who knew how to long ago, using onion skins, tea, and veggies. The colors are very mellow. You won't get a hot pink for instance. You can save the fluid from a can of picked beets though!
First you can dye the eggs after they have been boiled or boil them in the water that will dye them. Seems to us it depends on how many eggs you want to dye. It also depends on if you want to skip the hot dye and deal only with cold dye on eggs that have cooled!
Hopefully you have saved some egg cartons so you can prop them up to dry!
We're linking to an ABOUT.COM site that explains the chemistry a bit better than we can:
CHEMISTRY : ABOUT.COM :DYING EASTER EGGS link here!
Most of all have fun while you dye the eggs.
It is very Old Fashioned to trade eggs with friends as little gifts. And if you get too many eggs? Time to make POTATO SALAD!
First you can dye the eggs after they have been boiled or boil them in the water that will dye them. Seems to us it depends on how many eggs you want to dye. It also depends on if you want to skip the hot dye and deal only with cold dye on eggs that have cooled!
Hopefully you have saved some egg cartons so you can prop them up to dry!
We're linking to an ABOUT.COM site that explains the chemistry a bit better than we can:
CHEMISTRY : ABOUT.COM :DYING EASTER EGGS link here!
Most of all have fun while you dye the eggs.
It is very Old Fashioned to trade eggs with friends as little gifts. And if you get too many eggs? Time to make POTATO SALAD!
Monday, February 25, 2013
ETHAN ALLEN FURNITURE SELLING IN CHINA
WALL STREET JOURNAL : ETHAN ALLEN TURNS THE TABLES IN CHINA by James R. Hagerty link to full article
EXCERPT : Furniture from China has gobbled an increasing share of the U.S. market in recent years, leading to the closure of hundreds of American factories. Now, turning the tables on their Asian rivals, two big U.S. producers are trying to sell more furniture in China.
The companies, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. and Ashley Furniture Industries Inc., are pursuing different approaches. Most furniture Ethan Allen sells in China is made in its seven plants in the U.S. and Mexico. Ashley relies on furniture made at its own plant near Shanghai and elsewhere in Asia, though it ships small amounts from its eight plants in the U.S..."
EXCERPT : Furniture from China has gobbled an increasing share of the U.S. market in recent years, leading to the closure of hundreds of American factories. Now, turning the tables on their Asian rivals, two big U.S. producers are trying to sell more furniture in China.
The companies, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. and Ashley Furniture Industries Inc., are pursuing different approaches. Most furniture Ethan Allen sells in China is made in its seven plants in the U.S. and Mexico. Ashley relies on furniture made at its own plant near Shanghai and elsewhere in Asia, though it ships small amounts from its eight plants in the U.S..."
Saturday, February 16, 2013
WAHL HAIR CUTTERS FLYING THE FLAG OF THE USA
OK. We recently purchased the following product: WHAL COLOR PRO HAIR CUTTING KIT
WHAL STORE link.
We want to save some money on home hair cuts for our DOG!
We shopped around a bit. We went to Petco and they had three electric clippers and lots of scissors for sale.
We found this one at Walgreens. It's for people but it worked just fine on our fluffy haired dog, who happens to be the non-shedding sort. We have nothing against professional hair cuts for dogs, except the price. When we explained to various groomers that our dog has poodle hair on her legs, terrier hair on her back and maltese hair on her face we were told the start price was about $40 to $50! We noticed the American Flag flying and it honestly said that the clipper was made in the USA with some imported parts. We think the imported parts are the plastic guides.
We checked the Wahl product line on the Internet and some of their clippers are made in the USA and some are made in CHINA. Check which before you purchase!
WHAL STORE link.
We want to save some money on home hair cuts for our DOG!
We shopped around a bit. We went to Petco and they had three electric clippers and lots of scissors for sale.
We found this one at Walgreens. It's for people but it worked just fine on our fluffy haired dog, who happens to be the non-shedding sort. We have nothing against professional hair cuts for dogs, except the price. When we explained to various groomers that our dog has poodle hair on her legs, terrier hair on her back and maltese hair on her face we were told the start price was about $40 to $50! We noticed the American Flag flying and it honestly said that the clipper was made in the USA with some imported parts. We think the imported parts are the plastic guides.
We checked the Wahl product line on the Internet and some of their clippers are made in the USA and some are made in CHINA. Check which before you purchase!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRS - INCOME TAX TODAY!
The Income Tax is a very controversial subject. So many laws have applied to it and changed it since the original law was passed. Today the Income Tax has also resulted in specialized professions in accounting, business, and lawyering. Some protest paying it. Some are honored to be paying it.
One thing for sure. No job means no income or Income Tax!
Which would you prefer?
One thing for sure. No job means no income or Income Tax!
Which would you prefer?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
LOOKING FORWARD TO A PATRIOTIC 2013
We'll see if we go over a Fiscal Cliff or not... Our faith in our nation as a whole, which means the people more than politicians, remains strong. If we do go over, we will need to economize as well as buy American made products and services more than ever. It's not easy for average folks to think about numbers in the billions and trillions being discussed, but we can understand cutting coupons, cooking at home, repurposing things we already own, going to thrift stores (which often support charities) to buy used as a first option, and finding interesting and fun things to do without spending the travel dollars we used to, but still supporting our local economy!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
MONSTER SANDY STORM MAKING HISTORY and CHALLENGING AMERICA
We are posting out of concern for our American Brothers and Sisters on the east coast - the ORIGINAL COLONIES - who are facing an incoming monster storm called Sandy, which will challenge us for days, knowing that many of you may go without electricity - without computer use - without phone use - possibly be unable to cook - possibly go without clean water from the tap. You may be a stranded traveler or tourist. You may not be able to get to work or school.
We know that the winds will create hazards that flooding doesn't, that wind will lower temperatures and in many places the snow will pile up and eventually thaw, creating more flooding, and that it will all get expensive.
Yet, we believe that most of you have the FORTITUDE to make it through, and that MANY OF YOU WILL ACTIVELY BE INVOLVED in helping your neighbors, checking in with people who live alone or who can't get around as well as others, and that this crisis CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY for your FAMILY TO WORK TOGETHER.
We'll be watching the media for informational reports about how you are all doing. We wish you the best!
YAHOO NEWS : SANDY TAKES AIM AT EAST COAST
We know that the winds will create hazards that flooding doesn't, that wind will lower temperatures and in many places the snow will pile up and eventually thaw, creating more flooding, and that it will all get expensive.
Yet, we believe that most of you have the FORTITUDE to make it through, and that MANY OF YOU WILL ACTIVELY BE INVOLVED in helping your neighbors, checking in with people who live alone or who can't get around as well as others, and that this crisis CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY for your FAMILY TO WORK TOGETHER.
We'll be watching the media for informational reports about how you are all doing. We wish you the best!
YAHOO NEWS : SANDY TAKES AIM AT EAST COAST
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