Sales Abound!! Happy 4th

Quick, Go Shopping! Sales Are Everywhere
Jennifer Waters
Wednesday, June 29, 2011


Get ready to shop.

Retailers from department-store giants to discounters to home-and-garden stores are unloading excess inventory in droves in the coming days and weeks as they make room for the all-important back-to-school season.

Retailers saddled with merchandise that didn't move as consumers reined in spending on discretionary goods, particularly apparel, amid high prices at the gas pump and an overall sluggish economy -- not to mention uncooperative spring weather -- are price cutting in a big way.

"Clearance inventory continues to be building across the mall with a number of retailers promoting additional offerings on already reduced merchandise, according to Adrienne Tennant, a retail analyst at Janney Capital Markets.

"Full-price racks continue to go largely unnoticed with the majority of mall traffic huddled in the back of stores scavenging for the yet-again-unavoidable clearance offerings," she said.

That's leading to sales reminiscent of the 2008 holiday season when merchandise was marked down 50% to 80%.

Kohl's, for example, is even taking a holiday-season promotions path to clear its shelves with early-bird and night-owl sales Friday and Saturday and in-store sales with 60% to 70% across most categories and as much as 80% on final clearance.

Nordstrom is taking 30% to as much as 60% off some summer apparel like 55% off a Kate Spade dress originally priced at $445.

Abercrombie & Fitch, which didn't even enter the sales fray until last year, has a 40% off already-reduced summer wear that prices women's tank shirts as low as $5.94 and men's hoodies, once carrying price tags of $100 now at $29.94, both online and in store. And that's before the weekend begins.

American Eagle Outfitters is slashing prices as much as 60% to help get rid of things like men's graphic T's at $11.99 and some women's dresses as low as $19.99.

Express is shaving as much as 70% off summer shirts and shorts for men and women with an extra 20% off already-reduced apparel. At that rate, a short skirt is available at a bargain-basement price of $7.99.

It seems few consumers bought anything full price at the Gap, which is part of why its summer sale price cuts are up to 60% with an additional 40% off some sale items.

Watch too for flash sales, those that only last a few hours or days. Most are online sales such as the Midday Dash events at Neiman Marcus that offered up to 65% off selected items.

Online you can find up to 55% off regular prices even on designer merchandise. A Michael Kors shift dress, for example, was advertised at $1,202, nearly $600 off the original price.

Sears is taking 30% to 60% off everything from swimsuits to patio furniture. Ditto at Crate and Barrel -- for furniture, not swimsuits. It's pushing 60% off on selected summer merchandise and promoting "major markdowns" on furniture floor samples and one-of-a-kind items.

Home Depot is hacking 25% off select appliances as well as price cuts on patio furniture, outdoor play sets and gardening gear.

Borders has a coupon you can get online and print out for 20% off the entire purchase on books you buy in the stores for a limited time.

At Barnes and Noble's stores you'll find some books as much as 75% off with prices as low as $1.99.

Even the MLB.com has deep discounts, such as flash sales of 25% off.

Celebrity Wednesday--What Does Over 60 Deborah Harry Have to Say About Staying Young?

Not a beauty treatment I would recommend but this is how Deborah Harry stays young according to one interview.



Blondie star Deborah Harry has admitted having injections of cells taken from black sheep embryos in an attempt to maintain her looks.

The 62-year-old singer says she had the jabs, known as fresh cell replacement, three decades ago and also underwent controversial human growth hormone (HGH) treatment.

Ms Harry told how she opted for the cell therapy after reading a magazine article about a clinic in Montreux, Switzerland, that carried out the procedure.

Video: Debbie Harry reveals her beauty secrets

She said: "I think I was maybe 32. I thought, 'Wow, this is so logical.' You have fresh cells. They made injections from the embryos of black sheep.

"They would take from different organs from the liver, from the glands, from the bone and they would make up these injections. There were 11 injections, and I thought it was marvellous."

Ms Harry became famous for the bottle-blonde hair that gave her band their name.

They were one of the iconic groups of the punk era in the late Seventies with hits including Atomic, Heart Of Glass and Rapture.

She turned to human growth hormone therapy after one cycle of fresh cell replacement treatment.

The singer, who admits she has also had plastic surgery, said: "I found a doctor who was doing HGH for people with Alzheimer's. It is a little different than the fresh cells but the same kind of thinking.

"I thought, 'I've got to follow through on this,' and so I experimented."

Ms Harry said the surgery she had undergone on her face had been "essential", adding: "It makes you feel better and look better. I will probably continue to do that."

Her revelations come in an interview with top US journalist Daphne Barak, to be screened on CBS television in America next week. She tells Ms Barak that she still injects herself with small HGH shots when she is under stress.

Anti-ageing expert Dr Daniel Sister warned that both fresh cell replacement and HGH treatment had not been clinically proven.

"Lots of people swear by the treatments, but the whole classical medical community is against it," he said.

Fears of Mad Cow Disease had stopped the use of cell therapy, while HGH treatment was "very dangerous" and might speed the growth of cancer, the doctor warned.
From http://ffr.activeboard.com

Change Your Look, Not Your Sole

A friend of mine has the cutest flipflops. And they change depending on mood or outfit. So, I went searching and found that there are not only flipflop switchables, but sandals and shoes. Check it out:

http://www.lindsay-phillips.co.uk

Or enter your zip code and find a location near you

Add 20 Years to Your Life

Here’s some ways to do it.


Canada’s McMaster University showed that 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day such as walking or biking prevents premature aging. Exercise increases blood circulation sending more oxygen to your cells which prevents mutation and disease. (10 to 20 years)


Dodge stress –Chronic stress will leave damages to your body vulnerable to disease. Dodge it by reminding yourself of the value you bring to your job and keep photos of loved ones around to keep mind boosting hormones elevated. If you really want to live longer, then you can start with your attitude. Your way of thinking can not only impact the quality of your life, but also how long you actually live. In 2002, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50 percent compared with those who leaned more towards pessimism. (2 years-stress, 7 to 8 years sunny outlook) Smile even when you don’t feel like it and you add 7 years by releasing a happy brain chemical.

Thwart heart disease with a cocktail. Not only wine, but women who drank one serving or less a day of an alcoholic beverage were 25% less likely to get heart disease. That’s because components in alcohol lower your LDL cholesterol and raise the HDL. Olive oil contains an ingredient that keeps LDL from clumping. (5 to 7 years)

Eat corn, garlic, dark chocolate and raw veggies. Corn or other whole grains daily contain fiber which helps deter disease and infection and lowers cholesterol, blood sugar and a protein causing inflammation. Garlic contains allicin that raises your immunity. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and reduces inflammation and lowers blood pressure (1 year)
Raw veggies add 2 years to your life by increasing antioxidents. (15 to 20 years)



Now go out there and follow your dreams

The Short and the Long of It

Many of us are self conscious about wearing shorts--but there are several that are problems solvers.

First of all, to make your legs look longer, firmer and slimmer, don a pair of wedgies in a neutral color--matching your skin tone.

Many shorts actually have slimming features built right in.

Try Lee shorts and save 50% at Lee.com
This classic fit has an inner Invisible Flex Comfort Waistband that is hidden - Only you will know the benefit you are receiving from this great feature.



How about these longer Bermuda shorts. They are naturally slimming and can be dressed up or down. Also from Lee.com and 50% off.



These traditional shorts are one of my favorites with front pleats. These have an extra comfort feature with elastic insets on the sides. They are on sale at Lee.com as well

Don't like your pasty white legs, try some of the new self-tanning products.
Try some of the high tech fabrics. Stretch nylon is tough and soft and wicks moisture away from your body. Some of the lightweight fabrics can double as swimsuits. Or how about UPF 50 fabrics that will block UV rays. And for errands, there is always the skort. Combine the flattery of a skirt with the comfort of shorts.

Fun Friday--Travel Anyone?

Well, the economy still isn't recovering and expenses keep going up, but summer is traditionally vacation time, so what are we to do?

Well, first of all a bit of sage advice. My mom and dad always loved to travel. My dad would spend hours, recounting adventures they would have while on their excursions. Always an amusing incident or a highlight of their latest visit. My dad passed away last year, and traveled up until a month before his death--a trooper til the end. I'll always value all of his stories, but what stands out as well is my mom's advice of "do it while you can."

And on that note, here's some ideas to save money while building memories.





Try camping--some of my best memories come from camping errors. It's fun, inexpensive and a great way to exercise and meet great people along the way. The most important feature I find in a tent is enough room to stand up. The other feature is that it is easy for you to put up. No one likes to pull into a campsite after dark and have a tent that is a struggle to set up.

Visit a state park Many state parks have hotels within their boundaries that are less expensive that outside. Check to see if they have a summer special. Illinois Beach State Park offers one night free when you book a night between Sunday and Thursday.

Library Passes Check out what passes your library has to offer. They often include free admission to parks and museums or substantial discounts.

Free stuff from Big Companies Many companies give free perks just for being their customer. Bank of America has a Museums on Us program giving free admission on specific days nationwide. Target has an Arts and Culture program which gives free or discounted tickets. (Target.com--Company Info)


Be Flexible with Travel Dates Weekend travel is often more expensive, try Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday

Try Geocaching A techno scavenger hunt--with lots of exercise.

Mommy blogger--what? Even if you're past taking little ones on vacation with you, mommy bloggers are all about teaching one how to save money. They know the best values for restaurants in their area as well as entertainment bargans.

Check out smartertravel.com They have lots of great ideas and deals.

Bon Voyage!!

Contest and Giveaway Thursday

Well, thought I'd try something new. It's always fun to enter contests online, doesn't even cost a stamp. If you plan on doing this regularly, set up a separate email address so you don't clog yours with spam. And.... you never know!!

Makethatsandwich.com--known for a summer sandwich recipe--enter to win a trip to the Napa valley and $25,000 in cash

Womansworld.comteamed up with Pinesol to give away a $400 Amazon gift certificate. Supposedly,a spic and span clean home replete with pleasing scent is a stimulating environment for kids--therefore the contest "Scents for Success."

Womansword.com has teamed up with Krups as well. Win the Krups XP5240 to brew just the right beverage with easy clean up.

4allByJofit is giving away chances to win $400 gift cards for active wear--Enjoy!!

Celebrity Wednesday--Beauty Secrets of Susan Sarandon

Sarandon's secret to staying young is surprisingly simple-and non-invasive. "[My] emphasis is on being healthy ? rather than what you inject or reconstruct. Beauty comes from inside -- it has to do with what you take in."
By eating a diet replete with antioxidants -- those nutritional powerhouses found in many fruits and vegetables that are linked to decreasing the risk of heart disease and cancer -- and by making time for regular exercise, deep breathing, visualization and volunteerism, the actress stays sound and sexy.
A former vegetarian, Sarandon admits she got bored with the meatless lifestyle. "I [still] don't eat a huge amount of red meat," she says, adding, "I can't eat as many carbs as I used to, but I've never been able to do anything as severe as the Atkins diet." After menopause hit at age 54, she cut back on carbs; like many menopausal women, her metabolism changed and she found she was accumulating more weight around the middle. When she does indulge, she chooses whole-grain products over refined grains such as white bread and pasta.
Green Is Good
On a daily basis, Sarandon makes sure she takes a calcium/vitamin D supplement for bone health, vitamin C, emu oil for arthritis in her knees, Co-Q10 (an antioxidant thought to boost brain power and heart heath) and one or two tablespoons of "green stuff," as she calls it.

Green stuff" is a powdered form of organically grown vegetables including broccoli, kale, parsley, wheat grass, flaxseed and root vegetables such as turnips and parsnips.
The secret to her enviably smooth complexion lies more in what she doesn'tdo than what she does. Smoking, for instance. "I kind of tried it at one point around The Hunger," she says, referring to a 1983 vampire film she made with David Bowie, then admits, "If I had a boyfriend who smoked, I'd pick one up. But I never got hooked. I smoke in films when it's called for, but it's always a prop, [not] a chemical addiction."
Sarandon favors regular dermabraision treatments to remove skin cells and keep her face looking young and fresh. So far, she's refused to consider plastic surgery, Botox injections or soft-tissue fillers.
"I really need my face to move, so I've never been tempted to get Botox," she insists. With many Hollywood directors lamenting that Botox has made it impossible to find an actor who can express emotion, Sarandon's resistance is a bit unusual. "I am not saying that at some point I wouldn't mind my neck looking better, but I'm just so afraid of being unrecognizable, or to lose the shape of my eyes."
Maintenance Musts
Even with Sarandon's hectic, spontaneous schedule, she always finds time to walk on her treadmill.
"I realized that I had to find time for myself and started going to the gym," she says. Her personal trainer spices things up to help stave off boredom. "We use exercise balls or play catch with a heavy ball, as opposed to just getting on machines." Sarandon also does Pilates when she can, and has unsuccessfully tried yoga. "I must have type-A personality," she laughs. "I got so competitive that I hurt myself!"
Because Sarandon has a family history of high cholesterol and stroke, she took a cholesterol-lowering medication for two years. "I recently went off [of it] and am trying to use psyllium and other colon cleansers to bring [my cholesterol] down naturally."
Sarandon had a breast cancer scare years ago when doctors found a calcium deposit in her breast. She underwent a biopsy to have it removed. It was benign, as calcifications often are, but "now I have breast checks every three months," she says.
Positive Perspective
She also engages in guided imagery, a visualization technique that some studies have shown can affect everything from perception of pain and weight loss to smoking cessation.
"If you can't imagine yourself in a good place, how can your body go there?" she asks. "Visualize everything from living to be 120 years old to peace in the world. You have to imagine it before it can happen," she says.
As a child of the '60s, she still embodies many hippie ideals. "Trying to remember to breathe is an important thing. Enjoying and remembering how lucky [you are] to still be here, and [investing] in friends," she says**

**taken from webmd

Clean Your Closet After 60

Try this twin set in celery from Chadwicks with white pants. Add some chunky jewelry
and fun shoes and you will definitely be a fashionista wherever you go. Shoes from Toms.com and purse from Beso.


It’s easy to be fashionable after 60. The basic rules, shown by our over 60 celebs is try
To be simple and classic. If you have any of these in your wardrobe, you might want to
rethink them.





Sweaters with embroidery or appliqués. Especially holiday sweaters. I know, I know,
They are fun, but they do say—you’re old.

Mumus or housedresses—even your grandmother didn’t wear these.

Elastic waist pants, unless you like the balloon look.

Large, oversize t shirts unless you’re going to sleep.

Grandma flats,

Unstructured pants and suits—

Unstylish jumpers and dresses

Black leather pants

¾ length pants (can’t say that I follow this but they are not
very flattering)

Low rise jeans

Plunge v necklines

Mini skirts

Basically, common sense rules. . Rethink your wardrobe with simple colors pairing blues, blacks, whites or khakis. These tend to make you look like you’ve slimmed down and keep you classic. Simple is the key. Look at the over sixties on our previous post. They focus on simple and classic.

Then have fun with accessories where you can have many styles from one outfit for the cheapest price. Here is where funky can be fun. Eye popping jewelry, fun scarves, unusual shoes!! A slight heel or the illusion of one is always more flattering. Go out and have a ball!!

Etsy Charm

My kids are all over Etsy.com, but have to admit I have never checked out the site.

Today, however, my research led me this gorgeous bracelet. What do you think? http://www.etsy.com/listing/75511484/parallel-highway

This chunky bracelet is the essence of summer alone or paired with a chunky acrylic bangle or other bracelets and a white outfit.


A unique find for $10!! Happy Summer!

Fun Friday--Save on Everything

I love a bargain and am forever searching for them. Here are some great money saving ideas

Ask for freebies--often theaters and restaurants will give you a free meal or movie on your birthday. Some stores even have free birthday giveaways.

Free samplesWe all love the chance to try new products. Take advantage of free samples and services

Shop clearance I always head straight for the clearance rack. Some of my best outfits are put together from clearance racks.


Shop holidays Many times stores will have extra savings at holidays.

Shop the previous season Previous season is always a bargain and many times it doesn't make a difference. Something you probabely never thought of is previous season wedding invites.

Coupons, receipts Coupons can be found anywhere and according to The Budget Babe, they are often stackable, especially online. And at Bed, Bath and Beyond expiration dates mean nothing, so save those coupons. And don't forget the ones on the back of receipts!!

Contests There are a myriad of contests--they only take a few minutes to sign up for.

Sign up online Sign up online and receive freebies and discounts. Dunkin Donuts sends coupons monthly for free munchies.
Restaurant.com has discounts at your local restaurants

Don't Be An Old Fogey, Try DIY nails

Learn how to polka dot your nails with common household items, with this video

Warning: the music is a bit loud, but the demostration is fun

Celebrity Wednesday--Candice Bergan's Wisdom

InStyle quotes Candice citing her side-swept bangs ("after a certain age they are just a woman's best friend") and careful makeup application as her beauty secrets. "I love the way women look in Europe in their 50s and 60s," she told People. "They sort of glory in [their age]. They look comfortable in their skin."

Pat, don't rub, your concealer. When you rub, you move the concealer to a different part of your face—the part that didn't need something concealed. She swears she looks younger when she is wearing less makeup. Her favorite face is a little bit of powder on imperfections, a bright lipstick, and curl enhancing mascara.

I think she's beautiful in any light.

Win $5000 from LL Bean

L.L.Bean Daily Gift Card Giveaway

Shikai All Natural Shower Gel--Gardenia

I just finished gardening and discovered the shower gel I purchased at Whole Foods while I was in Chicago. It was a trial size and the hotel provided everything but shower gel. I paid $1.99 for this. When I first tried it, I didn't have an opinion one way or another. But tonight, I find it delightful. It has a light gardenia scent, not overwhelming, just pleasant. It leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Usually after gardening I feel like I itch all over, this seems to have alleviated this problem. Among the main ingredients are aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal. It claims to be safe enough for babies and leaves your skin feeling as just that.

This can also be purchased at Amazon, a set of 3 12 oz for $15.74.

Plastic Surgery not for Sally Field

Second on our list of gorgeous over 60 women is Sally Field. Her style is classic and youthful. With long bangs and loose wavy layers, Sally Field's brunette cut is a soft, youthful look for a woman over 40 who wants the look of longer hair without all the fuss.

Check out alot of her photos and see the classic v-neck sweater--a staple for any wardrobe

















On plastic surgery:

"I see myself on TV and I say, 'Oh, I wish that weren't happening to my neck. And your face is falling down, and your eyes are so puffy,'" she says. "But then I see some of the women [who have had plastic surgery] who I thought when they were younger were so beautiful. Now I think, Oh dear, don't do that! And it seems so terribly disrespectful to who they are now."

I think she looks marvelous at any age from The Flying Nun to Nora. Bravo Sally!!

Fun Friday --Bye Bye Bugs

I love to work in the garden and be outside, but most annoying are the myriad of bugs that love to fly around your face or attack your very being. Here are some tips to keep them away. Then feel free to enjoy have a garden party, a barbeque, take a leisurely stroll or curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.

1. Plant an herb garden. Basil, peppermint, oregano or scented geraniums (especially citronella scent) will help keep bugs at bay and provide a pleasant experience both visually and "scentsibly" Both lavender and any kind of geranium, marigold and chrysanthemums work well. Geranims are said to protect better than DEET and chrysanthemums are an ingredient in a well known bug repellent. Try crushing geranium leaves and rubbing the oil on your skin. Catnip or any member of the mint family planted around your yard is reported to be 10 times more effective than DEET.

2. Ladybugs to the rescue. Lots of bugs help with other pests. Green lacewings protect against whitefly and spidermite, and ladybugs eat aphids. Plant gardens to encourage good bugs. Queen Anne's lace, Shasta daisies, cosmos, black eyed susan, white alyssum.


3.Install a bat house near your outdoor living spaces. Bats dine on mosquitoes in the evening and are a beauty to behold in flight.




4.Erect bird feeders in your yard to attract wild birds, which feast on mosquitoes. Stock the water garden or pond with goldfish or other mosquito larvae eating fish.
Wrens, warblers, hummingbirds will love the yummy bugs. Put up a hummingbird feeder or plant flowers with lots of nectar or bright colors to attract them.















5. We all know about citronella candles but evidentally, any candle will do. Mosquitos hate the heat and carbon dioxide so shy away.

6. Try an oscillating fan.

Celebrity Wednesday--Sage Advice from Glenn Close

I just came upon Good Housekeepings interview with Glenn Close, the first on my list of gorgeous women over sixty. Here is a bit of advice that I thought I would share


"All your life you think 60 is ancient," Close says, "and all of a sudden you find you're 60 and you don't really feel that different. I feel stronger and more engaged. This is the best time of my life."


Our family does a lot of triathlons," she says of her new extended clan. So now even Close, never quite the triathlete, has joined in, running the Iron Bear triathlon at Bowdoin College in Maine. "My whole goal, because I had never done it before, was just to finish," she says. "In the swimming portion of the race, I was in the slowest group. I swim with a snorkel, and I was the only one doing that. And as I started swimming, I started losing my breath and I thought, What am I doing? So I took off my snorkel and finished it doing the backstroke. I didn't care how I looked." During the race, she was dismayed to find that entrants had their ages written on their leg in Magic Marker. "Why they did that, I don't know," she says, perplexed. "So all these people would pass me on the road — 19, 20, 45." Still, using a combination of running and power walking, she made it across the finish line, and is getting ready to train for her next race.
And she doesn't seem to care about the number she'll have to write on her leg. "It takes this long to figure out a lot of stuff," she says. In fact, she now knows exactly what she would say to her younger self if she could. "I would say: 'Pay attention. Listen to your inner voice.' A lot of times what that inner voice tells you is not the easiest thing to do. But don't override that voice, because that's who you really are

Like her look. Simple and casual. A V-neck sweater in a flattering color and some well fitted jeans. Try pairing this $10 Target tee with your favorite jeans.














Other Sexy, Stunning and 60+ women
JAWS DROP WHEN THESE WOMEN ENTER A ROOM


64 GLENN CLOSE
64 SALLY FIELD
64 CANDICE BERGEN
64 SUSAN SARANDON

65 DEBORAH HARRY
65 DIANE KEATON
65 GOLDIE HAWN
65 JACLYN SMITH
65 GLADYS KNIGHT

66 JACQUELINE BISSET
67 LAUREN HUTTON
69 MARTHA STEWART
70 JULIE CHRISTIE
70 RAQUEL WELCH

71 TINA TURNER
73 JANE FONDA
75 DIAHANN CARROLL
76 SOPHIA LOREN
76 JUDI DENCH
75 URSELLA ANDRESS
76 JULIE ANDREWS
76 MAGGIE SMITH
77 JOAN RIVERS

Meryl Streep
Twiggy
Helen Miryen
Joanna Lumley
Sigourne Weaver
Stephanie Powers (69)

Savvy Sandals for a Hot Summer Day

Here I go with shoes again, but I have to say I love shoes to go with every outfit. Yet . . . they must be comfortable!!



One of my most comfortable sandals are Natural Soul by Naturalizer. I hiked all over Chicago with similar cushioned sandals and never had a blister or sore spot. The inner sole is padded suede and the sandal straps are man made but look and feel like leather. . The heel is mid--2 and 1/2 inch. The sole is a thick tread to prevent slipping on wet pavement. All in all, these sandals are a great look that can go from very casual to an evening out. I paid $24.99 at TJ Maxx



These cute sandals can be bought at Newport News--most are priced in the mid thirties.

AIRLINE FEES--I DON'T THINK SO

I’ve just returned from a delightful and refreshing mini-vacation with my future daughter-in-law to her home city and family in Chicago.
I do not fly often so when something changes, I often am surprised. One of the most shocking was a $150 per ticket fee if you change your flight. When computers eliminate the need for manual handling of this type of thing, saving money for personnel, they pass on the savings to their customers in the form of an outrageous fee. So much for customer service.

A lot of airlines, in an effort to cut costs have introduced other laughable extra fees.
While I don’t have answers for all of the fees, here are a few savings.

USE A CARRY ON—
Thanks to my travel partners expertise—we carried our luggage on, thus saving the checked baggage fees. The fee on United happened to be $25 for the first bag and on from there. Check online for the specifications for your airline. United allowed us one carry on, and a computer/tote bag. I fit my purse in my tote and saved a bundle.

HOW ABOUT A FREQUENT FLYER CLUB—
Althouh I haven’t taken my own advice because I am not a frequent flyer, they can save you money. If you stay with one airline, you accumulate points which can save you money. Some airlines will even waive baggage fees. Make sure you know the limitations of the plans. Many have black out dates or stringent rules, that eliminate their benefits.

HOTEL PERKS—
Sometimes your hotel will provide the extra perk of paying your baggage fee when you present them with your receipt. It can’t hurt to ask.

DON’T PAY A SEAT SELECTION FEE—
You can be charged up to $20 if you opt for preferred seat selection for aisle and exit row seats. Check in online before the flight is due to avoid these.
An adequate time to do this is 24 hours before the flight when the most free non-preferred seating is open.

PILLOW AND BLANKET FEE—ABSURD!!
If you’re not likely to catch a catnap without a pillow, throw an inflatible one in your carryon or roll up a jacket or sweater. Need a blanket, Carry a warm sweater and you’ll avoid feeling like a popsicle if the air conditioning is too much. Savings up to $7.

EARBUDS PLEASE--
With all of our technology, invest in a cheap pair of earbuds to keep in your purse or pocket. This can save you up to $5 not only at the airlines, but how about those computuer you might want to use on vacatoin, either at a library or at the hotel.

MY STOMACH IS HITTING MY BACKBONE—
Yup, you guessed it, gone are the days where everyone complains about airline food, because the only way you will enjoy it (or not) is if you pay for it, and even then the selection is minimal. Brown bag it!! Throw a few munchies in your purse, but don’t forget the no liquid rule, fill your water bottle after you go throuh security.

SOUTHWEST STILL LIKES TO SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS—
Southwest Airlines still allows up to two checked bags with no charge—amazing!!

NOW GO AN ENJOY YOUR TRIP

Fun Friday on Saturday

You think English is easy??? Read to the end ... a new twist

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row ...

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend? (Notice how this word could also be read as in tim ate ?)

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables what does a humanitarian eat? Some tim es I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on..

English was invented by people not computers and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why when the stars are out they are visible but when the lights are out they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?

You lovers of the English language might enjoy this .

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 'UP'

It's easy to understand UP , meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car. At other tim es the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UPexcuses. To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP . We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your tim e, but if you don't give UP ,you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP .. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP...

When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP.

When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP .

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP , for now my time is UP , so........it is time to shut UP !

Are You Fit?

While researching today, I came across an article by Dean Anderson listing tests you can do at home to see if you are as fit as you think. Try them out and see. Then compare your results at http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1202

The Senior Functional Fitness Test
These self-tests are not a substitute for medical evaluation and clearance for exercise, especially if you experience any pain, weakness, or difficulty with any of these activities. So, be sure to check in with your doctor and get yourself cleared before starting any exercise program. These six self-test assessments and age-related performance comparisons have been adapted from the Senior Fitness Test Manual, ©1999 R.E. Rikli and C.J. Jones.

Each of these assessments will measure one or more of the basic elements of functional fitness: strength, power, agility, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Research has demonstrated that a senior’s performance on these assessments is a reliable indicator of his or her risk for having (or developing) functional limitations that will negatively affect quality of life. If your scores fall in the “High Risk Zone” or below the average (see table below), beginning a program of regular exercise can help you reduce your risk.

Note: You can do these tests yourself at home, but several require a partner to help you measure or record your results. You’ll also need a tape measure, a dumbbell or hand weight (five pounds for women, eight pounds for men), and a watch or clock with a second hand. If you can, arrange to do this assessment in a gym with a friend, a personal trainer or fitness professional. Estimating your results or diverging from the instructions could make your results invalid.
Arm Curls: The purpose of this test is to assess upper body strength needed to perform regular household chores and other daily activities involving lifting and carrying things like groceries and grandchildren, opening containers, and more.

Description: Complete as many one-arm biceps curls as you can in 30 seconds, holding a hand weight of five pounds (if you’re a woman), or 8 pounds (if you’re a man).

High Risk Zone: Completing less than 11 curls in 30 seconds with good form

30-Second Chair Stands: The purpose of this test is to assess lower body strength required for daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs, cars, and the bathtub, and maintaining balance.

Description: Sit in a standard chair with a firm seat (such as a dining chair), with arms folded across chest and hands on opposite shoulders. Stand up and sit down as many times as possible in 30 seconds, without using hands for support.

High Risk Zone: Less than 8 unassisted stands in 30 seconds

2-Minute Step Test: The purpose of this test is to assess aerobic endurance, which is important for walking, stair climbing, and performing many daily activities for an extended period of time.

Description: Stand facing a wall, and put a pencil mark or piece of tape on the wall at a height that is halfway between the top of your knee and the top of your hipbone. Begin stepping in place, raising each knee up as high as the wall marker each time. Step for two minutes, and record the number of full steps taken, counting both right and left legs together as one step.

High Risk Zone: Less than 65 full steps in 2 minutes

Chair Sit and Reach Test: The purpose of this test is to assess lower body flexibility, which is important for proper walking gait, balance, and other common movements such as getting in and out of cars.

Description: Sit with buttocks on front edge of firm chair. Extend one leg straight in front of you, with heel resting on floor. Bend forward at waist, keeping arms straight, reaching hands towards toes. Stretch forward as far as possible without pain. Have a partner measure the distance (in inches) between the tips of your fingers and the tips of your toes.

High Risk Zone: Women with two inches or more between fingers and toes and men with four inches of distance or more

Back Scratch: The purpose of this test is to assess shoulder flexibility, which is important for movements such as brushing hair, putting on clothes over the head, putting on a car seat belt and more.

Description: With one hand, reach behind your back and slide hand up towards opposite shoulder as far as possible. With opposite hand, reach back over same shoulder and try to come as close as you can to touching the tip of other hand. Have a partner measure the distance between your hands.

High Risk Zone: Women with two inches or more between hands and men with four inches of distance or more

8-Foot Up and Go Test: The purpose of this test is to assess agility and dynamic balance, which is important for tasks requiring quick maneuvering, such as getting off a bus, or getting up from a chair to answer the phone, etc.

Description: Measure out a distance of 8 feet from the edge of a chair, and put a marker there. Sit in the chair, and time yourself as you stand up, walk to the marker and back, and sit back down.

High Risk Zone: More than 9 seconds to complete this test

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