Why 3rd World Countries Hate Us: (Sign up here to be an idiot)

Genius walks among us! Down with downward economics! We can all rest easier thanks to the strategic wizardry of the blessed few whose magnanimous example of thrift and frugality staggers the mind. While personally unimpressed with a habit of scrounging bagel scraps from her kid's plates for later use as "pizza toppings" (why didn't Domino's think of that?), we should be completely exhilarated by one woman's assertion that she dresses her daughters (ages 2 and 3) with hand-me-downs! For a real frugality shake-down; check out the amazing lifestyle of she who is crowned "The Most Frugal New Englander". (Keep in mind this honor was a contest win!)

Other incredible feats of derring-do offered by 'them what know' include:

1. making a shopping list

2. clipping coupons
3. shopping at Walmart
4. drying the family wash on a clothes line
5. saving frosting containers for desk & bathroom organizers
6. still wearing maternity clothes when no longer preggers
7. drying your hair by hanging your head over a fan
8. using vinegar for fabric softener
9. encouraging teens to find designer jeans at thrift stores
10. homemade laundry detergent
11. cooking homemade meals ahead & freezing them
12. taking kids to free events
13. buy used children's toys or shop on Craig's List
14. make your own baby food (can you do that?!)

As if these weren't electric enough, now the stunner of all stunners -

"...If you've read all the books in your local library, sign up for inter-loans. This is where you can borrow books from other libraries for free."

(I've returned to the keyboard after a brief gag of euphoric shock - talk about a challenge! I'm almost done reading ALL the books in my local library.)

Time does not permit referencing all the glorious penny-pincher advice out there, however, I trust you are as thankful as I am to finally be aware of just a few little life-saving gems on how to save money and resources. Wow! And to think ~ I was going to make frosting from scratch . . .

Seriously; couldn't you just barf? I mean, in a frugal way, of course. How is it that most of us grew up doing these things, many of us lived this way the whole time we were raising young children, and there really are some of us out there who still do this - so who are these people getting the sudden rocket-science revelation? More importantly; how can we punish entities that are rewarding them for making these unbelievably insulting lists? I can only hope that Mrs. "Most Frugal New Englander" for First Prize was given an old tire and some rope so her children could finally play in their own back yard - - - for free!!!

* photoes kurtesy of 'America's Next Top Model'

Collapsing Common Sense

It was terrible news at the Grand Canyon; just before noon yesterday a 4 year old girl fell four hundred feet to her death near Mather's Point. Witnesses said her mother was yelling for her not to move seconds before she slipped over the edge.

Now we hear park officials and media bites urgently reminding us to be careful around the canyon rim, and for parents to keep young children "in sight" or "within arm's reach". ~ Duh.

Accidents happen. I feel sorry for this family vacation come to a tragic end. But seriously, are you kidding? This incident reflects a generalized lack of parental common sense. Anyone who has ever approached the rim of the Grand Canyon can see it is big, it is deep, it is hazardous.

I cringe every time I see young mothers walking 10 feet in front or behind their toddler who is wandering absent-mindedly only inches from 45mph city traffic. People are not holding hands with children at street corners or other public places. One aspect of this problem appears to be cultural - too many young Hispanic mothers are not using a stroller for infants - they carry babes in arms and leave the other little children exposed to trouble en route.

A thrift store umbrella stroller is all of $5.00. A firm hand-hold costs nothing but the forethought to execute it. My mom used to have a tandem harness for my little brothers with a long leash attached! At the very least, parents can teach children to hold onto them if mom's hands are occupied. My kids can remember holding onto my skirt with a killer-grip. They righteously feared consequences if they let go even for a second.

Asia pointed out to me this weekend a happy come-back of the kid leash concept which for 30 years was much too offensive for White, upwardly mobile parents to consider ~ here is one example how to reign in your child while looking cute and fashionable:

While we do not know how many children were with the family in question, I am guessing they did not have more than what they could hold on to (including older siblings assigned to younger ones) especially if one was in a stroller.

We all wish this trip had a happy ending. A little common sense and safety instincts go a very long way.