In the world of Save. Spend. Splurge.
ONE.
This is awesome. A couple babysits for another, and they photoshopped a few scenarios…
TWO.
I’m really not a fan of Michael Kors. I know everyone loves his bags and I see them ALL. THE. TIME., but it’s not a brand I connect with even though I like his style philosophy.
So it’s interesting to read about how he has brought luxury to the masses and how it’s probably hurting its brand (it is for me, anyway). For me, Michael Kors is a cheap brand, on par with Coach.
It’s a bit like Louis Vuitton for me — overexposed is the word.
(Click on the link and click on the first link: Popular or Overexposed that comes up)
THREE.
Once we move into a more permanent but still small apartment or condo, I am SO SOOOOOO reading this and my own herbs in a tiny space.
I am putting Rosemary, Basil and Sage on the list. I could eat those three like no tomorrow.
FOUR.
By the way, the average American social security payment for retirees is $1,294 a month, or more than our CPP and OAS combined.
Houses there cost 50% less and retirees have universal health care.
Mortgages are fixed (no rate increases) for 30 years, plus people who retire with one can deduct both the loan interest and property taxes from their taxable income.
So why did I get a nasty comment a while back about how I was “set for life” in retirement in Canada from an American?
FIVE.
I’m a feminist..
And if you think women should be treated equally (for better or for worse with no special perks), then you are a feminist too.
SIX.
What a lovely thing to do for sick children.
SEVEN.
Can you really heat a town with an ocean? It’s happening in the Netherlands.
Oceans take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to moderate temperatures, and they also emit heat from the sunlight they absorb.Â
[…]
The process is similar to the circulatory system in a person’s body.
Blood gets oxygen from the heart and then delivers it through the body, returning de-oxygenated blood to the heart to start the process all over again.
Likewise, the water in the pipes that services the neighborhood is heated at the central facility and then runs through town distributing heat and eventually loops back to the power plant to be heated up once again.
EIGHT.
<3 me some Kristen Bell especially when she nails it in this video about minimum wage in America:
NINE.
That, perfect, minimalist multi-billion dollar Nike swoosh was created for a mere $35 by Carolyn Davidson.
 “Well, I don’t love it,” Phil Knight said at the time, “but maybe it will grow on me.”
TEN.
This is so cute, I’m squealing. This father dresses his kids up and photographs them.
ELEVEN.
I agree with a lot of these style confessions. I have similar regrets!
TWELVE.
Good food for thought from Donna Freedman about how wealthy people think you can live on less.
Thanks to NZ Muse for the link.
THIRTEEN.
4 people. One piano. Epic.
FOURTEEN.
I like reading about people experiencing different cultures for the first time, and Vanessa’s post on South Korea is very interesting.
FIFTEEN.
I am curious (and excited) enough to want to watch this comedy when it airs.
SIXTEEN.
I love it when animals act like humans!
Pug puppy high five and sleeping with a stuffed penguin.
Or when humans love animals. *sniffle* Don’t watch this at work.
I repeat: DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO AT WORK.
SEVENTEEN.
Paris Hilton was paid $2,684,712 to DJ four gigs in Ibiza.
SERIOUSLY?
Well that makes sense. With a name and notoriety like hers, she could sell Paris Hilton endorsed dog crap and make a fortune.
Frankly, I think this 77-year old DJ deserves more money and respect than PH.
14 Comments
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SP
Interesting note on retirement in the US vs Canada – I would not have expected that!
I did some googling, and noted that we also pay more in taxes into the social security security syestm each year (about 1.2% more, and the cap is 110k rather than ~50k). Of course, overall taxes likely are more in line what you’d expect (i.e. Canadians pay more taxes?), but i didn’t look into that.
Also, the benefit in the US may have to go down (or age increase, or taxes increase) for it to remain solvent. http://www.benefitscanada.com/news/comparing-retirement-systems-canada-vs-u-s-33858
At any rate, I don’t know wtf “average” americans plan to do either.
On feminism, I will just share my favorite caitlin moran quote:
When statistics come in saying that only 29% of American women would describe themselves as feminist – and only 42% of British women – I used to think, What do you think feminism IS, ladies? What part of ‘liberation for women’ is not for you? Is it freedom to vote? The right not to be owned by the man you marry? The campaign for equal pay? ‘Vogue’ by Madonna? Jeans? Did all that good shit GET ON YOUR NERVES? Or were you just DRUNK AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY?”
― Caitlin Moran, How to Be a Woman -
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini
First I really enjoyed this post. Was really cute. Second I do love, love MK and coach purses but I get your point. Happy holidays.
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Jen @ Jen Spends
When I buy something expensive, it’s because I’ve researched to find the best quality, I’ve probably considered where it’s made, and I like how it looks. If my things say anything about me, I want them to say that I take a lot of care in selecting what I buy. The thing with ubiquitous labels like Coach, Michael Kors and others is that people will assume I’m just a bandwagon jumper trying to keep up with trends and impress people. In my little low-income city, everyone who can’t afford it owns a Coach or a Michael Kors bag. That isn’t me. So, even if the quality is there, I’m likely to stay away from those brands (especially if they have prominent labeling).
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Jen @ Jen Spends
My husband and I are 33, and we have more retirement savings than the average retired yank (per that article). Just wow. And the funny thing is, I probably worry about affording retirement more than the average American who is saving little or nothing. I operate under the assumption that we won’t get a penny of SS. If we do, cool, but we’ll have saved up enough money that we won’t need it.
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Kathy
Hey, don’t dis my Coach bags :). They might not be in the realm of Birkins, but they certainly aren’t cheap and they do last forever. I buy the classic styles and am stilly carrying a couple I’ve had for 20 years.
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Taylor Lee
Kristen Bell is the BEST. Also those window washers are super great, though I was freaking out a bit seeing them swing back and forth in front of the windows. Thanks for sharing!
anonymous
save. spend. splurge., The concept of women wanting to be “treated equally” is overreaching. I don’t think most woman want chivalry dead. The difference between men and women is not restricted to their genitalia. Men and women are wired differently and have their own gender roles to play. What should be striven for is equal in dignity. That is what really matters. I recommend for you a book on this subject called “The Garbage Generation” http://www.amazon.com/The-Garbage-Generation-Daniel-Amneus/dp/0961086459
As for women generally not being paid the same as men, I highly recommend you watch this short video on the subject as the argument presented in the video still applies today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_sGn6PdmIo