Post Op Clothing.......The Ballad Of The 'Swelly Belly'

I steer away from featuring pictures of myself on this blog.....it's much more fun to post pics of my daughter and friends! However, I felt led to write this blog post, as I'm sure I'm not the only one to have to deal with buying temporary clothing in larger sizes. Please excuse the boxes in the background.....we're still getting rid of the Christmas gift boxes!

Almost 10 weeks ago, I had a hysterectomy. I am feeling so much better, and have lost weight, but I am still burdened with what us 'hystersisters' affectionately call a 'swelly belly.' Basically, my tummy is much larger and swollen due to my surgery, and I read last week it could last a YEAR. Not happy news for someone needing to find clothing that allows me to be socially acceptable.

As of this writing, I can wear approximately one pair of my pre op jeans. Not comfortably, I might add. They are tight, and my belly regularly swells later in the day, so I was making do with two pair of pull on pants. I can dress them up or down, and tuck them into boots, but I wanted more variety.

I wanted JEANS.

My secret sister from church gave me a $20 gift certificate for Goodwill for Christmas. I finally decided to try and find at least one pair of larger sized jeans there to hold me over until my swelling goes down.

Now, can we talk? With very few exceptions, we as women get very hung up on the size printed on our clothing labels. If you're regularly a size 8, and have to buy a pair of size 12 jeans, no matter HOW good you look in them......you feel a little crestfallen because of that stupid label.

Well, I sucked it up and tried on just about every pair of larger sized jeans in the thrift store. 1 1/2 hours later, I found a pair that not only fit comfortably over my belly, but were skinny and perfect to tuck into boots. I also got two cute smock type tops that will billow over my midsection, but I can rein them in with a fitted cardigan. The picture above is my outfit from church this morning. I felt great, and everything fit perfectly. Plus, I didn't feel as if I had a neon sign flashing above my head, advertising my increased jeans size. No one would care, anyway, so why should I?

Thrift stores are the perfect places to buy such temporary pieces. Whether you're seeking maternity wear, or just looking to camouflage a belly like I am, you can find great stuff for little $$. My jeans were $5.99, and my tops were $3.29 a piece. Perfect.

Don't be afraid to go up a size, if the end result is rockin'. No one but you needs to know :)

The Gently Used Christmas Present

WARNING!! The following blog post contains information some of you might find down right offensive. I'm not kidding. I'm about to step on some serious sacred cows.

Ok, if you're brave enough to read on, here we go........

Christmas gifts should be new, right? Nothing says Christmas morning or 'I love you' like a crinkly, crackly, plastic wrapped goodie, fresh from the store. To stoop so low as to buy something like, say, a USED item for a Christmas present? Dear God. What's wrong with you?

Well, I'm not advocating dumpster diving as a means of Christmas shopping. I'll bet some out there do.

My precious daughter is about the easiest going teenage girl you'll ever meet. This child was raised on frequent trips to the thrift store, and she's worn her share of resale clothing, so she's managed to grow up a reasonably balanced individual. She knows she can find the good stuff second hand, and doesn't have to shell out big bucks at the mall if she doesn't want to.

So proud.

The thing is, if you are a reasonably balanced individual, as you grow up, you begin to develop certain tastes. You begin to know your body well, and dress it accordingly. You know what works and what doesn't. Often, that means buying certain brands that fit you better than others. Sometimes you are lucky enough to find those items at a thrift store. Sometimes you must save up money to buy them brand new.

And sometimes, you find them on Ebay.

Such was the case with Claire's Ugg boots.

Now, before you turn up your nose, hear me out. Claire has a few brands she likes. Tom's shoes. Victoria's Secret Pink yoga pants (they wear like iron). She has happily worn knock off Uggs boots for years. This year, she happened to try on a friend's REAL Uggs, and it was like Cinderella found her slipper. She loved those things.........they were like walking on a cloud.

So, I started the search for a pair of her own for Christmas. Starting with the Ugg website, I found the black, short, classic style she preferred retailed for the fabulous (!) price of $155. Yeah, I don't buy MYSELF shoes that expensive.

That didn't deter me one bit. I know I could find a pair of Uggs on Ebay.

Have you used Ebay? You must be careful, as you can get into big trouble. I went through a phase where I bought way too much on Ebay, to the extent that the UPS man knew my first name. Yeah, that was a long time ago.

Go to the website, type what you want in the search bar, and prepare to be amazed at the various entries for exactly what you want. Once you hone in on the entry with the price point you desire, check out the seller's feedback and rating. Since I wanted to make sure Claire got the boots of her dreams, the seller I chose had a 100% positive feedback rating. I bid on the boots, and won.......$85, and that included shipping, for gorgeous black Uggs that had been worn ONCE. I saved so much, I bought Claire an Uggs care kit off the brand's website, so she could keep her boots clean and protected from the weather.

On Christmas morning, I couldn't have put a price tag on the reaction Claire had when she opened her boots. She was thrilled and absolutely shocked. Never in a million years did she believe she'd get a pair of Uggs......at least not before she had a job and bought them herself. Did it matter to her whether I'd paid $85 or $155? No, because the boots looked brand new, and no one else will be the wiser unless she tells them.

Or, unless they read my blog :D

Shopping Less........Enjoying More

We frame pictures to make them unique....to set them apart. With a frame, your eye goes right to the picture. You can see the important, instead of focusing on things you don't need to. Without a frame, a picture would melt right into the wallpaper.

It's the same with shopping less. When you're not constantly going shopping 'for fun' or recreation, you tend to think more about the things you NEED to buy. If you're bored, and you head to the mall, a simple trip to Hot Topic can turn into a wardrobe of Dr. Who apparel. Just sayin.

I've thought a lot about this while I was recuperating from surgery. I was literally stuck at home, and even if I'd wanted to, shopping wasn't an option for several weeks. When I finally DID head out to the store, it was because Claire had bronchitis, and we had to go to Meijer for her prescriptions. It wasn't a fun trip.

Anyway, when you're not going to Meijer every day for milk, you aren't confronted with the clothing department right there at the front. So, you tend to think less in terms of 'instant gratification,' and more along the lines of 'what do I really need?'

Towards the end of my time at home, I realized that the weather had turned colder. When I left work, I'd been wearing t-shirts. Now, I was going to need a new fleece jacket, and long sleeved shirts. Those items would serve me well for several years at work. Usually I'd find those items second hand, but this time, because I didn't have the time (or stamina) for thrift shopping, I picked my jacket up at Meijer (on sale, of course), and the long sleeved shirts were had at Target.com (free shipping!). When I woke up this morning, I was all set to head back to work :)

I'm getting better about not buying things on impulse, but I know how hard it is to resist when you're always running to get the basics at a big box store. There's gorgeous sweaters with the potato chips, for pete's sake! For those times, grow yourself a nice pair of blinders.

Your checkbook and credit card will thank you.

Post Op Priorities

Some of you sweet Thriftnerd Herd members have mentioned you miss my blog posts. Oh, you guys. You warm my heart!

For those who aren't aware, on October 18th, I had a hysterectomy and bladder surgery. Big doins for sure. I am happy to report that I am alive and well and healing on schedule. Slowly, of course. Tomorrow, I have my first of 2 cataract surgeries. Does it go without saying that I will be thrilled and relieved to see 2013 end?

I haven't done any thrifting lately. In fact, not for at least 5 weeks. My shopping trips have been limited to grocery runs, and they've worn me out. One day last week, I stopped into Kohl's across the street from my house, and stayed about 5 minutes. Yeah, retail is far too exhausting right now to be enjoyable.

Nothing clarifies your mind and priorities quite like being unable to do anything but think. So, I've used this time to do just that.

First, I've found that, although I espouse and live a simple lifestyle, I found I STILL had way too much. More clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry than I needed. So, when I was able to do a little moving around, I loaded another bag full of just that. Nothing is as spectacular as having just enough. My closet is pared down, and I can get dressed even quicker. Kind of a big deal when you're recovering from major surgery, and what used to take an hour (getting dressed) takes a bit more time now.

Second, I promised myself to be the change I want to see in the world. I want a happier work place? I'll be a happier employee. Not a giggly, vomit-producing Pollyanna who drives her coworkers completely up the wall. Rather, someone who they look to for shedding positive light on situations. As positive a person as I am, I let my physical issues and the daily grind influence my work attitude more than I want to admit.

And, while I'm at it, I will strive to be the person who remembers those who are shut in. You who have sent me cards, goodies, emails, messages and brought me food and pretties? You absolutely made my entire life. Words can't adequately describe how you brightened my days here at home. I was always pretty good with the card sending, but now I vow to step it up a notch. I know first hand what a difference it makes.

I've also (finally) learned my husband's love language. It's doing things for others in need. Michael wore himself out cooking, cleaning, making me comfortable, and completely taking care of Claire and her many activities. He did such a great job, it just makes me want to do as much as possible for him. I love you, babe.

That's what's new with me lately. I go back to work soon, and shortly thereafter, I will resume my happy thrifting. We're knee deep in senior year, ya know, and my girl might need a few new pieces to brighten up her wardrobe, and reward her for being such a fabulous nurse.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Claire's Homecoming 2013: The Breakdown

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On average, my blog posts reach about 15 people. I can almost guarantee I'll have 50 views every time I post a blog about one of Claire's formal events. What will I do when she graduates?!

This is Claire and her sweet friend, Mckenzie. They were 'dates' for Hayes' homecoming last weekend. Claire again went for vintage elegance with her ensemble. She was thrilled with the results, and the dress was comfortable yet classy. No unnecessary tugging and pulling, and ain't NOBODY got time for that at a dance!

You know we scored a deal with this dress! A BRAND NEW, WITH TAGS, Anne Taylor silk A-line sheath, the original tag listed the price at $198.00 We snapped it up, last July, for $5.99! The vintage brooch and earrings were a find at a quaint antique shop in the Hocking Hills, for $12.00. Claire already owned the pearl necklace, and the silver purse was a Goodwill find at $4.99.

When Claire had her interview at the Salon Schools, they gifted her a certificate for a free beauty service at one of their locations. Claire opted to get an updo. She had downloaded several pictures onto her phone, and the talented student who did her hair proved her expertise with the fabulous results! Beautiful tight curls, and even 'victory rolls!' I paid $37 for her to also get a mani-pedi, and she picked a deep, 'pin up girl' red for both hands and feet.

Speaking of feet, check out those heels! We didn't meaasure the height, but I can almost guarantee they are 4 inches tall! Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's, on sale for $22 (regularly $65!). She said they weren't as painful as some she's worn, but of course they got kicked off to dance!

Claire went as part of a large group, and she said it was the most fun she's ever had at a dance. One set of parents hosted a dinner beforehand at their home, and we donated homemade chocolate chip cookies. After the dance, another family had a bonfire, and they served the rest of the dinner, along with desserts and pop.

So, what was the grand total for the evening?

Dress, purse, jewelry and shoes came to $45. Along with the dance ticket of $10, the mani-pedi (plus tips for all 3 services)and a corsage for Mckenzie (I had the cookie fixings on hand), the total came to $111. If you remember past posts, where I listed averages prices of formal dresses, you know $100 barely covers the cost of the gown nowadays.

If, you shop new.

Essentially, Claire's dress WAS new. New with tags at thrift store prices is something you just can't beat :)

How To Have The Handbag Wardrobe Of Your Dreams

When you thrift, the sky's the limit on your handbag collection!

As far as the stereotypical female obsession with purses and shoes, I'm very late to the party.

My family had limited resources when I was growing up, so my early handbags were either gifts, hand me downs, or bought by me with my babysitting money. I remember one gross example, that I bought in high school and carried for (it seemed) a million years. Scratchy canvas and vinyl, it was ugly and utilitarian. I wasn't a particularly girlie girl in my early teens, so just remembering to carry the thing required a lot of brain power on my part. Honestly? It carried my sanitary napkins. When I could get away with it, I only carried my wallet. My need for a mirror, hairbrush and lipstick came much later.

In the 80's, I had my first handbag obsession. Remember the Liz Claiborne small patterned handbags? Oh my, I wanted one so badly. I was a young married womaan with (again) limited finances, so I worked a deal out with my mom. She allowed me use of her Lazarus credit card to buy a Liz purse, and I made weekly payments on it. Golly, I loved those things. Ultimately, the price I paid became a burden, as I didn't like to be held down to one purse. I wanted a variety to choose from in my closet, and didn't have the funds.

Fast forward to the last 10 years. All of a sudden, women are donating their designer purses to thrift stores, and I am benefitting! My first Coach purses came from Goodwill, at $14.99 a pop. Jessica Simpson has gorgeous handbags, and I've gotten quite a few second hand. Vera Bradley? YEAH BABY!! The other day, I was looking in the window of a consignment shop, and they had several new looking Coach crossbodies. There are TONS of handbag opportunities out there, ripe for the picking! The thing is, PICK QUICK! If you like it, odds are someone else will, and they'll snap it up before you come back to pick it up! I still regret not buying the Louis Vuitton totebag I saw several years ago in the glass case at my Goodwill. At $69, I felt I couldn't justify it....until I found those same totebags, brand new, ran several thousands. I'm still on the look out for another one.......!!

Now, I have quite a collection in my closet. In fact, I just had to do a major purge. It's one thing to have a nice variety in all your favorite colors. It's quite another to fight claustrophobia every time you open your closet door.

My daughter has a fabulous Dooney & Bourke crossbody she loves. $18.00, originally upwards of $300. Unlike her mama, Claire isn't going to let limited finances dictate her handbag choices! It's truly an awesome time to be alive........when you can get what you want, at the price you want to pay.

So, if you have a serious handbag craving, check out the resale market. You will be AMAZED at what you find!

HAPPY NATIONAL HANDBAG DAY!!

Health Insurance: A Very Personal Account

Mr. AFLAC duck.....so much more than a pretty face.

Health insurance is KINDA a hot button issue, if you hadn't noticed. Maybe you haven't. Miley Cyrus is pretty hot right now, too.

There isn't one, standard health insurance story on the human landscape. So many layers, emotions, experiences. If you're just now trying to find health insurance for you and your family, you have my sympathies.

This blog is all about saving money, and offering up mine and my family's experiences in that realm. Today, let's attack the FUN subject of paying for your medical stuff. Frugally, of course.

I have spent my life being very blessed in the health insurance department. My daddy worked for the government (HA!), so we had great insurance. Always got to go to the doctor, when I needed to, as I grew up. I had foot surgery and a tonsillectomy, braces and glasses. Nothing fancy, but we were taken care of.

I left the warm confines of my daddy's insurance to marry a man who made very good money. A white collar, finance guy, he also had excellent insurance with every company he worked for. My job provided the secondary coverage that took care of whatever his did not. When I was pregnant with Brendan, I remember him asking if I thought I could skip the epidural, which was not covered and cost $500. We're no longer married.

When I married Michael, we were able to purchase health insurance ourselves, as his company's policy was pretty pricey. We were able to make the monthly premiums in the beginning, and the insurance covered everything nicely. Michael had foot surgery, and also upper G.I. testing, without too much out of pocket on our part. I had pretty involved root canal surgery (pretty involved meaning the dentist had to send me, mid treatment, to an endodontist). That procedure had us paying $800 ourselves. It's not your imagination; dental work is like buying solid gold.

Our premiums jumped almost $200 per year. Finally, we just couldn't afford it anymore. We tried another insurance company, but for what we could afford, we got almost no coverage. We finally opted for no insurance at all, which to me in particular was very scary. I'd never been in this situation before.

Things began to get dicey when Michael was diagnosed with diabetes. Doctor office visits alone cost us $90. with the required (and frequent!) bloodwork averaging upwards of $200. We just bumbled along the best we could, paying cash and living that fabulous, tight lifestyle too many Americans 'enjoy.'

Last December, I started to experience some unwanted female issues. Panicking because I knew I needed to see the doctor (I hadn't had a pap in 5 years, but my mammograms were covered by the Susan Koman foundation, so I had them faithfully every spring), Michael and I started looking for affordable health care again. Finding nothing, we decided to get coverage through our employer. Alas, open enrollment wasn't for several months. When we were FINALLY able to enroll, we discovered our monthly premiums would eat up a large chunk of our already stretched thin paychecks. Michael had no other option but to start to work overtime, just to cover the $600 monthly premium. We also upped our AFLAC coverage to the maximum, and THAT alone has paid fabulous dividends. That cost an additional $40 monthly.

Aflac pays us $25 each for 6 doctor appointments per year. It was nice to receive those checks. I am anticipating my hysterectomy/bladder surgery October 18th, and since I will stay in the hospital, at least overnight, AFLAC will pay me for that, too. I can't begin to tell you how much that will help our family.

Your family's health outlook is probably much different than mine. Hence, health insurance is a very personal thing. I don't think you can make sweeping generalizations and try to fit everyone into the same health insurance box. What I CAN tell you is that it's not an area you can blow off. You need to do your research, and you need to find out exactly what you must pay out of pocket, both for monthly premiums and uncovered medical expenses. Having done all of that, if you decide you absolutely cannot afford health insurance, you owe it to yourself to somehow find a way to start a savings account, so you will have money on hand to help, should a medical emergency arise.

I share my experiences in hopes it might help you.

By the way, you may be wondering why I didn't mention my kids' coverage. They have always been covered by their father's plan, and just recently, their sweet bonus mom.