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.

A belated Update

Hello My Diva Darlings, Hello!!

I know, it's been a long time, but I only have time for a quick update.

I've been busy paying property taxes, having my income taxes done and plumbing work, then I came down with a cold, and on top of that I had to go in for a kidney stone operation, it was so hard to sit up.

I didn't want to put a strain on Juanita but she knew of a friend who is a nurse who does private care and she came in to help me during my getting well period.

My friends have been helpful and my family as well, but both Juanita and her friend have been guarding me fiercely so I'll get well.

My ladies who lunch have been keeping tabs on me, and all I can say is this for now, if you have been reading the newspapers and the financial pages you will have an idea of how things are going. Keep reading those recommended magazines that I've listed for you and once I'm on my feet again I'll start giving you dear Diva's those recommendations.

My brother is coming by to pick me and my little diva darling, Princess up. We'll be spending the Easter Weekend at his house and I'll be back on par by the end of Next week.

Until anon, Kisses Darlings

Happy 2010 Darlings!!!

Hello Darlings, Hello!

I am so sorry for not having posted for so long, but my Dears, the Holidays have been a very busy time for me.

I'm getting together a list of reading materials for all of you to help start your Diva year right financially speaking of course.

I'm still having my "Ladies Who Lunch" weekly meetings in the City and now once or twice a month on Sundays we have our get-togethers at my home, not everyone can attend so it's sort of a rotation, if one of our Lunch Ladies cannot meet on Thursdays they try for the Sunday get togethers.

And we have a lot to share.

So over the next few days or at least by the end of this week I hope to have several postings up for you to read, one of course will be "How I Spent My Holidays" (Sorry Darlings, remember I am vain).

And one or two will be about the financial information.

Even though the weather and rain has been rough, the feeling so far is optimistic among people. With the attitude of being leaner and meaner they intend to plough through 2010 with determination.

Of course for those out of work, it is desperation, and with the stupidity of the EDD not sending out those claim forms for those out of work, it makes it harder for all.

Tax Time is coming up, so do refer to my earlier Posting on what to keep for your tax information.

And again this month make it your Goal to get Organized with your financial papers and your work and home situation. I'm not talking New Year's Resolutions, I'm talking Goals and stick to it.

So refer to my earlier postings and follow though on it.

Must Go Darlings, I have to get to my "Office" this morning

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Hello All You Diva Darlings!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

For some reason this Thanksgiving seems to be happier in general feeling. Of course for those that are out of work, losing their homes, it’s is not such a wonderful feeling, but I’ve been talking to a number of people who, because of such circumstances are in that situation.

But the reason why they are Thankful is that they had Family to fall back on, there are many who don’t, and they must depend upon the limited largess of the Government and the Churches and Synagogues who are working hard to easy the burden of an overburden population.

But some of the people I have been talking to are saying that they are looking upon these sad events as a reason to regroup and take stock of what is really valuable, and what they really need.

I’ve even heard on the news that on “Black Friday” many people are avoiding using credit cards and instead are paying by cash that they have saved or using their debt cards.

Now I just want to re-iterate something, I have said that it pays to have two checking and two savings accounts, The first checking and savings account is to be used to pay bills and groceries, and the savings account is to save up for any sudden repairs.

The second checking account and savings account, is to be used for purchases that you have up money for, like a Christmas club account but it’s more flexible, I have a friend that has an extra savings account that she puts her funds in to pay for her property taxes. But the second savings account is also for something special, like a trip, or to make that big purchase.

The whole idea is to have your saved money make money, even if it’s only 1 or 2 percent it’s better than nothing. And a lot of people are forgoing the 401 k’s and are looking into IRA’s and short term CD’s like 6 months or 1 year at the most. That way they have control over what they want their money to go into. So many people who had 401 k’s have lost a great deal of value, as bad as the stock market.

One other thing if you have several checking and savings accounts always make sure that there is some activity, even if you are just putting 20 dollars or so into them, that way the bank will not close them, so always watch your account activity.

Juanita is gone this weekend to be with her daughter and new grandbaby, she is so happy to have a little one to spoil.

I spent Thanksgiving at my brother’s house in San Francisco, and stayed a couple of nights, I had no desire to be driving home late at night, but it worked out well. I took public transportation as if I was going to my ‘office’ and then managed to grab a taxi to take me to my brother’s, I tipped the driver handsomely as well, it was a bit of a drive.

Then Friday my brother took me to a Bart Station that was not involved with Critical Mass and I took Bart back home.

I’m so use to using the Public Transportation system that it doesn’t faze me, and with that dangerous “S” curve it would be just my luck to be involved in an accident. Even my brother agreed.

It was so good seeing my nephews and nieces and their children, my brother had also invited some of his business acquaintances and their wives quite a full house, and such a feast! But one has to be careful about gaining weight around the holidays.

When I arrived home on Friday I was happy to have several phone messages from friends wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving, Kevin even called long distance. I miss him, I haven’t seen him for a while, his work keeps him on the road a lot.

I am avoiding the shopping Malls as much as possible this weekend, all those sales and everything just makes for a serious headache which I do not wish to have. But there are some gallery events that I will be going to tonight and tomorrow with Betty and her husband, so my weekend will be busy.

And we are planning to go to some Christmas events as well, like Dunsmuir House, The Dickens’s Fair, the Ballet for the traditional Nutcracker, and one or two choral events.

My family agreed that it would be best to just get presents for the children, since the grownups don’t need anything, but my oldest niece has been saving the old family pictures onto disc and wants to show them at the family Christmas party, she says a number of the photo’s are not labeled, so by showing them on the big screen (T.V.) we can identify them and she can label them.

Makes sense to me. And I’ll be looking forward to seeing those pictures.

Now I must go and get dressed and run some errands, I have a busy evening tonight.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

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.

An Update

Hello Darlings,

To some of you who know me personally, yes, I have not posted for some time, it is because so much has been happening in my life.

My Dear Friend Irma is currently very depressed, her older sister Iris, whom I bought her house last year, passed away in her sleep a couple of weeks ago and Iris and her husband are dealing with what is left of her estate and legal things.

This is really not giving Irma much chance to mourn and so I've been her shoulder to cry on. We only knew that Iris was feeling more tired than usual, but till the very end would dress and join the other members of her senior community for meals and events, but of late she had been passing on the events and started giving Irma her personal jewelry with notes as to which child to receive it.

This of course upset Irma, but I told her that it's possible that Iris was feeling something very subtle in her health that is not detectable by the usual exams and to just reassure Iris.

Little did we know that Iris was feeling the end to her life approaching, the good thing is that she passed away in her sleep after having a wonderful visit by Irma and her husband and Iris's two grown children.

I think it's just the suddenness of it that has Irma so upset.

I hope that when my time comes I'll be able to pass away peacefully like Iris.

And my attention is also turned towards my older brother who lives in Santa Barbara, I am worried for his and his wife's health and safty. My brother still has his house in the hills but he bought a house on the ocean side just south of Santa Barbara and is renting his hillside home. He'd been selling a number of his things that was in the house, just decided that it was for the best after the last fire.

But the minute he heard about the fire he called his tennant and advised him to get everything that was important and everyone out of there after setting up the watering fire system, to not hesitate.

His renter has done so and is safe, and my brother has been calling the house to see if it has burned but as of one hour ago he is still getting the answering machine so the house is still intact. He has insureance on it, but said that if it burns he will not rebuild and instead sell the property once it's been cleared off.

He has had enough and preferrs the sea breeze instead of the worry of fires. He also owns a Pied a terre here in San Francisco where he has put a number of things that he still owns, his grand daughter is currently living there while looking for a home to buy.

So I know that my brother and his family are safe which is important but these fires are just so frightening.

Even here in my little city there was a terrible fire last month, granted it did burn down an abandoned building, but the smoke from it made it hard to breathe.

And our weather has been hot, then cold, then rain and now muggy and getting hot again, at least I have serveral large walk in closets where I can pick and choose what I'll wear and not have to put anything into storage, except my furs.

Oh now Darlings don't be jealous, if you do as I have done to earn the "Diva Bucks" you too will be able to have several large walk in closets as I do.

I've been walking my little diva Princess, the little thing is doing so well, and fortunately so has my ankle that I injured last year, we still enjoy our walks to and along the beach.

Lately I've taken to shopping at several wonderful consignment stores, I find wonderful jewerly and things. It's wonderful to spoil oneself without breaking the bank, not that I have to worry about breaking my bank, but it does pay to be thrifty as much as possible.

I've given Juanita a few days off since this is Mother's Day weekend and told her to not come back until Tuesday, after losing Iris I felt that it was important for Juanita to spend as much time as possible with her family. I even had a third phone line installed dedicated for her use to talk to her family as often as she can.

I have two for myself plus internet access.

And now Princess is demanding her walk, and the weather is just fine.

Until Annon Darlings, Kisses

A Quick Note~~~~~

Hello Darlings,

I know I have been very neglectful here, but as with life I've been very busy, even my dear friend "Mean Kitty" has been busy.

But I haven't been stagnating either.

Taxes are done, thank goodness, I'm still holding Sunday luncheons with my "Business ladies who lunch" but we've decided to make it twice a month for now, but we still meet on Thursdays in the City. I am happy to say that everyone is doing well, and holding their own.

Juanita is going to become a grandmother again, and she is sooooo happy, it was a surprise even for her daughter, they did the amenosis test and the baby is healthy, I have offered to pay for any bills that are not covered by their insurance plan, I want this baby to come into this world with a chance---I know me! Me who has never had children---but there is something that makes my heart "mushy".

Juanita and her family have been good to me and I know times are tough for them.

Her Daughter and Husband were worried about losing their house because of the high interest rates, but I did this, with my lawyer I negotiated with the bank and took over their mortgage, so I hold the deed, But I lowered the rate to 4.50% to improve their cash flow, but what I am also doing is that if I should die, their loan is forgiven and they receive their house free and clear. It's a bit more complicated but since I was in a better position to re-fi than they were, we were able to work it out.

And I've been busy in other ways, I've had several large bond come due, so I'm buying property, property that can make a good investment income for me, in resort areas for summer and winter. And now I'm looking at property down near Montery, I'm a bit concerned about Santa Cruz especially after that earthquake that almost destroyed down town, but there is some property there that is built on very solid ground, Yes Darlings, if you have the funds and with the interest rates so low, this is the time to buy.

Land will never lose it's value as long as you buy it at the right time.

Hetty Green the so-called "Witch of Wall Street" (by the way you should read her biography) always said "Buy cheap and sell dear" meaning buy low and sell high.

And that is what I'm doing right now darlings, there are stocks that no matter what are recession resistant, not proof but resistant and that is what you should look for, the product will never go out of style, and I am in a position to do that.

Remember that Darlings.

Now I must go Darlings, I'm treating dear Betty to Lunch today in the City and we are going to do a little shoping, although it is very windy, warm coats and scarves recommended.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings