Holy cow. What did our parents' teach us? What are we teaching our children? Have we forgotten that "the customer is always right?". Or are people just SO self-centered that they really don't care. As an owner of a local convenience store, I am SHOCKED by some of the poor customer service I have received recently. From 20 minute phone hold times and still no live person, to rude cashiers and arrogant technical support reps I am beginning to think that the cause of our country's deepening recession isn't the troubled economics alone...but also the public's reluctance to pay for services and products when they are so poorly treated. I myself have made several decisions lately to not spend my money at a particular place, not because I can't afford them or don't want them, but because I don't want to give my money to a business that staffs a bunch of morons. In the end remember, it is my sale that pays their paycheck. Maybe their boss should tell them that. eBay shopping is looking better and better daily...and I can do it in my pajamas on my couch without having to leave the house, wait in line or get unnecessary attitude. Can you tell I'm worked up about this? :)

On a lighter note, if you would like to encounter smiling faces, friendly staff and prompt service, please stop by Levant Corner store on Outer Union Street in Levant for gas, groceries, lunch or dinner. We would love your business and will thank you for your patronage. :)

So my life since November has been insane to say the least. I have left the job I loved SO much at our local newspaper to run my own business, my grandfather passed away and I somehow managed to survive the holidays.

Just to get by, many things went undone this year (which is SO unlike me). No Christmas cards were sent out, our tree was not decorated until a week before Santa's arrival and I did nothing to celebrate the New Year. In fact, I was in bed looking at the back of my eye lids before 10PM. I am the OLDEST 27 year old I know!

I have however made it up to myself with an early birthday gift...my first Louis Vuitton. It is one of the best things I have ever owned - and it better be with it's ridiculously hefty price tag. You see, I am a label whore. Yes, I'll admit it. I love expensive things, especially handbags. At one time, my husband actually asked our loan officer if we could use my handbag collection as collateral for a construction loan. I promise I have done better since that eye opening meeting with the bank. So well in fact, that I have not purchased a new bag since my daughter was born in 2006. But the last three months have taken their toll and I needed a pick-me-up. :)

In doing some research to determine which bag I was going to "invest in"...yes it really was a small investment. I stumbled upon a group of handbag label whores just like me. And my, there really are a lot of them out there. The website www.forum.purseblog.com contains various designer forums: Burberry, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, LV and Coach just to name a few of my favs. Under each forum are THOUSANDS of handbag fanatics posting action shots of their bags, sharing celeb bag spottings and helping each other authenticate second hand bags for sale online (i.e. eBay). If for nothing else than to know I am not the only CRAZY handbag lady out there, I am in love with this site. It is like AA for handbag addicts. hehe

Lastly, in my defense, if Sex & The City were still running, I'm sure I would have had my weekly dose of high fashion and wouldn't have had to break down and dish out so much money to have my own LV. It is all HBO's fault. I should send them my Visa bill because of it. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

So last night, when I FINALLY found some time to tackle the overflowing laundry pile...I decided to address an issue that has been bothering me for a week now - musty smelling towels and sheets. My husband (God love him, he did try) attempted to "help me out" and do a load or two last weekend. His attempt (and that really is all it was) to wash, dry and create fresh smelling laundry actually resulted in musty towels and sheets after leaving them overnight in the washing machine. Ugh. Let me say that again, Ugh. Done this yourself? Feel my pain? I'm sure I don't have the only "helpful" husband around. :) Let me all save you some time and money. Don't go out and buy replacement towels and sheets as I have before. Don't cringe and curse and stamp your feet. Do what I did: Rewash items in hot water with 2 cups white vinegar. At end of wash, rewash items as usual (with your regular detergent). Upon completion of the second wash, deposit items in the dryer and dry until COMPLETELY dry and taa daa - sweet, fresh, crisp smelling laundry. Cheap, safe and a lifesaver - I LOVE white vinegar! And don't worry ladies...there are more amazing white vinegar tips than that coming your way soon! :)

It's official - I am now a Twitter addict. The first step is admitting you have a problem right? As a crazy Maine mom that never can find the time to meet up with friends, I AM THRILLED! MySpace was neat but was soon trumped by Facebook and Twitter is icing on the Facebook cake! My only problem now? I can see myself neglecting the dusting and vacuuming to Twitter my gal pals. Oh how tough life is! (Please not sarcasm).

Whether you are a republican, democrat or hate politics you will definitely soon hear about the new Newsweek cover of Sarah Palin. The cover photo of the Alaskan Governor, will be on newsstands Monday and shows in high resolution, every pore, imperfection and dare I say it...facial hair on Sarah's beautiful face. I only have one question...why in the world would Newsweek be so cruel?

Although we constantly are hating the media for touching up and editing models and celebrities photos in magazines, there was no such privilege granted to Mrs. Palin. The bias against this woman by the media is astounding!

Now don't get me wrong, I do think she is a bit of ding-bat and completely ill suited for the VP seat...but this does not justify an untouched close-up on a national magazine cover. Barack Obama's cover on Newsweek was surely photoshopped and he was provided with his own halo. Contradictory much? Let's focus on the facts, experience and politics of the country, please!

I am thankful for the success of Barack Obama in the polls which reflects the fact that racism is much less of an issue for the majority of Americans...but this attack on Sarah Palin simply proves that sexism is still an issue, especially in the media. And thanks to the Newsweek cover we know that it is uglier than ever.

How would Cindy Crawford have reacted to such negative exposure? And think, she has never run for such a high position of power! Yikes!

Looking for a neat little stocking stuffer for cheap? Head to ifrogz and get customized iPod nano speaker cases for only $0.99 each!! The case features built-in speakers, is available in eight colors and you can select from 88 "screenz" cover choices for the click wheel. Head to ifrogz and build as many iPod nano cases as you would like. At checkout, enter the coupon code "only99", it will drop the price of each of the covers to only 99 cents. :) Great deal...Enjoy!

I'm back...After weeks of being in hiding I'm back at the keyboard! Things have been crazy but the dust is settling and I've missed you all so much! :)

Due to the current economic outlook, I will be focusing many of my postings in the next few weeks on coupons, holiday savings, frugal shopping, household cleaning tips, etc. If you have any you would like to share - post away. Otherwise, be sure to become a follower of MaineMommy so you don't miss out on any tips, savings or rantings (check out the NEW Followers section on the left side of the site).

Below are a few money saving printable coupons...just in time for the holidays.