Baby Shopping Ideas in the Philly Outer Rim

The Iconic Australian fashion label called Wish wants to dress every girl in a fashion forward wardrobe that is beautiful, unique, and totally wearable. Wish collections take in the very best of the season and create garments that gracefully walk that fine line between feminine and edgy. This season, studs are in vogue, and Wish has taken notice. Their holiday dresses and tops are priced perfectly for giving as gifts, and Wish clothing can be found at boutiques nationwide.

The Olivia Zip Swing Dress is perfectly feminine yet isn’t afraid to color outside the lines. It’s made of natural fibres and is sheer, unlined, and stretchy. With a scoop neckline, wide straps, and racer back with zip detail, it fits loose and generous. The hem is pointed and curved and falls below the knee. You can get it in black or vintage gray. It’s perfect over tanks, tube tops, and leggings, whether belted or not.

The Melody Chiffon Dress is one-shouldered and made of sheer chiffon in black. The top is semi-fitted with a high waist. The skirt hem lands just above the knee. The flouncy shoulder strap cascades down the front and back, then all the way down the side to the hem.

Wow: talk about glamour! The Encore Beaded Dress is simple in design with wide straps and a scoop neck in front and back. It is fitted and drops to a low waist where it meets the flared, paneled skirt that falls to the mid-thigh. The entire dress is covered with sequins with larger sequins enhancing the skirt. You can get it in black with silver sequins or gold with gold sequins. This is a holiday party dress for the record books!

Here are a multitude of dresses wrapped up in one beautifully draped package. The New Look Drape Dress is low-backed and has a stretchy high waist. Ending in an asymmetric hem, it has two wide, long top parts that cross over in front. It can be worn in many different ways, from one-shouldered to keyhole halter style. It can also be worn as a skirt.

If you need a dress for the holiday season, the Cult Bodice Dress would be a great choice. It’s fully boned, and strapless, made of lightly crushed taffeta satin and is fully lined. The skirt is a ball gown style with a French parachute hem. The top features lovely ruching and a sash bow detail.

This line is for the confident woman who isn’t afraid to be different. Wish fills a desperate void of gorgeous, sophisticated, and decidedly non-matronly dresses for today’s woman.

Finances tend to be on our minds at the beginning of the year.  We want to start the year off right, and we have noble hopes of being financially responsible for the next 12 months. But where to begin?

If we’ve got great intentions but no concrete plan, we won’t go far.

Dave Ramsey’s “total money makeover” plan works really well for my family because it’s easy to understand.  The steps are clearly explained, and there’s lots of support for sticking to the plan via his daily podcast, radio show, and online forums.

But before we go into this series, it must be said that Dave Ramsey’s plan isn’t the only plan.  He’s the first to admit that nothing he teaches is new (God’s and Grandma’s advice, he calls it), so while I explore his plan on this blog for the next few weeks, please keep in mind that the most important thing here is fiscal responsibility — not bowing down and worshipping Dave.

The Baby Steps

Dave breaks down his total money makeover plan into “baby steps.”  You follow them in order, and you do them completely.  In simple terms, the baby steps are:

1.  Quickly save $1,000 as your beginning Emergency Fund.
2.  Pay off all your non-mortgage debt using the Debt Snowball method.
3.  Save 3 to 6 months of expenses, completing the Emergency Fund from step 1.
4.  Invest 15% of your regular household income for retirement.
5.  Create a college fund for your children.
6.  Pay off your house.
7.  Build wealth and give.

Today, we’re looking at steps 1 and 2.

Baby Step 1

Photo by Miemo Penttinen

The most important thing in the total money makeover is to be debt-free, but you can’t do that without a safety net.  So the first step is to quickly save $1,000 as the beginning of your Emergency Fund.

If you’ve already got more than $1,000 saved up, you’ve done this step.  Proceed to step 2.

If you don’t have $1,000 yet, do whatever you can to get it as fast as you can.  Sell stuff on eBay.  Have a yard sale.  Don’t eat out for a month or two.  Spend no extra money anywhere — put it all towards the Emergency Fund and live on beans and rice.

The safety net is purposely small.  It’s just large enough to cover minor setbacks, such as heating repairs, car maintenance, or sudden medical issues.  If it’s too large, you won’t be as “gazelle intense” during step 2 — a healthy fear is a good motivator, in other words.

Baby Step 2

Photo by kamshots

Once you’ve set aside $1,000, your next step is to pay off all your non-mortgage debt.  This includes credit cards, home equity loans, vehicles, student loans, medical bills, and bank lines of credit — everything.

If you originally had more than $1,000 in savings, use the remainder for your debt.  It’s a scary feeling, yes, but if you’re saving it while still holding on to debt, you’re basically “borrowing” that money to stay in debt.  It’s not yours — you need to pay it to your creditors.

(The only exception to this is when you see “storm clouds” on the horizon — the main income earner in your household is laid off, there’s a baby on the way, things like that.  True storm clouds, not things like Christmas or vacation.  If you see storm clouds, then continue beefing up your Emergency Fund, and just pay the minimums on your debt.  When the clouds pass, use all but $1,000 in your Emergency Fund on your debt.)

Prioritize your debt payments using the Debt Snowball method.

Keeping a Budget

It’s essential to stick to a written budget each month, no matter what baby step you’re on.  Our family prefers to use a zero-based budget, based on Dave’s recommendation.  Create a new budget each month; don’t make some lofty “master” budget in hopes of each month matching your plan. We tried that for a long time, and it never worked.

Use pen and paper, Excel, or budgeting software.  Our family’s preference is Pear Budget because of its simplicity, support, and clean interface (and it’s created and run by a family who happens to be loyal Simple Mom readers).  It’s well worth the $3 monthly fee.

Use cash with a basic envelope system so that you don’t accidentally spend more than you intend.

If you have more expenses than income, that either means you need to increase your income or decrease your expenses.  The most important expenses are food, shelter, and lights, so make those your priorities. If you don’t have enough money, don’t pay Visa before you pay your mortgage note.  The credit cards will scream and insult you, but that’s all.  Ignore their calls.  Essential living takes priority.

For More Inspiration

I highly recommend tuning in to Dave’s daily radio show — check for local times.  If you don’t have access to it live, like me, then you can listen to the first hour for free on his podcast.

If you’d like more one-on-one accountability and support, the Total Money Makeover forums are a great place.  I was on there during baby steps 1 through 3, and it was very helpful.  Worth the monthly (or annual) fee.

Take Financial Peace University. If there’s not one near you, you can take it online.  My husband and I did it online, and it was great.

Read blogs who advocate debt-free living. Some of my favorites are Money Saving Mom, Being Frugal, and Gather Little By Little.  There are a lot.

Next Monday, we’ll explore baby steps 3, 4, and 5.

What are your thoughts about being debt-free?  Do you have any questions?  Any words of wisdom to share?

–
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• Lisa Leonard Designs – beautiful handmade jewelry.
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My little break didn't really go as planned and I'm going to need another week to clear my head. I've been trying to figure out how to word this since I don't really feel like going into a lot of detail at this time but because of some family issues our holiday was delayed and I haven't really had the chance to do some of the things that I intended. I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound cryptic, but my heart is heavy and I'm having a hard time focusing these days. Thanks so much for your understanding.

This year, I have decided that instead of pretending I will (fill in the blank), I have decided to try and make a list of things that I will not do in 2010. Maybe this year will be more successful than years past & if I publish it for anyone to see, I hope it will keep me honest. Probably not, but it is worth a try.
I will not eat a whole bag of chips, cookies, Red Vines or any other incredibly

As a product review blogger, the FedEx man and I are on a first name basis. I have come to be incredibly impressed with the way that FedEx does their job. Now they are helping us at home or “Out of the Office” on their new blog.

“We are excited to take our creative talents ‘Out of the Office’ and share them with you through this site. We hope you’ll find our ideas interesting and intriguing,

The man known for wearing women on each arm like so many cheesy bachelor pinkie rings plans to forsake all the others in 2010 and marry pop superstar Katy Perry.

The two spent the week before Christmas at his pad in the UK, and sources say that Brand, who is “besotted” with Perry, asked her to marry him. “She quickly said ‘yes,’” according to one source. So far the two haven’t nailed down a date more specific than “in 2010.”

As shocking proof that Brand is ready to settle down is the fact that he is selling his home in London and reportedly bought a $3.2 million home in California. The beautiful home features high ceilings and panoramic views of Los Angeles. The house’s Roman inspired pool is surrounded by tall evergreen trees to ensure privacy. And naturally, because one of the bedrooms is “decorated for a child,” speculation is rife that the two plan to start having babies as soon as possible.

However, a recent hiccup in the relationship came when Perry didn’t really like the Cartier engagement ring that Brand bought for her. Brand is now hastily searching for a ring designer to have a new ring ready in time for New Year’s Eve.

Celebrity pundits are torn between hoping the cute couple makes it and starting a Russell and Katy Breakup office pool.

The two Capricorns stubbornly refuse to let a nanny-boinking incident and an inconvenient unplanned model pregnancy come between them as they recently cavorted in Barbados with his children to celebrate their birthdays, on Monday and Tuesday. The two got back together while both were starring in (different) Broadway plays recently. His latest movie, Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey, Jr. hit theaters in the U.S. on Christmas.

Reports from those iron-clad sources known as “family friends” have let slip that Law has told both his parents and his ex-wife and mother to three of his four children Sadie Frost that he “wants to make a real go of it with Sienna,” according to the Daily Mail. And it’s clear that he’s serious this time because the family friend reports that he “wants it to work this time around.”

Sure, the two broke up four of years ago when he was discovered cheating on her with his children’s nanny, and earlier in 2009 he had a fling with a model that resulted in Law’s becoming a father once again, and his parents think that the two being together is “a recipe for disaster,” but well wishers insist that the two are basically too good-looking together to be apart for long. Bloggers everywhere sealed the pronouncement of the two’s rekindled romance over the weekend, describing the pair as “looking happy” while being pulled around by a boat on a giant innertube.

Alexander Wang’s slinky long dress – A Few Goody Gumdrops

A Few Goody Gumdrops wants you to party like a Goddess in Alexandar Wang’s Slinky Long Dress!

Couture In The City shares with us how to look cozy for New Year’s Eve

Fashion Fille is blogging about Yassai 7, an awesome jewelry line that seeks to fashionably change the world.

Shopping and Info loves her Juicy Couture diamond ring engagement keychain.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com shows you how to get in shape this New Year!

TheFind Blog is getting glitzy for the New Year with a Bare Escentuals Extreme Glimmers set!

Don’t forget to check out next weeks edition of Shopping and Goodies!

With all the platform pumps and platform gladiator sandals of the past two seasons, it was only a matter of time before cold weather arrived, and with it platform boots. I don’t have to go into the psychological intricacies about why boots – which usually cover you from your toes to  your knees – are nevertheless some of the sexiest footwear there is. It’s one of those facts of fashion that few people (male or female) will argue with. Here are some of the picks from this ultra-sexy, ultra-chic trend.

These faux fur platform boots you can get at Charlotte Russe feature straps with an o-ring detail, and a tab sewn onto the faux fur cuff at the top, Now for the platform part: a 4.5 inch stacked faux wood stiletto with a platform. It has a rubber lug sole to keep you from slipping and the upper is faux leather. This is a very affordable way to get in on this trend.

With a trend this hot, you knew that the Italian designers were going to show us how its done, and these suede round-toed platform boots by Fendi are the perfect example. They have a zip front and the zipper pull is the Fendi logo. Lined in leather, you’ll be standing on a 1.5 inch covered platform and a 5.25 inch heel. These are “bad girl” boots at their best.

You didn’t think Dolce&Gabbana were going to sit this trend out, did you? These fabulous wedge heeled platform boots are suede over the foot and ankle, and then patent leather the rest of the way up. A black leather strap goes up the side of the boot and there is a branded black metal plaque at the top. A more casual take on the platform boot trend.

If you have an outfit that needs to be punctuated with look-at-me boots, then you could do worse than these Christian Louboutin python and black shoe boots. They’re just the thing to wear with this season’s boldly colored tunic dresses and leggings.

Here’s a pair of platform boots that’s definitely not for amateurs. These double platform boots by Gianmarco Lorenzi are leather with a narrow heel in addition to the double platform. People will have to do a double-take to notice the way the platform is made, and their automatic response will be “Cool! OMG!”

Here is a sophisticated take on the “spectator” style in a distressed suede boot with partly hidden platform. The toes are softly squared off, and the heel is 4.5 inches on a 1 inch platform.

We’ve all been there: asking ourselves if we should wear pumps or boots. Pumps are classic, but boots are … well, they’re boots. With these leather look platform ankle boots, you get the best of both worlds: classic pump styling in a short boot so you don’t have to choose!

If you have to choose just one pair of platform boots to take you through this season, then these high shank platform boots from Nine West would be a great choice. The upper hugs your legs and has a partial zipper. You’ll not only be tall, but with its 20 inch shank you’ll have boots up to there.

Winter may bring with it dismal weather, but it also brings us the opportunity to wear seriously fabulous boots like these hot platform boots. Whether your style is simple and classic or “Hey! Dig these boots!” you’ll find something to fit the bill perfectly this season.