Recession Friendly Things To Do This Summer

I was watching CNN this weekend and they listed the top selling items during a recession. I have kept the list exactly as they showed it on the screen:

• Chocolate, Comfort Foods


• Gold Coins, Gardening Seeds
  
• Running Shoes, Guns

Based on the above list, if you ever had an idea to open a chocolate factory, KFC chain, running gear or gun store, this summer may be the time to make good on that daydream.

And I know you've been staring at those gold coins your grandpapi gave you years ago, wondering if they'd ever do anything besides collect dust. Take a trip on down to your local "we buy gold" store or pawn shop and cash em in for some gardening seed money. Or combine some of the items and you'll definitely have a fun and profitable summer: chocolate pistol anyone? Yum!

Also, if you ever thought about going natural and weening yourself off of your stylist's teet, now is definitely the time. Save the $75 re-touch/press&curl bi-weekly salon appointment and let the new growth flow! Summer is the time to be free, and if you don't like the rate of growth by September, well, the economy should (hopefully) be on the upswing and you'll be in a better financial position to shell out the dough for your salon visits.


Smooches!

KB

The Newest Desperate Housewife

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself without a job?

Unfortunately, I know more than a handful of people that have had to face this dilemma recently.

I also know a few employed people that have told me they "want" to be laid off. I tell them to be careful what you wish for...but I understand where they are coming from...kind of.

If I didn't have so much in school loans to pay each month I suppose I'd fantasize about being carefree and jobless as well. Or not...actually when I was in between jobs last year and was finished studying and taking the CA bar exam, I felt somewhat lost and unhappy. Besides looking for jobs and interviewing, I really didn't do as many things that I always thought I'd do if I wasn't working:

I didn't read the umpteen books I had been planning on reading since the summer after college graduation.

I didn't go to all of the museums and galleries I always said I would like to go to.

I did volunteer quite a bit, but not as much as I intended.

I went to the gym a lot, but I didn't get a six pack that I told myself I'd shoot for if I had the time to spend to get it.

I got a tan - but that was just because of the circumstances of my unemployment: I was living at home...four blocks from the beach in LA. Had I been in the same situation in Philly, I highly doubt I would have met that goal.

I didn't hit happy hour on the regular...because everyone else was working! Sipping $4 margaritas solo at El Torito at 3pm on a Tuesday is not the business.

Another goal I had while unemployed was to sleep - a lot. Why did I not reach this goal you ask? Two words: Kingston and Chester. Those little bastards had me up at 6am everyday ready to be taken on their walks.

My biggest goal was to do some serious internal self-reflection on how I can be a better KB. This is a work in progress but I made a lot of headway in my down time.

What would you do if you suddenly didn't have to schlep to your 9-5 everyday?

Mo Money, Mo Problems

Less money, many more problems.

Picture it: Ms. KelleBelle is at dinner with a certain gent (who was close to being fired anyway, and this was a last ditch effort for him to hold onto KB's interest), and the check comes. Grand total? $19. The gent brings out a $20 bill and then says, "I don't have enough for tip."

KB says, "I don't have any singles, sorry. Why don't you put the tab on your card and write in a tip?"

Dude says, "I don't have enough, I'm at my budget."

Pardon???

Yes chile, this trifling event happened. For realsies.

Kids, y'all know I like the finer things in life (premium cable channels, manicured nails, medium-shelf alcohol, etc.) but I am certainly no money hungry gold digger. I don't expect diamonds, but is it too much to expect a gentleman to pick up a $20 tab? Paying for my $7 salad and $3 beverage doesn't seem like too much to ask.

The story ends by KB paying the tab, storming out of the restaurant like Whitley Gilbert leaving Dwayne Wayne after their 19th fight, and telling him to cease and desist from any further communication. It is SO over. (ps: this isn't the first time KB has had to pay due to dude being "at his budget.")

Can you imagine? My word. It's not even that I mind dating someone who is struggling financially...but yo son - let me know BEFORE the check comes that you are broke. I've absolutely struggled financially before so I get it - completely - but the way you act when broke is very telling of your character, in my humble opinion.

This doesn't just apply to gentlemen callers, but financially struggling friends should also be mindful of the stress and drama they create when they do not account for their own expenses and rely on others to make their ends meet.

Assuming I am picking up the tab is not cool. I am not your caretaker, your man (or woman), or some filthy rich socialite with money to burn. If I pick up a tab it's because I want to, not because I feel obligated to or owe you anything. But the favor should be mutual.

When it isn't, it creates awkward situations and tension builds that could have been avoided if you were an adult and accounted for your own brokeness. And please don't complain about your finances and in the same breath brag about a new clothing purchase or blame your situation on your child. I have plenty of bills as well - I bet my student loan payment is akin to a child support payment! Real talk.

If I'm a bit light on dough that week, I won't go out to the bar and then rely on a chum to pay. I don't expect gents to pay all the time, and I don't mind going dutch on occasion, but I refuse to be played like a fool and suffer for having a steady stream of income and the ability to not spend more than I earn. Can I get a witness?!

Smooches!

KB