Hi and Welcom to LAL Musings!  I’m thrilled to be hosting my first carnival on this new blog. And even more thrilled that it’s the Fabulous Festival!  This festival is filled with great tips for women and men, so Welcome!

I’m LAL (livingalmostlarge) of LAL Musings. I write about life as a woman without kids and my journey to financial freedom one day. I hope you have a look around here and jump on over to my personal finance blog LivingAlmostLarge.  Tomorrow actually I’m hosting the 154th Festival of Frugality, so feel free to submit a post for consideration.

Please sign up for RSS or Email Feeds.  Also check out a couple of my more interesting posts.

• The Stay at Home Parent Debate
• Engagement Rings?
• Teen Pregnancy

Next month Meg from AllAboutAppearances will be hosting the Fabulous Festival!  It will be up January 5th, but posts are due January 2nd here.  If you wish to host, contact Meg here.  I hope you have a great time.  I’m going to share with readers stuff I like in each category.

Beauty

I was advised by a dermatologist to use proactiv to help clear up my adult acne.  It’s relatively inexpensive, but a PIA to order.  But the stuff works great!  My skin looks better than ever. I also use Garnier Nutrioniste for moisturizing my skin to prevent wrinkles.  What do you use?

• Victoria E interviews the founder of Spirit Beauty Lounge in Green Beauty Gets Easier at Spirit Beauty Lounge + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT! posted at Victoria Everman :: Sustainable, Creative, Enlightened Living :: San Francisco. I love this idea of green beauty, and the discount is tempting!
• Julie gives us the lowdown on Alternatives to Celebrity Makeup Brands posted at Healthtrition Skin Care and Beauty. Sound like generic makeup might work as well as the “celebrity” stuff, like most generics.
• Woman Tribune reviews a product she can’t live without in Product I Will Not Live Without: Nature Babe Body Balm posted at Woman Tribune. She makes it sound so good, I feel like trying it out, and she says she’s still hooked after a year!
• Sarah Scrafford lists 50 Health and Beauty Products You Can Make at Home posted at Massage Therapy Careers. I am so going to have to try the body treatments, especially the coffee clove body scrub.

Fashion

This is my current favorite pair of shoes, the naturalizer sport mirror shoes. It’s awesome!  They are super comfortable, easy to wear, cute, and CHEAP!  What’s your favorite shoe?

• Shannon Hurst Lane reviews Joe’s Jeans in Motherhood of the Traveling Pants posted at Traveling Mamas. Wow those are some hot looking mamas, looking great Joe’s Jean. Darn I’m so short, I’m not sure it’s worth the splurge.
• Mac. runs down a list of Actorlicious: 10 Basics Wardrobe Essentials posted at Actorlicious. I’m not so sure about white jeans for women as a basic. What do you think? I think heavier jacket than a trenchcoat more important than white jeans, but I’m no fashion expert.
• Viviana gives us a list of things to do before winter hits in Clean up and replenish, wardrobe planning posted at The Lean Times. Great list, I should have done it earlier. She advises knowing what you own and shopping from a list as well!
• DCDiva puts together a cool list of Cheap Chic Under $50: Tis the Season for Festive Holiday Shoes posted at Heels Are a Girl’s Best Friend. OMG I am in love. These are great shoes, and the Karen Scott is so simple. Too bad I can’t wear heels after my recent foot accident.
• Darragh Daly put together the preppy grunge style in Survival of the fittest: Tobi’s lookbook and styling yourself posted at desiderate. Very cool, but I doubt I could pull it off, I’d look more like a kid than I do now.
• Heather Winters gives us tips on Special Occasion Attire - Special Occasion Dress posted at 2009 Prom Dresses. There is a broad range of tips for anyone attending a special occasion or planning one.
• Joanna Clay talks about the new Michael Kors: Flowers Falling Everywhere posted at chic xica.. I love Micheal Kors, but I may have to stick with the discount retailer version.
• Serge talks about the use of non-models in an ad campaign by Christian Dior: Major Ad Campaigning for Handbags and Fragrance posted at Edictive. I have to say the ladies look like models to me, but then I’m unenlightened about fashion.
• MBB explains how to tell Fake Polo Shirts and Designer Clothing posted at Money Blue Book Blog. It is so cool to see a real and fake crocodiles next to each other, check it out.
• CzechFolks tells about all slavic hotties in Czech Models Shine in the World – Kurkova is at the Top posted at CzechFolks.com. I had no idea there were so many beautiful Czech models. Interesting fact.
• Paige Muller says giving shoes is a no-no in gift giving etiquette. Instead maybe a coffee table book such as Shoe Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide: Red Shoe Diaries posted at Heels Are a Girl’s Best Friend. I’m putting Stiletto on my library reading list.

Blogging

I just thought this was a cute sign. I have been blogging for 3 years now, though until this April when I moved to a self-hosted website for LivingAlmostLarge.  But why do it? I think it’s to publicly journal our lives for input about things we normally wouldn’t say in public to others.  Like I lost a ton of money in the stock market recently!

• Good Thing asks us to all submit good things that are happening and she’ll post a list in A Million Good Things posted at A Million Good Things. She says her goal is to put together a list of 1 million good things by 1/1/09! Help her reach her goal and submit a good thing!
• Data SystemsPlus explains how to Automate Blog Carnival Submissions For Backlinks [E-Course] posted at Data SystemsPlus. Nice idea, but as a carnival hoster, many carnivals discourage submitting the same post to multiple carnivals in the same week. This can cause the rejection of posts, but a nice idea.
• Laetitia gives us tips on How to find your unique blogging style. posted at Mademoiselle Robot. I am starting out on this new more personal blog LAL Musings, and I find it’s harder to be more personal than just writing about finance and numbers, because I wonder if people will think it’s completely stupid and irrelevant.
• GC explains Making Money By Flipping Websites posted at Get Money. I know people who suggest making niche websites for cash. Personally I find it too much work.
• Barry Wright III talks about critiquing fashion in The “Art” of Criticism posted at 3stylelife. I agree that you have to take criticism with a grain of salt, so dare I ask how is this new blog of mine? Could I take the heat?

Relationships

I really admire these articles about relationships.  I had to laugh because both were from two single guys who are looking for woman.  Strangely their perspective is very similar to single women.

• Vicky gives us tips on Trimming Your Wedding List – How to Make the Tough Decisions posted at Cheap Weddings. I had no problems, but my Mom was just awful in demanding people be invited. I just drew a line in the sand and said NO. Plus I paid for my own wedding so I could draw the line. I know many people have parental help and that makes it difficult to reign in the number of people invited.
• Baller King tells us his take on Becoming Exotic And Intelligent To A Girl posted at Men’s Advice. I think that women are looking for men who are intelligent and real. I want a man who invests in a 401k/IRA, cares about retirement, savings, etc. Someone who is real enough to tell me TRUTH! I don’t want a faker who pretends to speak foreign languages, wine, or travelling. What will we have in common and what is the man’s REAL values if he lies?
• Mandingo talks about the Biggest Dating Mistake posted at Attract Women Now. Interesting. I think it works for women too. Men don’t want to date women who think they aren’t good enough for the man. Everyone likes self-confidence.

That wraps up the carnival. I hope you had as great a time looking over the Fabulous posts as I had putting it together. Please come back again or sign up for RSS or Email Feeds.

Popularity: 8% [?]

MSN travel editors asked the question “Is it rude to recline your chair while flying?”  There are 34 pages of answer and people complaining!  Basically the consensus is yes it’s rude.  Then there are people who say too bad, and others who say it’s the airlines.

I’ve travelled A LOT and A LOT of long flights.  Typically 6 hours+.  And I make connections. I’m damn well going to recline the seat I paid for. If you don’t like it, then you can tell me, but it doesn’t make it right that I’m going to not recline my seat.  Also if you want more space, why aren’t you paying for business or first class?

Ah yes, they price for those bigger seats suck. But why should I be bothered when there are TONS of people who don’t even fit in their seats?  They are overflowing, and we still allow them to fly in one seat.  So what’s the difference?

Yes I agree airlines have to stop cramming in seats, but you know what you are getting when you buy a ticket to fly.  I usually have people who recline the seat and I don’t bitch about it.  It’s their perogative.

So what do you think?

Popularity: 7% [?]

Okay, I’m going to admit my secret shame. I love reading tabloid rags. I read them in every supermarket, grocery line I’m in. I can’t help myself. It’s just too awesome to read the rag.  And of course who doesn’t read it from MSN front page?  I enjoy reading the news.

But back to the title.  Seriously there is so much tabloid fodder about Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt.  Honestly who cares what happened 4 years ago?  Why bother bringing it up? Does it really matter?

Can’t they just move on?  Why can’t the tabloids let it go and let all involved parties move on?  Who cares if they fell in love in a movie?  Or decided to have kids together before marriage?  How many other couples do it everyday?  Even other famous couples?  Most are in relationships about as long as it takes me to write this.

But seriously, Angelina and Brad Pitt look happy.  And Jennifer Aniston seems happy with John Mayer, bu he’s a sleeze. So what’s the big deal?

Popularity: 11% [?]

What does Christmas mean to you?  Is it important?  Or is it just another day?  Do you think that Christmas is too commercialized?

I think it’s way to commercialized.  I’ve been fortunate in preventing from exchanging from too many presents.  But I still feel pressured to make cards, visit family, etc.  Sometimes I wish this time of year was over. 

Part of it is being married.  My family likes to do cards, gifts, etc.  So I do it.  But my in-laws do nothing, and I feel extremely guilty buying gifts, sending cards and not doing anything for my in-laws. I have considered leaving it to my DH, but he just starts to whine and beg that I do it.

For quite a few years I’ve gotten nothing from my in-laws.  This year it might be different since we’ll see them at Christmas.  First time in a couple of years.  But I doubt it.

What’s your take on the holidays?

Gotta go black friday shopping now.

Popularity: 8% [?]

I am happy to be hosting Thanksgiving. I love turkey.  I have very fond memories of eating thanksgiving day meals with my family at home.  I adore turkey.  My favorite meal.

But something I hate?  Well no grocery stores are open where I live today.  Even for 2-3 hours.  Arrgh. I miss CA, where the stores would be open to noon, in case you forgot something.  I messed up and needed cranberries and brown sugar.  Ugh.

But other than that, my day is going great and I am excited to have friends and family around.  That and my dad’s eye surgery went great yesterday!  Woohoo!  Yes

I hope everyone is having a wonderful thanksgiving and being thankful for everything.

Popularity: 10% [?]

I bought the paper and I’m going to start looking at deal. I’m not sure if I’m going to buy anything, but I like looking.  What about you?

Popularity: 8% [?]

I know that it is very difficult to stop smoking.   But I don’t know what it is, I’m always walking behind a smoker and it drives me nuts.  I feel like shaking them and saying stop, you are blowing your smoke right in my face.  Or we’ll be on a crowded bus or train and a smoker, having “just” smoked a cigarette will stand next to me.

I don’t get why they need to smoke right before they take transit.  Flicking the butt off right before they step on.  Arrgh, come on.  People don’t want to smell you and your smoke.  But no, they have to light up and puff away right before they catch a train.

I don’t get why young people are smoking either.  They know it’s bad for them.  It will kill them.  For women it decreases your fertility.  So you could end up paying for it if you wanted to get pregnant but can’t and need “help”.

Don’t get me started on what a waste of money it is.  You’re literally burning your money.  And yes I realize that women especially smoke to keep the weight off.  My best friend does, and just can’t quit.  Sadly, it also prematurely ages you.  We’re the same age, 29, but I get carded for alcohol and asked what I’m going to do when I finish college.  She’s looks 30. 

I feel bad, but I wonder should health insurance companies incentivize and pay for smoking cessation programs?  Why do people keep starting smoking when we know how bad it is for us?

Popularity: 14% [?]

Okay, so I hate people who chat in line on their cell phones.  NOT because I care that they are talking or what they are talking about.  But because I want to be done with my shopping and they are slowing me down.

Yes I shouldn’t be so damn impatient, but COME ON!  Don’t talk on the cell phone while you are checking out. I don’t!  I try my best to get out of there fast. I have my coupons ready, items organized, and wallet out to pay!

Also don’t answer your damn phone when you are checking out. Can’t you see the cashier wants your attention as well. I am totally cool with following people who use checks, paying with cash, or even multiple credit cards.  But this business of being on the cell phone, not paying any attention to the cashier, can’t pay because they are unable to figure out where their check, credit, or debit card is located is a NO GO!

Why do people do this?  Are they so important they can’t be bothered?  What’s the deal with hanging up or NOT talking on your cell phone for 5 minutes!  And worse yet are the people who START talking on the cell phone because they are “waiting” in line!  My god, do what I do and read the tabloids.

I am going to share my dirty little secret, I love reading tabloids mags in line. It gives me a total excuse to check them out, though to actually buy it would be ridiculous.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Is a good haircut worth it?  I think it is.  I think that it’s part of the package of looking professional for your job.  I know that for many people they can dress well for cheap.  They know how to bargain shop, mix and match quality with cheap.  But something I’ve found people always complain about is haircuts.

A good haircut is never cheap.  It’s rare that I’ve heard from a woman that they can go to supercuts and be happy.  Granted men can, because their cuts are relatively similar.  But women?  Plus, once you’ve found someone you like, it’s often a repeat business.

I know women who spend $200/month on cutting, coloring, or straightening their hair.  But is a good cut if it’s $20, $30, or $50 worth it?  I was admiring my haircut from a month ago, and it’s taken this long to grow out, and during this time, it’s looked okay, but it’s just hit the perfect length.

And I feel better about myself with my hair looking good. I feel I look more presentable than a rumpled mess.  Now with winter hat season, if my hair is too long, when the hat comes off I feel as though I look like I just rolled out of bed and a mess.  Sure I only am a student and “work” in academia, so I don’t need to look good, but I think it makes me stand out.  I take care to wear clean, neat clothes and shoes.  I have clean, brushed hair and teeth.  I don’t smell and I take care of my skin.

But seriously, when my hair is growing too long, I feel like a slob. I feel as though it’s a ragbag and I’m less groomed.  So to me a good haircut is worth every penny.

What do you think?  What do you think makes you feel well groomed?

Popularity: 20% [?]

Is plastic surgery bad?  Is it wrong for men and women to use plastic surgery to look better?  Should we be satisfied with how we age and look?  Are people who get plastic surgery, botox, etc not insecure?  Are they not self-confident?  Are women who undergo plastic surgery vain?

I was discussing this with some people, and I think plastic surgery is fine.  Would I do it? I don’t know, I’m 29 and in good shape, so no.  But ask me after 4 kids and I’m 50, I might have a very different answer than the one I have now.  I mean I’ve had friends and family who do plastic surgery.  My sister gets botox, but then she does botox for a living.  My mom has had botox, teeth whitening, braces, and laser spot removal. So has my MIL.  According to what defines plastic surgery both my mom and MIL have had it.  And they did it in their 50s.

So I am of the opinion, if you can afford it, why not?  I sort of put it on the level of, getting laser eye surgery, dying my hair, etc. I do it now, so I might be tempted in the future.  I use moisturizer and skin care to look good now, and is “surgery” any different?  To me, NO.

This came about because a woman I know, had a tummy tuck after 3 c-sections.  She said it made her feel better.  She did look better.   She’s educated, working professional, and attractive.  So what’s the problem?  I know some women were offended she would do it, but is it any different from stomach stapling?  Or gastric bypass?

What do you think about plastic surgery and using artificial means to look better?

Popularity: 26% [?]