Another One Bites the Dust...

[CohenCottage]

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/magazines-newspapers/e3i67264dea25a495e09805f228a19ee8c7

Domino is shutting down...I know it's too modern for many of you, but I know I've seen a couple of people comment that they like it...Why am I always the bearer of bad news?

I'm officially depressed.

[Meryl Schoenbaum]

Thanks for posting the link about Domino, CohenCottage. We heard about that today as well. It's so sad (and frankly scary) to hear about so many great magazines folding and so many talented journalists losing their jobs.

Here's a link to a story about it in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/business/media/29mag.html

[Gigi]

That article was worth reading~ it's hard to sell ads for furniture, etc... when the economy is so hard right now. It effects everyone~ hard times.

[Zuzu's Garden]

Sorry to hear this. I enjoyed Domino's kicky mix.

To quote the NYTimes article:
“The current model is built so that advertising keeps magazines afloat,” said Robin Steinberg, director of print investment and activation for the media-buying firm MediaVest. “It’s unfortunate, because the consumer loses out in the end.”

There needs to be a new model - one where consumers keep the magazines afloat!

Zu

[CohenCottage]

Thanks for the link to that article...I heart the NYT! You know what's strange, I'm in the first year of my dog training business, and people are still signing up! I'm the most expensive in town too. My DH is a psychologist, and he's been really busy too. So far in our community, we've noticed that service based business are still doing well, but retail is tanking. How is it where you are?

[WannaBHomemaker]

That makes sense Cohen, people will always be in need of some sort of service, but don't always have to have the latest duds. I'm in the printing business and although everyone is "going green" the world has a long way to go before it's really paperless! I also sell Mary Kay and Mary Kay sales are at an all-time high. Women are typically brand-loyal and will make room in the family budget to buy their skin care and foundation.

[Lisa S]

I have a friend who is a general practice doctor. She's noticed a decline in patients, which I find surprising. She thinks that people don't want to pay the co-pay unless they're really sick. I said that I think we all go to the doctor too much anyway, so the pendulum is just finding it's middle spot.

Don't you all feel like we're in a wait and watch mode? The world around us is really changing.

[RoseMary]

I have a friend who is a general practice doctor. She's noticed a decline in patients, which I find surprising. She thinks that people don't want to pay the co-pay unless they're really sick. I said that I think we all go to the doctor too much anyway, so the pendulum is just finding it's middle spot.

Don't you all feel like we're in a wait and watch mode? The world around us is really changing.

I had that same conversation with my brother this morning, Lisa! We also talked about the fact that there still seems to be a large number of people without a clue that everything is changing. They think the government is going to fix it and everything will get back to 'normal'. They'd better wake up!

[Lisa S]

I'm worried about people like another friend who helps support her family by cleaning houses, (her client base has almost disappeared!).

The survivalist in me is a little inspired by the hardships our family will face if the economic situation continues to decline. It makes us use our brains more.

Have you guys heard in the news that Ford isn't accepting government bailout money (yet) despite their financial losses? Good for Ford! I bet Henry is sitting somewhere with a huge smile on his face.

[chyna]

As some one who just came back from my allergist tests yesterday I can attest that the drs seem to have this mentality to send you to every specialist they can think of.

This guy says I'm not allergic to anything (What?!!!:eek:) and wants me to see a voice specialist. I think I'm drawing a line in the sand here and saying I don't htink I'll be making that appt. He has this theory that my throat gets sore because my vocal cords rub up against each other instead of being separated. What does this have to do with allergies? :confused:

[Zuzu's Garden]

I don't think things will go back to "normal" - all that was going on didn't seem normal to me. CEOs send American jobs to China, and now America owes China for the loans we've taken out to cover government programs like unemployment.

I welcome using our brains more! Step back and take a look at history. People got by just fine, and in many cases better than how we are doing now - maybe because they couldn't just 'charge it'.

Zu

[ChapterTwo]

A voice specialist??? I agree - that sounds a bit nutty.

Did the doctor do the skin patch allergy tests, Chyna? My son had those years ago and he was allergic to just about everything - trees, leaves, mold, dust, etc., etc. I wondered if he'd have to live in a bubble! ;)
The good news is that he outgrew them. Maybe that'll work for you? :D

[Lisa S]

My husband and I were talking about the true entrepreneurial spirit. We were thinking it's time to read some history and get a feel for the mind set of people in the depression era. I'm sure there are many interesting and innovative business to start out there. We just need to figure out what people want and will still spend money on.

I started my former manufacturing business on $200. With a lot (more than I'd be capable of now), hard work it was a success. I'm trying to wrap my brain around what I might be able to do in this economy.

My neighbor girl, who has become my second daughter, has been raised without a lot of the things that most people have. She's grown up to be a very responsible and hard working young woman. I love the things she does. Her brother gave her a coat that he'd outgrown. It was just a plain grey rag when she got it. The silly kid embellished it with staples and darn if it isn't edgy and adorable.

[memmey]

That is so sweet. See, now I would think she was smarter and more clever than someone who just bought off the rack. That shows intelligence.

If we don't wake up in this country and really start to live with the ethic that our ancestors had then our children will suffer. Hard work and being conservative are honorable attributes.
Young people now want to start with the things that their parents worked a lifetime for. Life is learned from the struggle, I never learned a darn thing in a department store.:rolleyes:

[Lisa S]

My husband and I had a disagreement this morning about whether our 15 year old should be shown our household budget. He'd asked for a rather expensive haircut and I wanted him to see where the money would come from if we said "yes" to his request. My husband thinks that information puts a burden on my son.

I did show him the budget. I told him we would pay for half, (he's a great kid and always willing to lend a hand around the house), but told him he had to pay for any future up keep on a fancy hair cut. I showed him how an expense like this comes out of a budget to pay down our existing expenses. He totally "got it" and has a deeper understanding that this is a nice gift from mom and dad and not his due.

What do you guys do about money and kids?

[LindaLK]

Hello Everyone, :)

How sad, another magazine closing its doors. So many more people will be out of work, and it is only going to get worse before it gets better.


I think children should be taught the responsibilities of money. It is not ``Easy come, Easy go.`` My kids have worked for my Mother~In~Law part time during vacations and on weekends. She is a dog groomer. They also help out my Brother~In~Law by sending out notices and such to his customers. That is their money, that they had earned. They have learned that it didn`t come easy to them, and to make wise decisions when it is time to be spent. The majority of the time, they put the money in their savings accounts.

I try and be as frugal as possible. I have had doctors similar to your Allergist. I just laugh
and think to myself ``What a puttz.`` :D

Our oldest daughter is in hair dressing and cosmetology school. There isn`t a shortage of customers, and many request the ``Up Service.`` Meaning.... they will get a hair cut, and have their nails done, or waxing, etc.,. My MIL is very busy with her dog grooming business, and she also offers pet sitting. I guess it just depends on what you are, or are not, willing to give up. Necessity versus luxury.

Have a good day everyone.


Hugs,
Linda :)

[Gigi]

Hi Lisa~ More now than ever it's never too early to learn the value of the dollar. I think you're on the right track by doing this and that's GREAT you are having him pay for a portion, etc...

Thinking about it~ I may have showed the kids a "page" of our finances~ just not the whole "book"--if you know what I mean. I know LOTS of kids that really don't know the value of the dollar~ and how darn hard it is to earn that dollar...

It could be simply stated: Haircut budget: 15.00 every six weeks~ anything over that has to come out of their pocket.

You're such a good mommy my friend...;):)

[Gigi]

Hi Linda~ I think a graduate of beauty school is recession proof~ after all everyone needs their haircut, etc...

That is wonderful to hear your children helped out so much~ they will have stories to tell their children...:)

[LindaLK]

Hi Gigi, :)


I think you are right about everyone needing a haircut. My daughter has told stories of people trying to cut or color their own hair. It cost them more to have a professional fix the boo~boo, than to have paid for the service in the first place.

Thank you for the nice words. I think they have learned valuable lessons in how the real world works. There comes a time when they have to learn. In doing so, there are no surprises when they have to do it on their own.


Have a good evening.



Hugs,
Linda :)

[Lisa S]

Thanks Gigi!

Linda, you are so right. I told my husband that I was going to color my own hair because it seems really frivolous to have it done in a salon. He laughed and said he refused to let me do it. I'm a veteran do-it-yourself-er and then pay the hair stylist big bucks to fix it!

[memmey]

LOL I had one of ny cutest customers use the clippers to trim her short short neckline and she went to high up the back of her head....WHOOPS! I repaired it at 8:00 P.M.. I laughed and laughed.
It's not what we do that is expensive....you pay for what we know.:p

[Lisa S]

And you know A LOT!;)

[annielinz]

Recession or not, I draw the line, I will not give up my cut and color. I've been the DIY carrot top route....OY never again. However I may go a little longer between do's, hey maybe rootie tooties will become the IN thing :D

[Lisa S]

It's nice to know that I'm not alone!

[Gigi]

All this "hair" talk reminds me I need to make an appointment... :D

[ChapterTwo]

As my hair "changes color" (and I think you know what color I'm talking about) I find it harder and harder to do my own coloring - it's really difficult to make sure I've covered all the roots, especially in the back. I want to invest in one of those mirrors that are mounted on wall so you can see the back of your head in the vanity mirror. Anyway, it's so expensive to get coloring around here - it's bad enough what I have to pay for a cut. :eek:

[memmey]

Two,
You have to attack it sections. Go buy yourslef some big alligator clips, you know the ones with the teeth.
Section you hair like the colors of a beach ball. and clip it together. THEN...make slices all the way down each section. You know slice all the way down the red section, then go to the green section. I think we try to do it with out sectioning and you miss spots.
Sooo outline the section and then slice it and apply as you go.
Does that help? If we lived close we could all have a salon day and I would color everyones hair and then you all could help me. I'm the cobbler with no shoes...LOL:p

[RoseMary]

Lisa, I think you are absolutely right to show your son how the money comes out of the budget! We did the same when our daughters were teenagers~like Gig, we'd show them a 'page' or two, not the whole thing, but they really got the message and are both pretty frugal with their money now.

Does anyone know if there is a book written by a woman that lived through the Depression and told how she managed her home and budget during those hard times? I've been looking and can't find anything.

I so wish I'd asked my grandmother more questions:(. I still miss her.

Mem, the salon day would be so much fun:D. Thanks for the tips on haircoloring. I'm a do-it-yourselfer, too--mostly out of desperation, as I can't find a good hair dresser in this little town.

[ChapterTwo]

WHOOPS! I repaired it at 8:00 P.M.. I laughed and laughed.
It's not what we do that is expensive....you pay for what we know.:p


Memmey...you're the kind of talented and dedicated stylist we all wish we had! :)

[Lisa S]

Good tips, Memmy ~ thanks!

Rosemary ~ have you heard of a book like this? It sounds intriguing.

[Gigi]

Salon day...I second that motion :D I can imagine all the "chit-chat" & laughs we would have...

[ChapterTwo]

They're talking about the possibility that Martha Stewart Living could close too...(They mention our beloved CL in a list of mags that have ceased to exist.)
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/02/could-martha-stewart-living-mag-be-troubled/?icid=200100397x1217745137x1201216732

[Gigi]

Thanks for sharing this link Chaptertwo- I can't believe so many are on the list...even MS. Hard times for most.

They're talking about the possibility that Martha Stewart Living could close too...(They mention our beloved CL in a list of mags that have ceased to exist.)
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/02/could-martha-stewart-living-mag-be-troubled/?icid=200100397x1217745137x1201216732

[ChapterTwo]

And newspapers are falling too, Gigi. In fact, yesterday I was on the website for my local newspaper, and a pop-up came up asking if I'd take a survey, so I did. Well, it certainly sounded like they were trying to get a feel for what, exactly, readers are looking for, and what news/info they routinely get from the Internet.

The thing with Martha Stewart Living is this...for people who subscribed to Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, which is gone, they were told they'd get a subscription to MS Living instead. So now what will happen, I wonder, if that goes too?

[Lisa S]

I hear you sister... that's the boat I'm in. I subscribed to ME, Country Home, Country Living and Cottage Living. I've been given MS and Sunset as alternatives. What's left?

[chyna]

As long as they find an editor I think that MSL will be fine. I do wonder what would happen if they did fold, that is the mag that they (ME Home) gave me to finish off my subscription.

Went to Borders over the weekend and it was sad to stand there and look at all the last issues.:(

[Gigi]

Chaptertwo- Newspapers too??? Hard to believe it has all come to this.

I wrote a Home-Tips column, for local Washington D.C. newspaper for years, but was pushed out because I was NOT syndicated---okay I'm aging myself- the only one that stayed was Ann Landers. :eek:


For so many reasons I think it is very important to support Cottages & Bunglows, and it's community too.

[Lisa S]

That's so neat, Gigi! What are your best home tips?

[Gigi]

Silly as it seems but having straight pins to hung pictures is one I love. It's amazing how much a "sewing" pin can hold- and hardly leave a mark in the wall. AND if there is a little hole in the wall- fill with toothpaste.

Here's another-baking soda-the miracle cleaner! If you washed some clothing with crayons- soak the clothes (for at least an hour) in acouple cups of bs before the spin cycle- The melted crayon will be gone- Voila! Also bs is wonderful for cleaning glass stove tops-forget the expensive stove cleaners.

What about you Lisa?~ I know you probably have lots of tips...I love reading your answers, advice, etc...any fav's?:)

[Lisa S]

My mom used the sewing pin trick when we lived in military houseing. It's a good one!

I need a trick for walking by my computer without checking the forums. My house is screaming "HELP, I'm covered in dirt!".

[anneandkita]

Gigi, I had to read your message twice because bs doesn't stand for baking soda in my daily lexicon! :D

I have no good cleaning tips yet. Other than vinegar for hard water stains, but I think that's a commonly known one. I'm reading your tips and storing them to try! So thank you for posting them!

[ChapterTwo]

I have a great website for everything green. Go to care2.com, and put CLEANING in the Care2 search bar. They give formulas (from things you usually have on hand like baking soda/vinegar, etc.) for oven cleaners, window cleaners, every kind o' cleaners we need... We've got to toss those chemicals away.

[Gigi]

Lisa said:
I need a trick for walking by my computer without checking the forums. My house is screaming "HELP, I'm covered in dirt!".Here's your tip: Turn it O-F-F :D:D:D:p

[ChapterTwo]

Okay, the price of this was ridiculous ($12.95 - but I called a friend and we decided to share the magazine AND the DVD...yup, that's right - it has a DVD!) It's by the Junkmarket gals, Ki and Sue.

I haven't had a chance to even open it yet - in plastic - but I wanted to let you all know it's out there.
http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/4727/on-newsstands-now

Oh, and I forgot to say that, oddly, I found it in our supermarket, Pathmark. But if you go to the site, above, there are a lot of comments as to where people found it.

[Lisa S]

Gigi... I tried and the off button just stuck to my finger.

I looked at the link for Junk Market Style. It looks inspiring!

[chyna]

Use Borax for your porcelian. It will make them so shiny and clean with very little effort. Most cleaners will damage older fixtures so if you have an old sink or tub I highly recommend using the stampeding mules. ;)

[Gigi]

OMG Lisa I am laughing!

Gigi... I tried and the off button just stuck to my finger.

I looked at the link for Junk Market Style. It looks inspiring!

And thanks for the link Chaptertwo---when Lisa unsticks her finger from the on/off button on the computer--I know she has some favorite tips...

[ChapterTwo]

You're welcome Gigi!

Lisa...Do you need a tip for getting your finger unstuck? :D

[Lisa S]

heheh

I'm afraid to ask for the cure!

[Gigi]

I was just being a bit lazy bs stood for baking soda--but looking at it-oh my :eek::cool:
Gigi, I had to read your message twice because bs doesn't stand for baking soda in my daily lexicon! :D

I have no good cleaning tips yet. Other than vinegar for hard water stains, but I think that's a commonly known one. I'm reading your tips and storing them to try! So thank you for posting them!

[shabbychick]

Oh man, I can't believe even Martha Stewart is heading toward the chopping block. And so far the only magazine to contact me about a refund or another subscription is Cottage Living (who did send me a refund when I asked). It's sad and scary to see how many companies are going belly up these days, especially in the print world. If these magazines keep folding, we're going to have to start our own virtual magazine.

[ChapterTwo]

Shabbychick...I'm not sure it's definite about MS Living folding, but it's a possibility. To me, there's nothing I like more than relaxing with a good magazine. Now I'm especially glad I'm a packrat who has saved favorite mags over the years!

[Breezy]

Shabbychick...I'm not sure it's definite about MS Living folding, but it's a possibility. To me, there's nothing I like more than relaxing with a good magazine. Now I'm especially glad I'm a packrat who has saved favorite mags over the years!

I save em too ChapterTwo :)

[RoseMary]

Good tips, Memmy ~ thanks!

Rosemary ~ have you heard of a book like this? It sounds intriguing.

No, Lisa, I haven't heard of a book like this, but I'd love to read one! The subject is something that is on my mind a lot these days.

I hadn't heard about Martha Stewart magazine:( What's next?? I have a subscription to Country Living. My mom takes a lot of magazines and gives them to me, one being Martha Stewart. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Southern Living! I love that magazine.

[annielinz]

It is so sad about these magazines folding. I too save old magazines and have quite a few (honestly, ALOT) I go back to for inspiration and enjoyment. Some of them are very dog earred. I received my second issue of Sunset magazine and altho it does have more gardening articles, its not Cottage Living or Country home:mad:
WAAAAAA

[Ginger]

I work at a grocery store and people would buy magazines all the time. I can not remember the last customer that bought a magazines. They are all over $6.99 or even more. The only magazine that is still a good price is Romantic Homes at 3.99. I like to go to the library and buy magazines they sell them there for 25 cents and there are a lot of new ones as well. I wish I could buy all my favorite magazines more often because I would hate to see more go away. All the new garden magazines are starting to come out for spring oh~~~ they are all so pretty! I hope they all sell! I think I might have to treat myself to one:)
Ginger

[shabbychick]

Argh! Creative Home magazine has also ceased publication. I was checking the BH&G website, which didn't mention it at all, and then found the information on another website. Another Meredith Corporation magazine down the drain (and no mention of a refund, either). That's three magazine subscriptions I've lost now, with only one offer of a substitute or refund. Meredith Corporation is turning out to be the Bernie Madoff of magazine publishers. I'm sorry to see this magazine go. I'm glad I saved my back issues!

[ChapterTwo]

Meredith Corporation is turning out to be the Bernie Madoff of magazine publishers.

Sorry, but this really made me LAUGH! :D Good one, Shabbychick!

I do believe we magazine hoarders did the right thing after all!

[Suz]

Memmey, your post on page 3 reminded me of the time I tried trimming my own hair. It was long and curly and I thought I could do it - no problem. well, I kept cutting one side shorter than the other and kept trying to even it out until the sides of my head were really short and I looked like I had a mullet. It was awful and I was in tears. Needless to say I had to get the rest of my head cut and they ended up cutting it really really short and leaving it a little longer and curly on top. I was called "mushroom head" and "Atomic bomb head" until my curly hair grew long again. I haven't cut it short since. :o

[memmey]

uh oh....the ole mushroom head mistake. ;)
It looks like it would be easy to cut hair and it is if you know why you are cutting where you are cutting :p
I have seen many hairdressers not know why they are cutting where they are cutting :eek::p

[shabbychick]

I finally tracked down an answer about Country Home and Creative Home on the BH&G website. I just e-mailed their "missed subscription" link (even though that wasn't really the issue) and asked about the two titles and whether they'd be sending refunds. They just sent me an answer saying they'd send me refunds on both and that Creative Home had stopped publication and would only be available on newstands. I'm not sure what that means. If it ceases publication, why would it be available on newsstands at all? I'm willing to buy it from the newsstand, but it seems odd, doesn't it? Anyway, I'm looking forward to my refunds. I don't know if they'd have sent them to me if I hadn't tracked them down and specifically asked.

I got my bill for Cottages and Bungalows but haven't received an issue yet. They say the April issue will be my first. I guess I'll have to wait awhile.