Super Sweet Sixteen???

I was channel surfing and came across a nauseating show on MTV called My Super Sweet Sixteen. Each episode profiles a spoiled rotten teenager with an over-the-top extravagant party. It seems to always include celebrity performances and a "surprise" car for the birthday boy/gal. This morning's Today Show also talked about the trends for bigger parties as parents are trying to top eachother. Apparently, "Teenzillas" have now replaced the "bridezillas".

My issue is really with the parents, I wonder if they even realize the values (or lack thereof) they are teaching their kids. Regardless of how wealthy the parents are, a $110,000 Mercedes for a 16 year old is beyond comprehension. I felt my stomach turn watching these overindulged teenagers bemoan the lack of a famous singer at the party or pouting about not finding the right dress (in paris!).

This makes me think of the other extreme. Warren Buffet, the world's second richest man, is also famous for not setting up any trustfunds for his children and grandchildren. He made it clear that he would fully fund their education, through graduate school, but once they graduate, that's it, nada, nilch, you gotta go work. He is donating all of his money to charity. There's a famous proverb in Chinese that literally translated means, wealth will not last more than 3 generations. The premise behind the statement is that with each passing generation there's less appreciation for hardwork and the value of money.

I eagerly await the follow-up show in 10 years, "Super Sweet Sixteen - Where are They Now?"

Credit Card Debt

I just read on an internet forum that a die-hard Madonna fan is $20K in credit card debt from travelling around the country catching all 32 US shows. I don't pass judgement on what the debt comes from, I think we all have our weaknesses and vices (handbags being mine), but $20K in credit card debt, period, is a lot to swallow!

I wonder if years from now, he would regret that one summer of following Madonna around when he's still paying for it. For this post, forget that it's related to Madonna, credit card debt in this current economy is freaking scary! Interest rates have been rising and although I don't carry a balance on my cards, I saw that the APR is currently at 17.99% (Yikes!)

Considering that "high-yield savings accounts" such as the one's offered by Citibank, HSBC, ING, etc. are around a 5% APR, carrying cc debt at 17,20, or sometimes 30% APR is a black hole that people get sucked into and can't get out. My best wishes to this super Madonna fan, hopefully he'll be able to dig out of the CC hole sooner than later.

Madonna concert review and can you believe more gadgets?

I'm experiencing Madonna concert withdrawal... Went to the show in Atlantic City last week and just had an absolute blast! She was in top-form, non-stop singing and dancing for close to 2 hours and I was loving every minute. The one thing that bugged me was the lack of enthusiasm from the Atlantic City crowd. Of course, the die-hard fans and myself included were dancing, jumping, screaming, and clapping, but a good portion of the attendees were just sitting there. Worse yet, I was the only one in my section that was screaming and jumping. Made me miss the DC crowd so much, we rocked the house at Re-Invention 2 years ago at MCI Center. Madonna, please come back to D.C! I was so jazzed about the show that I had a special swarovski crystal t-shirt made enblazoned with "Confessions Tour, Madonna" on it since I didn't like any of the shirts they were selling on FanFire. Got lots of compliments on it and several woman approached me to ask where I got my shirt. :) Hey, a fashionista has to stay in form at all times!

I loved the show so much that I seriously considered booking a last minute ticket to Miami to see if I could catch it one last time before she heads to Europe. Logistically, I just couldn't make it work between my schedule, last minute airfare prices, and most importantly, I'd need to book a hotel in Miami's peak Summer season. *sigh* I've been scanning YouTube a lot to find good video clips from the show and reminescing that way until the NBC broadcast in November or when the DVD is released. Until then, I'm jealous of the Miami concert folks who get to see her tonight. :( The good news is, other than the concert ticket, everything else was pretty much free. We got a free suite at Borgata (the room was beautiful by the way), a free dinner at Bobby Flay's Steak (yum), and the hubby won $600!

My spending is just out of control this month. What happened? Why is it that all the cool gadgets have been catching my eye left and right? With my last post I talked about my new Vaio laptop and my iPod. Now, I've broken the ban and bought a new digital camera. Yup, I was really hoping to wait until January, but I'm justifying it because I've got 2 weddings to go to this summer, a trip to Europe, and potentially Cabo. I researched CNET, Consumer Reports, PC Mag, and read reviews on PopPhoto and Amazon; finally decided on the Casio Exilim Z600. It's teeny-tiny, sleek, and I love all the best shot modes. I'm really looking forward to using it.

Then, of course, the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale started last week. It's one of my favorite sales and I ended up buying a ton of clothes, new shoes, clothes for the hubby, and -- more gadgets. This time, it's personal care related. I've been reading a lot about the Clarisonic facial cleaning brush and have largely ignored it. That's until I found out that it was created by the inventor of Sonicare toothbrushes. Those who know me know that I am obsessed with my Sonicare. I got my first one from a friend 7 years ago and became hooked. My dental visits have been a breeze and I use it religiously twice a day. It's also amazingly durable, I've only upgraded it once (bought a newer model at Costco 2 years ago). Anyway, once I found it it was by the same inventor as Sonicare, I had to buy one. Hey, if the technology has been this good for my teeth, think about the possibilities for my face? Nordies had an Anniversary special, the brush with a free cleanser, pouch, and headband. So I got it. Used it last night and loved it, my face just felt really, really "clean" and poreless.

One more gadget to write about... My hairdryer died. It was a cheap $20 one from CVS I bought 8 years ago. I've lived through it chewing my hair and everything, now it's gone, I need a new one. So... I saw the T3 Tourmaline dryer that is supposedly good for your hair, etc. etc. It's also $200. I haven't bought it yet, but I'm sure I'll break down and get it soon. Here's the recap on gadget spend this month:

- Laptop: $1379
- iPod: $100 (only paid the upgrade from the Nano I got as a gift)
- Camera: $250
- Clarisonic: $195
- T3 Dryer: $200 (I'm counting it because I know I can't resist)
--------------
$2,074 (and that's not counting the clothes from Nordies!)

Yikes!!! I can only find comfort in knowing that I didn't go into credit card debt for any of this.

Until next time...

Gadgets Galore

It was time for a little upgrading in the electronics department. My laptop at home is 3 years old and it's starting to go on the fritz. Yes, the hard drive only has 20GB of storage and my itunes alone was running around 5GB. Yikes! So I started researching, and found that the Sony VAIO FS290 with the Raspberry cover is exactly -- me!

I'm in love.. totally, completely in love with it. The screen is an xbrite high resolution widescreen display and it sure beats the crap out of my old filmsy looking screen. The key board is nice and wide, very user-friendly. Best of all, I got an amazing deal buying it online with with no tax, shipping, and even a slight discount.

I also got a new iPod. My beloved pink mini is still going on strong and I use that one on trips to the gym. I received a nano as a present, but I know I wanted to watch videos/TV shows on the go, so I exchanged it for the 30GB model. I love it, all of my accessories are still compatible (except that I bought a new leather case), and now I can see all the album covers from the songs.

I'm going to hold off on buying a new digital camera or cell phone. These gadgets are fun, but pricey...

Can't wait for the Confessions Tour!

It has been so unbelievably crazy the entire month of May and June that it just hit me that this blog is in serious need of an update. I planned and hosted my company's annual event in June that fortunately was a smashing success. After all the sleepless nights and 18 hour workdays fretting over the logistics, turnout, etc. I was just so glad it's over. BTW, for those following my adventures in hiring an assistant... I found the perfect one! She's been onboard since late May and thank goodness she was there to help with the event. So why was she better than rest? She researched our company, came prepared with questions, dressed professionlly, is intelligent and articulate, and demonstrated a "can do" attitude that I really needed to see. I'm so happy with the hire and have always treated my assistants well (no devil wears prada drama here!) .

Almost immediately after the big company event, the hub and I were actually able to get away for a week on a spur-of-the-moment cruise to the bahamas that lead to a new purchase.. a diamond accented Phillip Stein Teslar watch. Mine looks slightly different than the pic, with roman numerals on the dial. Killer deal though, with tax and duty savings and my tough negiotiations, I got it for about 30% below US Retail. I know it sound hokey, but the watch as these "electromagnetic" chips in it that supposedly calms you, reduces stress, and decreases all the electro-stuff that courses through your body due to cellphones, computers, etc. Not that I really believe all this.. just love the look of the watch and it didn't hurt that Oprah and Madonna wear this!

On the subject of this post... I simply cannot wait to see Madonna in concert again this year! I'm going to the July 16th show in Atlantic City and have just heard nothing but the most fabulous reviews. A quick shout out to MadonnaTribe.com, they have the most comprehensive info on the confessions tour. I've been checking out that site to see the set list, etc. I've been a fan since 6th grade and think she is just an incomparable live performer. I even ordered the tour book and a t-shirt online which made my husband shake his head and asked if I was too old for all this. :) He's such a great guy, he teased me about all this, but he's driving me to AC and the one who made the hotel reservations. I can't wait..

How Not to Interview

This is a long overdue entry! Work has been completely crazy and I haven't had any time to write. So here's a quick recap of the month:

- I'm trying to hire an assistant at work
- Helping a friend plan her wedding
- Have contractors at the house making home improvements
- Been so busy did NO shopping (yay!)

Ok, so in reference to hiring an assistant, I really think students need a class that teaches them how to interview during high school/college. Here are some interview issues I've personally seen:

- Do NOT chew gum during the interview
- DO give a firm handshake (There's nothing worse than the "dead fish" limp shake)
- Do NOT call my office from the bus stop asking for a ride (this was an interviewee from a few years ago)
- ALWAYS research the company your interviewing with. It doesn't show genuine interest if you don't even know the type of business the company is in!
- ALWAYS have a list of questions prepared, if you don't have any, then I assume you're not interested

Read a few books on how to interview and prepare yourself!

Madonna!

It's been a while since my last post! Here's a quick recap of things since my last post:

- Got stuck with a $800 bill from my car dealership
- Stayed away from a Neiman Marcus double-points event
- Found out my investments are kicking butt
- Started to cook more and eat-out less

Such a story of 2 steps forward and 1 step back... So on with the subject of this post...

I just bought tickets to see Madonna on her Confessions Tour! I love Madonna and her concerts are amazing. I saw Re-Invention in 2004 and was just blown away by the dancers, the production, the theatrics of it all. Unfortunately, she's not coming to DC this summer, so I got tickets for Atlantic City. Yes, the tickets are astronomically priced ($350 + fees), and I wouldn't pay this kind of $$ under any normal circumstance, but it's Madonna!!