What To Bring To A Marching Band Competition When You're A Spectator

My teenager decided to join the Marching Band this year and I'm thrilled! Not only is he having fun, but he's getting exercise, making new friends, is learning military-style discipline, and is using the $600 clarinet we bought him years ago. But the world of Marching Band, football games and competitions is new to me. If it's new to you, too, here's what I've learned:  

What To Bring To A Marching Band Competition When You're A Spectator

1. Cash – Schools do not take credit cards. Admission thus far has run the gamut from $8 per adult to $12 per adult with kids' rates much lower, so pack cash. Also, the Host Band usually sells snacks to raise funds for the band; it's always nice to buy a snack or two to support them.
   
   
   
   
2. Water And Food – Yes, I know I said to support the Host Band, but these competitions can get expensive! And the food they sell isn't always the most nutritious. I pack a bag with dinner (sandwiches, chicken nuggets), water, and dessert (apples, cheese, grapes). This way, my husband, daughter, and I are getting healthy food and if my daughter wants a snack later, at least she's had a good dinner. 
   
   
    
3. Stuff For Siblings To Do – Competitions can last many hours and the show doesn't always captivate younger viewers. Keep them entertained and ensure that YOU get to watch the show by bringing a coloring book and crayons, books, etc. 
   
   
   
   
4. A Blanket – The Northeast gets COLD in the fall and there's nothing like snuggling under a nice, warm blanket while you're watching the bands perform.
   
   
    
5. Stadium Cushions – I've talked to other band parents who are touting expensive stadium cushions complete with backs on them. As the person sitting behind those people, I can tell you that those seats hang over the bleachers and are a pain for the person behind you. I just ordered these cushions from Amazon and I expect they'll keep our tushies from turning into buttsickles.
    
   
   
6. Extra Warm Clothes - As I said, these events are LONG and temperatures drop.  Bring that extra sweatshirt, wear warm socks, and snuggle under the aforementioned blanket.
    
   

Obviously, it's important to remember your manners at Marching Band Competitions. 

Spectator Etiquette means:

• Support ALL of the bands, not just yours. Applaud and cheer when they do a good job (and applaud even if they don't – they're trying, after all).
  
  
• Don't leave or enter the stadium while a band is performing. It's disrespectful and distracting. 
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary talking during performances. Show some respect for the performers!
  
  
• Silence your cellphone or set it to vibrate and NEVER talk on your phone while a band is playing. It's just downright rude!
  
  
• Don't obstruct the view of others. Everyone wants to watch.
  
  
• Don't let younger children play in the stands or distract other spectators. If your child can't sit still or behave, take them to another area.  And remember that YOU'RE responsible for watching YOUR child.
  
  
• Support the Host Band financially (within reason) by visiting their concession stand.
  
  
  
  

Lastly, ENJOY THE SHOW! Each time I go to a competition, my breath is taken away not only by my son's band, but by the music, choreography, costumes, and flags! These kids put hours and hours into their performances. They work hard and as parents, we've worked hard to support them. These competitions and games are the fruition of their hard work and dedication.

ENJOY THE PAGEANTRY OF MARCHING BAND COMPETITIONS!

Have I missed something? Please comment! 

And as always, thank you for visiting my blog!

8 Tips For Surviving Your School's Fair

This evening, I'm sitting in a lawn chair parked in front of my daughter's elementary school. After seven hours of being cooped up learning on this lovely Summer day, she sprinted back to school for this, the event of all events, The Spring Fair. This annual gathering promises an evening of delight complete with inflatables (water and dry), a tiny train, carnival games, crafts, and the opportunity to cavort with her friends.

I'm less enthusiastic. Because she is my second child, it's my 10^th year at this fair and they haven't changed the line-up in all of those years. So as I sit in my chair, let me share

8 Tips For Surviving Your School's Spring Fair

1.  Review With Your Child That They Are ONLY To Go Home With You (or whomever you designate). Our community is pretty safe, but I don't want Diva thinking that if she can't find me she can leave with someone else. Stress this before you even GET to the venue. 

2.  Prepay if you can. I ordered armbands the day they were announced. Kids are so excited by the prospect of fun, fun, fun that all they want to do is run off. Save yourself trying to find exact change with a hyper child by your side, grab a pre-paid armband, and set your kid free. 

3.  Set Up A Base Camp So They Can Find You.  If your child is old enough that you don't have to follow them, set up a base camp, preferably near some sort of reference point like a big rock, tree, bush, window, etc. Tell the kid where you're going to be and stress that they MUST check in periodically. They'll have to anyway if they want to buy food.

4.  Bring Cash.  Don't kid yourself that you're going to get away without buying anything at this event. Sure, you can bring all the organic, GMO-free stuff you want, but all that will happen is that your child will either A) wind up staring at his friends who are eating pizza or B) begging their friends or you for the crap they're serving. Bring water and maybe a snack or two, but resign yourself to the fact that you WILL be buying something. 

6.  Sit AWAY From The Loudspeakers.  For some reason, PTA people and school personnel don't like telling disc jockeys and entertainers that they're TOO FUCKING LOUD and that the noise level is GOING TO MAKE OUR KIDS HARD OF HEARING. Make your base camp away from the speakers and you can mitigate hearing loss for the both of you. You might even have a prayer of talking and listening to other parents.

7.  Be Prepared For A Tantrum When You Leave.  Understand that if you try to drag your kid away from the event before it officially ends, you're pitting yourself against a tired, wired-up kid who IS going to have a tantrum. Fortunately, it will probably be so loud there that no one will hear you arguing.

8.  Enjoy! The time is coming when you'll be dropping your kid off at an event and you won't get to see them having fun with their friends. Take some photos when they're not looking and remember how they look now. They'll only be this little once. 

We're home, and the Fair is now a memory. After being covered in foam and having her hair sprayed red and white, she's upstairs recuperating. Watching her have a blast was wonderful for me; I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Use these eight tips and you'll get through the Fair with a minimum of problems and, hopefully, a good amount of pleasure!

THANK YOU FOR READING! 

Yeah.  That's me...right....

5 Ways To Save Money When You're Shopping For Clothes

Clothes aren't cheap, especially when you're a perpetual dieter who changes sizes every few months. I have at least three sizes of clothes in my closet (and yes, I know I need to find a way to “change lifestyles” or workout or whatever). Anyway, I've become something of an expert in shopping for clothes, especially since we're basically a 1-income family. 

Save money on clothes when you shop!

Here are 5 ways I save money when shopping for clothes:

1. Shop At Thrift Stores – Thrift Stores have some really nice clothing for very little money. Not only have I saved a lot of money at these places, I've found the merchandise to be in good condition. Yes, you do need to check meticulously for frayed seams, etc., but I've found some clothes at stores like TJ Max and Marshall's that had imperfections as well. It's ALWAYS buyer beware! Be prepared to spend a lot of time browsing at these stores and try on pieces whenever possible. Don't know where the nearest Thrift Store is? Click here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Wait Two Weeks – Spot something you HAVE to have but hate the price? That just happened to me when I went to Sears and spotted boots I SOOOO wanted! Painful as it was, I walked out of the store. Two weeks later, they were on sale for 60% off! You can also ask a store employee when the item you want will be on sale.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Pay With Cash – Much like my kids, when I have to fork over cash, I think twice about my purchase. Seeing those greenbacks leave my hands is painful. Try paining, I mean paying with cash and see how much you save.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Don't Buy Trends Or Fads, Especially If You're Of A Certain Age (like me) – What looks cute on your 9-year old daughter won't make you the Cool Mom. It'll just embarrass the both of you. I stick with classic styles, basic colors, and pieces that look good on me. By basing my wardrobe on bottoms and sweaters that are black and blue (you know, for pain and suffering), I can buy more colorful tops and know they'll go with my basics. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Hate It? Return It! -  Used to be you'd have to go through a song and dance to return stuff. Not anymore. I've come home with “Oh my God! What was I thinking?!” stuff. I just keep the receipt in the bag and return it ASAP. 
   
   
   
   

Pay with cash and you won't spend as much!

By using the above, I can make sure I get clothes at good prices, save money, and look good in what I have. Periodically I put away the clothes that don't fit but find that I do need to keep them because just in case I do put on or take off weight, I don't have to buy new pieces. 

Try these methods and tell me what you think!

How To Find & Hire A Good Contractor

Last night, we were at a friend's house discussing home renovation projects. This is a common topic whenever we visit another family's home, since we're all trying to improve our nests to make them more attractive and functional. It got me thinking about the most daunting challenge new home buyers face: finding good, reliable, contractors.

We've all had experience with tradespeople because no matter how handy you/your family might be, at some point you're going to have to hire someone to work for you. I've spent hours researching and calling contractors and even more time waiting, endlessly, for people who promised they'd show up and never did. The fact that they don't show up, that they're forfeiting business in this economy, boggles my mind. As friends and neighbors discuss home projects, we vehemently dish on who NOT to hire even more than who's good! I think the stat is for every person you tell about a reputable firm, you're going to tell 10 people about a disreputable one. I've found that to be true. People may be secretive about recommending someone, because once you've found a firm or person you trust it's like you're sitting on a mound of gold. But folks are extremely vocal about companies they don't trust because they want to get the word out about these shysters.

According to New Jersey's Acting Director for the Division of Consumer Affairs Steve Lee, “When contractors fail to comply with the law, or the terms of their contracts, consumers can be left with costs in the tens of thousands of dollars and a house full of unfinished improvements.” No fooling. Anyone who has been hosed by a contractor knows how difficult it is not only to get retribution, but to fix shoddy work done by an inept buffoon. So how do you find and hire a good contractor?

1. Do your research. Ask around and get personal recommendations from people. Look at sites you trust that post reviews and ratings. Really READ the reviews and don't just go by the number of stars they've merited. Also search for the company's name with words like “scam,” “rip-off,” or “complaint.”
2. Look for qualifications, like licensing. Not every state requires this for all work, but you should check with your local building department or Division Of Consumer Affairs (here's link to an Index of State And Local Consumer Agencies: http://www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer). If licensing is required, ask to see a copy of the contractor's license to make sure it's current.
3. Compile a list of prospects. There's a language to some repairs, terms you may not know. Having at least three possible contractors allows you to compare prices and become more knowledgeable about the work they recommend.  Ask why they're recommending something. When you have a question about anything, don't be afraid to ask.
4. Get estimates in writing. Ask one why his/her prices are higher than someone else's. And don't be afraid to ask them to meet a lower price.  Contractors may be willing to negotiate to get the business. We've saved thousands of dollars doing this. Just be kind and professional.
5. Ask how many projects like yours have been completed in the last year so you can see how knowledgeable the firm is with your project.  You don't want them learning while they're working on your house.  
6. Find out whether a permit is required and who is responsible for getting the permit(s). 
7. Get a list of references and don't be shy about calling them. Ask the clients whether the work was completed on time, if there were unanticipated costs, whether the workers/foreman showed up on time and whether they cleaned up after themselves.  After a recent roofing project, I was delighted to see the workers painstakingly going over my patio and lawn with magnets to make sure there weren't any nails around.  
8. Ask what type of insurance the contractor carries and tell them you want to see copies of insurance certificates to make sure they're current.  A reputable contractor won't mind producing this.  Without insurance, you may be liable for injuries and damages that happen during the project.
9. Find out if subcontractors will be used and make sure they have the proper insurance coverage and licenses, too.  Again, you need to be protected. 
10. Understand your payment options and do NOT pay cash. Similarly, try to limit your down payment even if the contractor isn't thrilled with this. Our town limits the amount of money requested as a down payment. Contact your municipality or local consumer agency (see the link above) to find out the law in your area.
11. Get a written contract even if your state doesn't require one.

For more information on how to hire a contractor, visit:

• The Federal Trade Commission's website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor#Finding
  
  
• ThisOldHouse.com: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20539027,00.html
  
  
• Lifehacker: http://lifehacker.com/5578353/how-to-hire-a-contractor-without-getting-hosed

After the work has been done, if you're happy with the contractor, remember to recommend him/her to your friends. A lot of these people get work via word-of-mouth. Get the word out and make sure your friends tell the contractor that you've recommended them. Reputable tradespeople work hard, often in all kinds of weather and under difficult conditions. They deserve all the praise they merit!

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Please note that this article was used as a reference in the writing of this post.

Thank you for reading!

5 Ways To Beat Those Disgusting ATM Charges

Just say "no" to ATM fees!

My temper still flares when I think of how banks are bilking consumers for access to our money! I'm talking about the audacity of levying fees for checking our balances, withdrawing money, etc. I've had banks want to charge me as much as $8 just for taking money out at an ATM!! But just because they want to charge us, doesn't mean we have to let them. To avoid paying those fees, try this:

• Use debit cards when you're shopping for small things. My favorite trick is to use my debit card when I'm shopping at my local grocery store. I don't use it for my major shopping, just when I have a few things to buy. Then I withdraw cash at the same time. I'm buying stuff I was going to buy anyway.  I get my money out without incurring a fee, so it's a win-win. Similarly, if you shop at Costco, you have to use a debit card any way, so why not take money out while you're doing it?
  
  
• Use in-network ATMs. Many banks and credit unions don't force their own customers to pay fees as long as they're using in-network machines. You could even make a list of where these ATMs are so that the next time you need one, you'll know where to find one.
  
  
• Take out more cash than you'll need. Don't just take out the minimum the ATM allows. Withdraw more than you'll need and then budget at home to avoid going back to the ATM.
  
  
• Write a check. Yes, really. Many stores still take checks. Don't be embarrassed – be smart and get your pen out.
  
  
• If you're changing banks or opening a new account, ASK what their ATM fees are. Let banks know that this is one criteria you're using to evaluate their institution.
  

The bank's job is to make money; mine is to keep it. Using the steps above should allow us, as consumers,  to hold on to more of our precious income and ensure that we're not hostages to money-hungry financial institutions.


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Please check in with me in a day or two. A lot of people in this neck of the woods have had damage in their houses as a result of ice damming.  We had that problem a few years ago and I'll share with you what we did - inside and out.  Namaste!