Livin' La Vida Leisure

Let’s cut to the chase: This blog is first and foremost about a leisurely lifestyle. Which I am all for. But being leisurely is better when you have the best of leisure: A stylish new swimsuit, Jackie-O shades, coconut sunscreen, a cushy chaise-longue, a delectable trashy novel, and a cool, refreshing beverage. This would all be enjoyed near some type of water source, such as a lake or a pool. Even better if there is an age-inappropriate pool boy. No, I am not a pedophile, you sicko! As long as they’re over 21 I can look.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to do just this. I nannied for a family for a week. In between mediating hormonal, adolescent combat like “GET OUT OF MY ROOM!” “She’s touching me!” and the like, peppered with bursts of irrational crying, a smattering of [fake] earsplitting screeching, and a dash of emotional rollercoaster acrobatics, we went to the pool. The pool where [I used to work] and a fine specimen of a college lifeguard had a summer job. While the girls were off playing with friends, I was basking in the fortunate weather and really living the high life. Friends, Country Club Momming is where it’s at. And by the way, I used to be the lifeguard who was essentially RAISING YOUR KIDS and teaching them manners, so I think a little karma is in order here. However, I don’t want to be one of those moms who does all this and has a nanny there. That is just plain lazy. Be lazy in the comfort of your own homes! Don’t make others look at it.

This whole experience has made me ask the big question: Can one be a Woman of Leisure and have kids? Must they be out of the house before you can attain leisure status? It’s hard to be leisurely when you’re refereeing. Comments on this are welcome.

Read this!

Do I have a new book for you! “Green with Envy: Why Keeping up with the Joneses is Keeping Us in Debt” by Shira Ross is the newest book for the smugal collection. Now, if you are like me, you might think that you are too smart for this book. But wait! It’s not your typical personal finance book! The author talks about how, by comparing ourselves with others who [we think] have higher financial status, we constantly scramble to keep up with “the Joneses”, and thus plummeting ourselves into debt. Ross shows us how this can happen gradually, over time, and even those of us who are smugal can get caught up in this cycle, even if we think we’re too smart. Ross also gives us some tips about dealing with the stress and anxiety of money troubles, and offers some resources on www.greenwithenvythebook.com. Read it! I’m telling you. Oh! And she also says that the universe has a way of flowing money to you when you need it, so I’m all about that. Next up: I'm going to check out Suze Orman's "Young Fabulous & Broke" if I can afford to pay my library fine...

Addendum to Mascara Proclamation

I found out the hard way that my first love of mascaras, Max Factor's Lash Perfection, does indeed have limitations. Ladies: if you go swimming, it is in your best interests to remove mascara beforehand. Otherwise it will look like you met the business end of some brass knuckles in a dark alley. Some of us had to walk around a pool for 20 minutes before we found this out.

New Product Testing

OK, I just blew $30 at Target on new skincare. I am testing out Almay's new line of skincare for dry skin. My skin is drrrry, and there's hardly any other face products out there for it, like I'm some anomoly or something! I also was misguidedly feeling rich, so I bought the hydra-compact makeup thing for dry skin, too. Today was my first day. Like the compact. It goes on kind of wet feeling, which I actually like. We will see if it can stand the time-test! Stay tuned!

Making the World a Better Place

Attention, ladies! I am issuing a summer public service announcement: I can still see your bra straps when you wear clear-strap bras. You may think you're being classy by not Britney-Spearsing your lingerie, but I am here to tell you that you are only one step above. One step. What is so wrong with strapless? Why can't women just get behind the strapless?? I have some, they're awesome, you just have to get one that fits. PLEASE, PLEASE do so you can quit offending my eyes.

New Strategy

So my sister just took this course on "Psych-K" (http://psych-k.com/home.php) which has something to do with your subconscious, and basically if you have a session about a particular issue, all your dreams and fantasies will come true. Or something. She swears it gave her husband a new (better) personality. So she's testing it out on family volunteers. I just did a session on finding an awesome, make-me-rich job, plus a totally rad future husband. Now I can kick back and watch the magic happen. I'll let you know if anything becomes of my subconscious allowing me to find employment. Or something. Also, wouldn't this be the best-ever exercise for "Starting Over"??

Smugal Tip-of-the-Week

Thank you, Sarah F. for today's smugal tip! Join Noodles e-newsletter and get free entrees! http://www.fishbowl.com/clt/ndls/lp/join/join.asp (I don't know if that will link...) You sign up and they email you a coupon. Then they send you more every once in a while. It totally works, I just redeemed mine a few weeks ago. Doesn't get better than free dinner!

Updates

Mascara Update:
OK, Fans, some of you have been on pins-and-needles, dying to know if I finally ventured to K-Mapart for Max Factor. The verdict is in! LOVE it! The brush is totally the same as Queen Latifah's, there is a patent violation in there somewhere. But it washes off a little cleaner, and I don't get those flakes down my face in the middle of the day. Definitely worth the trip to the posh suburban store, which is the only K-Mart I will even set foot in. I just went to their Web site and it looks like you can order online, if you're a sucka and want to pay shipping.

Drinking Update:
Don't worry, no one needs to call AA. I am so over drinking during the day. I don't think I could even do it more than twice. It's boring and limiting. Though I just read "Little Alters Everywhere" and I have been dying for a G&T ever since.

Target/Fashion Update:
My new friend Brian has asked me about Luella at Target. I am scared of Luella. She is not for amatuers, but you know little pre-teen suburban hussies are running around in this stuff. Or, worse, middle-aged women who should be wearing no such thing. In general, we should just leave London-cutting-edge-chic to the professionals.

I agree Brian that some Isaak Mizrahi pieces are frightening...I still shudder at the sweater seared in my brain that was orange-and-fuscia striped. But sometimes he is on the mark, and his shoes are usually FAB. Though a little pricey, Target-wise.

World's Fastest Rejection

OK, so I've been delinquent because the weather has been great, I've been working in my yard, dogsitting, etc. But I've recently kicked my job search into high gear. I was getting all pumped, calulating what the percentage is for application to interview ratio, working on my data, etc. So I was pretty pumped to have had an interview this morning. The proximity was perfect: 1.5 miles from my house. Walkable in Spring/Summer. Kitty-corner from where my mom volunteers all the time (free lunch,ya heeerd?). Across the street from Wendy's (Frostys, y'all!). Friends, I got an email rejection 2.5 hours after I left the building. Does that happen?? It's nice they didn't lead me on, but can't they at least pretend to think about it?? I am so sure!

The pain was great. Great. But nothing a banana-coconut frappuccino can't help soothe. This elixer has helped me to see that I don't want to work for a place where the (Vice President) interviewer LITERALLY interviews me while wearing a sloppy sweatsuit and flip-flops. Can we talk about that for a second? I don't care who you are. I don't care where you work. I don't care what your dress code is. You. Do. Not. Interview. People. While. Wearing. Lougewear. Where is Stacey London?? I felt totally overdressed in my appropriate attire. It is so absurd for her (as the hostess) make me (the guest) feel uncomfortable. Unforgiveable. Bastards!

Yippee! Someone just called for an interview. That other chick can suck it.

Mascara Update

I know everyone's dying to hear: I finally found Lash Exact. Target finally got a clue and fully stocked it. Maybe there was a national shortage. Anyway, the brush is totally rad. You have to try it to believe it. Unfortunately, it doesn't wash off as cleanly as Max Factor, and tonight I found a few weird black flecks on that part of the eye where people put eyeliner where you're not supposed to because you can get an infection. Anyway. So it gets a B+. Am still trying to work up the courage to go into a K-Mart to buy the new Max Factor mascara, but it might take a while.

Best Happy Hour Deal in Town...

I am humbled, because I totally told my friend I wrote about this a few weeks ago, and I am shamed to see that I am a liar. Anyway, I discovered on St. Paddy's day that Crapplebee's actually has an excellent happy hour (i can't take credit for naming it Crapplebee's, but it is so fitting...). In a quest to avoid drunked holiday crowds, we went to a suburban Crapplebees, where we enjoyed $1 beers after 9pm and1/2 price appetizers. That's right. It's not a typo. $1 Killian's Reds. My friends, you could get wasted on a fiver. I definitely do not condone chain restaurants, but sometimes a poor girl needs to sacrifice her morals in order to get a cheap buzz.

Smugal Tip-of-the-Week

So I was fantasizing about buying this $60 perfume at the perfume counter, and i spritzed it on one of those tagboard sample-sticks. Alas, I cannot afford the perfume, but I have kept it in my car and it is an excellent car-freshener! Which is truly a bonus, since the little girl I nanny for has previously told me that my (natural) car smell gave her a headache.

Target is on K-Mart Status

Target is my most favorite place in the world to be. I am a passionately loyal customer. But last week I wanted to smack it SO. HARD. On a mission to find Lash Xact, my would-be replacement for fecking Max Factor, I went to *2* stores on several occasions, and he's what I found: Dusty, cobwebby mascaras. Um, about 3 total, maximum. And in either blackest black or brown. Now, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure a) you should not poke dustbunnies into your eyeballs and b) TARGET EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE STOCKING THE SHELVES. You must be thinking, "oh, the shelves weren't stocked, she must've been at K-Mart," but I assure you, I haven't been to K-Mart since I was forced to buy Martha Stewart paint 2 years ago. And to add insult to injury, the fecking check-out girl asked me if I wanted to open a Target credit card for my $4.59 purchase (of another mascara—more on that in a minute) and I seriously wanted to kill her, because I am smugal, but would any sane person think it's a really good idea to save 10% on $4.59? No. Also, I am so sick of them asking me to open a card EVERY GD TIME I BUY ANYTHING AT TARGET! STOP ASKING ME!!!! I am getting so tense even writing about it.

OK, so here's my product evaluation: I was forced to buy Fabulous Lash (I think it's Cover Girl). Doesn't wash off too clean. But doesn't smnudge off too badly during the day. Overall, not too impressed. I hope Queen Latifah has more to offer. Estee Lauder Defencils is AWESOME (I got a free sample) but I am trying to avoid have to pay $20 for mascara...but at least I know if I go to the makeup counter they will HAVE it!

Still Drinkin'

It is interesting to report that many people have great investment in my daytime drinking. So I will perservere. It has been recommended that I try liquir instead of beer. Today I had a hard lemonade with lunch, and must say, I concur. Tiredness did not ensue. Next, I will try a Gin Rickey. I have purchased all the fixin's.

The good (sort of) news is that with my new lifestyle, I've been drinkin' all the time (at night at least) and thus my tolerance is quite high. One drink at lunch won't put me out of driving, and I can still run to Target to deal with my mascara debacle...

This-N-That

Well, here are a variety of things to report:

* I successfully experimented with having a beer in the middle of the day, just because. I am sad to report that it is lame. Not only did it make me really tired, but it got me just buzzed enough that I couldn't drive anywhere, but not buzzed enough to get any enjoyment out of it. I am sure you regular-job-types will be happy to hear that.

* It is official that Days of Our Lives is un-watchable. I cannot stomach it any longer. Do not waste one more minute wishing you could watch it. However, The People's Court is conveniently on at the same time. You can feel sad you are not home to watch that.

* Regarding "Starting Over"
Q: Can't you tape it? I can't believe you're into Starting Over. That is LAME. I can't believe you're not watching Lifetime Movies instead.

A: Taping a show would involve figuring out how to hook my VCR up to my TV. And Lifetime movies would involve paying for cable, which this Smugal lady is not down for. But excellent suggestion.

Max Factor, You Bastard!

Well, I searched and searched for years for the perfect mascara...an elusive holy grail for those of us who are cursed with ghostly-pale, barely visible eyelashes. And I found it: Max Factor Stretch and Separate, and Max Factor Lash Lift. Ya'll, these mascaras do not smudge. They don't flake. They are water resistant. They wash off well with soap and water, but don't run when you watch a little Lifetime movie. They make your lashes thick and luxurious. So last week I went to Target to restock and guess what. The Max Factor display was empty. Empty, I say! I ran around to several other stores, and it was the same story. I finally went to the Max Factor Web site, only to find that now if I want to purchase their products in this state, I can go to the grocery store, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart.

HELL. NO.

I am now accepting suggestions for a new brand/variety. I have been given a tip about Cover Girl Lash Exact, but went to Target and they were out! I am so sure! I guess it's a sign that it's good? Anyway, please send drug-store brand suggestions, so a frugal lady like myself can afford!

The Dangers of Addiction

I have become an addict. I cannot get enough of "Starting Over." This is dangerous, as I do not have tivo, so as soon as I get a real job I won't be able to watch it. I literally plan my day and appointments around this show. I am getting anxiety about a 3pm appointment next week, when I will only be able to watch half the show. Is that sad?

Love that WD-40

Today I am giddy, as I just fixed my door lock w/ a few squirts of WD-40. I was seriously about to pay a locksmith way too much money to come and fix it. I also changed my filthy, disgusting furnace filter, which will hopefully lower my $200/month energy bill! Next on the list: get a plumber to come out here an give me an estimate, which is a full-time job within itself, interstingly.

If my gut didn't feel so disgusting from aaaaaaall the Ghiradelli browines I ate yesterday, I would totally try my midday beer-drinking experience today. Maybe tomorrow...

By the way, "Days of Our Lives" is so stupid now that I have started running errands at noon just so that I don't have to watch it.

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Pinching pennies is going really well this month! Especially since I found a ton in my parent's attic. I came across my old change jar, which seriously probably adds up to $10! Instead of feeding it to one of those money-stealing machines at the grocery store of donating it to starving kids, I'm going to add a few dollars-worth of change to my wallet every few days.

The day-structuring is getting a rockier start. The goal of getting up and moving after "Ellen" (10am) has been successful. The day-planning has not gone as well. Hmmm...

On the experimental side of things, I found some coffee-beer in my fridge that I haven't wanted to drink at night. I think I'll try it out during a weekday. We'll see what a Thursday afternoon drunk feels like! Maybe it will make "Days of Our Lives" seem better. I think it's a sign that I'm getting old that I can barely watch soap operas anymore.

Leisure is hard work

Ya'll. Being leisurely is tough! I have been working to find a balance between having the TV suck out my brain and actually getting stuff done. I think the key is to create a schedule the day before. Even better if other people are involved so you actually have to get out of the house to meet them. Because otherwise I get a little too involved in Maury's "I have to tell my wife I'm a male gigolo and i'm a baby daddy part 3." However, today I just watched a really good Starting Over! Totally worth being comatose for an hour!

My budget-saving plan is going much better. Am dogsitting at parent's in the 'burbs. Cranked down my heat to 58 while I'm gone. Total weekend spending: $9.

Supersaver tip: Friend just introduced me to Super America's French Vanilla coffee drink! It's only $0.89 for like 30something ounces. Delicious!