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Welcome back, everybody! I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend, if not, I enjoyed it enough for all of us. Hence the reason, I haven't returned any of your emails until now. Oh yeah, for those of you wondering if Bring2Fruition is still have its weekly $10.00 Tuesday sale, umm yes! I have no idea, why you thought we wouldn't! LOL
Anywho, I have to run right now, but I will be updating the blog periodically throughout the day. Until then, have a good one. :-)
I am So “Team Kate”! Somewhere in the media fiasco, I allowed myself to get caught up in the “Jon & Kate Plus 8” “alleged” adultery web. Initially, I thought it was just the media blowing a harmless night out—way out of—paparazzi proportion. But you know as well as I, where there’s smoke there’s fire, and damn if things were not burning in the Gosselin’s household.
No, I am including this on my blog because I believe everything printed in a tabloid or on an entertainment news segment; I am a “Jon & Kate Plus 8” fan. Let me rephrase that…I am a vintage “Jon & Kate Plus 8” fan. (For those of you who have followed the show since its creation know what I am talking about). The minute I could no longer recognized the reality, I chose to offer the DVR space to another show. I guess I shouldn’t say that it wasn’t reality; however, it just begin to look as if the money was obscuring the reality that I tuned in to see—but it reared its head last night.
I’m not saying that I found joy in either one of Gosselin’s pain, but that was raw emotion in last night’s show—and for the first time—in a long time—they were real. Let’s all be honest, viewers witnessed a shift in this marriage last season. However, for some strange reason, last night they both appeared happier apart. Using society’s lens, I guess I will be judged harshly for admitting this, especially since I’m slightly bias because I left my son’s father for cheating; however, maybe their happiness cannot be found together any longer. And dare I say it, Kate was actually very pleasant. She was relaxed and just living life as it came—versus trying to have it always follow a plan and maybe that was part of their problem.
I listened to what they both said, and it seems as if Kate envisioned them beating the odds of the hand they were dealt, while Jon finally admitted to resenting the fact that he wasn’t allowed to throw the hand in. (Not just the media problems, but the whole package). I hate to play devil’s advocate here, but isn’t he famous for saying, “This may not be a normal life, but it’s our life”….yes, that’s what I thought.
At any rate, I have to side with Kate, and this may see absolutely ridiculous, but I joined her team the second Jon basically checked out of helping Kate with the multiples 5th birthday party. There is no checking out of life! From my understanding, he is being cordial throughout this situation to benefit the kids, but how are the kids benefiting when they are forced to help their mother make party bags and stuff candy in the piñata back for their party? Kids know when something is wrong, and a change in behavior is the first signal that rings their alarm. Oh, but I forgot, he needed the weekend off. Whatever, Jon! Team Kate!!!!!
In the past, I would not actually admit to viewing any of the Real Housewives, even though on occassion, I would partake in a Bravo Marathon. But now that the series has found its way to "The Arm Pit of America", I'm hooked. My DVR has already been programed to catch this train wreck every tuesday night. I don't have their names figure out just yet, but the divorcee who got stood up by the "Gucci Model" is not wrapped too tight. And I can tell already that the matriarch, Caroline, is not up for too many of her games! This show is going to serve as my guilty pleasure for the next couple of months. By the way, what is up with the one mother, (don't know her name yet), putting all of that make-up on the little girl?
I will be guest blogging next week for a friend, (don't worry I will still be updating my blog as well). Easier said than done, but I digress. Anywho, the topic up for discussion on Monday will focus mainly on building customer relationships. Now y'all know I was overly excited about this topic. Reason being, I am big on customer service. And not to toot my own horn, but I'm damn good at it. Ok, enough about my "skills". After I got my excitement under control, I stored the topic in my head to let my thoughts marinated on it for a spell while I completed something else. I guess the idea felt that it was seasoned enough with ideas that it was ready to present itself again, so I thought I would share the question that came to my mind. Why are we so loyal to the stores we frequent most often? Now anybody who knows me beyond this blog and my store, knows about my obsession with Macy's. Why you ask? They take care of me. I am known by name in practically every single department and the Star Rewards incentive program--is the truth, if used correctly. Now don't get me wrong, I love a bargain, so I have love for my T.J. Maxx's, Marshall's, and the occassional Nordstrom's visit. However, my loyalty is with Macy's. In addition, I have a disturbing loyalty to CVS Pharmacy, as well. I was talking about this on Facebook earlier; I really feel as if I am cheating on CVS if I opt to pick something up at a Walgreen's or Rite Aid. Isn't that crazy? (AHA Moment) It's that damn reward card! I'm addicted to reward cards! Now...why do you shop at your favorite places? Is it because you love the power of the card, the customer service, the location, or what?
Happy Hump Day, everybody! I am really very excited today, and for no particular reason, beyond just being thankful that yesterday is over! I know you have all heard the adage, "When we plan, God laughs at us." Now, I have always believed it, but yesterday was truly my proof because my "so-called planned day" must have served as some form of stand-up to keep my maker amused all day long. I should have known I was in trouble after being stuck at my dealership for 3.5 hours to have an oil change and a tire rotation. Yes, you read correctly, but I digress! After regrouping from that fiasco, I found myself trapped on 476 as the fire department put out a brush fire in the middle of the highway! At that point, I could do nothing but laugh--and charge the day as a loss! However, I guess I can't really say the entire day was a loss because I did stumble upon an idea that I need your help with. All of my regular customer's love "$10.00 Tuesdays," so I wanted to create another theme promotion for Wedsnesday. I am trying to come up with something that spins off of the whole "Hump Day" thing, but so far, I got nothing. Let me know what you guys can muster up.
For the daughter's, and mother's, who were ready to put a hit out on me--Hello Kitty is back! We listed around forty sets in total, sizes ranging from 2T to 6X, so you should be able to get your hands on an outfit this time around. However, I can't make any promises, because as I write this, we have already sold 8 of them. In the event that you do miss Hello Kitty this week, no worries she will be back by next tuesday.
I received quite a few emails after I posted the credit card article a couple of weeks ago and I said I would elaborate further, so here you go. BTW, sorry it took so long.
Americans have become addicted to "buying now" and "paying later." This addiction has caused more than 40 percent of Americans to live above their means—and credit cards are their drug of choice. And why not; obtaining a credit card has become the easiest loan to acquire. In the '90s, lines of credit were reserved for the middle-class and for those who were "financially responsible." Back in the day—if you couldn't afford it—you didn't get it. Today, credit can be had by just about anyone who can sign his name. But with decreased credit lines and higher interest rates, consumers can no longer afford for their addition.
According to the Federal Reserve, the consumer credit card debt in the United States was more than $970 billion in the last quarter of 2008. So it should be of no surprise that 1.2 billion credit cards are used in the United States, and more than 24 percent of purchases are made using a credit card or debit card. (Resulting in an average household debt of $8,700). However, credit card debt is not just the result of compulsive spending. Some of the charges are the result of excessive penalties and interest rates. Interest is the fee charged by credit card companies for allowing consumers to use their money. When a consumer is extended credit, the interest rate is usually very low. But what most credit card companies do not share with their customer is that they can increase interest rates and late payment penalties, for new applicants and existing customers, at any time; for no reason at all.
Increasing Profits
During a recession, your credit provider has to find a way to maximize their profits, mostly at the customers' expense. Periodically, mostly during economic changes, credit providers will check the credit reports of their existing customers for any changes. If you paid a car note late, the credit company can legally hold you accountable for a financial mistake you had with another financial institution. This newfound information may deem you as a potential risk, and you may face higher interest rates or a decreased line of credit. When the line of credit extended to consumers is decreased by the credit card company, the action affects their credit-to-debt ratio; this category accounts for 30 percent of their FICO score. When debt is increased, they are now at risk of facing hidden fees, and even higher interest rates, from their other lenders.
Gotcha Fees
The hidden fees, also known as "gotcha fees," can wreak havoc on a household budget; but they are gold mines for the credit card companies. Late fees and penalties cover the cost of the customers who pay their balances in full every month. The average credit card late fee is $34; so in an effort to tempt customers to pay late, the credit companies will mail statements as close to the due date as possible.
Do not swallow those diet pills! No, the FDA did not issue another recall, but the holiday did! Today is International "No Diet Day". So today you have to love your muffin tops, saddle bags, and giggly arms just the way they are. During lunch today, don't even think about denying yourself! Have as many carbs as you want. Most of you probably need the extra carbs anyway to soak up the Patron Margarita's from your Cinco De Mayo celebration! (Ignore that last comment; I'm a little jealous because work kept me in last night). Anywho, enjoy "Hump Day" and "No Diet Day"! You can return to your disciplined routine tomorrow, but today, embrace that waist!
I received quite a few emails after I posted the credit card article a couple of weeks ago and I said I would elaborate further, so here you go. BTW, sorry it took so long.
Americans have become addicted to "buying now" and "paying later." This addiction has caused more than 40 percent of Americans to live above their means—and credit cards are their drug of choice. And why not; obtaining a credit card has become the easiest loan to acquire. In the '90s, lines of credit were reserved for the middle-class and for those who were "financially responsible." Back in the day—if you couldn't afford it—you didn't get it. Today, credit can be had by just about anyone who can sign his name. But with decreased credit lines and higher interest rates, consumers can no longer afford for their addition.
According to the Federal Reserve, the consumer credit card debt in the United States was more than $970 billion in the last quarter of 2008. So it should be of no surprise that 1.2 billion credit cards are used in the United States, and more than 24 percent of purchases are made using a credit card or debit card. (Resulting in an average household debt of $8,700). However, credit card debt is not just the result of compulsive spending. Some of the charges are the result of excessive penalties and interest rates. Interest is the fee charged by credit card companies for allowing consumers to use their money. When a consumer is extended credit, the interest rate is usually very low. But what most credit card companies do not share with their customer is that they can increase interest rates and late payment penalties, for new applicants and existing customers, at any time; for no reason at all.
Increasing Profits
During a recession, your credit provider has to find a way to maximize their profits, mostly at the customers' expense. Periodically, mostly during economic changes, credit providers will check the credit reports of their existing customers for any changes. If you paid a car note late, the credit company can legally hold you accountable for a financial mistake you had with another financial institution. This newfound information may deem you as a potential risk, and you may face higher interest rates or a decreased line of credit. When the line of credit extended to consumers is decreased by the credit card company, the action affects their credit-to-debt ratio; this category accounts for 30 percent of their FICO score. When debt is increased, they are now at risk of facing hidden fees, and even higher interest rates, from their other lenders.
Gotcha Fees
The hidden fees, also known as "gotcha fees," can wreak havoc on a household budget; but they are gold mines for the credit card companies. Late fees and penalties cover the cost of the customers who pay their balances in full every month. The average credit card late fee is $34; so in an effort to tempt customers to pay late, the credit companies will mail statements as close to the due date as possible.
