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Hello & Happy New Year! I have done several stories on The Morning Show recently on my favorite thrift stores in Madison and Lake Geneva. This season, I bought a winter coat in Lake Geneva for $8. I have several designer suits I bought for under $40. Having said that, there are some things I am not willing to give up, even in this tight economy. Earlier this month I rushed my dog to the vet ER. Turns out she has Lyme Disease. Apparently, she got it when we were hiking this fall and the symptoms didn't really show until a couple of months later. They ran a lot of tests (off hours so it was expensive at the vet ER). $617 was the final bill. Ouch!!! I just wanted her *out of pain*. As animal owners, that is our primary responsibility to them. This morning I did a story on The Morning Show about fashionable, tummy tuck jeans for women featured on Oprah. They are called "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" and sell for more than $100 (several locally-owned boutiques carry the line). www.notyourdaughtersjeans.com I have been reading the blog comments posted for that story (under Features/"Hot Trends") and people are miffed that I would feature expensive jeans on the show. Why? I wear my jeans a couple of times a week and I usually keep them for several years. I also own a pair that I got at J.C. Penny 3 years ago for $12. I am not a snob when it comes to jeans that tuck my tummy and boost my back side. There are some things I won't give up. My pets and a good pair of jeans are two of them. Especially where my pets are concerned, I will pay my phone bill or car payment a little late if that means I have them in good health! What are you not willing to give up in these tight times? Christine |
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Posted by: erin Location: madison
I am trying to sell my couture wedding gown and I heard you know of a great place I can take it!... Posted by: connie Location: jefferson Did you know that you can get a lyme's disease vaccine for your dogs? Even though we don't spend a lot of time in "the woods", we do visit the dog park regularly. Ticks are also found in grass. So both my dogs get the shot every year. Better safe than sorry. Ask you vet about it. Hope your dog is okay. Posted by: Christine No, I didn't buy the jeans. I already have several pairs of jeans! I was making the point that there are some things I will not skimp on and jeans/my pets are two of them! Posted by: Ira Location: NYC,NY Christine, did you ever buy the jeans? The suspense has been killing me for a couple of months now. IrA Posted by: Isla Location: Evansville I think Bob needs to get off his high horse. Sometimes people can not control what happens to them. It makes me sick to see how many people are dumping their pets do to the economy. Poor babies. Where there is a will there is a way. By the way Christine, Ghost Whisperer Rocks!!!!! Posted by: Bob Location: Monroe I can understand that you might have to take your pet to the vet and because of the unexpected bill you have to pay another bill late. But to not pay your phone bill or any other bill before you buy a pair of jeans or anything is simply irreasponsable(sp). If you recieve a service you owe, you have the responasibility to pay your bills on time. With your position as a community leader to advicoate anything else is simply wrong. Posted by: Wilburrr Location: Madtown Hate to say it, but at these rates it sounds like lots of animals will be turned into the pound this year. If we all shave our armpits closer, we would require less deodorant. Cha ching! Let's make the best of these gloom and doom times and do something special for others. Shave your armpits, buy your jeans from Goodwill, and get rid of your cell phones! Posted by: kelli Location: edgerton Okay, Mr. Kelly location-tires, you made me laugh. Luckily I'm happily married, my husband likes me in total grunge, running clothes, or dolled up. I'd never waist my time with a man who couldn't handle that. Also, my point might have been taken wrong on the jeans. I might spend more than normal if a pair FEEL really good, and of course I have to like how they look, too. The funny thing is that I'm a total bargain shopper, TJ Maxx, Good Will, sales racks. I'm not sure I've spent $100 on jeans, however, I'd consider it if I had it to spend, and they felt great. (Seems it's hard for me to find a good fitting pair of jeans.) That's all. Feed the kids first, pay the bills, ensure the kitties are healthy...then buy what your heart desires. Posted by: Hoss Location: Cross Plains Christine, I would bet you still look 'hot' even in sweats. YOWSIR! ;) Posted by: Debbie Dunn Location: United States I can't find the perogi recipe on today's show with the sour cream. Can you send it to me please Posted by: pamela lamb Location: beloit, wi. i hope mia will be ok...just had a similar experience, the old emergency vet thing, found out my cocker spaniel (killian) was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, i'm really freaked out about it still, afraid to let him do anything, my husband keeps telling me, let him be a dog, that makes him the happiest...but the er vet put him on lasik and a heart med that helps his heart function easier..it was expensive but a bargain at twice the price,4 months ago killian also had surgery for kidney stones, he has to eat very pricey prescription food...and his meds for his heart condition are 50 bucks a months...he's worth every cent...i'd definetly would go without, to properly care for my furry kids...love you and the whole crew you guys make my mornings... Posted by: Christine I liked Kelli's point. We do feel pressure sometimes to look our best. However, I do like a man who likes me in sweats and no make up. That's usually how I roll on weekends. Posted by: Kelly Location: Tires Don't know who you've been dating kelli, but stay out of the bars. Posted by: kelli Location: edgerton Weak? Yeah right, weak...that's it. Just because a self-respecting woman spends $100 on jeans that look good means she's weak? First of all many men I know who complain about women taking time to look good are the same men who wouldn't consider dating a woman who doesn't wear makeup or put together a good looking outfit, total hypocites or should I say weak? Additionally, has anyone noticed the price of a man's suit? Posted by: Anonymous Location: madison Cristine: A couple of nights ago I gave your readers some bad investment advice. I said that 2 years ago I moved 90% of my money to bank CD's. That was true. What I didn't tell them was that for 30 years of trying,I have never made a dime in the stock market. Just fixed things like CD's, Money Markets,etc.Just wanted to tell you the truth, and let all your blog readers know the same. The stock market is like a big casino.Sometimes you can get lucky, however, the house will win it share of money also.Glad you got some of those great resale store buys. Thanks so very much Christine. Posted by: Kelly Location: Tires Kelly, Kelly....women always have to "look good" and "feel good." Why can't y'all be more laid back like men. Looks aren't everything, but you guys certianly make it out to be. That's why women are SOOOO weak!! Posted by: Buck Location: UW - Madison Christine, pets first. But the jeans are important and $100 is nothing compared to what some of these 'Coastie' kids on campus pay. My, some of the noveau riche youngsters pay $200 or more for their designer jeans. Then of course they complain about $75 for textbook that they never open. Posted by: Kelli Location: Edgerton Pets are part of the family and should be treated as such, medically or otherwise. Everything else comes next, bills or clothes etc. I am fortunate to still be gainfully employed as is my husband, therefore we haven't made too many sacrifices or cutbacks. Some might say this isn't prudent but I say we're helping the economy. Now about the $100 jeans, don't listen to any of the negative comments, Chrisine. Jeans ar the workhorse of most womens' wardrobe, to invest in a good pair that makes you look and feel good is money well spent. Posted by: Anonymous Location: madison Cristine:I'm not doing without anything Christine. 2 years ago, I sold 90% of my stock holdings, and put it all in 5 year CD's Now,with my available cash,I will buy shares in *** ******* Focus Fund. He has the best track record for small investors. I will by 50% stock, and 50% CD's.Hope, I was right like I was two years ago. Yard signs, all over Madison, and Milwaukee, saying you can buy a house with nothing down was my tip-off to head for the hills with stocks. Best wishes Christine. Posted by: Paula Location: Cambridge Things Not Willing To Give Up: Necessities (food, shelter, health care) for my pets Sadie and Ramsey and my husband Dean and I. Always having a good cold beer in the fridge (that's it I must be a true Wisconsinite now) Trips to Minneapolis to visit my parents Books from GoodWill or Half Price Books Things I Would Give Up to Have the Things I Wouldn't Give Up: Getting my hair done at a pricey salon (remember when they were just beauty parlor or a chair in your neighbor's kitchen)? Weekly movie at a Theater Visits to the casino Potato Chips and Cheez-its (my two food indulgences) Posted by: Christine Bellport That's ok, Matthew. I want everyone to feel that they can express themselves on my blog! That is the whole point of the blog. And thank you everyone who posts and gets into it. It means a lot to me. Posted by: Lynn Location: Wisconsin Hey Matthew, I do agree with you on that point. Too many Americans have been living beyond their means. Partly because it is easy to do and partly because a lot of people have a "relaxed" attitude with their financial responsibilities. Maybe, after all is said and done with this economic mess we will all be a little smarter in handling our finances. Posted by: Matthew Location: Madison Hi Lynn, Christine's post said "There are some things I won't give up. My pets and a good pair of jeans are two of them." I haven't fallen on hard times myself recently, though I have been there in the past as most of us all have. Christine does a great job "shopping for the bargins, usually!" it just bothers me that people think that this thought process is okay. Lets switch this around a little bit, what if your best friend owed you money for something and instead they went out and bought some expensive jeans and said "I will just pay you a little late" though they had promised (signing up for a loan/phone service is a promise to pay) by a certian day and you were counting on that money? You probably wouldn't think the same of them. If she can pull it off to buy expesive jeans and make her payments on time then great, if not then she needs to weigh out the WANT's vs. NEEDS. Christine, I do need to appologize, my first post was a little to cruel, I just don't agree with you. Posted by: Lynn Location: Wisconsin Hi Matthew, We did not miss the point you were trying to make. However, I'm not sure you got Christine's point. She never said that she would pay her bills late to buy an expensive pair of jeans. She said she would pay her bills a little late if the added expense had to do with her dog. Did you read how much she paid for her jeans and her designer suits? She is one woman who can pull off a high maintenance diva look (sorry Christine...said with love!) on a budget. I am guessing that you have had some hard times lately and if that is the case I am very sorry for your trouble. But don't attack our girl, she is only trying to do her job. I hope things get better for you if you are going through tough times. Remember you are not alone, there are a lot of people having trouble. Posted by: Matthew Location: Madison I think most of you have missed the point I was trying to make. I think it is unacceptable to pay your loan payments and other bills late just so you can make sure to have those nice jeans. I certianly have things that I feel I can't go without either, however when times are tight I have gone without them to make sure that my payments have been made on time. I don't understand the justification here, you pay your bills late to not give up things like Jeans (and I keep focusing on the Jeans because animals should NEVER go without) That just really upsets me that someone would think like that and the image she is portraying is that it is alright, it IS NOT okay to pay your bills late for a reason like this. When you pay your bills late it effects more then just you, the financial institution/company, future interest rates on loans (yours and other consumers who pay their bills on time), ect... Posted by: Alphonse Location: Madison Matthew - no need to get snarky and blame Christine for the issues in your post. As for the issue at hand - need to take care of the dog first and then phone and then jeans. On a side topic, I can't wait for the conversion to HD - Christine, Sara and Charlie (maybe) will be seen as never seen before. Posted by: Lynn Location: Wisconsin Matthew, Is it really necessary to attack Christine over something that you are obvioulsy upset about? Don't take it out on her. She is starting a conversation between people on a blog. That's it. Certain material possesions have different value for everyone. I'm sure there is something materialistic that you have or would like to have in your life that is important to you no matter what it's purpose. May I suggest that you direct your anger where it really belongs. We are all in this economic mess together and it doesn't help the situation to be snarky towards other people who aren't to blame for your specific problems. Posted by: Al Location: Ex Just curious Randi, why are jeans a necessity for women? Is it a typical vanity thing, or a hide some fat thing, or what? Posted by: Randi Blaming Bellport for the foreclosure rates is like me blaming you for all the men who call women FAT when we don't buy jeans that tuck our tummy. Jeans are a necessity for a woman, Matt. Who are you to judge what we can and cannot buy? Posted by: Matthew Location: Madison I can't help but responding to this post. How does the tight economy really effect you? Did your paycheck decrease? Are you already drawing on your IRA/401K that you have seen the balance decrease? Do you ever feel like you are living over your limits? I have a big concern when you say that jeans and pets are 2 things you won't give up, even if you have to pay the phone bill or car loan a little late. Pets I agree with, but Jeans? Seriously? Do you understand part of why the economy is in rough shape? Because the country is filled with people that "won't give up just a couple items" to make their LOAN payments and their BILLS on time. No wonder the foreclosure rate is so high, everyone needed some nice jeans to keep you warm when you have no place to live. Unfortunatly this says alot about you Christine. I absolutly love watching the morning show everyday, but this really makes me think differently about you. The JCPenny jeans don't cure all in this situation either. Posted by: todd Location: verona never skimp on your animals...that is not cool our cat makes me laugh so i make sure he is fed...pair of jeans i know are very important for women so hey that is great. i do know that thrift stores have great stuff and do not put you out on the street through your pocket book also...i find sweatshirts, tshirts and sweats with store tags on them and they are usually about 20 percent of retail value...great topic as for usual Christine!! Posted by: Annie Location: WI Our "baby dog" who is a 3 yrear old yellow lab is never ever skimped on. We decided to be graced by her being in our family, therefore she is family. I'll go without wine before she'll go without treats. Or just drink the cheap stuff! Posted by: John Location: Deere I will not skimp on my kitty's food or toys. I might skimp on my two pet rats nut I doubt it. Also, gifts to freinds and relatives will also not be skimped on. Posted by: Lynn Location: Wisconsin Oh,Anita honey, no, too much information. Also,when you pay THAT much for clothing you are also paying for the name. Posted by: Jodi Yearling Location: Madison My pet is my baby! I will not give up taking him to daycare twice per week and tkaing him to the spa for a bath and hair cut. I would rather give up going out to lunch or buying something for myself so that my puppy is happy. Posted by: Cindy Location: Blue Mounds I have to say I would never pay $105 for a pair of jeans, no matter how good they fit BUT my health and my pets health come first. I just can't justify more than about $40 for jeans, maybe it is the mom in me. I do allow myself some treats--good coffee, good chocolate for example that I would never give up. I would never pay my bills late though...it really messes with your credit rating. I find other ways to cut expenses...less eating out, less movies out. (use the library system more) etc. Posted by: Anita Location: Hill I love my Levi's low riders. They display both of my cracks, yet hide the complexity of my wide hips. Anyone else have pair? Posted by: Lori Location: Wisconsin I just wish I could afford anything right now...groceries, dog food, jeans, anything...so frustrated with just trying to pay everyday bills. Posted by: Tobi Location: Cambridge I own a pair of these jeans and they are worth the investment in fit and comfort. Better to have one pair of $100 jeans that you can wear twice a week than several pair of cheap jeans that wear quickly and sacrifice fit. It's a staple investment and I'm grateful to have local access to authentic premium denim. With the economy right now, I prefer to put my dollars into locally-owned businesses instead of large department stores or mega-marts. Thanks, Christine, for featuring a local favorite! Posted by: Christine Hey Michelle, FYI...I liked the "brick on her head" comment. Also, I tried eHarmony back in 2005. I didn't find the love of my life, but I did meet a man who turned out to be a really good friend (and still is). Can you really put a price on meeting someone without having to go to the bars? If you are like me, just about all my friends are married and it is hard to find someone to go out with on weekends to meet other singles. Maybe try eHarmony or something like it for a month and see how it goes. And let me know! We gals have to stick together. Posted by: Matt Location: Stoughton Real butter! It's my one luxury in life & costs a little more. I know, I know, but I make up for it with healthy eating in several other areas. Posted by: Gen I don't usually pay that much for jeans, especially now with the economy. But, if there is anything I COULD justify it would be jeans. I wear them almost every day and finding ones that make me look great would be worth it in the long run. I just called A box of Fluffy's in Cambridge and they offer layaway. I have to put down half and can pay the other half as I can. I'm going to go try some on and decide then. I find money for other little things, I can find money for great jeans. Posted by: Michelle Location: Janesville During these tight times I refuse to give up my daughter, cat, sanity, internet and phone. Is that too much? Fortunately so far I've been able to juggle everything. And I think spending more than $20 for a pair of jeans is silly. What's even worse is spending more than $20 on a pair of jeans for a 12 year old. I'm lucky if she can wear them for 6 months. I guess she needs a brick on her head. While I would be curious to try something like eharmony...its not important enough to spend the $60 for one month when heat, food, rent and insurance are necessities. Posted by: ouch Location: Darlington Yes we have pets and we do anything in the world for them. Lets face we got the children out on there own and they shure were not cheep either. But the point I want too make is wait till you have a major illness and the medicine is very expesive and people dont understand you need help paying the bills. Thank goodness for 2nd hand shops We dont remember the last time we had something new. And no we are not giving up are cats. When things really get down they are good company. Posted by: Alan Location: Lake Delton When it comes to my kids (pets) I go with out, so they can have what they need. They are the one thing that is always there for me, so I think I must always be there for them!!! When it comes to clothes, my boy,s come before them. Posted by: Haley Location: Windsor My dogs would be the last to go. When my daughter was born 5 yrs ago my dog started throwing up all over the house. Come to find out, he had eaten 5 baby onesies and they blocked him up good. $1,300. Six months later, my other dog had a tooth and a cancerous tumor removed. $1600. Worth every penny. We still have both of them and hopefully will for a long time. They are what help me get through some of the hard times. Posted by: Mike Location: Madison Let's see... in order of importance- dog (any dog, but mine is a guide dog, and she gets me where I need to go), phone, then clothes. Here's my thing- why are you buying clothes, at any price, that are attempthing to reshape your physical body? if you don't like how far your tummy sticks out, or your butt hangs, well... it would be cheaper to stop buying fatty foods, junk food, etc. Screw it- I am who I am, and people like me for it. those who don't, don't have to keep staring at me then. You're always beautiful Christine. Just in case that has any sway in where that next $85 difference between $100 and $20 gets spent! Posted by: Bjorn Location: Oslo Christine, I write this after being exchange student at UW last semester. I enjoy your show very much. You are great asset to Madison. In relation to topic, doggie comes first. Jeans you can always purchase later, I bet price comes down to. Good luck with situation Bjorn Oslo Posted by: Janet I've found jeans that are not your daughter's jeans and they are not 100$ either. Gloria Vanderbilt brand widely available i.e. Kohl's, Penney's etc. Posted by: London's mom Location: Fitchburg Christine I can't remember if I told you this story or not but I thought I'd share again just to make you feel a little better about your vet bill :). I have a mastiff and the saying goes, the bigger the dog, the bigger the vet bill. A little over a year ago she got quite ill (close to death) and when all was said and done we discovered she had had a blocked gall bladder AND an E.Coli infection. Total cost for surgery, tests and ER visits... just over $3,000. Yup! Bye bye savings! Fortunately now she is healthy and although still slightly spastic :) looks to live a long healthy life. She was worth every penny and as my mother put it, "That's the reason you work hard to make/save money, so when the time comes, you can use it for important things like saving your dog's life." And might I add, occasionally a new pair of Seven jeans :) |
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