So, I had to list 25 Random Things about myself on m Facebook page, so I decided to just copy and paste it on here as well. Saves me some typing and the brain power I would have used to come up with a blog post (which my husband has once again said that I should just give up). So... here they are:
25 Random Things About Me
1. I believed early on that DeMonty was the man that the Lord put on the earth just for me. Even after many struggles during the 8 years before we were married, I never gave up on us.
2. I don't iron... anything. DeMonty does all of the ironing and our clothes look better than what you would get from the cleaners.
3. I always think that people don't like me even if we've just met.
4. I don't make friends easily, but treasure those I have. I think that when someone chooses you to be their friend it's one of the biggest compliments they can give you.
5. I always leave laundry in the washing machine. Once loaded, I move on to other things and forget about it. DeMonty always has to come behind me and put it in the dryer (and fold it... and put it away).
6. I thought I wanted 3 children until I had my first. That ninth month of pregnancy was a beast!7. I like to get to church during Praise and Worship (even though we are often late). The choir really gets me in the mindset to hear the Word.
8. I sometims think I want another child, but I squash the idea when Ashlyn starts running circles around the house. Another one???? I think not.
9. I named Ashlyn's first fish "Puppy" because she wanted a dog.
10. I love to cook and I'm always looking for new recipes.
11. The first car I bought when I graduated college was a '03 Honda Accord EX. DeMonty drives it now but I still love it!
12. According to my friends, my house is always clean. They just don't see my closets, or look in the corner of the bonus room where there is always a basket of clean clothes covered with a towel.
13. I don't remember living with my dad. My parents divorced when I was 2, so I only stayed with him every other weekend.
14. I love the show "Jon & Kate Plus 8". It's like watching organized chaos.
15. I knew Ashlyn was a girl before my ultrasound. I dreamed about feeding her in the hospital a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant.
16. I miss the people that I worked with at RTC. Don't miss the company, but definitely miss the people (clarification--- I miss some of the people).
17. I would move back to Chattanooga if the right opportunity presented itself.
18. My brother named me. He had a crush on a girl in his kindergarten class whose name was Rebekah, so he made sure that my mom spelled it the same way.
19. I love it when all of DeMonty's brothers are together. They always make me laugh.
20. I am trying to convice DeMonty that we should look into private school for Ashlyn even though the public school she is zoned for is literally right across the street.
21. I LOVE to sleep. I really miss being able to come home, lay on the couch, and take a nap. Those days are few and far between now.
22. I didn't have a "traditional wedding". No wedding dress, flowers, tuxedos, reception, etc. We were married during DeMonty's surprise 30th birthday party. Everyone thought they were surprising him, but we surprised them. We hope to do something a little more formal when we renew our vows in a few years.
23. I wish I would have gotten a degree in graphic design or something else creative. While I love the strategic part of Marketing, I would prefer to be on the creative end.
24. I started looking at moving to Nashville in 2004. I even interviewed for a job, but the salary was lower than what I was making at the time, so I decided to stay in Chattanooga.
25. I look just like my mom, only smaller. I act like her too. :)
So, what's a random thing that you think, do ,say, etc.? Let me know.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Jewelry Chick Taxed Me on "Free" Stuff
Happy Monday everyone! First off, let me say that the only part of the Super Bowl that I watched was when Harrison (Steelers) ran the ball back for a 100 yard touchdown before half-time. That was enough for me. DeMonty went to watch the game with a friend and one of their hang outs, so Ashlyn and I were free to watch whatever we wanted- which happened to be Monster House.
Our weekend was great and I am feeling refreshed and rejuvenated even though I hit the ground running Saturday morning, and again on Sunday morning. But today I want to focus on Saturday’s main event- the jewelry party.
I got up early to begin the food prep which consisted of a cheese ball, chicken salad, and brucshetta on bagel chips. I also had to run out and find a chip and dip server, and thanks to Ross I only spent $7.49 (reduced price) on a basic glass set. They also had some other fabulous home and kitchen décor that I picked up, but I won’t bore you with the 5 other things which brought my total to $34.
My party was at 4:00, but the independent consultant, who I will refer to as “Jewelry Chick or JC for short” showed up at my house at 2:50 to set up her displays. I knew that she was coming at 3:00, but of course I waited until 2:15 to get in the shower and was still in my robe doing my hair when the doorbell rang. My dress still had to be ironed and makeup still needed to be applied, so it was 3:40 before I was able to head downstairs and welcome her.
Okay… let’s talk about the display… there was jewelry on my dining room table (discontinued pieces that were ½ off if you bought a piece at retail price), 2 tables set up between my kitchen and living room, my kitchen island one of the countertop was also covered with jewelry. JC also had a mannequin that she used to display pieces so you could see how they would look with an outfit.
JC was adamant the jewelry looked better with great lighting, so just about every light that was available downstairs was turned on (even the light in the ½ bath, which I followed behind her and turned back off). I asked a friend if I would receive an additional discount to compensate me for my electric bill because it was obvious JC was not aware how much the additional wattage was going to cost me.
So, let’s get down to what I really want to talk about. All of this so-called “free” jewelry for the hostess. What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you have to pay tax on the “free” jewelry you choose, as well as pay tax on the retail price of the jewelry that you choose to get at ½ price. I know it’s a little confusing, so let me try and break it down a bit. Let’s say that I chose a necklace that retails for $79 as one of my “free” items. I am held responsible for $7.30 in tax. After using up all of the “free” money for jewelry I then chose another necklace that retails for $49 for my ½ price item. So, the cost of the necklace is $24.50, but I am responsible for $4.53 in tax (9.25 x retail price), as well as $2.50 for shipping and handling for the order. This means that I write a check for $38.83 to receive my “free” and ½ price jewelry. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great deal, but this was not explained until after I called JC to make sure my total was correct. I ended up spending $70 for jewelry at a party that I hosted!!
Needless to say, I won’t be doing this again, but I will be attending a party at a friend’s house on Saturday. Since I hosted, I now receive 20% any item that I purchase for a year. See how they hook you and reel you in? Now, I will say that I did not earn all of the hostess bonuses available to me, which was no surprise. I knew $25 in “Free” jewelry was mine for keeping my date, but I had less than 10 people, not one guest booked a show, and I had $0 in pre-sales. Let me be honest. I was more interested in getting this over and done with than getting another $75 in “free” jewelry that I would have to pay taxes on.
All in all, the party was a good time, but considering the time and money invested (food, drinks, extra electricity, “free” jewelry) I spent over $100 hosting this party. I think I'll sitck to attending parties instead of hosting them. See you on Saturday JC!
Our weekend was great and I am feeling refreshed and rejuvenated even though I hit the ground running Saturday morning, and again on Sunday morning. But today I want to focus on Saturday’s main event- the jewelry party.
I got up early to begin the food prep which consisted of a cheese ball, chicken salad, and brucshetta on bagel chips. I also had to run out and find a chip and dip server, and thanks to Ross I only spent $7.49 (reduced price) on a basic glass set. They also had some other fabulous home and kitchen décor that I picked up, but I won’t bore you with the 5 other things which brought my total to $34.
My party was at 4:00, but the independent consultant, who I will refer to as “Jewelry Chick or JC for short” showed up at my house at 2:50 to set up her displays. I knew that she was coming at 3:00, but of course I waited until 2:15 to get in the shower and was still in my robe doing my hair when the doorbell rang. My dress still had to be ironed and makeup still needed to be applied, so it was 3:40 before I was able to head downstairs and welcome her.
Okay… let’s talk about the display… there was jewelry on my dining room table (discontinued pieces that were ½ off if you bought a piece at retail price), 2 tables set up between my kitchen and living room, my kitchen island one of the countertop was also covered with jewelry. JC also had a mannequin that she used to display pieces so you could see how they would look with an outfit.
JC was adamant the jewelry looked better with great lighting, so just about every light that was available downstairs was turned on (even the light in the ½ bath, which I followed behind her and turned back off). I asked a friend if I would receive an additional discount to compensate me for my electric bill because it was obvious JC was not aware how much the additional wattage was going to cost me.
So, let’s get down to what I really want to talk about. All of this so-called “free” jewelry for the hostess. What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you have to pay tax on the “free” jewelry you choose, as well as pay tax on the retail price of the jewelry that you choose to get at ½ price. I know it’s a little confusing, so let me try and break it down a bit. Let’s say that I chose a necklace that retails for $79 as one of my “free” items. I am held responsible for $7.30 in tax. After using up all of the “free” money for jewelry I then chose another necklace that retails for $49 for my ½ price item. So, the cost of the necklace is $24.50, but I am responsible for $4.53 in tax (9.25 x retail price), as well as $2.50 for shipping and handling for the order. This means that I write a check for $38.83 to receive my “free” and ½ price jewelry. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great deal, but this was not explained until after I called JC to make sure my total was correct. I ended up spending $70 for jewelry at a party that I hosted!!
Needless to say, I won’t be doing this again, but I will be attending a party at a friend’s house on Saturday. Since I hosted, I now receive 20% any item that I purchase for a year. See how they hook you and reel you in? Now, I will say that I did not earn all of the hostess bonuses available to me, which was no surprise. I knew $25 in “Free” jewelry was mine for keeping my date, but I had less than 10 people, not one guest booked a show, and I had $0 in pre-sales. Let me be honest. I was more interested in getting this over and done with than getting another $75 in “free” jewelry that I would have to pay taxes on.
All in all, the party was a good time, but considering the time and money invested (food, drinks, extra electricity, “free” jewelry) I spent over $100 hosting this party. I think I'll sitck to attending parties instead of hosting them. See you on Saturday JC!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Plans For a Little Extra Money
Okay... I just came here to get my url so that I could post it Marla Taviano's blog in hopes of winning a book that is titled Is That All He Thinks About (it's like the author was reading my mind), and I am ashamed to say that I had to read through my last post to see what I talked about because I didn't remember. It's been awhile since I've been here, so since I'm here , I might as well post something.
My time has been taken up by sickness, painting, hurting from painting, daycare closings, attempting to get my hair cut (no call back from the stylist yet) and marketing proposals, so needless to say, I have been a little busy. The infamous jewelry party is on Saturday. I have 5 who have RSVP'd with a "yes" and 0 pre-sales orders. There goes my 1st $25 in FREE jewelry. I even tried to tempt people with a great promotion: For every $75 in jewelry you purchase you receive an item less than or equal to $40. Nobody ponied up any orders. Maybe someone should tell the folks over at Premier that we are in a recession!
Other than that, I have filed my tax return and looking forward to the money that I will be getting back. Not as much as last year (which went toward the purchase of my first home), but enough that I can make a list of things that I want to buy once I get it. Things like:
Paint- Need to paint the living room, master bedroom, guest room, one wall in Ashlyn's room since she keeps telling me that she wanted a pink-not purple- room, and repaint the fireplace wall with an accent color that will coordinate with whatever color I decide to paint the living room.
Tires- The Accord needs new tires, but my husband is determined to get used tires instead. I don't care what he gets, but they will be replaced.
Wall Decor- This includes new picture frames for the beautiful pics that Gray Photography took of Ashlyn, some new art, and possibly some shelving.
Garage Shelving- To place the many paint cans and painting supplies that now occupy a small wire storage shelf in the garage and anything else we decide to throw out there. I want to paint the floor as well, but the hubby doesn't think it's a priority at this time
Booster Seat- Ashlyn has been in the same seat since she was a year old. I think it's time she upgrades to a real booster seat that uses an actual seat belt. She's 4, but she refuses to help strap helself in or get herself out and I get tired of bumping my head on the door frame when she's with me.
That's it for the list now, but more may be added at a later date. Well... that's it for catching up. I will be making appearances on a more regular basis, so ya'll come back now ya hear?
My time has been taken up by sickness, painting, hurting from painting, daycare closings, attempting to get my hair cut (no call back from the stylist yet) and marketing proposals, so needless to say, I have been a little busy. The infamous jewelry party is on Saturday. I have 5 who have RSVP'd with a "yes" and 0 pre-sales orders. There goes my 1st $25 in FREE jewelry. I even tried to tempt people with a great promotion: For every $75 in jewelry you purchase you receive an item less than or equal to $40. Nobody ponied up any orders. Maybe someone should tell the folks over at Premier that we are in a recession!
Other than that, I have filed my tax return and looking forward to the money that I will be getting back. Not as much as last year (which went toward the purchase of my first home), but enough that I can make a list of things that I want to buy once I get it. Things like:
Paint- Need to paint the living room, master bedroom, guest room, one wall in Ashlyn's room since she keeps telling me that she wanted a pink-not purple- room, and repaint the fireplace wall with an accent color that will coordinate with whatever color I decide to paint the living room.
Tires- The Accord needs new tires, but my husband is determined to get used tires instead. I don't care what he gets, but they will be replaced.
Wall Decor- This includes new picture frames for the beautiful pics that Gray Photography took of Ashlyn, some new art, and possibly some shelving.
Garage Shelving- To place the many paint cans and painting supplies that now occupy a small wire storage shelf in the garage and anything else we decide to throw out there. I want to paint the floor as well, but the hubby doesn't think it's a priority at this time
Booster Seat- Ashlyn has been in the same seat since she was a year old. I think it's time she upgrades to a real booster seat that uses an actual seat belt. She's 4, but she refuses to help strap helself in or get herself out and I get tired of bumping my head on the door frame when she's with me.
That's it for the list now, but more may be added at a later date. Well... that's it for catching up. I will be making appearances on a more regular basis, so ya'll come back now ya hear?
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