By Lily
March is here and the color is green! We have St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of Spring and you might want to start off the 1st with some green eggs and ham to celebrate Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Would you like some green and eggs and ham?
It’s also time to spring forward to longer days when we change our clocks to Daylight Savings on March 10.
March 14 is Learn About Butterflies Day. A wonderful idea, butterflies are interesting and beautiful creatures. A good place to start is Ann’s story of summer camp children watching as Jacob the caterpillar changes into a monarch.
Considering or planning some Spring projects such as renovating the kitchen? Seven Tips For Remodeling Your Kitchen will help you be prepared.
You never want to miss Jennie’s take on the latest celebrity gossip. Read her Oscar Day News and Other Buzz.
If you’ve got Spring Fever, looking for something new to do that is healthy, practical and creative; you might want to try making your own soap. This porridge and milk soap would be lovely to use on your skin.
Wondering what to cook for dinner? Be sure to keep in mind Regina’s delicious braised beef.
Mo’s review makes True LOVE Story by Willow Aster a must-read. A lucky winner will receive a free E-Book and a $50 cash Paypal prize in our giveaway that ends on Midnight Pacific time, Friday, March 8.
Molly’s twins have a play-date with other twins and she and her hubs get some alone time on their train trip to Chicago.
IW’s classic of the month is Anya’s two-part interview Dedra Whitt, make-up artist and best friend of Camille Grammer.
Dedra Whitt is a well-known professional make-up artist in the Los Angeles area. If you are a fan of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills“, you have seen her in several episodes that also feature her best friend, Camille Grammer. Recently, IW was given the opportunity to interview Dedra and find out more about how she went from being an actress to a professional make-up artist, her 20 year friendship with Camille, and the inside scoop on reality TV.
We would also like to give a shout out to everyone with a birthday or anniversary this month! Let us know in the comment section below so we can celebrate with you. Please use this thread for Open Discussion as always!
Lily Doe has written for ImperfectWomen.com since 2009. She has never been shy about sharing her opinion and enjoys writing on a variety of topics. Her life’s focus is sharing good times with family and friends.
The only green I’m thinking about is Money! I just read this from EVG which is a financial site that I follow. This could not be sadder for those who protect our freedoms!
The Sequester Has Plenty of Loopholes
It turns out the “across the board cuts” politicians were threatening weren’t really across the board.
There are plenty of full exemptions from the sequester, including:
Social Security and Medicaid benefits
Refundable tax credits to individuals
Food Stamps
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Supplemental Security Income
In other words, none of these political “hot-button” items will be affected at all. They’re exempt.
And, oh yea, all of the Congress’s special pension and insurance payments? Yup. Exempt. Go figure!
Another one of those exemptions is: “Compensation for the President” (Page 19)
So Who WILL Pay for the $85 Billion in Cuts?
The answer isn’t totally clear just yet, but one thing is clear: the military is on the hook for 50% of the sequester. This hasn’t gotten a lot of press, because another one of the “exempt” items is military pay. In other words, the sequestration law does not permit anyone employed by the military to have their pay cut.
That’s why many analysts were predicting HUGE layoffs in the military, especially among its civilian workers. They are ‘forced furloughs’ amounting to two days off every two weeks, without pay.”
In other words, these support-level workers will take a 20% reduction in salary without having their pay rate reduced.
They won’t get to choose the 2 days of unpaid leave they are forced to take off, and they will not be able to file for unemployment benefits, because they are still employed.
Many are dismissing the sequester as “only” a 2% cut in the government’s budget.
But it appears it will be paid disproportionately by the little guys just trying to make ends meet. A 20% cut in pay for someone making $50,000 is significant for them!
My nephew is serving with the army in Afghanistan. I don’t want to think about this. It’s heart-breaking.
I am backing up to yesterday and saying, Happy March. It was gray and overcast here, occasional flurries in the air, but I tried to rush spring by hiking on the AT with my dog. We could not do the easier hike because the road up the mountain was too wet and we were getting sucked into it. I turned around and accessed the trail at another part, but it was a harder climb, and I am paying for it today! Totally worth it though. I have a layer of winter celebrating to burn off this spring. Time to diet!
Ann,
Please thank your Nephew for his service. I know this is depressing but I feel people need to know the facts. A 2% cut for all agencies would be fair (just like the “Flat Tax” would be more fair, but to take so much from the Military that are around the Globe protecting us is wrong on every level.
I also read this a day ago from Maxine Waters(what an embarrassment that she represents CA):Maxine Waters: ‘Over 170 Million Jobs Could Be Lost’ Due To Sequestration”!
The U.S. Labor Force is only 154,000,000 so we will all be out of work plus 16 million more! OMG, this is so sad! The people of CA deserve what they get because they keep voting for the same idiots!
Holly, he is proud to serve the US. His experience in Iraq changed him so much. He has a grounded view of life- very appreciative of how blessed we are all.
I understand that they have already had to “do without” in many areas already in the army. I wish there was better control over where the budget cuts come from. Politics is such a mess.
Food Stamps
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
This is an outrage. Aren’t there mines or workhouses these lazy, indigent children could work in so that we don’t have to support them so they won’t, like, starve to death or die of scurvy or pneumonia?
Jennie,
I see nothing has changed! My point was that if they took 2% from all Depts or many Depts not even the ones on the list of exclusions it would be much more fair than taking 20% of the take home pay of the lowest paid Military Service People! No one wants Children to go without Food,Healthcare,or anything else, that is just a ridiculous statement. Although if they dug deep enough I am sure they would find some bureaucratic waste that could be cut out of the Budget in those Depts! I am positive that there is enough waste to cut out of the Budget where no Children or Military would be hurt. Why don’t they start with cutting all the FREE Services that the Congress get? How about furloughing the incompetent Members of Congress and letting them lose 2 days pay a week? They would probably find a reasonable remedy pretty quickly!
I can’t wait to sign up to build those camps….what a way for the President to help solve unemployment.
I am so sick of the Liberal Left thinking. It is almost like a disease. Our President wanted sequestration and got it …then he said he would never let it become law. This President AND Congress are asked to cut 2.5%. No one can say that 2.5% budget cuts by a Leader can’t be done….only if we had a LEADER.
Holly says…furloughing the incompetent Members of Congress and letting them lose 2 days pay a week?
That’s an idea we can ALL agree on, I believe. Unfortunately, I don’t think all Congress members are incompetent – we are living in a time when the most ideology rigid members refuse to compromise on any issue. Sad. And not what democracy is really about. Until the Party stands up to these members, our leaders won’t be able to accomplish much of anything.
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Onto more positive news: I cannot wait for the longer days! I’m very happy March is here. And I love St. Patrick’s Day. Time to shop for my corned beef, cabbage and Guinness!
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Happy March everyone!
Anya,
I am glad that we can agree on making the Congress accountable. Since we both live in CA I would be interested in which Congress or Assembly people you support. i just see the same people getting voted in over and over. As far as Party Members and their rigid ideology,I don’t see one Party being worse then the other. Neither Party is putting the American People in front of their hate and blame of the other Party! It’s pretty sick that they put into law that they cannot cut their own pay! Yah,they’re everyday people!
I love St. Patrick’s Day too. I went to our family book club this afternoon and they have planned the St. Patty’s Day get-together. Everyone must come prepared to tell a joke, sing a song, and dance a jig.
Anya, the longer days are lovely. It really lifts my spirits to have daylight after 5 PM.
Happy March everyone!
Holly says…It’s pretty sick that they put into law that they cannot cut their own pay!
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I just heard that yesterday! Pretty unbelievable, isn’t it? Or maybe not, which is sadder.
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I disagree a bit that one Party is worse than the other. I mean I agree both are guilty of putting politics ahead of the best interests of the American people, but I really think the Republicans are lost right now and it seems their leaders are very scared of the Tea Party radicals (who I find to be very scary and out of touch). I often feel the R’s aren’t willing to meet the D’s in the middle on any issue. But, I admit I’m biased as a Democrat.
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As for our California politicians, ugh, I really don’t like any of them. Many of the ones from the north (where I’m from) are too liberal/partisan even for me (aka Barbara Lee)!
Anya,
I think both Parties are equally as bad, neither one wants to give an inch. I also think they are both dishonest when sharing info with the American People. If people would just dig a little deeper than a “soundbite” they would find most of the things they hear on the News or read in their local paper are not true facts!
As far as the CA Politicians, my Blood Pressure rose when I read the name Barbara Lee! She is someone that truly disgusts me! Not only does she support Hamas and Cair, hates Israel, and idolizes Fidel Castro,but she encourages the President to use Race as a “divider”! She is a truly despicable person, but they keep voting her in!
Happy March everyone.Green is my favorite color,I have Green eyes. I was born and raised in Savannah,one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day Celebration places in the World. I am all about Green. I am so excited that Spring is finally here, well it’s almost here,pretty darn close.When I see the pollen in the air (and car and pool and roof) I know it’s Spring in the South. This year for me, it’s all about DECLUTTERING. Hubby and I have two choices, build and move, or stay and remodel-add on. Either one is going to be a “Near Divorce” experience I’m sure. We can barely make it thru deciding on paint color. So as excited as I am to know we are progressing into a major change. I dread what it’s going to take to get there. I guess this is the right month to ask you to “Wish me LUCK”…
“Erin Go Braless” Ya’ll
Happy March to you too, Roozerdo. Glad you stopped by. I am not sure if spring has sprung in other parts of the country just yet. I think my parents received several feet of snow yesterday. 😉
I love to declutter also. We are currently in the process of doing a little remodeling ourselves and decluttering at the same time. I wish you the best with your decisions and would be interested in knowing what you decide. Definitely will wish you luck.
My husband and I are thinking that in this point in our life, we would like to move into a condo. It wouldn’t happen for a few more years but we are kind of tired of the upkeep of a home and pool.
I agree with you Holly. Both parties are to blame, but with the Divider-in-Chief we have in the white house, it’s never going to get any better. I also find is despicable that one person such as Harry Reid can just hold onto legislation and not act on it at all. If any of us took a part of our job and just didn’t do it at all….we would be FIRED! It’s unpatriotic, and Un-American and I am ashamed of our “leaders”.
Kmom2,
I agree if we in the Private Sector acted like these Politicians we would be fired! All of the Congress (both Parties) are a “protected class” because they don’t have the same worries as you and I. As far as being dishonest with the Public, I just read this article about the Affordable Care Act(Obamacare) by Jonah Goldberg and this was what he said:
“Reality is teaching the propeller-heads a lesson. Despite President Obama’s promise that his plan would not add “one dime” to the deficit, the Government Accountability Office announced last week that it would more likely add 62,000,000,000,000 dimes (or $6.2 trillion) over 75 years.
Obama also promised that “if you like your health-care plan, you can keep your health-care plan.” Estimates for how many Americans will lose their existing plans vary. The CBO says 5 million to 20 million. The consulting firm McKinsey & Co. says about 30 percent of employers will push workers onto the public system.”
These are the FACTS and where is the Media on this? Why is this very important info that will affect so many not being shared?
Holly, if you haven’t read the entire article by Jonah, it’s on National Review Online. Admittedly he is very conservative, BUT he uses ‘shoe leather’ & trusted multiple sources. How novel would it be if only all news was written/reported w. the same due diligence!
I am beyond sick & tired of what word games our president has chosen to play. Hawking gloom & doom – knowing that most of all the MSM would never dare question his motives – argh! I could open the flood gates of what I’d REALLY like to say, but deep breaths are healthier.
HB,
Working in the Health Insurance Industry we get updates every day about the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and they are factual in fact many of them site info directly from the CBO. I know Goldberg is a Conservative but that doesn’t make his info any less true especially when it is coming directly from the Gov’t. Stay healthy and take deep breaths.
I just received this today from Unum which is a Supplemental Benefits Corp;
“Starting in 2014, employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees will be required to provide full-time employees with affordable health care coverage that meets minimum requirements, or pay an annual penalty (known as the “shared responsibility” penalty). The health care reform act defines “full-time” as working 30 hours per week in any given month.”
Many of our Small Group Clients are already laying off some Workers because they will not be able to afford the Health Insurance or the Penalty for their Employees!
A big wave to HB. You have been missed!
Pam,
i second that.
Yeah HB!
On a happier and non-political note…Is anyone watching Downton Abbey? My goal for March is to get caught up. Talk about a “guilty pleasure” I could watch it for hours!
Holly I loved Downton Abbey. I have watched it as it’s released here in the US. You know what my favorite part is?? The costumes. I love seeing the dresses.
I love every actor except Elisabeth McGovern. I just don’t think she pulls it off. I wish the part was played by someone else.
Sending a huge hi to HB!! 🙂 Miss you!
All this administration does is jump from one manufactured crisis to another. When will people wake up?
The apathetic public here in Los Angeles turned out to vote for Mayor yesterday and a total of 16% of voters showed up. Public just does not care
At my childcare we are doing a butterfly unit! We have a butterfly pavilion and caterpillars! Wow they grow fast. The book we are reading is My Oh My a Butterfly by Dr Seuss.
Susan,
The Butterfly Pavilion is an awesome idea. The kids must be loving it.
A good friend of mine once made “Green Eggs and Ham” for her boys and really freaked them out – it was hilarious watching them make grimace at their breakfast plates!
Our family has many March birthdays: My brother Danny and niece Desiree (March 2nd), My Dad (March 6th), My daughter Adrianna (March 23rd) and my son Jesse (March 30th)!!
Hi Sylvia! March is one busy month for birthdays for your family. It is October and January for our family. Happy Birthday to all of them and may you have fun filled celebrations.
I love that whole green egg idea for little ones, especially for St. Pat’s Day.
Everyone springing ahead? Or are we limping?
For those of you who are married, I am sure you might relate…
I was literally away from home for one night and I just said to myself:”My Husband loads the dishwasher like Helen Keller!!!!!!!!!!!! Please don’t respond to my “political incorrectness”, I just can’t understand how someone who can figure out Investments, Annuities, and complex policies cannot figure out how to load the Dishwasher!
My husband does the same thing. Bowls upside down. Same with glasses. I think they do that on purpose so you won’t ever ask them to do it again. 😉
Don’t worry …I won’t anymore.
I still have a great Husband and if loading the Dishwasher is his worst offense, I’m lucky!
Can you send him over tomorrow to clean my house?
Pam,
I think he is done with the housework, although he is very good at laundry and much better at ironing than I am.
Pam,
Limping into spring, a foot of heavy snow this am, but much needed moisture. Busy month here, garden season upon us, dealing with my Mother who is ill, cancer center, chemo with my bf, field work, Easter, and another birthday! I think I deserve a day of rest this year. Can someone send somebody that washes windows? 🙂
Snickers,
Stu will be right over! Windows, I believe, are his specialty.
Anyone around this place? LOL. Half way through March already, can you believe it? I am wiped out from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day… just kidding. Haven not done that in a very long time.
Easter is up next…any special plans?
Pam,
Checking in, it was my birthday today so went out to dinner with friends and had a great time. Now on to have having family around for Easter, eggs, church and full tummys. Spring temps have been nice!
Happy Birthday Snickers! 29 plus a few years I assume. Hope you had a great day. Almost a Saint Paddy’s baby.
Happy belated birthday, snickers! March 18 was Anya’s birthday, too. Glad you had a good one.
Happy Birthday to Anya! Hope you had a great day!
Anya,
Happy Birthday late! 🙂
RosemaryNC or Rosemary has not been around for a couple of months. I am sorry to tell you that she has passed away from Cancer. We have communicated for several years and after she retired she started posting at IW. Prior to that, she would have me post her thoughts for her.
I have kept in contact with Rosemary up until the end and she asked me to let you all know after she passed away. I received an email from her daughter this morning.
She was a big supporter of Kate and her kids.
Rest in peace, Rosemary. You will be missed.
Pam,
That is so sad. RIP Rosemary.
I hate Cancer! We have a friend battling it right now. My prayer is that we find a cure and soon.
So sad to hear of Rosemary’s passing. She was a lovely woman. Prayers to her family
RIP Rosemary.
I am so saddened to hear of Rosemary’s passing.
Blessings and thoughts to her family.
When I had my blog Rosemary used to email me also to post her comments. I think of how excited she was when she retired and could start posting heself. Sadly, it was way, way too short.
I will miss this kind lady.
So sorry to hear this. Always loved her posts, sympathy to her family. RIP friend.