How To Prevent Greed And Going Broke During The Holidays

                     
They tell me that the Recession is over but my pockets tell me that it is far from over.  Christmas is upon us and you and i have been out shopping and it seems like we have more people on our list but less money to achieve our goal of  making the holidays merry.

You are probably like me and feel a bit sad because you cannot get your family all the things that you want.  My daughter has never put any pressure on me, to buy her really expensive gifts and i am thankful to her for this.

I don't really want much because i shop all year round for myself so it isn't a big deal if i don't get much, but, what really gets on my nerves during the holiday is people who i haven't heard from for years calling to see how i am doing and blatantly ask whether i am giving them a gift.  This really makes me angry because you should show your concern and care year round.

These are people that i would never give anything because they have a sense of entitlement and think that i should just cross my daughter and grandchild off my list and give to them.  I like to give to others but with a restricted budget, you have to pick and choose and some people you may have to give  to after the holidays.

I would suggest that you, not use your credit cards during the holidays because this is a quick way to become broke and then you will have to pay all year to try to catch up.  A great idea is to open up a Christmas Club Account at your local bank and save a little all year, so you do not have to use your credit card.

If you cannot afford to buy presents for people outside of your family, tell them that you cannot do gifts this year and most will understand.

Don't be a slave to the holidays, just enjoy it!

How To Enjoy Life And Declare Your Independence While Disabled.

Being disabled is not easy and sometimes it can be quite isolating.  For many years there wasn't many options available to the disabled and they were often left in the home to be in front of a television set most of the day.  We never think about the lifestyle that a disabled person lives until chronic disability comes knocking on our door.

This type of lifestyle is limiting because you don't have the opportunity to interact with the outside world.  So many disabled people are depressed and their families don't even notice it.  There are so many advances concerning transportation that open many doors for disabled people.  I have been out and seen so many people in my area out in wheel chairs and they are enjoying themselves right with everyone else.

I attended a Concert and saw a wonderful blind Gentleman enjoying the music and just enjoying the vibe and I was so happy for him because finally things have changed in this country that allows the differently able population to experience the joys of life without having to rely on family members to ride them to events that they would like to attend.

Living in the City is such a blessing because the modes of transportation service are getting more and more dependable.

So, how to enjoy life and declare your independence while disabled:

• First you need to do research online to see if your town have state wide transportation that won't only take you to work but also anywhere that you would like to travel throughout your state.
• Look online for groups specifically geared towards the disabled because sometimes they will have outings that you can go to as a group and they will provide the transportation at a small fee.
• For disabled people who are home bound it is good to go online and talk to different people that hold the same interest and make life long friends.
• If you are home bound; have movie night at home with some of your friends and ask them to bring the refreshments.
• Check your local Senior Center to see if they have a trip coming up and see if they will allow you to go also.
• Go on Ticketmaster to see if they have tickets to your favorite show with accessible seating.
• Look online to find out about Wheelchair accessible group tours.

The more that you search online you will find out about more resources that are available to you and you will be able to expand your horizons.

                                                              

                                                          Sashamoniquetalks

Dreams and what they really mean.

                                        Dreams and what they really mean.

I learned a such a powerful lesson today.  I was talking to a very knowledgeable person today and we were talking about living your dreams and your purpose in life.  A lot of times we make plans and we are very excited when we decide to step out on faith to focus on our goals but at some point we start to go into another direction and we seem to forget all the steps that we used to create that dream and we start to get complacent and we are ready to give up.

We get bored with the progression of our projects.  One thing about dreams,  they are put into our spirits and at the time, we feel that we can accomplish everything that we set out to do. We plan but when things are not going fast enough, we tend to get discouraged and when you feel this way, you tell yourself that you cannot reach your goals.

Some times it is other people telling you that your dream doesn't make sense and this tends to give you a self defeating attitude.

I learned today that the thing that kills progression is giving up and throwing in the towel.  If you don't follow through then you will never reach the finish line, so, keep working at this goal and do not tell people your dreams because they will kill them.

In the end when you are successful, you can be proud of the fact that you persevered. God put that dream and desire in you for a reason and that reason is the fact that he felt that you could do it and you were the best one for the job.


                                                 

                                                          Sashamoniquetalks

GOOD LAUNDRY DETERGENTS TO USE IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN

I have very sensitive skin and some of you know that I love to do Laundry Detergent reviews on Youtube.

I love detergents with fragrance but once in a while I experience breakouts, hives and wheezing due to trying different brands. 

There are many detergents that are formulated to be used by people who are allergic to laundry detergent.

I have tried many of them and they are good.   I am going to show you some of the detergents that are good at removing stains and also leaves you with clean smelling clothes.

All of my favorites are listed below and let me know what your favorite is.

Out of all of these detergents, this is my absolute favorite!

High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?

                       High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?


In my complex we just switched to HE Washing Machines after many years of dealing with an old machine that needed repairs badly.  As the manager bought the new machine in, we were so excited that we would now be able to enjoy a brand new machine that would make our clothes clean and at the time, we didn't know that it was high efficiency.

So, I decided to do my wash and I was so surprised by the quiet sound of the machine.  I thought to myself "This is a plus." but what I did not anticipate was the fact that the machine only filled up with half a bucket of water.  I automatically thought something was wrong with the machine and I had the setting on heavy duty and the sound was still so quiet.

I finished washing my clothes and I pulled out clothes that didn't smell clean at all.  I was so frustrated about this and i started to ask other people regarding this issue and they said that these kind of machines are not meant to use much water.  I was so upset about this because i have no need for a machine that will not clean my clothes effectively.

Sometimes, we yearn for products that are new and do things a different way, when there wasn't anything wrong with the old way.

I don't like these machines at all because it just defeats the purpose.  This machine sports a big tub, but what is the use of a big tub and less water?  When shopping for appliances please research online to see what your options are because you may not be getting what you are paying for.

Sometimes, you can save more money by just using a traditional washing machine and getting the job done the first time.

This is sort of a rant but the message here is to not go with the flow but do what works for you and your family even if the product isn't what's in at the moment.

My Grandson on his birthday and what he has taught me about life.

                                    This is my Grandson on his birthday yesterday.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen:  This is my Grandson enjoying his birthday with a big slice of cake.  When I found out that my daughter was pregnant with him, i was overjoyed.  At the time i was so sick and i didn't think that i had much time on this earth.

The announcement that i was going to be a Grandmother was music to my ears.  It represented hope, newness, a new beginning and a beautiful baby to hold and to nurture.  I had something to look forward to.

I was excited when my daughters stomach was growing and i knew that the time was near.  Some people asked me what my Grandchild would call me and i said Grandma or Granny.  They said " that sounds too old.  You should ask him to call you Nana or some other name"  I told them that i didn't care how old it sounds, Grandma represents a blessing to me.

I will never forget seeing Jamie Fox cry about his Granny when she passed away and i thought to myself, she must have been an amazing woman.

My Grandchild taught me to be stronger and that life doesn't always stay the same.  He taught me that if you you hold on, a change will come.  He taught me how to love unconditionally.

Remembering how it felt to see this little Man born and i was the second person to hold him after he came into the world makes me teary eyed.  He say's so many funny things and he is such a joy to have.

Yesterday, i had a conversation with someone and they were talking about their grandchildren and we both agreed that it seems like these children have always been with us.  God gave us these children who will extend our family tree for generations to come.

My Grandson is turning into a great young Man and i pray that when Grandma is gone, he will remember all the things that we have done and the happy times that the Lord allowed us to experience.

Happy Birthday little one and never forget; your Granny loves you.



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?

                                Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?



Shopping for the holidays can be fun but it can also be a big hassle because of the big crowds.  I plan on going to the mall with my family members to get a few things but i am mostly going to just be with family during this time.  This year has been really rough.

I saw a report on the news this morning and it was discussing some of the deals that will be available for Black Friday and to be honest with you, they are not all that great.  I went last year and it was more of a big build up for nothing.

Some department stores show sales of big televisions and other electronics and there are big savings, but, what these stores don't tell you; they are in limited quantities.  I am not the kind of person who will camp out overnight just to get a deal.  You can get better deals other times of the year and if you time it right, you can save a lot of money.

If you can wait until late February, you can get winter clothing at extreme discounts because the stores start to get ready for the spring, so, if you can wait until then, you can get multiple items for deep discounts.

If you can wait until the Superbowl, you can get your dream television for a much cheaper price and you can get the biggest screen that you want.

Delay getting that Computer, Camera and other electronics till February, March or keep searching online till you see the deal that you want.

Also, I think Cyber Monday gives you more discounts and it is a safer way to shop.

Happy Holidays to you all!



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

What Elderly People Know That We Don't Know

I was at the Mall the other day and i saw elderly people walking around the Mall like they didn't have a care in the world.  I started to study this beautiful population of people to see why they were just strolling around and taking it easy, so to speak.

When i go to New York City, i see people running for Trains, Planes and Automobiles, and everyone is in a hurry.  If you just stroll along, you may just get ran over by someone, lol.  The energy is exhilarating and it is so much to do and i love it, but, to live in the City and have to be on and moving all the time can sometimes be tiring.

The older dolls and gents are not in a hurry because they have lived their life and being that they don't have to run to get to a job or catch the next train or be tied up in traffic, is a blessing and they know this.

They go for a nice, slow, walk, to get some exercise, and breathe in some nice, clean, air.
We can learn a lot from them because when you are constantly on the run, you are nervous, jittery and you will then drink coffee and energy drinks to keep yourself up.  This has a bearing on your health right now and in the future.  You do not sleep as well as you could because you have programmed yourself to get up and out the house by a certain time.

You work all day and then you come home to activities that you must take care of before you go to bed.  You set that amazing invention called the alarm clock to set you in motion to do the same thing tomorrow.

Your body must have a certain amount of sleep everyday to make a positive impact on your health.  You see, being healthy is not all about eating healthy, it is about being healthy in all aspects of your life.

Our Mothers, Fathers, and Grandparents now have time to go to the Doctor to take care of the health problems that they could not attend too because they were busy working all the time. They also find time to go out with their friends who are retired also, and have lunch and talk about "The Good Ole Days."

You may be thinking, Ms, Sashamoniquetalks, I work all day and i am very busy and i cannot live the same way that these wonderful people are living but i say, you can.  It is all about taking a little time to just sit a little and relax and when you get home from work, take a nap for about a 1/2 hour or an hour before you start your duties at home.  Don't always be in a rush to do things when you don't absolutely have to.

Tell your spouse or other family members that from now on you will take a little time for yourself each day to just "Smell The Roses."

Take a nice slow stroll in the park to just shake off the pressures that you had to deal with during your work day.

On your lunch break, take the time to eat and read a magazine without any interruptions if it is possible and just be still and quiet.

This will do so much for your well being and you will start to feel more relaxed and happier.  You have to make and create some time for just yourself.

What i have learned the most about elderly people is; they have lived it all and seen it all and deep down they know after all, it is going to be all right.




                                               Sashamoniquetalks

How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe.

                                         How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe


The holidays are coming up and the most exciting part is the sales that are available after the holidays.  I am not a person who like crowds but i love shopping and you can get special items for your family during this time.  Over the years i have heard so many horror stories of people getting robbed or killed during this joyous part of the year.

We are living in a time where we have to look over our shoulder when we are out shopping.  One of the shopping malls in my area is high end in a very swanky town and the perception by people who are less fortunate is: "I will hang around and look for a target with money and high end goods and i will attack."  So, I am going to give you some tips to use during the holiday shopping season.

These tips will help to reduce your chance or being robbed:

1. If you have an extra Car that is inexpensive and old, this is the time to drive it to the mall to do your shopping.
2. Wear plain unbranded clothing to the mall.
3. Do not flash large sums of money.
4. Take your expensive watch and jewelry off before you go shopping.
5. Before going shopping, buy some shopping bags that are plain so people cannot see what stores you are shopping at such as; high end stores.  If all fails, buy white garbage bags with handles.  People will think that you are weird, but, you will be safe.
6. Do not go to the ATM while you are at the mall.  Get money before you leave home.
7. Try to park your Car where it is well lit and try not to park in a garage.
8. Do not entertain people who strike up an odd conversations with you.  Do not be rude but, try to make up an excuse to get away quickly.
9. Do not use your expensive phone at the mall if you can help it.
10. Go to the bathroom in groups.

The best tip there is:  Order all your gifts online.

Some of these tips may sound a little funny but it will help you to avoid these situations when out shopping.

If you feel that someone is following you. Go in the nearest store and stay there and call police.





                                                 SashaMoniqueTalks

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money.

Many years ago I would hear people talk about being a good steward over your money and I thought that it was just words that Christian people would use to try to get in your personal affairs or to judge you on, but, it is a practice that I had to embrace when my financial state became very fragile at a very difficult time in my life.

There are times when you just didn't know whether you were going to make it through.  These are the moments that I would grasp all the knowledge that I would hear or learned from other people in my past and I learned a great lesson and that is, " I learned more about trusting God but also being a good steward over my money".  

I watched how other people lived and I began to hold onto a stronger value system.  Some people look wealthy but they really aren't.  They are spending more than what they really earn.

I met a very wealthy Lady and from the outside, this person did not look rich at all.  I met her family and they lived a very modest life. They enjoyed life but they maintained their wealthy state of being by being mindful about where and how they spend their money.  In this post, i am going to show you ten of the things that I learned and embraced that transformed my thinking.

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money:

1. When shopping for clothes, buy the best fabrics that your money can buy in simple styling because these items can be worn for many years.
2. Adopt a minimalist theme in your home and you can make it look nice but focus more on keeping everything spotless and it will make everything look pulled together.
3. Set aside a certain day of the month to go out and eat and for recreation. This way you will not feel like you are missing out on the good things in life.
4. Look over your receipts to find out how much money is going out and what exactly you spent it on.
5. Do not wear your good clothing when you are at home; this way you can preserve your clothes and it makes them last longer.
6. Every pay period make sure that you save some money for emergencies and make this a regular habit. Teach your children to save a portion of their allowance for special things that they want to buy.
7. Learn how to maintain your clothing such as; hemming pants, spot removal and little repairs that you can do yourself.
8. Bring your lunch to work a few times a week.  This will save you so much money.
9. Buy clothing that can be washed in a washing machine.  Only dry clean suits and special occasion clothes.
10. Find an alternative to Cable TV such as; Netflix or watch programs on your computer.

Such A Cute Throwback Outfit.

I was at the Mall last week and i saw this cute skirt with the black top  and i fell in love with it.  I had seen this skirt about two years ago at my local thrift store and i didn't get it because i thought that it would be too dated, but i wanted to get it and wear it with some black boots.

The skirt was no more than three dollars at the thrift store and i wish that i had gotten it.  This skirt at the department store was about twenty or thirty dollars which isn't bad.

I have learned a serious lesson and that is, when i see an item of this sort; just get it!
Sometimes you really have to think out of the box and make an outfit work for you.  I am thinking of going back to the Mall and purchasing this skirt.