Baby Blogging Boomer

2012-02-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

Just Me, My Dog, My Coffee

2012-02-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

Cat Love

2012-02-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Going Gray in different lengths - Cute huh?

2012-02-07T16:42:00.001-08:00

Don't you miss those STAGES they go through...

2012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Gotta love those couple jokes

2012-02-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am really concerned about my elderly parents who are living in Michigan... I just got off the phone with my father who is up north right now at his little cottage. He said that the snow is nearly waist high. The temperature is at minus 10 degrees and the snow is still dropping... The wind is increasing to near gale force. Even the plows are having a hard time getting around, some trees are down too. The roads are closed, and alerts are on all the TV and radio stations urging people to stay off the highway. He said my mom has done nothing but look through the window for hours on end, just staring. He says he's concerned that if it gets much worse, he may have to let her in.

Sleeping with Pets

2012-02-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

via Animal Love

I did a really stupid thing...

2012-02-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

I noticed that my column widths were getting smaller so I started pushing some buttons and playing around with the "new" template choices blogger gives. The problem is I didn't back-up or save a copy of my old blogger template. Now I've got some funky form I can't undo. I know I'm getting older and not with it as I used to be but ..... why don't they quit improving what I didn't want fixed.

What do you think?

2012-01-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

In days of old -- before marketers wised up -- most television advertising was targeted towards the overvalued 18- to 35-year-old demographic. Then statistics revealed Baby Boomers have more discretionary income than any other age group and control 75 percent ($7 trillion) of the total American households' net worth.

Even in a recession, Boomers account for a dramatic 40 percent of total consumer demand, and they're demanding attention be paid.

Marketing clearly needed a makeover, and present ads reflect that change. L'Oreal hired Diane Keaton to talk about how "We're still worth it." Grey-haired and gorgeous John Slattery of "Mad Men" is hawking the Lincoln MKX. Disneyland is targeting the demographic that often pays for such expensive vacations by showing three generations enjoying the house that Mickey Mouse built. Then, naturally, there are all the erectile-dysfunction ads featuring virile and happy Baby Boomers leading uncompromising lives.

The trick is to strike the right note in television advertising. Boomers don't want to be stereotyped or treated with an ageist attitude, according to Brent Green, president of Denver-based marketing consultancy Brent Green & Associates.

"They want validity," said Green. "Few are frivolous or impulsive in their buying choices; rather, they are deliberate with a seasoned sense of themselves. They're set to shatter traditional assumptions about the sixth and seventh decades of life."

The generation born between 1946 and 1955 also appreciates a humorous approach and a harkening back to familiar imagery from a shared history.

Advertisers are already unveiling Super Bowl ads that take these factors into consideration:

Volkswagen has gone viral with "The Bark Side," featuring dogs giving a "ruff" treatment to Darth Vader's theme song.
Lipton is digging into the "Star Wars" archive as well, promoting their Brisk soda with a humorous version of the ultimate laser battle between Yoda and Darth Maul.
Kia's "Drive the Dream" prominently features hair band Motley Crew.

Considering this year's Super Bowl ads are going for an average of $3.5 million per 30 seconds, marketers are smart to play into this valuable demographic.

"(Boomers) go about fulfilling their needs differently, making their purchasing behavior unique," according to Immersion Interactive's book "Dot Boom: Marketing to Baby Boomers Through Meaningful Online Engagement."

"Dot Boom" also discusses the promise that online marketing to Baby Boomers holds. The recent popularity of Free Shipping Day, evidenced by $1.07 billion in sales, and the websiteFreeShipping.org, serve as exhibits one and two. Despite their affluence, Boomers value savings over brand loyalty when they shop the Internet.

Despite the over-sexed Super Bowl ads of the online company Go Daddy, other dot-commers are expected to take a more mature viewpoint.

Apple clearly was ahead of the trend with their "1984" ad, aired only once during the Super Bowl game of 1984. The iconic advertisement featured a Baby Boomer athlete shattering an image of Big Brother, referencing the generation's individualistic and athletic tendencies, as well as a book read by millions back in their high school days.

###

Kate Forgach is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. She has been featured in USA Today, Detroit News, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Yorker magazine, "ABC World News," NBC's "TODAY" show and many other media outlets.

Funniest photo

2011-12-15T17:46:00.001-08:00

Can I get an Amen?

2011-12-15T15:17:00.001-08:00

Old Christmas Drawings

2011-12-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Christmas Greetings

See what I mean

2011-12-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is Jules Verne. He looks like what the

author of Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea,

Around the World in Eighty Days and

A Journey to the Center of the Earth

should look like.

Picture of a thousand words

2011-12-10T17:26:00.001-08:00

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

I ran across this picture of RLS. For some reason he

doesn't look like I thought he would.

Maybe I was expecting a swatchbuckler type.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Treasure Island,
Kidnapped, A Child's Garden of Verse
and many more I haven't read.

This one I have to make

2011-12-07T16:03:00.001-08:00

FYI if anyone needs online coupons

2011-12-05T09:51:00.001-08:00

Hi Barbara,

All of the holiday shopping hype seems to surround Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but a recent study from Consumer Reports indicates they're not necessarily the best days to find deals. As it turns out, many popular items are at their lowest prices in the first two weeks of December.

Even though we're heading into prime shopping times, you can still save even more money using the Holiday Coupons page on CouponSherpa.com. The following list details just a few of the top coupons for December.

1. Macy's
Receive free shipping plus 20% off on orders of $99 or more with coupon code PERFECT.

2. Coldwater Creek
Use Coldwater Creek coupon code AFLC439 to save $25 and receive free shipping on orders over $100.

3. Gamestop
$15 off in-stock orders of $100 or more using coupon code MERRY.

4. Footlocker
Use the Footlocker promo code LKS1VR37 to receive free shipping on orders over $75.

5. eBags
Free shipping plus a 20% discount using the coupon code LINKSPEC20.

6. Vans
Get free shipping on any order by using coupon code OKBYME.

7. Neiman Marcus
Use code DECFS to receive free shipping on orders of any amount.

8. Finish Line
Save $20 on an order of $100 or more using the Finish Line coupon code BFCM.

9. Bath & Body Works
Spend $50 or more and receive free shipping with the promo code FREEGIFT50.

10. Crocs
Save $15 on your order of $75 or more with promo code HOLIDAY15.

###

CouponSherpa.com is one of four websites operating under the brand name The Frugals and is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.

For all media inquiries, please contact Kendal Perez at 970-672-1136 or emailkendal@couponsherpa.com.

Feel free to share "Top 10 Coupons in December" with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

My Favorite Christmas Movie

2011-12-04T13:05:00.001-08:00

I watched this movie this morning. It is my favorite and one

you don't see as much as some of the others. Cary Grant,

Loretta Young and David Niven. Wonderful.

Clothes Pin Nutcrackers

2011-11-29T04:58:00.001-08:00

via

Dear Santa

2011-11-28T23:11:00.001-08:00

Hahaha. Macho Me!

2011-11-28T22:41:00.001-08:00

If you are a little bit crafty, this is easy and very pretty

2011-11-26T21:04:00.001-08:00

Tutorial

Happy Thanksgiving from My Castle to Yours

2011-11-24T21:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T03:58:00.001-08:00

Recycle old toys

2011-11-17T21:16:00.001-08:00

I thought of all those McDonalds toys the kids and grandkids collected over the years. Why didn't I think to keep them.

hahahaha

2011-11-17T15:48:00.001-08:00

This is me!

Spray: lace laid over a clear ornament

2011-11-15T16:38:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Ideas for Empty Nesters

2011-11-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

Hi Barbara,

Have your children all flown the coop with nary a look backwards? For some, Thanksgiving is pretty lonely when your own flesh and blood can't make it home for even a brief visit. On the other hand, you might delight in your freedom from turkey tyranny. Either way, if you're a Baby Boomers lacking nestlings for the first time, you'll likely need to adjust holiday plans to better suit your new lifestyle.

After experiencing Thanksgiving without family several years, I came up with several ways to celebrate the holiday without feeling abandoned. Read on for six new Turkey Day traditions that might suit your needs. And Happy Thanksgiving!

1. Host an Orphan's Dinner
It really helps to remember you're not alone in this boat. There are plenty of people who'd greatly appreciate an invitation to socialize while enjoying a touch of turkey. I threw such a party last year and asked everyone to bring a dish to pass. The only thing I had to buy and prepare was the turkey, which made it even easier than being a parental unit in this scenario.

2. Retire to a Restaurant
Celebrate kicking the turkey habit by dining out at one of the many eateries that do all the work for you. You'll enjoy the football games much more if you don't have to leap up every 15 minutes to baste a bird. And, you can take advantage of cheap gift cards at such sites as GiftCardGranny to reduce your bill up to 30 percent.

3. Shop!
Black Friday has lately seceeded space to Grey Thursday. According to an article on FOXBusiness.com, more stores are offering doorbuster sales on Thanksgiving, so you could get some shopping done without facing the mass stampede to follow. Or you might hit the Internet and do some early cyber shopping. You can run price comparisons with a few mouse clicks and have gifts delivered directly to those ungrateful wretches to whom you gave life.

4. Spend the Day at a Shelter
One of my favorite Thanksgiving activities is cooking dinner at our local homeless shelter. Actually, I don't cook the turkey dinner itself, as there are plenty of people willing to do that. Instead, I use the leftovers to create future meals for the shelter. It just seems a huge waste to throw away all those bird bones when the makings for broth and casseroles are readily available. Visit HomelessShelterDirectory.org for a list of volunteer opportunities.

5. Brighten Someone Else's Day
The homeless aren't the only ones who could use your volunteer services. Many nursing homes and hospitals would greatly appreciate a visitor who will bring some friendship into what they may otherwise find a very lonely day. It's a win/win situation and you just might make some new friends. Check out this excellent blog post for some do's and don'ts when visiting hospitals and nursing homes during the holidays.

6. Get Out of Town
A childless couple I know make a point of leaving home for the holidays; usually preferring to spend the long weekend scuba diving. While part of the reason they skip town is to avoid miserable family gatherings, they also miss bad weather and crowds of shoppers. Not all of us can afford a sunny beach vacation, but you might team up with another singleton or couple and rent a cabin, or simply go for a long drive.

###

Reindeer Handprint

2011-11-12T12:50:00.001-08:00

Canning Lid Snowman Ornament

2011-11-11T18:56:00.001-08:00

Do you think this Haunted House was worth the money?

2011-11-11T13:59:00.001-08:00

I laughed until I cried. I'm so glad I wasn't there to be photographed!

Rudolph the Reindeer Ornament

2011-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

Via

Make a bunch to decorate

2011-11-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Get your craft paper, glue and scissors ready for an easy project to make with the kids. If you won't see the kids until Thanksgiving dinner, mail them supplies to make and return to you. They'll love seeing their own decorations for the Thanksgiving feast.

Photo Ornament

2011-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

I like this ornament but I'd have to figure out how to turn the photographs so you could see them while hanging on the tree. Might only fit one figure on each piece.

So True

2011-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I love Christmas Ornaments...

2011-11-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Via Pinterest

2011-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello

2011-10-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Success in Life

2011-10-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Via Thoughts from Maxine

The way it was

2011-10-26T02:08:00.000-07:00

Some of Easy Halloween Decorations

2011-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Black Cat made from paper plate

Monster Eyes Cake

Skelton Jar (buy plastic skelton from dollar store, cut up and add dirt)

Made from cut up Q-tips

Download a skull face and cover with wiggly eyes

Via Pinterest

How cute is this

2011-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

My sister did not make this one ... yet... I'm hinting

Top 10 Online Return Policies - Good to Know

2011-09-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Barbara,

Return policies for some merchants are more complex than income tax laws. Buy online and you'll spend umpteen hours working your way through phone trees and waiting on hold to talk to a customer "service" representative. If you're lucky, you'll get a refund. Otherwise, it's a store credit from a store you may not wish to patronize again.

Humorously, many of these merchants claim to offer "hassle free" returns. Some retailers, on the other hand, genuinely believe in making the process as pain-free as possible. FreeShipping did some research and came up with the following top 10 online return policies.

1. endless.com

The online-only shoe merchant gives shoppers a full 365 days to return unwanted or flawed footwear with guaranteed free shipping both ways on domestic orders. Use the endless.com online returns center for proper processing.

2. L.L.Bean

There's no time limit on returns with L.L. Bean and no authorization is required. Simply download and fill out an online form or use the form printed on your packing slip. Return shipping is free for L.L.Bean Visa Cardmembers; just use a prepaid label for fast and free service.

3. Shoebacca.com

As with endless.com, Shoebacca provides totally free shipping both ways and a 365-day window in which to return or exchange your unwanted, unworn footwear or defective products. Returns must have the original tags still attached and shipped in the original packaging.

4. Lands' End

Want to return a purchase and replace it with a different size or color? Lands' End offers free return shipping with no end date for re-orders. For returns without an exchange, use the Easy Return Label for a flat shipping fee of $6.95. To get the best value, look for Lands' End free shipping codes when you purchase, and return unwanted items to any Sears store to avoid return shipping costs.

5. Zappos

Here's another great shoe deal. Zappos free shipping is good both for purchases and returns. Whether you're unhappy with a purchase or simply change your mind, Zappos will provide a full refund or exchange within 365 days of purchase. Returns must be unworn (unless defective) and shipped in the original packaging.

6. Overland

Use the Overland free shipping label provided online for a free return via FedEx. Purchases made with a credit card are charged back within 24 hours of receipt and refund checks are issued for orders paid for with cash or a check.

7. Macy's

No receipt is necessary when returning a Macy's purchase because the merchant has a program that identifies products in their system. The department store provides a full refund or exchange within 180 days of purchase, except for jewelry, which is limited to 30 days. You can mail the item back or bring your purchase into any Macy's store for a refund.

8. Kohl's

Kohl's free shipping offers come and go, but you can return your purchase any time for any reason. Lost your receipt? They'll let you exchange your purchase for a comparably priced item or give you store credit. No cash back is available, however, without a receipt.

9. Costco

Here's a rare deal for a warehouse store. Costco will not only refund the cost of your purchase but it will also pick up the tab for shipping and handling. Just return the item to any Costco outlet and they'll remit your refund in your original form of payment. Most items may be returned at any time with the original receipts attached and in the original packaging. Most electronics, however, must be returned within 90 days.

10. Toys R Us and Babies R Us

Children change their minds so fast it can make your head spin, so a hassle-free return policy can make all the difference. The "R" Us folks accept returns within 90 days for cash back, if you paid with check or cash. Shipping costs also are refunded, but online purchases must be returned within 30 days and electronics in 45 days. No receipt is necessary if the item was purchased with plastic or from a gift registry. Shipping costs are refunded if the product is defective or damaged.

###

FreeShipping is the largest resource on the Internet linking shoppers to free-shipping deals offered by more than 4,000 online merchants.

To arrange an interview or for more information, Kendal Perez at 970-672-1136 or email kendal@freeshipping.org.

Feel free to share "Top 10 Online Return Policies" with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

Winter is a 'comin unless you live in three digit temperatures in Texas

2011-09-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

I received this interesting email I thought you might enjoy reading:

Hi Barbara,

As temperatures begin to drop, consumers may soon have a lot more on their minds than the coming winter chill. Since 2010, many states have seen the cost of home heating oil rise by as much as 30% or more. Depending on where you live, a particularly glacial season could put a serious freeze on your budget. So instead of just cranking up the thermostat, check out these six alternative tools for keeping costs down and the heat up. Splurging on all of these high-tech solutions could cost you a pretty penny, but pick out one or two and your wallet may thank you come Spring.

1. Cuddle up with a USB blanket.

If you spend a lot of time at home on the computer, this USB heated blanket is perfect for keeping away the chills. It plugs into any USB port, comes with two cords and can be worn over the shoulders or across your lap. Just pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in.

2. Keep your toes toasty with battery-powered heating socks.

These super-cozy socks have a thin battery-powered heating element encased in the toe that won't overheat, and are made out of "moisture-wicking" material to keep you toasty, not sweaty.

3. Get efficient with a programmable thermostat.

This one's a no-brainer so if you don't have one, get one. A programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature of your home at night or while you're out and about, making the heat run less when you're not actively using it. Avoid the elements all together and find free shipping codes for Home Depot, who has a great selection of these handy devices.

4. Stay mobile with touch-screen gloves.

iPhone users have long known the frustration of trying to text, swipe or tap while out in the elements. Hopefully you won't need gloves in the house too often, but when Jack Frost really comes a knockin', these babies from Agloves made with a special conductive material will keep you connected.

5. Dodge the draft with outlet insulation.

Drafts pass in and out of the home through the outlet and outlet covers, especially the ones along exterior walls. Fortunately there are special outlet and switch gaskets specially made to reduce drafts. Ask your local hardware store or just DIY.

6. Go old school with the hot water bottle.

OK, this is hardly high-tech, but this ingenious invention is still one of the best and easiest ways to stay warm in bed, as well as soothe aches and pains. It's cheap, reusable and will last forever. Tell that to your soon-to-be obsolete iPhone 4.

###

Jeff Cambron has worked in the technology space for over 10 years, fueling an obsession with all things digital. He might not hear you while rocking his Tooks hat, but he never misses an email. Jeff can be reached at Jeff@Kinoliinc.com.

Please feel free to share "Don't Crank Up the Heat - 6 High-Tech Tips for Keeping Warm This Winter" with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

Sometimes I crack myself up.

2011-09-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Menopause

2011-09-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

hahaha. Thank goodness those days are over.

2011-09-18T22:51:00.001-07:00

Can Everybody but me do this?

2011-09-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Golf Tidbit

2011-09-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Mary Queen of Scots (That collar would be an economical means to avoid a neck lift. Some designer should think of that.)

In golf, the term "caddie" came from a mispronunciation. When Mary Queen of Scots went to France as a young girl, the French realized she loved the game of golf. To honor her visit the king had the first golf course built outside of Scotland so she could continue to enjoy her favorite pass time.

To make certain she was properly chaperoned (and guarded) while she played, cadets from a nearby military school were employed to accompany her. Mary liked the idea so much that when she returned home she took the practice with her.

In French cadet is pronounced "ca-day" and the Scots changed it to "caddie."

Via

My sister completed her newest quilt. Isn't it lovely...

2011-09-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

pictures of front and back

What a great job she did.

Free with every visit to my house

2011-08-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

2011-08-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Pinterest (a Lowes project). I'm thinking of telling the kids this is what I want for Christmas. Do you think it's too early to start hinting?

Post It Notes - I think this might work for me

2011-08-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Awww...

2011-08-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

My new exercise program...

2011-08-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

2011-08-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

I was married by a judge.

I should have asked for a jury.

Old Fave

2011-08-17T04:44:00.000-07:00

Michelle at [real neat] is my number one read each Wednesday morning when she posts a new quote.

Here's her latest post:

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life.

Be happy now.

Don’t wait for something outside of yourself

to make you happy in the future.

Think how really precious is the time you have to spend,

whether it’s at work or with your family.

~ Earl Nightingale

Saving Where You Can

2011-08-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Reader K wrote in to recommend this thermos, noting "Maybe I'm the only nerd who brings her own coffee in a thermos to the office, but this one is FABULOUS for anyone looking to break their Starbucks habit. I make my coffee at about 7am and have my last cup at about 3pm, when it's still piping hot out of the thermos. Well worth the $28 and saves a bunch of money I'd otherwise spend at the coffee shop. This 26 ounce version fits nicely in my briefcase and holds almost 3 standard coffee mug cups for me." Nice! I've never been such an aficionado of coffee that the office swill wasn't okay for me, but if I were, I'd definitely be looking for a thermos like this one. It's $27.95 (was $35) at Amazon. Thermos Nissan 26-Ounce Travel Companion Stainless-Steel Insulated Bottle (L-2)
________________________

I was always lucky enough to work at law firms that provided free coffee so I never let myself get in the Starbucks habit. However, there were some firms that made the most awful coffee and so, yes, I brought my own during those times. I really didn't mind making it and toting it each morning but I had a problem adding the sugar and cream at my desk. It seems I can't open a packet of sweet-n-low without showering my desk with little grains of sugar!

Monkey Quilt - My Sister Made It

2011-08-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

My sister's first quilt. Isn't this so cute.

A Household Hint

2011-08-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Back to the Hokey Pokey Clinic for her...

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

via

I know that's right

2011-08-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

FDL (Fall Down Laughing)

Weddings Planning for Baby Boomers

2011-08-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

I received this email from Kate Forgach. I often receive emails with advice or products for Baby Boomers. I have shared very few of them. However, I have to say I was really taken by what Kate had to say about Boomer weddings.

My own wedding was a small, quiet affair. Although I love to look at beautiful wedding gowns, the shy and frugal part of me just could not go for a fancy wedding. Luckily my mother had two other daughters to plan for.

At any rate, I really respect the advice Kate gives and wanted to share it with you.

If you're a Boomer about to get married, this likely isn't your first time around. Happily, a Bridezilla-style wedding isn't likely in your future, as age also comes with a modicum of wisdom. At our age, it actually feels kind of foolish to spend a fortune on a single party.

My Boomer wedding was a textbook example of how to keep costs low. Ceremony and reception were held in a low-cost location; our attendants (one each) dressed as they pleased; my husband wore the family, hand-me-round tux; and I wore an elegant cocktail dress that's seen use several more times.

The fact is, Boomers are more concerned with saving for retirement than hosting a blow-out party. Time with family and friends is more precious on our "special day" than stressing out over a myriad of expensive details. If you agree with me, read on for 11 tips to a low-stress, low-cost Boomer wedding.

1. Organize Early

One of the advantages of being an adult is that most of us have the patience and knowledge for planning ahead -- a strategy that ultimately saves money. Since Baby Boomer weddings tend to be less complex, the standard checklists aren't really for us. You might, however, use this comprehensive list from Real Simple as a starting point, then modify it according to your needs.

2. Figure Out Your Wiggle Room

Every married-couple-to-be should create a budget, but Boomers tend to have a bit more room to move than those still working starter jobs. Get your marriage off on the right financial foot by agreeing on your priorities. It's one way to establish your values early while saving money on the wedding. While we're on the topic of money, this is also the time to discuss a prenuptial agreement, particularly if children are involved.

3. Book a Creative Location

A church basement or hotel ballroom may be fine when you're young, but many Baby Boomers have already gone that route and are ready for something entirely different. My husband and I held our reception in the dance building of our local university; a stunning space that even had a fountain in the forecourt. The total cost was just $100, and it came with a ready-made dance floor. Other possibilities include botanical gardens, a local barn or a park pavilion.

4. Simplify

Chances are this isn't your first wedding and a puffy-sleeved gown isn't in the cards. Since most of us won't face long engagements but do face a long retirement, keeping it simple ensures there will be money left over after the party.

5. Tone Down the Clothing

More comfortable outfits -- like a cocktail dress and basic suit -- will make the reception more enjoyable and keep costs down. Plus, you can use them both again. Same goes for the best man and bridesmaid. Let them wear want they want and there will be far less drama.

6. Nix the Toasters

Nobody really gives toasters as wedding presents anymore, do they? The fact is, most of us are already set with just about everything we need, so why not create a gift card registry at CardAvenue.com? You can indicate the merchant or service you prefer, then spend the cards as you see fit. It's a lot classier than asking for money and can help pay some of the expenses of the wedding.

7. Minimize the Diamonds

If you've already had one engagement ring, you may not feel the need for another gaudy bauble. My husband and I had special rings made for us that had a great deal of symbolism in the design but only cost $350.

8. Bake the Cake

A friend of ours baked special pastries, which proved a lot cheaper than a high-rise cake. We still stuck the wedding-couple miniatures in the top, but the divine desserts were unusual, cost less and didn't leave us with any leftovers.

9. Don't Be Afraid of the Dollar Store

You'll find everything from wedding decorations to party plates and plastic dinnerware at your friendly neighborhood dollar store. Some sell food products you can use for the reception. You can also find cute little items that will make memorable wedding favors, if you're so inclined.

10. Feeding the Masses

A sit-down meal is just too over the top at this point in our lives. We kept costs down by offering simple finger food and had it elegantly arranged by a friend with a catering business. Presentation is half the deal, anyway. You can also reduce your costs further by using the ever ubiquitous manufacturer coupons.

11. Create Special Moments

People won't remember the food, the band or the wedding favors; they'll remember the thoughtful touches that made your day so special. For example, like many Boomers, my husband and I had both lost parents. We honored their memories by displaying photos at our sides during the ceremony. My bouquet was made from dried flowers used in my sister's wedding two years earlier. Finally, we toasted our friends with brief speeches, instead of having them toast us. None of these ideas were entirely unique, but people still mention them -- and they didn't cost a cent.

Kate Forgach is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc.. She has wrote about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. She has been featured in USA Today, Detroit News, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Yorker magazine, "ABC World News," NBC's "TODAY" show and many other media outlets.

To arrange an interview, please call 970-217-7444 or email kate@kinoliinc.com.

For all you blogging addicts out there...

2011-08-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

2011-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Some days you come across a saying so simple yet so profound. I find that in retirement, I'm no longer depressed about what did not happen, I didn't do, etc. in the past; nor am I worried about the frugal, simple life I have entered. I find that I am at peace with each day and that peace feels good..

New Fave

2011-08-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

You talk about a girl with some talent. Just look at the Before and After pictures on her blog. My most, most, most favorite is this one below.

Before

After

click here to see more

New Fave

2011-08-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Summer Tomatoes, Corn, Crab and Avocado Salad

You really need to check out Gina's Skinny recipes on her blog. I have posted so many to my Foodie page at Pinterest that I ought to just download her blog directly.

Personally I love these recipes that are made with fresh ingredients and cool to make and eat in this hot weather. Click over and visit. She has all kinds of recipes. I know you won't regret it.

Two and a Half Men - the New Season will open with Charlie's Funeral

2011-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

10th Anniversary of 9/11

2011-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Get ready for lots of 9/11 programming coming up on TV as we mark the 10th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center next month.

Just announced: Robert De Niro will host CBS' 9/11: 10 Years Later, an update of the award-winning 2002 film 9/11. Filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet and James Hanlon were filming in a New York Firehouse when the attack happened. They kept their cameras rolling.

The update will air on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. and promises to contain the only known footage of the first plane striking the World Trade Center and the only footage from inside Ground Zero during the attacks.

New interviews with many of the firefighters who were featured in the original program will look at how their lives have changed in the 10 years since the tragedy. And New York City Fire Department health officials will discuss some of the health issues that have plagued firefighters working at Ground Zero. Also featured will be footage inside the rebuilding of the site and the 9/11 Memorial.

Agatha Christie "Surfer Girl"

2011-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Agatha Christie with her surfing board in Cape Town, South Africa. She was among Britain’s first ‘stand-up’ surfers, research has revealed. Photograph: Museum of British Surfing/SWNS.com.

Hercule Poirot never risked his little grey cells – nor his impeccably waxed moustache – by attempting to hang ten. Nor did Jane Marple ever strap a board to the roof of a Kombi and thunder out of St Mary Mead in search of the perfect tube.

Their enigmatic creator, though, was something of a pioneering and diehard wave-rider. At a time when many of her contemporaries were chugging cocktails in Blighty, Agatha Christie was paddling out from beaches in Cape Town and Honolulu to earn her surfing stripes.

Research by Pete Robinson, founder of the Devon-based Museum of British Surfing, suggests Christie and her first husband, Archie, may been among the first Britons to learn how to surf standing up.

The thriller writer's surfing safari began after the first world war when Archie was offered the job of helping to organise a world tour to promote the British Empire Exhibition, which was to be held in London in 1924.
In January 1922, the couple left their young daughter in the care of Agatha's mother and sister. They arrived in South Africa in early February and were soon introduced to prone surfboard riding on Muizenberg beach.
Christie noted her observations of the sport – and reactions to the odd wipeout – at the time, writing: "The surf boards in South Africa were made of light, thin wood, easy to carry, and one soon got the knack of coming in on the waves.

"It was occasionally painful as you took a nosedive down into the sand, but on the whole it was an easy sport and great fun."

They continued their tour through Australia and New Zealand before hitting Honolulu in August. It was at Waikiki, pictured, that the Christies learned how to surf standing up – and how to deal with sunburn and sharp coral.

To protect their feet, they bought soft leather boots and Agatha swapped her silky bathing outfit for something a little more practical but equally stylish: "A wonderful, skimpy emerald green wool bathing dress, which was the joy of my life, and in which I thought I looked remarkably well!"

Agatha, who stayed in Hawaii until October that year, wrote in her autobiography: "I learned to become expert – or at any rate expert from the European point of view – the moment of complete triumph on the day that I kept my balance and came right into shore standing upright on my board!"

According to Robinson the entries reveal a new aspect of Christie's life as someone with a "passion for the sea" and "a sporting young woman".

She was, however, neither the first — not the least likely — high-profile British exponent of the sport.
"In the early 1920s very few British people were surfing and the only one we know about earlier than her, standing up, was Prince Edward," he added.

2011-08-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

2011-08-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

If you don't recycle then reuse. Coke bottle and wooden spoons from the dollar store.

Priceless.

Ha!

2011-08-02T16:12:00.001-07:00

Snort, snort

2011-08-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Gene McDaniels dies at 76

2011-08-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

LA Times

You know what greatness is ? when you love a record so much you play it 50 times in a row,without a rest in between. We just dont have songs that ENERGIZE and INSPIRE us anymore ! sad, but true.

I'll confess I wasn't cool yet when Gene McDaniels was singing but like every wanna-be pre-teen I listened to the radio at night when I was supposed to be sleeping and I remember these two well and can still feel that teenage angst that makes your heart explode while your waiting and wanting your day to come.

AND, just because I saw Dee Clark pop up when I was searching for Gene McDaniels,

I wanted to include these great songs.

I still sing this song. Still remember the words... well most of them.

Sometimes its good to be old if you can remember these great songs.

I'll stop with the ageing jokes but had to post this one....

2011-08-01T19:33:00.001-07:00

2011-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

via

If you don't shed tears after reading this, your bladder's in very good shape!

little black teapot: Single Sock Dog Tutorial

2011-07-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

little black teapot: Single Sock Dog Tutorial

3 Examples of Lorelei's incredible Jewelry

2011-07-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

I picked out three items that are currently for sale in Lorelei's Etsy store. However, there are so many more pieces to chose from and, of course, she is constantly adding more to her shop. So visit Lorelei's Etsy store and her blog and see all of her amazing pieces.

A picture is worth a thousand words or What Retirement Means to ME

2011-07-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

And did you think there wouldn't be a Super Cat

2011-07-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Link to Super Nana

I made the Super Grandson go to work with me last night...

2011-07-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/celestemo/poses/

Not really my grandson but isn't he cute?

Link to Super Nana

Another Fave

2011-07-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/

The sign says it all

2011-07-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

google.com.au

This will keep those Young'uns outside playing all afternoon

2011-07-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

ashleyannphotography.com

Got Rock on the Brain..

2011-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/rocks/

Sometimes is rocks to be the tribe elder.

Now I know why I was blessed ...

2011-07-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/

.. to save on planters..

In Honor of the Start of School

2011-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/quotes-and-words-of-wisdom/

for my BFF Dianne and Son-in-Law Edward

In all my days I've never seen such an amazing picture

2011-07-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to my sister, Evonne

2011-07-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/quotes-and-words-of-wisdom/

My Granddaughter is just starting to talk... can't wait to teach her

2011-07-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/kids-korner/

If I were a fish, this is what my world would look like - Complicated

2011-07-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/dogs-and-other-animals/

Reuse, Recycle, Remake, Repurpose

2011-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Pinterest Page: reuse-recycle-remake-repurpose/

I was up late last night

2011-07-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

A Super Nana's job is never done

If you love cats ....

2011-07-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

http://ffffound.com/?offset=175&

From Consumer Reports

2011-07-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Don't spray sunscreens on kids, at least for now

Jul 26, 2011 1:20 PM

The Food and Drug Administration announced last month that it was investigating the potential risks of spray sunscreens. Of particular concern to us is the possibility that people might accidentally breathe in the ingredients, a risk that’s greatest in children, who—as any parent knows—are more likely to squirm around when they’re being sprayed.

As a result, we now say that until the FDA completes its analysis, the products should generally not be used by or on children. We have also removed one sunscreen spray—Ocean Potion Kids Instant Dry Mist SPF 50—from the group of recommended sunscreens in our Ratings, because it is marketed especially for children.

Finally, we would like to reemphasize our longstanding advice that you use sprays carefully, by following these tips:

• Don’t use sprays on children, unless you have no other product available. In that case, spray the sunscreen onto your hands and rub it on. As with all sunscreens, be especially careful on the face, taking care to avoid the eyes and mouth.

• Adults can still use sprays—but don’t spray your face! Instead, spray on your hands and rub it on, making sure to avoid your eyes and mouth. And try to avoid inhaling it.

• Make sure you apply enough. Our tests have found that sprays can work well when used properly—but it is harder to make sure that you apply enough, especially when it’s windy. We recommend spraying as much as can be evenly applied, and then repeating, just to be safe. On windy days, you might want to spray the sunscreen on your hands and rub it on—or just choose one of our recommended lotions instead.

For details, see our updated sunscreen Ratings.

Horse with No Name -- Dan Peek dies

2011-07-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Founder of US band America dies, aged 60

LOS ANGELES — Dan Peek, a founder member of folk-rock band America -- who had a worldwide hit with the song "A Horse with No Name" -- has died at the age of 60, his former bandmates said Wednesday.

US-born Peek, who formed the Grammy-winning band with fellow musicians Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell after meeting in London in the late 60s, died in his sleep on Sunday, they said.

"I am so sorry to learn of Dan's passing," said Bunnell in a statement on the band's website, recalling how the three of them had a "joyous time, full of excitement and laughter" together.

The trio, who met at the London Central High School, shot to fame with the single "A Horse with No Name," taken from their self-titled debut album "America" released in 1971, according to their website.

They went on to make an album a year before Peek left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career, influenced by his Christian faith, before going into semi-retirement in the Cayman Islands in the 1990s, with his wife Catherine.

Peek wrote an autobiography, "An American Band: The America Story," focused on his time in the band and his own spiritual journey.

"We created lasting music together and experienced a life that we could never have imagined," said Bunnell.

"Although we eventually went our separate ways, his contributions to the music of 'America' have always been present and will last forever. This news brings great sadness," he added.

Beckley added: "Dan & his music will live on in the great songs he shared with us all. My sincere condolences go out to Catherine and the entire Peek family. May he rest in peace."

I Love Nester's Content to Rent posts

2011-07-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.thenester.com/content-to-rent/low-commitment-walls-for-renters-startched-fabric

I’ve heard of people starching fabric and hanging it on their walls like wall paper. supposedly, once you are tired of it, you can easily remove it and the walls are unharmed. ( instructions at Apartment Therapy).

A Father and Son

2011-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

There is no sight more beautiful than a father and son playing together. Young parents are so busy today with work, hours on the road driving back and forth, worrying about money, and on and on.

Please, if you do nothing else with your life, take plenty of time to enjoy your child's young years. You never get them back. There are no re-dos. Do it today. Put it on your daytimer. Put a sticky note on your tv or computer. Make it happen.

This picture from Nesting Place. Give her a visit at http://www.thenester.com/.

Small Notebook, a cozy blog

2011-07-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

http://smallnotebook.org/2011/04/07/add-classic-style-to-the-small-wardrobe/

In Rachel's words: "Here at Small Notebook, you don't need to buy more storage containers to get organized. Learn how you can simplify your home, your finances, your family life, and your time. ..."

2011-07-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

visit me at Thoughts from Maxine and Other Words of Wisdom

http://pinterest.com/barbara0101/quotes-and-words-of-wisdom/