Category: Positive Vibes

Progress Report: The Women’s Collective

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Progress Report:

“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses Yearning To Breathe Free…”

 

Lady Liberty and the 2025 Fourth of July

By Vajra Ma

July 4, 2025, for me was a day of both mourning and celebration. I mourn the accelerating firestorm of Project 2025 (do your research). I celebrate that I spent the day with people who share my view, but also with some who support the acceleration (although I tend to think if they recognized the earmarks of the authoritarian playbook, they wouldn’t). Why do I celebrate that? Because the hope of this nation, indeed the world, is that we came together as human beings across the divide that would conquer us. We shared company, conversation, food, music and laughter across the divide. WE celebrated our common humanity.

But what about the rest of humanity…?

To that end I share this uniting view in “The Women’s Collective”, a pamphlet written in 2017 by my late husband Wolfgang Nebmaier. [excerpt from “The Women’s Collective” by Wolfgang Nebmaier with Vajra Ma, © Shakti Moon Publishing, 2017]

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40 Reasons To Smile

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40 Reasons To Smile

40 Reasons To Smile

D. S. Mitchell

Relish Routine

Here at Calamity Politics, a Wednesday is pretty much the same as a Friday, or a Sunday.  I’m not complaining. In fact, I relish it. I am an individual that loves routine. Up at 5:00, in the pool @5:45, walk the dog at 7:30, coffee @8:30. @9:00 I start scanning the internet for breaking news on the Trump fiasco, going on in the White House. I turn on CNN or MSNBC to get their view of the situation. If it’s a big scandal, I’ll turn on FOX to get their spin. I usually leave the TV playing in the background. You get the idea.

Things That Make Me Smile

But, at least once a week, I stop, and consciously think about how blessed I am, and all the things in life that make me happy; those things that never fail to bring a smile to my face.  Here’s 40 Things That Made Me Smile Today:

  1.  Painting old furniture; giving something old a new life
  2.  Danish Brie and California Chardonnay
  3.  New shoes; makes me want to dance
  4.  Nap time
  5.  Visiting the Planetarium
  6.  Palladian style windows, a whisper of elegance
  7.  Flower baskets in bloom
  8.  The Celtic Cross
  9.  My dog, Lily
  10.  Whales and elephants
  11.  A box of old black and white photos, worth more than gold to see my daddy again
  12.  Taking a Community College class and pulling an A
  13.  Towel warmers in the bathroom
  14.   Reading my daily horoscope
  15.   The Bobble-Head toys in the back window of my friend’s car
  16.   The newspaper. A real newspaper, one that I touch, that I unfold, that I read over coffee
  17.   Street musicians
  18.   YSL Black Opium, perfume
  19.   Glass bowl filled with sun bleached shells
  20.   Three-day week-ends
  21.   My new iPhone
  22.   Wall size antique mirrors
  23.   The delicate beauty of Orchids
  24.   Travel magazines
  25.   Roller coasters
  26.   Drawstring sweat pants
  27.   Little boxes of Sunshine raisins
  28.   Hummingbirds feeding in my garden
  29.   Patsy Cline on my play list
  30.   The muted colors of Madras fabric
  31.   Holding a baby in my arms
  32.   Sharing a banana split with a calorie counting friend
  33.   A handmade greeting card
  34.   Author book signings
  35.   Reading scandal magazines at the grocery checkout stand
  36.   Having help with a big job, four hands are always better than two, if you have six, all the better
  37.   My kitchen junk drawer
  38.   Wrist corsage
  39.  Pagodas in the mist
  40.  Fog horns in the night

The  Protests Go On

I’m about to go watch the kids fly their kites. It is just about a perfect day for kite flying; clear sky, great breeze and a strangely lonely beach for this time of year.   Have a great week, and remember we always have time, to smile. I’m hoping that while you are grinning ear-to-ear you are busy planning for the July 17, 2025, “Good Trouble Lives On” protest. Make a new sign, The protest will be the fifth national day of protest against the Trump administration. The protest will also honor Civil Rights activist icon, congressman, John Lewis. Turn out; make your voices heard. No cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, VA benefits, SNAP or Child Tax Credits. Call your congressman/woman tell them to stop the Big Ugly Bill.

Join the New Resistance

Life is Like the Lazy River

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Life is Like the Lazy River

Life is Like the Lazy River

Editor: When everything seems to be crashing around you, maybe all you need is a few days on the Lazy River.

By Karen Tate

I felt like I was holding on by a thread after my husband’s heart attack.  I found myself a caretaker while working a full-time job, dealing with our out-of-touch employer, editing my new manuscript for my publisher, keeping my radio show on the air and trying to pay the bills – then the opportunity to spend a couple days floating on the Lazy River at a resort in Las Vegas presented itself.

Yes, it was in the hottest part of summer in Las Vegas, but anything was better than being in the office where I could not shake off my boss’ demoralizing words.  I thought our performance for the last thirty years in his employ buffered us from the angst and vulnerability so many workers were feeling these days, but no.  His reply to my query if my husband could expect sick leave during this health crisis kept echoing in my ears.  “I don’t want to pay Roy for sitting home on the couch!”  (I didn’t yet know about disability.) It took all my strength to refrain from hoping in his next life he came back as a fruit fly, a migrant worker picking strawberries or the guy who cleans out port-o-potties.

So we packed up the car and headed for Las Vegas and the Lazy River.  Days of floating in quiet contemplation was just what I needed to recharge my batteries and have a moment to think about something besides stents, pills, and doctors and how overwhelmed I was feeling.

At first, the Lazy River just allowed, allowed, allowed me to be, with no pressure.  I could drift with no place to go but round and round, softly, gently, and quietly.  Even the kids sharing the Lazy River were not a source of aggravation.  It was peaceful and my brain could click off for a few hours.

As the hours turned into days, I began to feel like myself again and before I knew it the creative juices were flowing and this Lazy River became a source of inspiration.

Sometimes we can just float along in life, easily avoiding the chaos all around us, without having to put forth much effort to avoid turbulence.  We see others around us going under but somehow we’ve managed to catch the current that just steadily pulls us along out of harm’s way.  We may be lucky enough to continue like that for a bit, but sooner or later we’re going to brush up against the rocks.  We might even find ourselves feeling water-boarded as we are unable to avoid getting sucked beneath rapids and struggle to the surface gasping for air.   If we’re lucky, in the next few times around the bend, we might be able to catch our breath.  We feel lucky to maneuver ourselves away from the crushing weight of the waterfalls, large and small, we see along the journey.

As we go round and round, with each turn of the wheel, we learn to adapt.  We discern how to place ourselves so that we float along in the most stable position possible.  We stretch and strengthen our muscles to avoid the rocks and rapids.  We keep an eye on the horizon so we might manage to make our way around log jams.  We wear protective covering to ward off direct hits we might not avoid along the way.  Sometimes if we look for them, gifts will present themselves during the journey, and it is so important to be ready to embrace those moments in gratitude.

Sometimes that Sacred Travel Story is nothing more than a short jaunt to a hotel outside Las Vegas where you can get off the hamster wheel, disconnect from the mundane world for a bit, breathe, and listen to that voice within.  We have all the answers inside ourselves.  We just have to slow down, cut out the distractions and tap into that inner voice. It may sound cliché but its true.

 

**Remember to look for and grab the joy that exists between the rain drops!**

NO KINGS PROTEST

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NO KINGS PROTEST

NO KINGS Protest

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

                                                                                                                              Steve Jobs

QUOTES ON COURAGE

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Quotes On Courage

QUOTES ON COURAGE

D. S. Mitchell

Research

As part of my job as Editor in Chief at Calamity Politics is that I get to do research. Research can be lots of fun. This week, I decided to look up quotes on courage. I believe that we are going to need strength and courage to see this political battle to it’s satisfactory progressive conclusion. The Trump machine can’t run without the power of the people. He’s losing his most basic supporters; my God, even Musk called him out.

What People Have Said About Courage:

People say some pretty inspiring things.  Here’s a brief collection of some pretty smart comments by some pretty smart people on the subject of gallantry and valor.

1.) “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary,”  Gerard Way

2.)Courage leads starward, fear toward death,” Seneca

3.)“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” Winston Churchill

4.)“Courage conquers all things,”  Ovid

5.) “The strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is courage,“ Michel De Montaigne

6.) “Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion,”  President Calvin Coolidge

7.) “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage,” Anais Nin

I’m inspired. How about you? If you are even a little inspired, do something to fight this administration. Be brave. Be courageous. Write a letter, make a phone call, march in the upcoming anti-Trump “NO KINGS protest. Don’t be a bystander.

Join the New Resistance

Our New Pope, Pontiff of Peace

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Our New Pope, Pontiff of Peace

“You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing.”

Our New Pope, Pontiff of Peace

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

“Da” Pope

Just like our dearly departed Pope Francis, our brand new first ever Pope from the U.S. speaks the truth regarding the Trump administration and “The Donald” himself. Pope Leo XIV, or “Da” Pope as Chicago area residents are referring to him, I am very proud to say is from right here in the Windy City. As a quote attributed to His Holiness says, “You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing.”

Only One King

We all know that  Donald Trump wants to be the first American king, but unlike the first American Pope, that is not going to happen – there is no king of the United States. There is, however, finally a Pontiff from our country. I am hopeful this new leader of the Catholic Church can an will continue the work of Pope Francis  to bring about peace in our troubled homeland and world from his position of power at the Vatican. Whether you are a Catholic, Christian or not, this man offers hope. Here are some interesting facts about Pope Leo: XIV:

  1. Our Pope Leo began his pastoral career in the southern Chicago suburb of Dolton, IL, where he grew up. Dolton, which is in Cook County.
  2. His name is Robert Prevost and he was born in the city of Chicago.
  3. His first words after the conclave elected him were, “Peace be with you all”.
  4. The former archbishop is also quoted as saying “I offer you the little that I have and am” – a servants heart that is a breath of fresh air in our troubled world.
  5. He spent extensive time in Peru.
  6. The new Pope is 69 years young.
  7. By choosing to be called Leo, he is likely going to build upon previous popes named Leo, especially Leo Xlll, whose teachings centered around social justice.
  8. He is considered a diplomat in the church.
  9. The Pope is a Chicago White Sox fan, much to the chagrin of my Cubs fan husband. The White Sox organization sent him a team jersey and cap to the Vatican. His Sox fandom is confirmed by his brother, John Prevost.
  10. He attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Laketown Township, MI. He has a BS in Mathematics from Villanova University, and went to seminary at the Catholic Theological Union in the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park.

Supporting the Immigrant

It appears that our new Pope is no fan of the Trump administration or JD Vance, especially in regards to immigration. Just like his predecessor, Pope Francis. An article in Newsweek quotes, “In some matters, Leo XIV has aligned ideologically with his predecessor, Pope Francis, especially on the treatment of immigrants and the environment. Earlier this year, Francis criticized Trump over his immigration agenda, which embraces mass deportations.”

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More Woman of a Certain Age Wisdom, Vol 112

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More Woman of a Certain Age Wisdom, Vol 112

Woman of a Certain Age Wisdom, Vol 112

By Cate Rees-Hessel

  1.   If you recall the opening of the first drive through in the area, you might just be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If Jean Nate, Youth Dew, Chanel Number Five, Sweet Honesty, Love’s Baby Soft, or Charlie are your favorite fragrances…
  3. If you have been to a drive-in movie on date night…
  4. If you know what a rumble seat is…
  5. If your date ever ran out of gas…or had a flat tire…
  6. If you know where Superman changed his clothes…
  7. If you ever used a pay phone…
  8. If you know what a toll call was…
  9. If you had a long distance calling plan…
  10. If you still have a landline…
  11. If you know what a landline is…or a party line…
  12. If you used Noxzema to wash your face, Sea Breeze to tone and Clearasil cream…
  13. If you ever pinched your cheeks in lieu of blusher…
  14. If you refer to blusher as rouge…
  15. If you have been using Maybelline Great Lash Mascara since you were a teenager…
  16. If you had an original Baby Alive or Susie Cute doll…
  17. If you had an original Barbie, Ken, Midge, or Alan doll…
  18. If your first car was a Mustang…
  19. If you attended the Barbizon or Powers School of Modeling and Finishing…
  20. If you know that a permanent wave is actually a perm…
  21. If you can sing and do the dance steps to the “Who wears short shorts, Nair for short shorts” jingle…
  22. If you still use cold cream or rose milk lotion…
  23. If you take Geritol vitamins…
  24. If you recall when hair mousse first came on the scene…
  25. If you call flip flops thongs…
  26. If you own a bathing cap, especially one with a rubber pink or orange flower…
  27. “Curlers in your hair, shame on you” – if you own curlers that don’t heat…
  28. If you ever made a jello mold…
  29. If you ever set your hair with flat beer…or rolled your hair on those super size cans…
  30. If you ever used a homemade egg white facial mask….

Silly Games

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Silly Games

 

Silly Games

 

D. S. Mitchell

No, Not Today

It’s another cloudy day in Grants Pass, Oregon. The morning news sounds just like last night’s news. Does this mean we are entering an overly long season of re-runs coming out of the Trump White House? It looks like the Orange One has given me enough time to play a game; maybe more than one. If you’re thinking the woman is sounding a bit crazy, you could be right. I need a break from the freaking asshole taking up space in the people’s house. I’m not in the mood to be serious today. I was going to write an in-depth, thought-provoking, political post on Trump’s “emotional” response to the actions of his buddy, Vladimir Putin., instead, I am going to play a game my mother taught me close to 60 years ago.

Rules Of The Game

Here are the rules of today’s game. I will open a dictionary at some random place and I will, from the two open pages, keeping the words in sequential order, write a story. Today’s story will center on a well-known politician and his daughter.  I challenge you to do it. It is harder than it sounds.

So, here we go. The dictionary I will be using is the one I keep on the shelf next to my desk in my alcove office. Everyday America English Dictionary, Edited by Ricard A. Spears, et al.  NTC (National Textbook Company) 1987.  Pages 130-131.

Daddy Thinks he Knows Best

Donald Trump dropped his  fountain pen on the desk, and asked, “What’s for dinner tonight?”

“Some form of fowl that Donald Jr, bagged when he was on safari in Texas,” Ivanka snickered.

“You are a fox,” Big Daddy Trump gushed, leering suggestively.

“Stop it, Daddy.”

“Do you know what fraction of the federal budget is being spent on Jr.’s security detail?  Some woman reporter asked me today, and I had no idea.  Do you know?”

“Oh, Daddy, don’t worry about such stuff.  Just say that information is TOP SECRET,  and if that ‘fake news’ lady asks again, you just tell her it’s, classified.”

“Of course, of course. You’re right, sweetie.  I have more power in my Truth Social finger than ANYONE else in the world!  Especially some ‘fake news’ reporter.”

“We should have that finger insured.  What if there’s a fracture?  It would be a disaster,” she said, bobbing her head up and down in self confirmation.

“Careful, Daddy, that bowl is very old and very fragile.  Michelle Obama called it historic. She said something about Dolly Madison.”

“Historic?” Trump repeated, simultaneously tossing the object skyward and catching it with his left hand.

“Daddy, please, stop juggling it. Stop it.”

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30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes

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30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes On Memorial Day

30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes On Memorial Day

Editor: Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died serving in the US. military, both in times of war and peace.

By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel

 

Remember and Honor…

The current occupant of the Oval Office may think the military are “suckers and losers”, but we as a nation under God know differently. Our military gives their all for our country and we remember them this Memorial Day with heavy hearts and extreme admiration.

A Prayer of Thanks for Freedom

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of freedom, the freedom to worship, to speak, and to live according to our conscience. On this Memorial Day, we remember with deep gratitude the brave men and women who gave their lives so that we might enjoy these liberties. Their sacrifice reflects the love of Christ, who laid down His life so that we might be eternally free. Help us use our freedom wisely, to serve others, seek justice, and reflect Your light in a world longing for peace. Comfort the families who have lost loved ones in service, and remind them that their sacrifice was not in vain. May we live each day with thankfulness and courage, honoring both their memory and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Commemorate Before Sun-a-brate

Memorial Day officially ushers in the summer season despite the cooler weather. Here are some fun ways to celebrate this holiday. Let’s honor our veterans that have given their lives in service of our country, making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom…

  1. Attend a mass or service on Memorial Day – light a candle for a military member that has passed. What better way to honor our fallen service members? Pray for our men and women in uniform.
  2. Send a card or gift to a military person; those on active duty would love some home baked cookies – older veterans may welcome a visit or small gift. Let those who serve or have served know you care.
  3. Widows, widowers, and children of fallen soldiers might enjoy a present, also – a batch of cookies or a plant, perhaps.
  4. Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day, so let’s decorate. Honor the graves of service members with flags or flowers. I even decorate our living room window.
  5. Red, white, and blue bunting, banners, and decor are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. Doors, patios, balconies, walls, and windows can all be decorated. I leave my patriotic decor up through Flag Day, July 4th, and Patriot’s Day.
  6. POW and MIA bracelets may be a thing of the past but a nice patriotic pair of earrings or necklace looks pretty for the holiday.
  7. Picnics and barbecues can be fun. Grocery prices are sky high thanks to Trump’s tariffs, try new economical recipes with less red meat – try grilling fruits and veggies. Keep food safe from warm temperatures, iced or cooled until time to eat salads and cold sandwiches.
  8. Parades, as well as outdoor concerts and films are free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
  9. Avoid sparklers or other fireworks by your self – they can cause very serious injuries. No one wants a trip to the ER – that’s no way to celebrate
  10. Veterans in nursing facilities might like a visit – make a new friend.
  11. Patriotic films can be found online, on streaming services, and at your local libraries.
  12. Many pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend, providing the temperature is warm enough. Use a safe sunscreen (ones containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are the best) and enjoy water play. Remember SPF lip balm, also. It’s fun to hit the beach, but check conditions and bacteria levels locally before swimming – do the same for lakes. Install a weather app on your phone for quick updates on air quality, temperatures, and storm warnings.
  13. Pay attention to boating safety if you decide to do some sailing. Keep keys on a floating chain, at least enough life preservers on for everyone in the boat, and a well charged cell phone in a waterproof case with you at all times.
  14. If it rains, an indoor picnic is just as much fun. Indoor grills are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. A movie with a military theme can be streamed for a fun afternoon.
  15. Check ingredients before allowing pets any of the celebratory fare. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate are some of the foods toxic to our fur babies.
  16. Remember summer is a short season, so patriotic items are usually inexpensive. Some stores will put them on sale after Memorial Day, so you can stock up for the 4th.
  17. Take a walk in the park, hike, or bike ride – summer is finally here. Some cities have free or minimal fee bike rentals available. Enjoy some sunshine but don’t forget to use a safe SPF.
  18. Use the long weekend to clean out your garage or basement. Power wash your deck or patio, and outdoor furniture. It’s time to get everything season ready.
  19. It’s a great weekend to wash the car or the dog in the backyard, weather permitting.
  20. Start a vegetable and flower garden – fresh vegetables and fruit you grow yourself are nutritious, taste great, and rewarding. And who does not love the look and fragrance of beautiful flowers?
  21. Don’t forget the insect repellent – check websites like the CDC and Consumer Reports about the safety of the various active chemicals; I still like the Skin So Soft products by Avon, myself.
  22. If you have allergies to bug bites, food or the like, carry your EpiPen, and your inhaler if your asthmatic. Hotter temperatures can intensify reactions.
  23. Stay hydrated – water is important in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  24. Sunburn cream can be kept in the refrigerator for a nice cooling effect. Lipsticks, lip balms, and eye pencils are less likely to melt if kept cold, also. Toners are more refreshing when chilled, as well.
  25. I am addicted to indoor plumbing, so camping does not work for me, but if you are inclined to enjoy nature this way, keep safety first and foremost. Know where you are – carry physical maps and a compass. Most cell phones go out of range when far from civilization. Have provisions such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra socks, antibiotic, and burn ointment and Band-Aids with you, as well as acetaminophen and water with you. You might want to carry a pocket size Lysol for those outhouses. Keep a cooler with ice for anything perishable to avoid dehydration and food poisoning. Nothing can ruin a trip more than an unprepared and unexpected injury or illness. S’mores are great, but bring clean metal sticks to use over the campfire. Respect nature by cleaning up your camp site. Consider a tree hanging shower pack. Personally, I feel a nice camper with a kitchen and bathroom inside at a camp site or a cabin on the campground is a bit more my way of roughing it. Cabins have indoor plumbing facilities; guess I am a hotel kind of girl.
  26. If you are traveling for Memorial Day, make sure your gas tank is full – carry a tire gauge, jumper cables, and Fix-A-Flat or the equivalent, as well as coolant and water in your trunk. Have transmission and brake fluid on hand, also. Check your vehicle’s oil and get it changed if necessary. Make sure your battery is well charged. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. Keep your motor club and insurance cards handy, too. Be extra cautious this year with Trump’s deportations. There have been American citizens caught in this horrific, racist web of lies.
  27. Many restaurants have outdoor patios to dine al fresco – search the Internet for money saving coupons and offers. There may be chalkboard specials as well.
  28. Festival season has begun. Wear your comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for weather fluctuations. A bag chair or other portable seating is a must, also. Check policies before bringing a cooler. Many venues might require that you carry clear purses or tote bags – leave anything that might be problematic at home or locked in your car, out of sight. Carry a charged portable charger with you. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep cash and credit/debit cards on your person.
  29. Enjoy your loved ones, include your fur babies, but make sure pets are permitted at your outdoor events. Check local leash laws, and bring a travel water bowl for Rover or Fluffy, when attending events close to home. When traveling with animals, pack a small favorite toy, disposable litter pan (for cats), and baggies of food. Furry friends likely won’t need clothes in warm temperatures but a cute neckerchief never hurts. Make sure dogs are on a leash and have vaccine information handy. Remember, if you are warm in your skin, imagine how hot they must be in their fur – keep pets hydrated and cool. Bring a cold wet washcloth in a bag or container.
  30. As a final suggestion, carry a few disposable bags, hopefully sustainable ones, for any trash you may accumulate. Find a garbage can or take the rubbish home to dispose of – never litter or just leave debris behind.

Let’s take care of our planet; God bless America and our service members that actually have made and do make America Great. Let’s all resist the Donald’s military parade on June 14th- we are not a dictatorship we don’t grovel before wanna be dictators or honor them with military parades.

Looking Good Despite Trump’s Bad Economy

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Looking Good Despite Trump’s Bad Economy

Looking Good Despite Trump’s Bad Economy

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

We are all suffering from Trump’s bad economy these days: tariffs, rising gas and grocery prices and the cost of other essentials skyrocketing, make it more difficult to budget my shrinking dollar. It’s important to look our best, despite economic woes. So here are some suggestions for looking good in a bad economy:

  1. Drug store brands and store brands can often work as well as more expensive skin care products, but read the labels carefully before buying.
  2. Avoid cosmetics that are made in China – they are unregulated. Some well known name brands are making their products there, so buyer beware. There are also products from these companies that use made in the USA or elsewhere but are assembled in China – I personally avoid these, as well. Certain reputable firms have some products made in other countries, but still have China made products as well – check each item individually. Labels can read made in PRC, which means Peoples Republic of China. Products of the Republic of China (ROC), otherwise known as Taiwan, are OK, though.
  3. Look for cruelty free cosmetics, and labels that say paraben, sulfate, phthalate, and artificial fragrance-free. Do your due diligence research before purchasing and keep your receipts in case you miss something in the labeling. Search for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol or its substitutes, or salicylic acid in skin care lines.
  4. Don’t be afraid to seek out samples. Some online retailers offer free shipping, also.
  5. Be cautious of SPF in skin care items – sunscreen is very important but certain ingredients can be unsafe. The FD only considers two – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE).
  6. Check expiration dates on clearance cosmetics, as well as the protective coverings. Often the outside packaging might look a bit worse for the wear but the seals are intact.
  7. If a pedicure or manicure are not in your budget, opt for polish changes – most salons will trim or file nails with that service. Most salons have free massage chairs, many have cuticle oil and lotion. Buy a good pair of cuticle nippers and a cuticle pusher to groom at home before visiting your nail tech. Most salons offer cuticle grooming for a nominal add-on service when getting false nail fills. If you opt to do your own nails, file in one direction working toward the center. Look for online coupons and Groupon deals. I might add to be cautious – I have had many a great Groupon deal but have been burned once. Be cautious – check out the business thoroughly that is offering the special; use the Better Business Bureau website and online reviews before buying.
  8. Thrifting and resale can save a lot of money on clothing, but look closely for wear and tear – avoid any garment with tears or stains. A good steam iron and clothing pill shaver can be an enormous help in keeping your wardrobe fresh. Use your clothes dryer to refresh dryable items between washings. Make sure buttons are secure and well fastened. Stretched out items can be somewhat revitalized with some spray starch. Trimming loose threads and frays with a sharp pair of scissors can extend the life of clothes and accessories. Shoe polish and the use of a good cobbler shop can make footwear last longer. “Magic erasers” type scrubbing pads on casual and athletic shoes with white soles can keep them looking clean and newer.
  9. Take good care of your teeth. Review dental plans very carefully before choosing one. Read labels on whitening products carefully – certain budget products can, as I previously warned, be made in China.
  10. Vintage finds can be very fashionable but remove shoulder pads, stirrups, and the like before wearing. Update the look with modern accessories.
  11. Clothes swaps or giveaways and free cycling can be very helpful for tight budgets.
  12. Accessories like costume jewelry and scarves are a great way to update your look.
  13. Budget hair salons can do a good job when you communicate with the stylist. Explain exactly what you want and take one or more photo(s) along of the hair style you want.
  14. Condition and shampoo often; use styling products to keep hair cuts fresh. At home hair color is fine, just pay attention to the shades on the box and condition. Do a patch test before coloring and don’t leave it on longer than called for. A professional bottle of color from the beauty supply store (without activator) can be used as a filler for over the counter colors. Use ash tones to avoid brassiness and a good purple shampoo and/or conditioner.
  15. Prescription glasses are expensive, so opt for frames that are versatile and durable. Use mildly abrasive toothpaste with a soft cloth to reduce scratches on the lenses. Never put your glasses down with the lens touching any surface – this can cause scratching. Keep a case and microfiber cloth handy.
  16. Make your own skin care products – recipes are available online. I use salt, sugar, and cooking oil to make body scrubs, mixed to a little dryer than a slurry consistency. Outdated yogurt and beyond their prime fruits also make great face masks.
  17. Non-aerosol body sprays are less pricey than actual cologne and perfume. They are often lighter in fragrance, subtle, and pretty. Stretch them by adding just a bit of alcohol as they get used up. I buy a large bottle of my favorite Jean Nate and pour it into a purse size spray bottle with just a bit of alcohol mixed in. Keep the fragrance cool in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing splash.
  18. Mix and match separates can create many different outfits for one low cost.
  19. Fine jewelry is expensive but can be a good investment. I personally don’t care for lab created diamonds, but they are a money saver and technically are considered diamonds. I would prefer a smaller natural diamond myself, but to each their own. Other gemstones, both precious and semi precious, are equally as lovely as diamonds in a different way. Opt for natural, untreated, unheated stones. 925 sterling silver, ten or fourteen carat gold are decent quality options when eighteen carat gold is not within your budget. I have heard of nine carat gold, also, but am not familiar with it. Do your research before buying fine jewelry. Online purchases can be OK but ask for certification in writing. Vintage jewelry can be beautiful and unique with a better price tag. Take your finds to a jeweler to be tested for authentication. Jewelry stores will often test and clean jewelry as a courtesy.
  20. Opt for higher quality disposable razors as a grooming tool. The cheaper ones often leave hairs behind – you won’t get as close of a shave. Decent grade tweezers are also a better buy.
  21. Loss leader introductory pricing on spa services can be intriguing, but make sure only one treatment is needed to see results. That intro price for one visit may require very costly follow up visits to be successful. Again, do your homework.
  22. At home beauty and grooming devices might take longer for results to be seen than salon treatment but once you own the device, multiple uses are free of charge. Check reviews and safety info to avoid issues.
  23. Using split payment services like Klarna can make purchases a bit easier to budget. When applying for credit, if possible, opt for cards that offer no interest payments for an extended period of time. One of our main credit cards gave six months of no interest upon opening our account.
  24. Beauty schools often have inexpensive clinics and sometimes offer free services for models that are willing to take part in classroom demos.
  25. Good grooming is not expensive and it’s the most important element in looking good. A daily bath or shower, shampoo, and shaving are integral in making a nice appearance. Put a smile on your face as well – a pleasant look is beautiful in any economy.