This is a great question, I've enjoyed all the posts. I haven't had a real rose garden since 1995. The bloom I most looked forward to then was not remontant, but the best moment in that garden was when Madame Legras de St. Germain threw out her sweet, prolific blooms up the front of the garage and over the door. I am still in structural mode in my new garden, improving soil and building paths and arbors, etc. It will probably be 3 more summers before I plant new roses. So hard to wait!!! @ gardenerzone4- Molineaux should be fine for you, I saw it growing in the Minnesota Arboretum this summer. I believe they used soil and mulch at the base of the plant for winter protection. DH is trying to convince me to grow it since he is a philosopher who loves the name as well as the color.-- Also, I am curious about your italian roses, what do you do to winter protect them? Erin

Love Hanna Anderson. When DD was younger, I had a field day with their clothing. Especially loved the pj's. I actually would buy "Christmas" pj's - matching for DD & me. Their clothing is not inexpensive, but you can't wear it out. Also, HA used to have a policy wherein you could return clothing which was outgrown and they in turn, provided same to women and children in need. Great way to give back. My favorite baby gift is the sweater set. It's a splurge, but make a really nice gift once the baby arrives. Oh, and the tatoo thing. I don't mind tats at all. Just lived through the popularity of the super low jeans and the tatoo right above the crack of these young girl's butts. Not a very feminine look and combine it with a pair of thong panties meant to hang out above the jean line. UGH Worked with way too many young female file clerks who thought that was an attractive look.

I always shop at yard sales and thrift stores. I could probably get several outfits for 10 dollars at a yard sale,and one outfit at the thrift store. I guess for kids and myself, I've gotten a whole seasons outfits for 10 dollars since everything is usually a dime or quarter or 50 cents,and mostly they still have the tags on them and have never been worn. I bought 2 Sure-Fit slipcovers at a yard sale ( loveseat and sofa) for 10 dollars and gave my living room a new outfit,too!

As hubby, tongue-in-cheek, likes to say about me, "there's nothing too good or too cheap for her". It really depends on the WHAT! Before we spend on a product, service or an experience, we like to consider what will we gain by making the spending decision. We like to be well-informed consumers (especially when something is a large amount of money) and will choose from both categories - old and new. I wonder if this is a right-brain / left-brain question ;?) I'm more of a logical thinker than emotional, so that accounts for many of my choices. I couldn't care less if someone sees me in a $2 (on sale) white T-shirt from Wal-Mart worn for working out (I even have some I bought for $1 at Wal-Mart). A $300 work-out outfit doesn't make me sweat any less or perform any better. While I'll spend a LOT for SmartWool athletic socks which feel better and out-wear cheap cotton socks any day, and I buy quality shoes for working out, and for everyday use. We had a lovely antique bedroom suite, but we got tired of the upkeep, drawers that stick, and the size of it, so we donated it to a Hospice auction. Replaced it with minimalist furniture we purchased from Aldi at a fraction of the price they were selling the same stuff for at the expensive furniture store down the street. -Grainlady