High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?

                       High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?


In my complex we just switched to HE Washing Machines after many years of dealing with an old machine that needed repairs badly.  As the manager bought the new machine in, we were so excited that we would now be able to enjoy a brand new machine that would make our clothes clean and at the time, we didn't know that it was high efficiency.

So, I decided to do my wash and I was so surprised by the quiet sound of the machine.  I thought to myself "This is a plus." but what I did not anticipate was the fact that the machine only filled up with half a bucket of water.  I automatically thought something was wrong with the machine and I had the setting on heavy duty and the sound was still so quiet.

I finished washing my clothes and I pulled out clothes that didn't smell clean at all.  I was so frustrated about this and i started to ask other people regarding this issue and they said that these kind of machines are not meant to use much water.  I was so upset about this because i have no need for a machine that will not clean my clothes effectively.

Sometimes, we yearn for products that are new and do things a different way, when there wasn't anything wrong with the old way.

I don't like these machines at all because it just defeats the purpose.  This machine sports a big tub, but what is the use of a big tub and less water?  When shopping for appliances please research online to see what your options are because you may not be getting what you are paying for.

Sometimes, you can save more money by just using a traditional washing machine and getting the job done the first time.

This is sort of a rant but the message here is to not go with the flow but do what works for you and your family even if the product isn't what's in at the moment.

My Grandson on his birthday and what he has taught me about life.

                                    This is my Grandson on his birthday yesterday.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen:  This is my Grandson enjoying his birthday with a big slice of cake.  When I found out that my daughter was pregnant with him, i was overjoyed.  At the time i was so sick and i didn't think that i had much time on this earth.

The announcement that i was going to be a Grandmother was music to my ears.  It represented hope, newness, a new beginning and a beautiful baby to hold and to nurture.  I had something to look forward to.

I was excited when my daughters stomach was growing and i knew that the time was near.  Some people asked me what my Grandchild would call me and i said Grandma or Granny.  They said " that sounds too old.  You should ask him to call you Nana or some other name"  I told them that i didn't care how old it sounds, Grandma represents a blessing to me.

I will never forget seeing Jamie Fox cry about his Granny when she passed away and i thought to myself, she must have been an amazing woman.

My Grandchild taught me to be stronger and that life doesn't always stay the same.  He taught me that if you you hold on, a change will come.  He taught me how to love unconditionally.

Remembering how it felt to see this little Man born and i was the second person to hold him after he came into the world makes me teary eyed.  He say's so many funny things and he is such a joy to have.

Yesterday, i had a conversation with someone and they were talking about their grandchildren and we both agreed that it seems like these children have always been with us.  God gave us these children who will extend our family tree for generations to come.

My Grandson is turning into a great young Man and i pray that when Grandma is gone, he will remember all the things that we have done and the happy times that the Lord allowed us to experience.

Happy Birthday little one and never forget; your Granny loves you.



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?

                                Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?



Shopping for the holidays can be fun but it can also be a big hassle because of the big crowds.  I plan on going to the mall with my family members to get a few things but i am mostly going to just be with family during this time.  This year has been really rough.

I saw a report on the news this morning and it was discussing some of the deals that will be available for Black Friday and to be honest with you, they are not all that great.  I went last year and it was more of a big build up for nothing.

Some department stores show sales of big televisions and other electronics and there are big savings, but, what these stores don't tell you; they are in limited quantities.  I am not the kind of person who will camp out overnight just to get a deal.  You can get better deals other times of the year and if you time it right, you can save a lot of money.

If you can wait until late February, you can get winter clothing at extreme discounts because the stores start to get ready for the spring, so, if you can wait until then, you can get multiple items for deep discounts.

If you can wait until the Superbowl, you can get your dream television for a much cheaper price and you can get the biggest screen that you want.

Delay getting that Computer, Camera and other electronics till February, March or keep searching online till you see the deal that you want.

Also, I think Cyber Monday gives you more discounts and it is a safer way to shop.

Happy Holidays to you all!



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

What Elderly People Know That We Don't Know

I was at the Mall the other day and i saw elderly people walking around the Mall like they didn't have a care in the world.  I started to study this beautiful population of people to see why they were just strolling around and taking it easy, so to speak.

When i go to New York City, i see people running for Trains, Planes and Automobiles, and everyone is in a hurry.  If you just stroll along, you may just get ran over by someone, lol.  The energy is exhilarating and it is so much to do and i love it, but, to live in the City and have to be on and moving all the time can sometimes be tiring.

The older dolls and gents are not in a hurry because they have lived their life and being that they don't have to run to get to a job or catch the next train or be tied up in traffic, is a blessing and they know this.

They go for a nice, slow, walk, to get some exercise, and breathe in some nice, clean, air.
We can learn a lot from them because when you are constantly on the run, you are nervous, jittery and you will then drink coffee and energy drinks to keep yourself up.  This has a bearing on your health right now and in the future.  You do not sleep as well as you could because you have programmed yourself to get up and out the house by a certain time.

You work all day and then you come home to activities that you must take care of before you go to bed.  You set that amazing invention called the alarm clock to set you in motion to do the same thing tomorrow.

Your body must have a certain amount of sleep everyday to make a positive impact on your health.  You see, being healthy is not all about eating healthy, it is about being healthy in all aspects of your life.

Our Mothers, Fathers, and Grandparents now have time to go to the Doctor to take care of the health problems that they could not attend too because they were busy working all the time. They also find time to go out with their friends who are retired also, and have lunch and talk about "The Good Ole Days."

You may be thinking, Ms, Sashamoniquetalks, I work all day and i am very busy and i cannot live the same way that these wonderful people are living but i say, you can.  It is all about taking a little time to just sit a little and relax and when you get home from work, take a nap for about a 1/2 hour or an hour before you start your duties at home.  Don't always be in a rush to do things when you don't absolutely have to.

Tell your spouse or other family members that from now on you will take a little time for yourself each day to just "Smell The Roses."

Take a nice slow stroll in the park to just shake off the pressures that you had to deal with during your work day.

On your lunch break, take the time to eat and read a magazine without any interruptions if it is possible and just be still and quiet.

This will do so much for your well being and you will start to feel more relaxed and happier.  You have to make and create some time for just yourself.

What i have learned the most about elderly people is; they have lived it all and seen it all and deep down they know after all, it is going to be all right.




                                               Sashamoniquetalks

How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe.

                                         How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe


The holidays are coming up and the most exciting part is the sales that are available after the holidays.  I am not a person who like crowds but i love shopping and you can get special items for your family during this time.  Over the years i have heard so many horror stories of people getting robbed or killed during this joyous part of the year.

We are living in a time where we have to look over our shoulder when we are out shopping.  One of the shopping malls in my area is high end in a very swanky town and the perception by people who are less fortunate is: "I will hang around and look for a target with money and high end goods and i will attack."  So, I am going to give you some tips to use during the holiday shopping season.

These tips will help to reduce your chance or being robbed:

1. If you have an extra Car that is inexpensive and old, this is the time to drive it to the mall to do your shopping.
2. Wear plain unbranded clothing to the mall.
3. Do not flash large sums of money.
4. Take your expensive watch and jewelry off before you go shopping.
5. Before going shopping, buy some shopping bags that are plain so people cannot see what stores you are shopping at such as; high end stores.  If all fails, buy white garbage bags with handles.  People will think that you are weird, but, you will be safe.
6. Do not go to the ATM while you are at the mall.  Get money before you leave home.
7. Try to park your Car where it is well lit and try not to park in a garage.
8. Do not entertain people who strike up an odd conversations with you.  Do not be rude but, try to make up an excuse to get away quickly.
9. Do not use your expensive phone at the mall if you can help it.
10. Go to the bathroom in groups.

The best tip there is:  Order all your gifts online.

Some of these tips may sound a little funny but it will help you to avoid these situations when out shopping.

If you feel that someone is following you. Go in the nearest store and stay there and call police.





                                                 SashaMoniqueTalks

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money.

Many years ago I would hear people talk about being a good steward over your money and I thought that it was just words that Christian people would use to try to get in your personal affairs or to judge you on, but, it is a practice that I had to embrace when my financial state became very fragile at a very difficult time in my life.

There are times when you just didn't know whether you were going to make it through.  These are the moments that I would grasp all the knowledge that I would hear or learned from other people in my past and I learned a great lesson and that is, " I learned more about trusting God but also being a good steward over my money".  

I watched how other people lived and I began to hold onto a stronger value system.  Some people look wealthy but they really aren't.  They are spending more than what they really earn.

I met a very wealthy Lady and from the outside, this person did not look rich at all.  I met her family and they lived a very modest life. They enjoyed life but they maintained their wealthy state of being by being mindful about where and how they spend their money.  In this post, i am going to show you ten of the things that I learned and embraced that transformed my thinking.

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money:

1. When shopping for clothes, buy the best fabrics that your money can buy in simple styling because these items can be worn for many years.
2. Adopt a minimalist theme in your home and you can make it look nice but focus more on keeping everything spotless and it will make everything look pulled together.
3. Set aside a certain day of the month to go out and eat and for recreation. This way you will not feel like you are missing out on the good things in life.
4. Look over your receipts to find out how much money is going out and what exactly you spent it on.
5. Do not wear your good clothing when you are at home; this way you can preserve your clothes and it makes them last longer.
6. Every pay period make sure that you save some money for emergencies and make this a regular habit. Teach your children to save a portion of their allowance for special things that they want to buy.
7. Learn how to maintain your clothing such as; hemming pants, spot removal and little repairs that you can do yourself.
8. Bring your lunch to work a few times a week.  This will save you so much money.
9. Buy clothing that can be washed in a washing machine.  Only dry clean suits and special occasion clothes.
10. Find an alternative to Cable TV such as; Netflix or watch programs on your computer.

Such A Cute Throwback Outfit.

I was at the Mall last week and i saw this cute skirt with the black top  and i fell in love with it.  I had seen this skirt about two years ago at my local thrift store and i didn't get it because i thought that it would be too dated, but i wanted to get it and wear it with some black boots.

The skirt was no more than three dollars at the thrift store and i wish that i had gotten it.  This skirt at the department store was about twenty or thirty dollars which isn't bad.

I have learned a serious lesson and that is, when i see an item of this sort; just get it!
Sometimes you really have to think out of the box and make an outfit work for you.  I am thinking of going back to the Mall and purchasing this skirt.