How do I invest~~~~

Hello My Diva Dahlings,


I know, I know---where Have I been? Well I won’t bore you with details; except that I’ve been spending time with my family and a few dear close friends, traveling here and there with them and taking care of some medical and dental needs as well, as one gets older, things take a bit more maintenance. Not to worry I’m doing fine, just a little older, a little slower but no less a Diva.


I can also assure you that my little diva darling Princess is doing very well and has been traveling with me, Juanita and her family are also doing well, while I’m gone she is free to come and go as she pleases, and she has been making arrangements to have an eye kept on my home.


I have been asked by some of you darling Diva’s, how do I financially live? Well I’m not the “grasshopper” that fiddles away the bounty of spring, summer and fall, I do put away for the winter, and yet I’m not overly working like the ant, but working enough to maintain a life style that is comfortable for me.


Yes Darlings, the operative work is “comfortable”. Depending upon where you live, an income of $150,000 can seem like a fortune, but only if you live in Tennessee or other mid-states, if you live in California or New York especially in the Big City or San Francisco or Los Angeles you are barely middle-class.


I’m not saying I earn that much, as a matter of fact I’m not saying to you how much I earn, but I do live very comfortably. You see it is all a matter of perspective. I’m not a billionaire, no, with that comes headaches. But I’m not on food stamps either. Although I can understand the difficulties of those in which circumstances requires them for government assistance.

I was fortunate, my parents were very savvy people, Dad worked hard, worked his way though college, was smart enough to make very good contacts with people (now a days it’s called networking), lived within his means, saved, did his best to stay out of debt and (here’s where its important) conservatively invested.


Mother too came from a hard working family, went to business school, listened, lived within her means, saved her money, but as I said she listened very carefully and like Dad investigated before investing.



Dad was a lawyer, he handled mostly business contracts and mergers etc, he met Mother and she worked for him, but they had a partnership much like “Perry Mason and Della Street”, they worked as a team. They first became good friends and then discovered they loved each other and married, Mother continued to work for Dad after they married until the first of 3 children came along, but even then she would work in the office part time, making arrangements with Grandma to watch us and then she’d come home prepare dinner and then took over checking our homework and putting us to bed. When we were old enough to go to school, she’d send us off, go to the office and then at 2:30 leave to pick us up.



We children were loved, I’m not saying it was a perfect “Father Knows Best” situation but even we as children were included in any decision making, we were not sheltered, our parents were honest with us.



So how does that describe how I live financially? First it was by example from our parents, I say “Our” because I have two brothers, one older and one 18 months younger, My brothers shared a bedroom and I had my own, Our parents bought a house which was easy to expand if needed and it did go to eventually 4 bedrooms as Grandma (Mom’s mother) moved in with us after Grandpa died.



I and my brothers were immersed though Dad and Mom’s instructions on investing and financial business, Dad would talk frankly to us about business dealings that had developed, in some cases were developing, sometimes he’d put us to work to find things in the investment papers or at the Library going through the out of town newspapers.



Dad told us about the Rothschild’s and Hetty Green (the witch of Wall Street), Andrew Carnegie and other successful business people, although for a woman to be successful was rare and looked at with suspicion, especially in an environment in which women were looked upon as property and not having any business sense. Luckily my parents and Grandparents were not of that mind-set.



In my previous postings I talk about how to learn to be frugal with the “Make do, use it up…etc” routine, and also to not live beyond your income, please go back to those postings as a refresher course.



Dad also told us that even in the Bible (we were and are Catholic) it talks about money, one needs to read both the old and new testament. No I’m not talking about the Biblical Money Code that Sean Hyman speaks of---its there really for anyone to read and learn from, Hyman just uses the biblical teachings to get some real foundations across to us.

Something that was already taught to me and my brothers by our parents.



First off, one has to avoid the “Love of Money” and realize it is simply a means of exchange to buy goods and services, but don’t waste it or horde it, make use of it to make money, but do not squander it either, if you have 2 dollars, save $1, then divide the remaining dollar in half, 50 cents to pay for your daily needs, the other 50 cents to invest in or with.

I call it my thirds rule. With the dollar saved divide that in half, 50 cents into a regular savings account, the other 50 cents into a long term retirement account, by having a regular savings account you’ll build up money for those sudden expenses, like a roofing problem, or car repairs etc. this way you will avoid going into debt by using a credit card, unless it is something very extensive. This is where a Budget rule is important.


O.K. Darlings so from an early age, my Dad played a game with my brothers and I, using pretend money, such as worn out or incomplete card decks, Aces were $1, 5’s =5, 10= 10, Jacks were 20, Queens 50 and Kings 100 dollars. On used envelopes Dad would write down the stocks we’d choose listing the number of shares we’d buy at the amount that the stock was going for per share.


Now as part of our “Homework” we had to investigate the solid foundation of a business whose stock was listed, then we’d watch to see how it would do, if the price per share was low we’d buy, then we’d have to see what it was going to do, and make a decision on it. Also we’d have to watch to see how much in dividends did the stock pay out, those dividends were written on the remaining cards, at the end of a certain period of time, usually 6 months, Dad would note how we were doing. Come January 1st Dad would announce who did the best and would get an increase in their allowance based upon results, those who didn’t do so well, well if they did do fairly well, would get an increase but only slightly, if our stock choices failed, our allowance did not get an increase.


You certainly can see the incentive here.


Hetty Green’s motto was “Buy cheap and sell dear” meaning buy low but sell high, the Rothschild’s based their investments on information gathered, that is how the head of the Rothschild family worked, during the campaign between Wellington and Napoleon, many investors had heard, (incorrectly) that Wellington was losing, but Rothschild had one of his sons near the battlefield and set up a system of immediate information relays, using carrier pigeons and light systems to send signals to him what was exactly happening, so when people were selling in a panic he was buying, and eventually when the real news hit the London exchange, Rothschild was in a position to make a tremendous profit.


Hetty Green was the same, this was told to me by my Grandfather whose brother worked at a bank that Hetty held her “office” in, through various contacts among the working class and clerks Hetty could gauge the worth of a company and therefore its stock value, even if the stock appeared to be going down, Hetty would know of things in the works that would bring a profit to the company, so when the stock price was at its lowest Hetty would buy and then when the company turned a profit and its stock value went up, Hetty would hold and hold until she felt it had reached its possible peak and then sell it at a profit. Grand Dad said that the clerks at the bank were very protective of Hetty, why? She would make small loans to them at a very low interest, and even would extend their time to pay it back, something that is very rarely mentioned in any biographies about her.


Hetty was cheap, rotating between just two suits of clothing, living in the most inexpensive rooming houses, buying the cheapest cuts of meat, walking everywhere, even avoiding doctors to treat her son’s injured leg, which he never condemned her for.


To her Money was a weapon to be hoarded, not squandered, she in a way took it to the extreme, but even the Rothschild’s did not live extravagantly.


So let’s look at investing----

Rule one----never invest more than what you can afford to lose


Rule two---never invest all your money into one stock, diversify


Rule three---do your homework, make sure that the company whose stock you’re interested in has a solid foundation to be able to ride out a lot of economic storms.

On Rule three this includes, how well is the business run? Is their management team solid and looking at the future, without over expansion? Is their sales pipeline large and are sales increasing, are their customers happy? Does it have a big market capitalization with plenty of liquidity in stock volume? AND This is the Most Important…is the company worth the stock price you are going to pay.

Remember Darlings buy cheap but don’t buy a cheap company.


Everyone remembers that stocks slide up and down on a roller coaster, so even with doing your homework if there is a stock pull back right after it takes a position that does not mean it’s a bad investment. This is where you have to be like Rothschild so that when it appears that a stock loses value this is where you need to review in your mind why you bought it and hold on. Do not allow Greed or a quick turn over or even fear cause you to panic

And don't buy a stock because a friend, or relative says its a good thing or the latest thing, it could be a disaster if you do not do your homework.  Solendra was one of them.  Fortunately I did not buy into that.

The best way to see how a stock performs is to look back on its track record for the last two possibly three years. For example if a company shows what I have just explained to you as still being solid it is solid.


John Deer Tractors, everyone needs that from the homeowner to the Farmer.


So with Rule Three you are doing a fundamental analysis of an investment


Rule Four---determine when to buy --- this is done after you have completed Rule three. So you turn to a technical indicator called the relative strength index, this will tell you when a stock is being oversold or overbought, on a scale of 100 if its under 30 the stock is getting cheap because people are selling but when it starts going over 80 on the RSI scale then its getting pricey---why? Too many buyers are buying it


Warren Buffett has used these two principals to see how a stock is going to do, it is what caused him to stay away from those start up companies that had no foundation, even I stayed away from Facebook stock when it opened and then it started going down and down, but just to be a little cagey I bought some shares when it looked like it was going to go for a $1 a share, then slowly it began to show its true worth.


So when you see a stock going down on a company, a company that you know has a strong foundation based upon the questions I outlined for you don’t be afraid.


Although I have to admit I did “Take a Flyer” on Facebook.


Because this is where you grab your courage and work outside that box, and that may mean buying companies that people don’t like, when you see massive selling hitting a stock on a company that is solid, that is when to look for the bargain. Don’t allow Greed or the Love of Money or your fear of losing blind you to an opportunity.


This is where you look for large volume spikes and then shows steep declines. Apple is a good example, Steve Jobs dies, Apple stocks went down, panic selling, but now a time to buy at a lesser price, because if Apple is any good it will steady out even without Steve Jobs, because you are looking at the true value of the stock and the foundation of the company.


So Rule Five---Ride out the Roller Coaster, it may take weeks or months but you are in for “The Long Haul”


And that is what my Dad taught us, “Don’t buy for profit, buy for the long haul, for a generally steady income to serve you into your old age and beyond” SERVE YOU; in short have your money make money.


With my Facebook stock once I did my initial purchasing I use the dividends from that stock to buy more stock, the same with Apple. Eventually I will have those dividends be paid directly to me, like my other stocks.

And this is where we come to RULE SIX:

DO NOT LIVE BEYOND YOUR MEANS

Even though I have a very, very good income, I determine how much I will need to live on per month, for that I have 2 checking accounts with separate debt cards, the first checking account will pay insurances, mortgage, utilities, medical/dental. I pay those bills immediately, I do not procrastinate.

The second account is to pay for Food and sundries, including if I want to treat myself and some friends to lunch.

Then I set quite a bit of it aside, for that I have 4 savings accounts, one for emergency repairs, one for fun things like a vacation, one for any increase in living costs so that I’ll have a chance to re-do my budget and one to purchase things as needed such as birthday gifts or replace something in the house etc.

I know that having that many accounts can be a bit mind bending, but I keep cash books on each, and each book clearly labeled, being able to call in to the bank and listening to the auto response is very helpful as well as logging in each evening any purchases.

For that you HAVE to be DISIPLINED.

I know people who have to have a new car every 4 to 5 years, once its paid off they buy a new one and are back into debt, I had my Caddy for nearly 20 years and was only beginning to consider buying a new car if it appeared that it would not pass smog or I had to have it worked on long and hard to pass smog, but that was taken out of my hands when some teenagers stole it for a joy ride and wrapped it around a pole.

My current car I will keep until it is not repairable anymore. Don’t over charge on credit cards, use coupons, watch for deals, on a number of things you can buy at either Target or Wal-Mart, on other things buy quality because you want it to last a long, long time.

Don’t buy a MacMasion when something smaller will do.


I have only 3 credit cards, one of them is a gasoline card, the other two are bank credit cards, one is for any auto repairs or if I’m traveling, the other when I want to purchase clothing or items for myself. On all three I watch my balance very carefully, and pay them down immediately, usually within 3 to 4 months. This is where the savings accounts come in handy.


Really one doesn’t need more than 3 cards plus your debt card(s). One handy device is being able to pay over the phone, I have a small date book that lists when a bill will be due and with the phone numbers of those cards and if I’m traveling I can call the credit companies and pay over the phone without a fee.


Some people prefer auto pay; I do that for the Utilities and the home mortgage.

To be able to balance all of this I look into what I Need to buy or pay, this includes property taxes, medical/dental insurance, auto and home insurance, utilities, home mortgage, Food, medicine. These are NEEDS.


Everything else is WANTS, well I need a good pair of walking shoes, I have them and I have them re-heeled and re-soled and will do it until they are worn out, one does not need 20 coats, a good winter coat, a good raincoat, a light suit jacket, and a lovely shawl, plus a few sweaters, until they wear out.


I don’t drive my car everywhere, I’ll use public transportation, and it works just as well, so it saves on wear and tear on the car, if you have to do a lot of errands then plan on the best use of your gas.


My clothing is classic, so is my jewelry, I go to the Library for recreational reading and magazines, even DVD’s and music, there are some things I do buy but that is because I consider them hobbies. Remember the simple things are always best.


But again always save, determine needs vs. wants, and look for the best deals from food to travel, avoid the credit card use this is where cash money is important by using your credit card you are falling into temptation on buying a “want” and therefore living beyond your means, and don’t be extravagant when there is no need. Network with people who can help you achieve your goals and be genuine.


And remember there is Good Credit and there is Bad Credit, Good Credit or debt is paying on a house, Bad Credit (really debit) is having 20 charge cards at rates 15% to 29%, they do not give you any return, whereas paying on a house is a tax write off.

Now my Diva Darlings review what I have posted before, be sure to have a Good CPA who Really knows the Tax Code, keep receipts, keep records, and keep a good accounting of everything. It pays in the end my Darlings


And remember----YOU ARE THE CEO OF YOUR OWN COMPANY—it is called your Life.

And here is where we come to Rule Seven:

Remember those who are less fortunate.  

This means donating to charities to help the needy, like Salvation Army, your Local Food Bank, charity walk for Cancer,  your local Animal Shelter or Nature preserve (yes we need to remember those who cannot speak for themselves),  I donate to "Cover your Cop"  this is to buy bullet proof vests for Police Dogs as well as other charities.  You can even do it in memory of a loved one or a friend.

So just as the money flows in, be sure to have some of it flow out for a good  and worthy cause.
Until Anon, Kisses Darlings

Politics and Money

Hello Dahlings!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.

Currently I am blogging from my brother's computer system. I am staying at his place with his dear wife, Lois until Friday.

Today we are going to the SPA and treat ourselves to being pampered. Lois has chosen the place and I haven't a clue where it is. I love things like that.

Another thing is I'm going to invest in a laptop computer, my brother has strongly suggested that it would be a good thing, because when I travel I can link in through a hotels' wi-fi when I want to know about investments. And frankly I have to agree with his assessment.

I had been holding off because I don't buy one day and sell the next I select stocks and funds for the long haul. But it can tell me which way "the wind is blowing".

I have been doing this since I knew how to do math when I was child and I can thank my parents for that and my brothers and late husband.

I've had several of my blog friends ask me if I have an "office". Well yes and no.

You see I use to go to my husbands and his business partners office, and he'd have a desk and phone for me to use (so much has changed since those early days)and I would invest only my own independent funds.

Upon his death, I made a deal with his business partners, that I could have a small office (with windows thank you) and continue to do my investing. But I also maintain an office at home as well, Wallace my friend, joined my husband's firm after my husband's death and we've continued this business relationship.

It works out well, because sometimes they will come to me for my opinion on things, which I can talk to them more freely than I can here on this blog (there are laws about that you know), but please be aware that when I talk to them I don't "darling" them at all. I talk to them as an equal and they know it. (please see my earlier posts).

The other day there was concerned about North Korea and Iran, especially around transportation of oil through one of the main water ways. There were private rumbles about that.

And if you have recently read the news Iran is threatening to block the strait that many oil cargo ships use, even though the strait is international waters.

Saudi Arabia to keep the peace and good relationships with us and Europe has done and end run which has lowered the cost of oil, but transporting it may raise the price.

We are concerned about all this "saber rattling", is this going to be another war?

Frankly my dears, if my husband were alive he'd say bomb Iran back to the stone age, and take out all the nuclear reactors. If I wasn't so concerned about repercussions I'd say the same thing, it can get very frustrating.

Now North Korea---we are dealing with an unknown quantity, personally don't be surprised if Kim's son eventually disappears from the scene, or he is used as a figure head.

But getting back to my "office" I am much like that gentleman who is 106 years old and goes to his office everyday, he has retired from the company but he keeps his office as a private investor, and he stays up with the technology. I just adore him. BUT I am not 106 years old.

Now I must go, Lois is ready and we are going for lunch first.

So what is this post all about Darlings? Remember you are the CEO of your life, what happens politically and economically, both local, state, nation and internationally, affects you. You cannot change things, but be prepared for them to "weather the fall out" so to speak.

That is why the media, newspapers, radio, television, Internet, magazines are so important to making careful judgements. Always be "the ant" not "the grasshopper" if you remember Aesop's fable.

Untill Anon, Kisses Darlings.

Hello Darlings,

Again a long time and no blogging, I’ve been bad and busy as usual.

Mostly watching the stock reports, having my health check up and Princesses’ as well, attending fund raisers, I’m on the board of several local charities, but come January my term will be up with several of them and with relief I must say, although I’ll still keep my hand in it but on a less demanding level.

Thanksgiving was a quiet affair with the family in San Francisco, Tom is having second thoughts about selling his home, although one of his boys has suggested that he buy it off of his Dad, since he will be moving back to the Bay Area for his company, and until Tom and his wife feel comfortable in finding a Pied a Terre in the City, they can stay at the house when they come down from the Lake, Tom is determined to move up to his Lake property, but over October when the trick or treaters were coming around he started wondering if he was going to be doing the right thing. Then his son came to the rescue, and frankly I think it’s a wonderful idea.

So next year they will be putting their plans forward, in the mean time his son is renting an apartment for the family as a temporary measure with much of their extra belongings in storage.

My friend Ralph has found a month to month apartment to rent and it’s possible he may decide to stay there on a permanent basis, he feels very comfortable with it, the neighbors and its location.

Juanita and her family are all doing well, the little ones are excited that Christmas is coming and lots of family are visiting, her other 2 sons and their families and extended relatives and friends.

And I?

Well I have been and will be doing my usual plans that I do every year this holiday time, writing out Christmas cards, seeing the nutcracker, attending the Dickens fair, the Christmas revels, touring Dunsmuir house, the sing a long messiah, seeing A Christmas Carol, the Art Deco societies Deco the Halls, donating Toys for Tots, food for the food banks, buying a tree from one of the church lots and trimming it, lights on the house (thank you Manuel), feeding our local bird life, then towards the last few days before Christmas touring Christmas tree lane and other Christmas holiday lights with my friends, and I hosting a fund raiser dinner party last weekend and also shopping, shopping, shopping but not necessarily buying.

Whew!!! That is a lot when one thinks of it. I had not realized how busy I get during the Holidays.

But it’s not all play and no work; I have been working in my own way. Reading the news, watching the media and trying to make determinations.

I’m happy to say that my “Mac and Cheese” type of investing has been paying off, Smucker’s is showing a nice upswing as well as Mattel Toys, children always want toys and you can never go wrong with old reliables, although Hasbro has not fared well, but I’ve always preferred Mattel toys over Hasbro over the years. The latest Barron’s talks about these two companies and their performance.

Christian Science Monitor has an article about Occupy Wall Street and their local branches and it appears they have out worn their welcome. I know locally the local branches appear to be falling apart or at least wearing out their welcome, for they have lost their focus and their message and are currently doing more financial harm than good.

I for one, can understand at least the heart of the message but I strongly feel that they are going about it the wrong way, you do not in anyway interfere with the working people trying to earn money, you do not disrupt them, instead become more cohesive, really research what needs to be done, expose the greed of the financial institutions and how they are working hand in glove with politicians, something that everyone has known for decades but expose it, name names, show the paper and money trail, don’t in anyway harm the working person, do not in anyway disrupt their earnings. Become an organizational party that will work to vote in those needs and persons who will work for the greater good and in doing so be careful to not become communistic.

Newsweek for December 12, 2011 has articles about why we need Europe, the foolishness of expensive art and the disaster by investor Corzine. Popular Mechanics for Jan 2012 has articles about Digital spies and how China’s secret war threatens our economy, security and us as individuals. Articles I certainly would not pass up and I’d keep on file for future reference.

Once again I’ll be making plans for the New Years, and also taking time for a relaxing Spa vacation, after the fund raiser holidays it’s needed. And then I’ll be able to tackle----ahhhh yes Darlings, the dreaded income taxes and paying the property taxes.

So what is this blog all about---I would say to relax and enjoy the holidays, to not over do, rotate your Christmas events, Nutcracker one year, Christmas Carol the next, but always keep the easiest to do as an annual event. With New Years, plan on one year to go out and the following year to stay home, by doing that it helps keep one’s sanity. The simplest gifts are always the best, focus on family events and doings, my Christmas shopping has been focused on the children and with the adults looking more forward to just getting together and enjoying the company, doing games, exchanging recipes, turning off the T.V. the Ipod, I pad, the internet and just being with family and reconnecting, which is the best gift of all.

Also something I recommend, keeping a journal of your ups and downs, your thoughts and hopes, your sadness and joys, sometimes it may seem trivial and sometimes profound. But it will be your own ‘snapshot’ of your life to think about and also a possible historical connection from the people of the future to our past.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings, with or without mistletoe.

"Egg Money"

Hello All My Diva Darlings,

It's been a while since I last blogged, but as in anyone's life things have been busy for me.

To enumerate I've been sprucing up the garden with Juanita's son-in-law's help.

Repairs to gutters on the house, those rains did stress them. A new Roof as well.

Having my lunches with my "Ladies who Lunch" whom I'm happy to say are doing very, very well.

My late husband's company (or office) is doing so well that they are expanding, not too big but to accommodate a few new hires. This benefits me indirectly.

I've been visiting my family here and there and will be going up to my brother's cabin in a week or two for a delightful vacation.

My investments are holding steady, my health is good, little Princess, my family and friends, Juanita and her family are all doing well despite this economy. We are all learning to do more with less.

And that is the my lesson for today, learning to do more with less.

As everyone knows it pays to comparison shop, it pays to decide if it's a want or a need, it pays to find out if it's cheaper to fix or replace, and it pays to have "Mad Money".

Now what is "Mad Money"? Well my Mother told me to always have "Mad Money" in my purse but to not inform my date that I have it. So I always made sure that there was a special compartment in my purse for the secret stash of funds.

But where did the term come from? Well back in the 1920's during the time of speak-easys and prohibition, if a girl got mad at her date and wanted to depart, if she had on her cash for a taxi or bus fare that was called "Mad Money" so she would not have to be dependent upon her date or the kindness of strangers for a ride home.

In a way it was a way for a young lady to "Flex her muscles" to show she was independent and not under the control of someone else be it boyfriend or husband or even the friends she was with.---"Mad Money"

Besides "Mad Money" there is also the "Rainy Day fund", the "Egg Money", the "something put aside" fund.

So what are all of these?

Let's start with "Egg Money".

One of the easiest ways for housewives or farmer's wives to earn a bit of extra funds was to raise chickens---chickens were a self renewing animal crop--- with a dozen or two dozen hens and one rooster, you had eggs, new chicks both for food and sale. Yes for sale, lots of grocers or butches would get their eggs or chickens for sale from these little homemakers, who would sell their excess eggs or chickens for profit, back then feed was cheap. The woman then had extra money that she got from selling her eggs and excess chickens. "Egg Money" This was set aside for something special or for emergencies. But it did give the woman a sense of independence.

"Rainy Day" fund---this is a savings account or a jar or some holding spot where any spare change was put aside for emergencies, one never knew if the roof was going to leak during a bad rain storm, and if that happened, at least you had money for supplies or to hire someone to repair the roof or fix the porch or car or wagon or pay for the unexpected Doctor's visit when someone came down ill.

"Something Put aside" Fund---this was important eventually there would come a time when it was difficult for one to work at least full time---this was really a retirement fund, to have something to live off of when one couldn't work anymore.

But in the old days pretty much everyone worked until they died, so if nothing else it paid any left over bills, the funeral, and would leave the surviving spouse with something.

And dear Diva's that is what you should do as well, if you manage to be able to finance yourself so that you can live on less than your income, set aside that spare change for your "egg fund", "Mad Money", "Rainy Day", "Something Put Aside" funds.

O.K. in today's modern terms how would this translate?

"Something Put Aside"---this can be called your retirement fund, your 401 K's, your investments, Your Roth IRA's, and yes even the retirement fund from your company and anything in Social Security---they all do add up.

"Rainy Day Fund"---This is something that you can set up as a savings account granted the interest rate is low but at least it's set aside for emergency repairs, be it your car, the toilet, a broken window, no matter what you should have funds set aside so you won't have to worry about where you are going to get your money for it.

"Egg Money"---This is to save up for either something special or to just have to draw on should you be laid off, how does one get this money? Yard Sales, selling your unwanted clothing on consignment, recycling those cans, bottles and plastic, picking up those unwanted pennies that people toss out of their pocket. Extra lose spare change in the bottom of your purse. Even money you earn from a 2nd part time job.

"Mad Money"---This one is easy---always have a secret stash of funds in your purse to cover any transportation, find out what are taxi fares, discover the best bus routes home, have a transportation card with funds on it all the time. For example in my area we have what is called "Clipper Cards" for our Bus service, we also have Rapid Transit as well, I always keep funds on those cards in case my car breaks down or if I should get very upset with my Date. You can also have cash as well, but these cards are a life saver.

Now there is something else you should consider---your income tax refund---if you are lucky enough to get a refund there are several ways you can utilize it. Some people will apply it to their property taxes, some will put the whole amount into their retirement fund, I suggest that you split it up into those funds that I have mentioned, with the exception of the "Mad Money" unless you want to add an extra $100to be safe.

No matter what you can always find ways to find those little extra coins to put aside, and there is always something wonderful, a comfortable feeling knowing that you have those funds to tide you over without having to put an unnecessary dent onto a credit card.

If you are just coming on to my blog my Dear Darling Divas, be sure to read my earlier postings for more suggestions and information.

Until Anon Kisses Darlings.

Do you Like the new Design?....

Hello All you Lovely Diva Darlings,

Do you like the new web page design? I do. I felt that it was time for a change and Blogspot offered it.

And change can be a good thing. Sometimes change is something you do, sometimes it's something that is forced upon you. For some people they are afraid of change, which is something I can understand.

There is a book that all you Darlings should read it's called "Who Moved the Cheese" and it's all about change. It will show you how you can make change work for you or to at least understand change and deal with it.

There are some things that I simply will not change, I have an old fashioned rotary phone. I have it in my living room because it is period correct for the retro style, but in my personal office at home I have a push button phone because many businesses require you to "push buttons". No matter what I still prefer to talk to a live person, which I make every effort of doing. But I still need that push button phone.

We have become so caught up in modern technology that it is stressing us, so it is important to carefully chose what technology you want in your home and in your work.

But with that comes a price, increased fees and rates, greater stress, lack of personal contact, and lack of simplicity and privacy.

But if you are a business, you need to be out there, many established businesses are on Facebook and My Space to advertise what they are doing and to keep a certain fan following. From a business point of view I can see that, it makes sense.

I know of a number of people who are on Facebook, I chose to not be one of them. Why? Because it moves too fast, the next thing you know you have friends on your page that you have no idea who they are and the world moves very fast---must like if you miss 5 minutes of that T.V. program "Lost". Of course I could never follow that program anyway.

My dear friend Mean Kitty said to me one day "Being on Facebook is like having your e-mail on crack, too hyper." and she is right. But I may consider it someday, if it's the only way to be in touch with family and friends.

Now what have I been doing? Relaxing and re-evaluating things, doing work on my home, enjoying being an adopted grandmama and enjoying the cool summer that is finally upon us.

I've recovered from my kidney surgery and am doing well, Princess and I are enjoying our walks. My ladies who lunch and I still meet, now we are talking about affordable vacations.

Juanita and her family are all doing well and so are my family and friends, oh there are some minor ups and downs, like a dental appointment, or the car is not running properly, but on the whole doing well.

Of late though I've been following the financial pages and I am very concerned about the moves that a number of banks, Bank of America included, that are going to do to charge people for having a checking account. Watch that very carefully my Darlings, and if you don't like what your bank is planning find out how you can avoid those fees or find another good and solid bank.

Some banks will not charge fees if you have direct deposit, so if you have several checking accounts have your company payroll deposit a little something into each account, even if it's only $10.00 per paycheck, it will do. And the beauty of it is that it forces you to save, so consider that.

Keep up with reading the financials we are not out of the woods and may never be.

Yesterday in the early evening I took a nice long walk with my little Diva Darling and although it was windy I enjoyed watching the waves making white caps on the water and all the para gliders who use these kites to surf on the waves, there were so many of them that I thought it was a race of sorts, but I found it so relaxing and entertaining.

Also of late I've been looking into places to stay that accept small pets, they do charge a fee, but for me I feel that it's worth it.

Now I must go, I'm driving over to my brother's today, he is having a Bar-B-Que with his children and grandchildren and my other Brother and his wife will be there, they finally found a nice little pied-a-terre in the City and close to BART as well.

It will be so nice to see them all and have a "catch up" with them.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Being "Frugal and Hunting Bargains" are in Style~~~

Hello All You Darling Divas!!

I know Darlings; I’ve been away for just too long. And don’t I realize that!

But so much has been happening in my life. Where do I start?

First, I am now an adopted Grandmamma, Juanita’s daughter Constance gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl on October 30. The baby was a surprise to everyone, and a welcomed one.

And why am I an adopted Grandma? Constance and her husband have medical insurance but it doesn’t quite stretch to meet all the bills and although she was and is working full time, he had been out of work for a while but getting by with temporary and odd jobs and now finally has a full time job, so with 4 other children to feed and clothe it does get hard, yes 2 boys and 2 girls. As Manuel says quite a full house, so I’m helping to pay the medical bills for the baby.

When Constance came home with the baby I gave Juanita time off to help get Constance settled in with the new baby, and what I’m doing is having Juanita have more days off to be with Constance so she can rest and get into a routine with the baby.

One thing has Constance and Manuel worried is baby care because Constance can only take 4 months off from her work. She took the final month of her pregnancy off and will only have 3 months to be with the baby before she goes back to working as a secretary/ receptionist at her job and with the economy being the way it is she doesn’t want to lose it.

So Moi made a suggestion, my house is right on the way to where Constance’s job is, she can leave the baby with Juanita, we can have a complete set of baby things at my home, including disposable diapers, and Juanita can watch the baby during the day and then Constance can pick the baby up on the way home.

Juanita was worried that she might not be able to do things for me at the house, but I said that with the two of us and with “Molly Maids” from time to time, we should be able to give Constance peace of mind. It’s not like I’m a handful to take care of and I’m quiet capable of grocery shopping, taking things to the cleaners and such, although with having Juanita around it does make it easier in case a repair person is needed and I have to leave to take care of business.

And Constance’s older daughters and the boys can watch the baby while Constance is preparing dinner and they can help around the house as well. Which as I understand it, is not a problem since that is part of their responsibilities anyway.

So it’s a matter of adjusting our routines. And I have another little one to spoil as well.

Now about the economy-----Well Darlings, I don’t have to tell you that it is in “the toilet”. And such changes that are happening, even I have a hard time to keep up with it.

Fortunately my “Ladies Who Lunch” still get together and so far they have been riding out the ups and downs fairly well, with adjustments.

Can I tell you what to do in general about things? Sad to say No I can’t, because each individuals situation is unique, but there are some general things that you can do.

An important thing is to pay attention to the business reports especially about banking policies; recently it came out that two banking institutions were in the process of charging fees on good customers. How ridiculous is that!

One of my “Ladies” told me that the minute she heard about that she started looking into another institution that doesn’t do that.

Another told me that she left her credit union because they wanted her to keep more in her savings than before and if it went below a certain amount she would be charged a “maintenance fee”, what also aggravated her is that the closest branch closed and moved away from the business hub to a less accessible location for her, and the ATM is never properly maintained, I would say that is reasons to quit that institution and go with another.

So all you Diva Darlings, always keep a close eye on those extra fees that they are charging, and always read those little extra mailers that they send you that “tell” you of those changes, they are required by law to do that. And if they don’t, COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN LOUDLY---if need be take it up a notch---speak with a supervisor---demand quality service---they are making money on your money anyway---the money that you put into their banks they use to make investments and purchases, so keep an eye if they are investing wisely.

One of my “Ladies” whom happens to know my dear friend “Mean Kitty” took a very hard hit, the bottom line is husband divorced her and left her in serious debt, she is of course trying to get some recourse, but it has been two years in the process, so she was forced to declare bankruptcy.

In a way she was lucky, she was awarded it, but she sold almost everything, there were no children involved, but she did find out that he had fathered a child by another woman who is going to be “new wifey” having seen an engagement ring with a rock big enough to choke a Shetland pony.

She met the woman in a friendly meeting, saw the baby, knew at once it was going to be an ‘ugly child’ and would need a lot of help, my “lady” told me that she hoped the child was ‘brilliant’ to help make it’s way in the world. Her words not mine.

Of course she didn’t say that to the Mother, no need to be cruel, but said that she hope the Mother and her Ex had an interesting life together. But also told her what her Ex-had done to her and warned the Mother to be on her guard with him and that she was compelled by law to seek some restitution from her Ex because it was not properly divided since this is a community law state.

She apologized to the new wife of her Ex and mother of his child, but said that it was the law, and she was only seeking that which is fair, and said she had no animosity towards the new wife and especially not to the idea of her Ex having a child.

She said that if the Ex would simply let their respective lawyers handle all the arrangements it would be nice to avoid court costs with the exception of the final judgment by the Judge and allow each of them to get on with their lives, and that either way her Ex would still come out of it in good shape. She even said that she would not seek any portion of her Ex’s retirement fund, if he allowed the lawyers to do “their thing”.

My lady told me that she at first thought that “new wifey” to be would become very upset, but instead was very reasonable, especially when she told “new wifey” about some of the hidden assets the Ex had that “new wifey” to be didn’t know about.

The final results were that she got what she wanted to make things better for herself, and she and “new wifey” are secret friends behind Ex’s back.

But because of the bankruptcy taking a hit on her credit score she cannot hold a credit card.

But she found out that check debt cards work like a credit card, so what she did is open a second checking account with the same bank and has been depositing extra cash into that debt card and maintaining running book keeping on it. She also has it linked to a savings account so that every month at the end of the month $25.00 is shifted into her savings.

She has found that with her no longer having to worry about those debts that she had, she has more freedom to exercise her choices on what she needs, or wants. And that is the difference.

One always has to discerned between the difference of a need and a want----

A NEED is something that you need to have if you want to have some function in life,--- for example if in your job it’s important to have a laptop, a DSL line or Wifi and a cell
Phone That is a NEED. Having an Iron and Ironing Board to press out your clothes is a Need. Being able to buy food is a need, having medical and dental insurance is a Need.

A WANT is something you desire, but is NOT necessary for you to function in life----

Example: a cell phone with all sorts of Apps so you can get onto Twitter and Face book, since that is not really necessary in your life it is only a Want. Expensive crystal wine glasses are a Want not a need. Buying a Gucci Handbag is a Want not a need. A plasma screen T.V. that is 72 inches is a Want not a need. Having a Mani-Pedi every two weeks is a Want not a need, when you can get by having it only once a month or not at all.

Another thing as all agreed upon by my “Ladies Who Lunch” being Frugal and hunting for Bargains is the new “In-Thing” even among those who can afford things.

One of my Ladies told me she got a CVS card with the CVS stores that use to be Longs in our Area; she gets coupons with purchases that she makes, especially if she purchases CVS products. She also buys her milk at CVS anyway because where she’s at it’s $2.49 a gallon compared to $2.99 at most grocery stores, and when she uses her CVS card it drops to $2.29 a gallon, and if she has an extra discount coupon that says “Real California Cows” she can get 50 cents to a $1.00 off a gallon of milk.

She has also discovered the 99 cents Hallmark cards, and uses them for birthdays, and special occasions, yes she does have to pay 44 cents for postage but she says that she enjoys the personal touch with a card.

She has also used the $20 dollar coupon from Wal-Mart that says you can buy a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 for $20 this includes a 12 pound turkey; she has used it and says that turkey is going to be used for dinner, soup, casseroles, and sandwiches.

So the word is to all you Darling Divas the New In Thing is being FRUGAL AND HUNTING BARGAINS.

But frankly my Dear Divas, as being a Diva that should also be your Mantra.

Must go my Dears Irma has come by to take me out to Brunch and since Juanita is at Constance’s home spoiling the baby, my time is my own.

Until Anon, Kisses.

Happy New Years Darlings!!! 2009

Happy New Years to all my Darling Divas and Divas in Training,

Isn’t it good to get rid of 2008?

Well really Darlings, one should really take the experiences of 2008 and use them as a learning lesson. It is really Reality knocking on one’s door.

Take all those financial fiascos’s and see what you could do to prevent it from happening to you. All those Home Loans that were nothing but disasters, the housing market bubble popping, all those companies whose worth was nothing more than paper.

This is where learning finance and investing can really be the best thing that a Diva can have in her financial arsenal.

Now I was fortunate, my Father always said that you can’t go wrong in investing in durable goods, even if they are slow growth, my U.S. Steel Stocks always a steady but unremarkable performer has held solid for me. Of course that is just one example, but remember when one invests in something, there is always a “domino effect”, what affects one will always affect another.

So here is a quick recommendation, look at the 2008 back issues of these magazines, Money, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Kiplinger Report, Fortune, Forbes, Barron’s and others, and see what they recommended and compare it to what recommendations performed well, that will give you an idea of where to invest.

Right now there are things that can be picked up for a low cost. Hetty Green, the “Witch of Wall Street” always said “Buy cheap, sell dear” meaning buy low, sell high. I’d say the same thing too, but I also say that it’s important to look at the steady income stocks as well, see how their performance was during the crisis.

Now Darlings I’m still putting together my “report” on my “Business Ladies Who Lunch” Pot Luck and there is a lot to assimilate. But I will have it up in the next few days.

Now for my personal update:

As you all know, if you have been following my blog, my plans were to go to my brothers house in San Francisco for the Christmas holidays and I did, it was so good to see everyone, my nieces and nephews and their children, my other brother Roger and his wife. We also received phone calls from other far flung members of the family.

It was a wonderful time, very much like last year only more people. Roger and Diana are going to be staying in a hotel for a week or two (now that is expensive but they’ve been planning it) and are looking at Pied a Terre’s to buy, they are looking at 1000 Van Ness, it’s right on the Geary line and it has parking. He told me that just a few years ago the small condos were going for a million dollars each now he can pick and choose for a song.

There are others but the fact that it’s close to a major bus line is the attractiveness to them, they just want something that’s “basic”.

We all went to Midnight Mass and of course it was only standing room, now in a time of crisis people are coming together even more so.

And Lois, Diana and I had such a delicious time at that wonderful Spa that Lois calls her own.

Princess and Smokey got along very well, Princess even bossed Smokey who is a much bigger dog but he took it all in stride, it was so precious to see the two of them sleeping together, my little Diva Darling all curled up next to Smokey’s ample body. And Smokey is doing so well, Lois said the poor dear adjusted very well to being with them.
The elderly man who was Smokey’s pervious owner has seen him several times now but they got word that he’s beginning to have kidney problems and has been to dialysis, so they were going to go up before New Years to have him see Smokey again, they do not hold out much hope that he will see spring.

Tom, with Smokey’s owners’ wishes, has made all the funeral arrangements, and has made sure that his estate will cover the medical costs. The land that the man owned will go to the estate and be used to pay for all the medical expenses, but Tom has pre-paid all the funeral costs. He said it’s the least he can do, Smokey has been such a treasure and so devoted especially to Lois.

Lois showed me the preliminary drawings for their “cabin” that is going to be built on their property, she was able to get copies of the plans for the cabin that was at Incline Village and from there, she and her architect have been able to come up with a design that will incorporate the Ponderosa plus their needs.

She told me that she was able to locate a company that re-builds old fashion cooking stoves, so she is looking at one that is a combination of gas burners and oven with wood burning features so that if their gas/propane gets low she can still cook on the wood burning part and she also wanted it to have a hot water reservoir even though they will be installing a hot water system that will be hot water on demand, much like mine only larger for when the family visits.

And she was able to find refrigerators and freezers that look like pantries to install in the kitchen, and a place that makes the old fashioned stone sinks.

They figure it will take two to three years to build it properly; they don’t want to rush it, and their have to look at everything first to make sure about codes.

But Lois is so excited about this “adventure”.
We had fun at the Christmas sales, although exhausting, again I found some wonderful bargains, and I especially hit the perfume counters. Juanita asked me if I could purchase a perfume or cologne set of J’Adore for her daughter Constance, which I did find.

But all the Prêt porter clothing was just so unremarkable, except for some selections by Ralph Lauren, that was very interesting and I can see that they will remain in style for some time. But Lois and I had to laugh at the silliness of most of the shoe styles, the heels were so high who could or would walk in them. I have beautiful shoes and stylish too but I make sure that they are comfortable.

But again all too soon it ended and I and my Diva Darling came home. Which was good really, I had time to catch up on my mail, had the maid service come in for a good “fluff and dust” Then once again I and Kevin whisked ourselves off to the Hornet last night for the New Year’s Party, so lovely and so romantic.

But this morning I surprisingly got up early, showered and dressed and made coffee, Kevin is getting dressed now as I type, we are going out for breakfast, do a little “cheap” shopping--- It’s at Target and Rasputins, then a light lunch and we will go and pick up my Diva Darling at Betty’s house, but I will be staying at Betty’s and Bill’s house for dinner and they will bring Princess and I home, Kevin unfortunately must catch an evening flight to (and here I am jealous) Hawaii. Because Obama may make his White house home away from the White House in Hawaii, there appears to be some investments that may develop out there and Kevin wants to investigate it.

Then on Monday, back into the real life, I’ll be meeting Wallace for Lunch next Monday in the City, we’ll be talking about the financial course that I must plan on for durability. Then putting together my records for my tax preparer, Tax time my Dear Diva’s waits for no one, and it pays to get the jump on things quickly, why should the Government make anymore interest on your money.

Oh and here is a suggestion, but you really should talk it over with your professional Tax preparer or CPA and I’m not talking about H and R Block either. One item that was suggested by one of my Business ladies is to look at how much is being taken out of your income for income tax, put in a form with your job so that most of that comes to you, but DO NOT SPEND IT, put that money that would go to your Federal and State income tax into your own savings account or something that will give you a good return and you get the interest not the Federal or State governments, then just pay them what would have been taken out for your income tax, why should they make interest on your money.

But if you are not prepared to do that, then file early and get your refund early so it can make interest for you.

Now I must go Darlings, Kevin is waiting and looking so handsome in a Daniel Craig sort of way, well he does have at least a “4 pack”.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

At my brother's cabin and a future investment idea~~~

Hello Darlings,

I am 'blogging' from my brother's cabin up here in the wilds (sorry Darlings for the sake of my brother's privacy I can't tell you exactly where).

My brother always needs to be in touch with his business even when he's on vacation, although he knows the business runs almost on it's own, he's set it up so well.

We're right on the lake, and there is a stream that runs near the cabin that you can hear it, but this drought is very bad, the lake is so low that my brother had to run his boat out onto a floating raft and we can walk through the low water to it. Where the raft is the edge of the lake drops down deeply, but still one can see the effects of the drought

Lois my sister in law, has planted native plants that deal with this type of weather very well.

They've done a marvelous job of re-decorating the cabin with their finds from the White Elephant sale. The lovely cowboy painting over the fireplace gives it a perfect finishing touch.

It's so relaxing up here, even Princess is enjoying it although it is warm, I had her fur trimmed down just enough so she's not too wrapped up in her fur, and I've put down wet towels for her and she is in the shade, with lots of water. And a fan for her. I stay in the shade as well, I'm so fair skinned, that I would burn before any tan.

Juanita is on vacation as well visiting family all over, I have a bonded house sitter staying at the house while we are gone. Although Juanita has told the house sitter that she will be coming back from time to time to check on things. That's why I love her.

Although I love to go into the city to keep up with my investments, there is something just so decadent being up here. It gives my mind a chance to relax and percolate as well with ideas.

My "Business Ladies Who Lunch" e-mail me with ideas although they are also planning vacations as well.

I know, who can plan a vacation when gasoline is so high---well for one thing---let someone else do the driving. One lady I know has had for over 18 months reservations to stay at the Ahwanee Hotel in Yosemite, so she and her husband have taken the train and the bus shuttle to the lodge, they rent bicycles there or take the tram to the various spots. Now they were planning to drive to Yosemite originally, but when gas hit $4.00 a gallon they starting thinking, so a friend drove them to the station and they were off. When they get back they will call a taxi.

In the long run it will cheaper.

That's is one way----you, my Dear Diva's will have to put on the thinking caps---because there are other ways as well.

I have to admit I drove to my brother's but then I wanted my car to be available to go anywhere at anytime. But it is no trouble to ride a bicycle around here to go to the store or anything. My brother made sure that the bikes were heavy duty and have baskets to carry groceries, including insulated bags for ice cream---I'm going to pay for this at the gym, but maybe not, it's usually Lois and I cycling to the store together so maybe with that exercise I won't need to.

Today is the First Day of Summer---and we are seeing a number of people on the Lake, my brother always worries that someone will have an accident. That is why he has a red, yellow orange bouyes around the raft and boat, and a blinking beacon on at night. "People don't use proper caution or their eyes" he says.

My nieces and nephews have been here and gone on their trip.

But they will return in August.

My brother has been directing some cleaning team to make sure that all the dead fall and dried shrubs have been removed to avoid any fire hazards. A friend of his, who lives up here year round who is a member of the fire dept. showed my brother what he needs to do. Fortunately a lot of work was done last year, a ceramic roof, vents screened, pine needles swept away, some natural firebreaks created and a water pump system to wet the area should the unthinkable happen, now it's just maintaining it.

Lois said that should a fire start and we have to leave the one thing she's going to grab from the house is the painting. Everything else is replaceable she says but that painting is one of a kind.

As a matter of fact my brother and sister in law are planning to retire up here in a few years.

Lois told me that they will just sell off everything at their San Francisco home, all they need is their family pictures "Everything" she said " was bought both to use, admire and as an investment, we can sell it all, and give to the children anything they want. We accumulate so much, that as one gets older one has to see what is really important in life"

What she told me has given me an idea for a future blog which I'll address at another time.

But right now Darlings there is something I want to pass on to all of you.

My brother has been following this story, and even I had noticed it back in 2007.

There is a venture company called LS9 in the Silicon Valley area---just Google in LS9 and you'll find the stories---it seems that they are developing nano-bacteria that will turn garbage into oil, or as my brother calls it "they poop oil". The only draw back is to develop a refinery to create enough oil to meet the U.S.'s current needs would require an area the size of Chicago. However, there is no need to use trucks to transport this oil---it can travel through the current pipelines that we now have.

My brother is watching this development very carefully, right now LS9 is privately owned but with the right breakthroughs, it could become the future "Apple Corp" to invest in.

I have to agree, anything that is reasonable that can produce oil at $50 a barrel and is less hazardous is worth investing in especially if it can take our garbage and "Poop oil" and get us away from foreign oil. As 'Mean Kitty' told me when I told this to her---"anything to stick a stick in the Foreigner's eyes".

So Darlings, watch for the future investing in energy, there are companies out there, check the latest Forbes and Fortune magazines for suggestions. But energy development is going to be a new wave of investing.

And that is one to put your thinking caps on my Dears.

For now this Diva is going to enjoy a nice ice cold Lemonade drink and relax.

Until Annon Darlings, Kisses.

An Update

Hello Darlings,

To all of you who personally know me, Thank you, Thank you for all the wonderful get well cards. I will have by now been in touch with most of you, don't worry I will catch up with everyone.

Just an update darlings who have been following me on my "Blog". I am getting better, I can get around now quite well, but I will need to use a cane from time to time and a light weight wheelchair if I have to stand or walk for more than a half an hour.

But I can move around my home again, drive my car again and generally take care of business again.

The Doctors have told me that I injured the tendons around my ankle a bit more than what was first realized, and as with anyone of a 'certain age' it will take me longer to heal, but heal I will.

I know can get around with out the use of my nurse, and I was very sorry to see her leave, but all is not lost. My dear friend Dolly is having her elderly mother live with her instead of those care homes, the dear lady is very alert and in her own way very active, but she does need assistance. So when I told Dolly about my nurse, Dolly immediately interviewed her and since her mother and her are fluent in Spanish and other languages, it worked out very well.

So arrangements were made that as soon as the doctor said that I no longer needed Isabella that she was available to go to Dolly's home. Dolly told me that with having Isabella to watch her mother and take her mother places, she has much less worries while she is at work.

Juanita does miss her, but since she knows where Isabella's new place is they will still be able to visit.

Oh but Darlings it is just so wonderful to finally be able to get out and do things again, even if at this time I'm still a bit limited but to be able to have my spa and beauty treatments again is just so wonderful.

Alright I'm vain, but it does feel so good.

Now to all you Darling Divas, it is good to budget especially during these bad financial times, but on my routine trips to the city (which I'm so glad to be able to do again) I've managed to 'chat up' several young ladies who are in the business world and we manage to get together for lunch once a week.

(side note to Lauren who I know checks this blog every day---don't sell those rings yet---I have a suggestion for you and I'll tell you about it when we meet for Lunch this coming Tuesday)

Any way Darlings, in talking to these bright young ladies, we've come up with suggestions to save some money here and there.

Now this is only a few ideas and there will be more added---

One young lady use to have a weekly mani-pedi but by only having it just once every 6 weeks, and bringing her polish choice from home, she can do touch ups at home and save over $200 every 6 weeks.

Another young lady use to drive her car to work every day, pay for monthly parking, and Fast Track as well as the cost of gasoline, now she leaves her car at home 4 days a week and takes public transportation, she has stopped the monthly parking, lowered her gasoline costs, and dropped fast track. Especially since she found out that the transbay buses have WiFi, so she is able to start on her work sooner.

And in just two months she has been able to save, in her words, "A Bundle". She only drives her car on Thursdays so she can do her grocery shopping straight from her job.

Another young lady brings her coffee and lunch from home instead of buying the 5 dollar coffee's at Starbucks and eating out. With the exception of our weekly lunches, and even she has noticed more money in her checking account.

They are are using coupons, watching sales on products they want, buying store brands, and using the public library to save money, they plan their shopping errands and keep a note book so they will know the times when some shops open and close when they plan their trips.

One of my young ladies has said that in stead of buying a gift she gives a gift card for a certain amount at a store that they know their family member or friend likes to go to. It saves money.

And this is only the start.

Now I do recommend my dear Divas to look for "Money" Magazine for June 2008, in it there is an article for creating a good investment portfolio for each stage of your life towards retirement.

Now there is one thing that all my young ladies have said, getting a spa treatment or a massage every two to 3 months as a treat is a must just to feel good.

But it seems that the adventure of Saving Money seems to be catching up with them, how creative can they be?

One young lady told me that because she has been working on saving money that she has reduced her attendance at some of the hot spots, and when she does go she has found that falling back on the most inexpensive drink (not beer) has been a savings for her as well as not having more than two during the whole of the evening, she told me that she has found it to be more of a 'prop' to have in front of her than as a drink. And she has found more fun and educational things to do that are free. For her she has put her savings into her investment portfolio.

So much to think about---Now to all you Darling Diva's and Diva's in Training---I put the challenge to you. What can you do to save money and still have fun? Time to put your "thinking caps" on.

Until Anon. Kisses Darlings.

More Reading information and a bit of Fluff~~~

Hello Again Darlings,

My Dear Friend Mean Kitty has advised me that I overlooked several publications in my last Blog, and she was so right.

I had overlooked 3 mainstays of business news, and they are Forbes, Fortune and Barron’s. Forbes and Fortune are monthly magazines with some supplements and Barron’s is a weekly newspaper that is tabloid size. Most good size public libraries will carry all of them or at least the two magazines.

Another magazine that my dear friend mentioned is “Essence” magazine, now it is geared to the African-American woman, but as all Diva’s know, any information on savings, investing, finances and job performance is always important and Essence magazine devotes a regular section to just that and it is worthwhile reading, (something that I wish Cosmopolitan would do). This is a magazine that most metropolitan libraries will carry, and again I recommend that you photocopy the information that is in this magazine for your files.

Another magazine in which Diva’s can find wonderful nuggets of information is Ebony magazine, they have wonderful articles, which of course focus on African Americans, but there can be information found that is beneficial to all. For example in the current issue (March 2008) there is an article about “overexcercising” which is harmful to the health; another article about “Dressing the part”, another about “Growing up CEO”, “living with Diabetes”, “how to be a good Christian”, fantastic recipes, and many more.

Now again Darlings I do recommend photocopying the articles, because not every magazine will have wonderful articles every month. Also you can build up your “tickle file” to cover different subjects to refer to. Of course for those magazines that you subscribe to you can always cut out the articles as well.

And if you are a Fashionista like Moi I always purchase the fashion magazines that come out in March and in September of each year, that way you can be up to date on what is the latest fashion trends, but on Fashion, well Darlings I always say don’t follow trends or what is the latest, look for what will look good on you and what is classic. You can always keep it up to date with accessories. And trust me Darlings, classics never go out of style.

Now Darlings for something a bit different and Fluffy; have any of you been following the Hi-jinks on either “Cashmere Mafia” or “Lipstick Jungle”? Well I have been following the latter, and I have to say that although the plot is a bit predictable, there is something that is sinfully enjoyable, I must say that Brook Shields has really grown into being an actress, I find her very believable in the role. And the really interesting promo is the creation of a Bonfire magazine on the web, a “good gimmick” as my friend Michelle would say. But what Brook Shields’ character did to “that woman” is something that I wish I had the nerve to do to several that I have encountered, but then I took my “revenge” on them in a different way and it was much more satisfying. As they say “Revenge is a dish best served cold”. Still the program is a sinful indulgence.

Some of my dear friends are planning an “Oscar Party” for February 24th. It seems to be a developing party event for those who are very into the movies. Everyone can dress in their best clothes or be very James Bond casual, or dress as your favorite movie character, there’s Champagne, hors‘durves, a simple buffet and it seems a ‘betting pool’ on who selects the most winners. All in all a really fun type of evening; some people would use it as a time to raise money for charity especially if it’s well planned.

I must confess I don’t go to the movies as often as I use to, but there is, as I hope, will be winners now that the writer’s strike has come to an end.

So if you want to plan a party this is one where you can go all out, costumes and all, really a great way to kick off the Spring season--- after Mardi Gra, Easter and Mother’s Day of course.

Ahhhh but for now the dreary rain is back, making the days grey and the nights cold, even the ducks are taking shelter under the awning that I have to sit outside when the weather it fine, poor things, but they are use to this type of weather, but still….

And my little Diva Darling is missing her walks; I think I shall have to plan on doing something this weekend to get out of the doldrums, but what I’m not sure. I think it’s time to put on my “Thinking Cap”.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

What to Read to be a Diva

Hello Darlings,

I do not know where all of you live, but if you live here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I do hope you have been enjoying the Sunshine.

My little Diva Darling, Princess and I have been enjoying our early evening walks along the beach, but I do confess that towards evening it still gets a bit chilly.

I know that some of you are wondering what have I been doing for the last week or so, well Darlings, working with my Tax preparer and getting the Taxes filed, such work and making sure I have all the information, but it's done.

On Valentines day my other speical friend Kenneth and I had a wonderful dinner at a delightful restraunt in San Francisco, but I can't remember the name it was such a surprise.

And of course the mundane, grocery shopping with Juanita ( I really let her plan the menus, and shopping with her can be an adventure, if it's not up to par we go somplace else or we will find it at Andronico's), and having some men replace a damaged gutter that the high winds managed to bend, it didn't harm the house but it needed to be fixed.

Now Darlings, I’m going to talk to you briefly about reading materials, yes Darlings reading materials.

Now remember what I said the last time I posted that I use the public library. Well I still strongly recommend the library to save you money, think of all the subscriptions you do not have to buy, the DVD’s and CD’s and books you do not have to rent or purchase when you use the public library. As long as you return it on time it is a savings. Make going to the Library part of your shopping day, that is shopping for things for the home.

I prefer Thursdays myself, all the sales have started.

But there are subscriptions that you should think about getting and these are a few suggestions especially if you plan to invest.

Kiplingers Personal Finance (they also have a monthly news letter called Kiplingers Retirement report)

Money Magazine

Now if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are thinking in terms of Real Estate or businesses there is the San Francisco Business Weekly and the East Bay Business Weekly (one covers San Francisco and the other the East Bay side of the Bay)

Investor’s Business Daily this is a daily newspaper that covers the business investment news

Business Week

The Economist

Now if you want something to cover Society and Fashion I recommend these 2 two of them are local and 2 you can find on the news stand.

The news stand ones are Vanity Fair and Real Simple. Now why those two, well Darlings Vanity Fair has the most wonderful articles much better than Vogue and it is always up to date on fashion. Real Simple has wonderful ideas on almost everything which can be inspiring.

The two that are locals are really for those wonderful Darlings that Live in the San Francisco Bay Area the first of course is San Francisco Magazine, it will tell you all about the Society events and wonderful places to go to as well as some very interesting articles that could lead you to wonderful investments.

The other magazine is a bit trickier, it depends upon where you live this is a local publication that will cover the city or county that you live it and it will have the name such as Oakland magazine or Diablo magazine etc. This will cover the events and list places to consider on your free evenings or days. And it will keep you up to date and in the know about who is who.

Now if you are those wonderful Divas that live outside of the Bay Area such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Chicago, New York etc. You will find comparable magazines of the same time in your local area, but the ones for investing you will find almost anywhere, unless you are living in a cultural desert for which I can only suggest to get out as soon as you can and only go back there just for mental vacations.

Because just as it is important about what you know it is equally important about who you know. But never forget where you came from and the family and friends that have supported you and have given you solid life values remember them always and cherish them.

Just as a “side-bar” although I have become very wealthy, that for my late husbands sake I cultivated social connections, I never forgot all the wonderful things that my parents did, the hard work my father did to get to a point of financial and social promince, my mother still being an old-fashioned home maker but getting use to the idea of having staff to assist (we never-ever called them ‘servants’ they were Staff always remember that my dear Divas) and still making time to always have family fun together, going to church every Sunday and always being aware that not everyone was as lucky and fortunate enough as us, that there were people for whom fortune did not always smiled upon but that within themselves they were as precious as gold.

My parents were right, there were several young people that I knew and became friends with and because I suggested to my father that it might be a good idea to help them out, one became a successful inventor, another a well-established artist and the third an editor for a publishing company, and we are still friends, even if we are still living in various parts of the world. Always remember that Darlings.

Now Darlings if you do not have the funds to subscribe to all these magazines do not worry, by going to your public library you can see which magazines would fit your needs and just subscribe to a few, while the others you can read in the library or photocopy those articles that will have the information that’s needed even at 15 cents a copy that is far cheaper than paying $4.95 for the whole magazine.

Investor papers such as Value Line, Morning Star, Mergent and the Standard and Poor’s stock guide should be available at your library and again you can photo copy those pages to see about the progress of a stock that may have your interest.

There are always books on how to read the financial pages, how to invest, but if you are still unsure about yourself, look for seminars or classes offered by schools or colleges that you can take classes in. It is possible that you can audit a class as a guest without having to sign up for college itself.

Now I have several young friends who are getting established in life and they want to know how they can have the Diva Look while they are still trying to get the Diva Bucks.

The first is avoid using your credit cards, only use them occasionally and pay it off with 3 payments, remember credit cards is a bad debt, whereas owning and paying on a home (that has been reasonably purchased) can be a good debt, now why is that? Very simple Darlings, the interest on a home loan can be taken off in taxes but not the interest paid on a credit card---interest paid on a credit card is money lost. Interest on a home loan is money gained.

There are many other things that you can do and I will cover that in another Blog.

The Sun is out and shining my darling friend Kevin and I are going to an estate sale auction that starts at 2 p.m. and being the hungry man that he is, he doesn’t want to miss out on the appetizers that they will be serving.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Update on my Travels Darlings~~~~

Hello all you Fabulous Divas,

I'm doing my posting from one of those delightful cafe's that have internet access.

Well Michelle and I have been having the most marvelous time, and thank goodness we are using today as a chance to catch our collective breaths.

We took the Capitor Corridor train on its mid-morning run to Sacramento, and then from the station we took a taxi to the Delta King, our floating hotel on the Sacremento River next to "Old Town Sacramento". Poor cab driver, we had so much luggage that it couldn't fit into his trunk so we had to put some in the back seat, so I sat in the back and Michelle sat in the front. We tipped him handsomely for his hard work.

Remember that dear Diva's if anyone give you extra service or they take that extra step to help you out, be sure to tip them for their work, it's always appreciated.

It only took two hours by train to get to Sacramento, which is a marvel because if one drives it takes the same amount of time, so why stress one's self and it can be so relaxing.

The Delta King is just a beautiful thing, I almost felt like Rhett Butler was going to be walking the boards of it. Our rooms are comfortable and most importantly Warm.

Since it's on the river and since it is Winter time, it will be Cold, and since we were also going to Reno we packed for cold weather, which is a good thing, gloves, wool scarves are a must.

My dear Friend Mean Kitty has always said to me "If you're going to the North Pole, don't pack a bikini". And she is right Darlings, one of the first steps in traveling is packing, always check what the weather conditions are like where you are going and with the internet you can always get last minute weather conditions.

Well we arrived just a bit after lunch time, so we decided to get settled in our rooms first and then see about a late lunch and do a little sight-seeing in Old Town Sacramento. We lunched in Old Town, and I have to say I am so glad they were able to preserve it. It felt like we had stepped back in time or that we were some how between time periods. We didn't have much in the way of crowds because many people were not there yet to take advantage of the Holiday Weekend, and I do belive that the cold may have kept some people away. But it was enjoyable.

And at night it just lit up and took on a hazy feeling, like a dream in a way.

The Delta King even had that quality as a hazy fog from the River drifted up and surrounded it; it felt like old ghosts were paying a visit to the old dear.

Well we returned to the King after we had lunch and walked around the town a bit, so we rested and finished getting settled. Later we had drinks and a light dinner, and it was very good, there were some dishes that I felt could have been better but I was not disapointed. We finished off with de-caffe coffee and later an after dinner drink.

I thought that with being on a large ferry that when I slept I would feel some movement from being on the water but I slept like a baby. On Friday morning we had brunch, and took in the Sacramento Railroad museum. Michelle had never seen it and we felt in a way like school girls, just looking at the old history and in some ways all the idea of travel by rail. Michelle said that in taking the Coast Starlight up to San Francisco she really had an appreciation of travel by rail that in many ways it was a great improvement over air flight. That is was a shame that people had gotten way from traveling by rail.

I told her that half the fun of travel is getting there, it's not so much the destination but traveling to it.

Watching our time, we had an early dinner and then took a chauffered vehicle to the ARCO Arena. Yes darlings I said "chauffered vehicle" now remember when you were going to your Senior Promp and a group of you would make arrangements to have a chauffered limo take you around, well as Diva's you can also make arrangements to get you to events. We did not ask for a Limo but we did ask for a nice sedan. Imaging my surprise when a Bentley showed up to take us there and bring us back to our hotel. Michelle made the arrangements and I do not know what service she used but we made sure that if there was any parking fees for the Bentley that they were covered.

And the "Blue Man Group", Darlings I cannot begin to describe this experience short of saying it was fantastic, it was music and performance art at the same time. If any of you have a chance to see them or if they ever show any of their earlier performances on Cable or DVD do see it, sadly it is not the same as seeing a live performance that "sucks you in to it" and grabs your senses, but do see them at least once.

We were just so overwhelmed by it that after the driver dropped us back at "The King" we decided to have a drink to just analize what we had seen. Michelle said that if they had been around when she was managing in the entertainment industry she would have leaped at having them as part of her "stars". She said that it was so much lack of talent and so much posturing that is what made her leave the entertainment industry and start doing real estate and later investments, she like Moi had the sense of when was the right time to get out of something before the bottom fell out.

Saturday we both slept in and then had a very light breakfast, Michelle wanted to take in one of the historical tours and we felt that afterwards we could relax a bit before we took in the Mystery Dinner theatre on the Delta King. Fortunately I have excellent walking shoes and the tour we had around "Old Town" was so informative and entertaining. I was wishing that we had some time to take in Sutter's Fort and a tour of the Capital as well as the Crocker Art Museum but I'll have to save that for another time.

Afterwards we stopped at a Lounge for a drink and a nosh, and that's when Michelle and I had a chance to do a bit of catch up.

I asked her what she had been doing of late since it had been nearly 5 years since I'd seen her although we had kept in touch with cards, letters and e-mails.

She told me that after I gave her the warning to sell out of the dot.com investments based on my "gut feelings" (and just in time too) she put some of her money into hotels that were in the process of being renovated and upgraded.

She still was representing talent but it was getting more and more exhausting for her. She said "I was representing 20 somethings that had not paid their life dues and wanted everything on a platter and just try and keep the drugs away from them, selfish, spoiled and without control the minute they had cash and this was long before the Paris Hilton
and Brittany Spears fiasco. I did have a few really talented people and I knew I had to get rid of those that were trouble but part of the problem is that those trouble makers were also my biggest money makers.

The decision came after I fainted in my office and was rushed to the hospital. It was what the doctors told me that made me make the final decision to get out of the business. I wasn't going to die for spoiled babies. But what to do with those that really counted?

I had to be brutal and yet find a way that would preserve my reputation in the business. I decided to let the "spoiled brats" know that I couldn't represent them any more and why and gave them the names of others that I said would take them up in a heartbeat. I didn't even recommend anyone to them.

But those that I knew worked hard and were paying their dues, those I gently guided them to those that I knew could give them the right venues, give good advice and treat them fairly, they are doing well. The "spoiled brats" ? Well some of them faded away on their own drug induced dreams, and some are still out there but not as well.

My hotel investments paid well and steady, and then when I felt better I did real estate on the side until I had that feeling that things might go down the "tubes" and got out at the right time. My investments are paying me well and I'm contacted by charity event coordinators about talent recommendations and seeing who would be available for fund raising events, so I act as a laison making the initial connections and then guide them through the rest of the process. It's not too tiring and leaves me with plenty of free time to see what other talent is out there and connect with them for future charity venues, keeps my hand in and saves me from heart attacks."

From there we talked about changes in L.A. and S.F., families, politicial issues, and the future.

Then Michelle stopped talking and was listening to the piano player who was singing in the Lounge, after the player stopped and took a break Michelle went up to her and exchanged cards with the singer, and then joined me "She is good, local preferrs, to stay around here, but I've got some people and such that might be interested in her for a few events around here. Smart too she's got a good manager, I've heard of him. I'll give him a call after I get back to L.A."

I could only smile, no matter what, my friend was still working and she just grinned at me when I smiled, it was like a silent secret message. Even I have to confess, I was looking around for things that might become a sign post towards good investments.

We returned to the King and freshened up and went to the Mystery Diner Theatre they have on board, Michelle and I had a lot of fun, I'm not going to even explain it to you, but I have to say you never know if you are going to be seated next to the victim or the killer. The food was good if not spectacular but I feel that one is in there more for the Mystery, but having good food helps.

Michelle said one drink after and then to bed, Sunday is going to be a busy day----And she was right!!

I have never seen professional bull riding or a rodeo and this was unbelievable! We had wonderful seats very up close and it was so dangerous, diffinetly a young persons sport. Forget Football, Soccer or Rock Concerts! Darlings THIS is something else!! It's one on one, mano e mano but between human and bull. It was in a way a sense of something almost primeval, and yet in the back ground I could sense that all though there was competition there was a form of comadre as well, not perfect because every one wants that prize money, but it's like they all know the chances.

I have seen Portugues Bull Fighting, which I preferr over Spanish Bull Fighting and I've seen the running of the bulls in San Marcos and this bull riding had all the excitment that one could ever want as in Portuguese Bull Fighting. It felt very Hemmingwayish if Hemmingway ever wrote a western, it was more competitive and the danger was more immediate. It was like grabbing a Tiger by its tail and knowning that it was trouble. And they breed these bulls for their abilities and strength, they were not going to be someone's meal after the ride.

Even Michelle was taken breathless by it all and she had seen it before. "It's Earthy" she said "but it's real and more exciting than any football game or rock concert and not snooty like a highclass horse or dog show. Not as glamourous as horse racing but more exciting."

Well Darlings I am "Hooked" as they say.

Well I must go my time is almost up and Michelle is has lunch for us planned. Once I get my business cards of all the places we've been too sorted out I'll post the places we've stayed and lunched at and what I recommend you see.

Just a quick up date for all you pet lovers----Princess is doing very well, I called Betty and Princess and Jezebelle are having a lot of fun together and Princess is eating well. A sort of Diva Darling vacation for her too.

Tomorrow Michelle and I will catch the Capitol Corridor train connection to Reno and we'll be staying at the Silver Legacy. One of the first things we are going to do is get a massage from head to toe, traveling and seeing the sights is fun but so tiring.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses