Legible Tees - How to Wear with Style

A fantastic opportunity has come my way. I may soon begin working a part-time job at a really wonderful place - particularly for this mom who has been carrying too much weight in the middle (and the bottom) to be considered healthy or pleasing to my eye.

There is a fitness center in my town. This center has a babysitting service (in the way that IKEA has Småland) for children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. Members of the center are allowed to drop their children for up to two hours while they exercise. Employees are also allowed to drop their children there (rarely more than 4 hours). There is also a pre-school attached for which I was asked to be a "substitute."


I interviewed earlier this week and (fingers crossed) I will begin working there very soon. In addition to earning some pocket money, the major perks are 1.) if I work more than 8 hours a week, I get FREE membership as do my children (my darling husband would pay about $30 per month and, 2.) I can bring my children to work with me any time and every time if I want or need to which is uh-mazing since I still don't have a proper regular babysitter nor have I family members in the area.


Great opportunity for a mother of two right? But here's the rub, there is a uniform which involves a t-shirt with writing on it. I immediately thought of Paul Fussell's Class - which I first read about 20 years ago - and his dissertation which mirrors my opinion on clothes that have writing on them. If you've never read this classic tome, I totally recommend it. Tres funny. It rather reminds me of Lisa Birnbach, et al's The Original Preppy Handbook in the way it is written. And they were published around the same time, too.


So, here I am a shortish, rubenesque lady being offered the chance of free gym membership. I'm going to have to take it. But, how can I walk in with my head held high if I feel all slovenly. I am trying to figure out how to pull off this look without looking ridiculous or like I'm trying to hard. I just want to look neat and appropriate and nice and not feel like a slob (if you'll pardon the expression).

I would feel like the female version of the guy on the far right. Ugh!

Image courtesy of Three Quarks Daily

I think it takes a certain type of woman in her forties to be able to look right in tee shirt that has writing across the chest. That type of woman would be slim and a bit less endowed bustwise. As stated, at present, I am neither. I can't wear accessories (babies, you know) nor should I wear layers (too bulky).


By the way, on the bottom, I can't make myself wear the obligatory jeans, khakis or yoga pants. My bum is just too dang big. I'm a skirt and dress wearer unless an activity (skiing, riding horses, trips to the farm, camping, etc.) demands it.


And I do understand and agree that parents, co-workers and children must be able to immediately recognize the employees of the center. I completely get that this is a uniform for work and not an article of "fashion" clothing with some random (or not so random)saying, logo or advertisement. I just need to work out how I am going to be able to do it with flair.

I'd ask Muffy at The Daily Prep; but, I'm pretty sure even she wouldn't have the answer for a fluffy gal such as I.

What about sewing on a lace peter pan (round) collar and adding small shoulder pads? What about taking it to a seamstress to change the ribbed crewneck into a ballet neckline and belting it with a Vera Bradley belt? Too much? But seriously, is it even possible for one to do this in a dignified way?

Edited on 10/21/11 to remove some details about the workplace (sorry about that -   confidentiality matters).

I am a Couponer

Before a month ago, the only coupons I ever used were the occasional Lord & Taylor 25% off coupons that come in the Washington Post at the end of seasons or coupons for deals at food places that my children would get as reward through the summer reading programs at the Public Library. But, after watching several episodes of TLC's Extreme Couponing, talking with couponing moms whilst volunteering at the school IRL, talking with my sisters and reading thekrazycouponlady, I took the plunge and have been couponing for the last few weeks. And, oh what a feeling!

This book with the sassy (maybe they are just southern) title was written by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler of thekrazycouponlady. These ladies are so cute and enthusiastic about the process. Disclosure - I have not read this book so I can't say it's a "must have" for your Homemaker's Library. (Although, I must say, it does have great reviews at Amazon.) I am hopeful that we might be able to obtain a copy at our public library someday soon. 

As a homemaker (who is hunting for a part-time gig to support my list of wants), I believe that I am contributing to our family's bottom line and quality of life as I obtain regular and needed items at a fraction of the usual cost. When one saves moneyover here, she has funds for over there.

Children learn about needs vs. wants in lower elementary school in our county's public school system. As I see it, "needs" are those things that are required for survival whereas "wants" are things that are strongly desired for emotional reasons. (OK. I just made up those definitions. Still, I think that's pretty good.) My "wants" more often than not fall in to the "services" or "experiences" category more than goods. For me, my quality of life increases with a bit of pampering and doing things that are out of my ordinary. Here's a good worksheet for beginners - and newlyweds:) - Need vs. Wants Worksheet @ SmartAboutMoney.org.

Now, I am watching what store is doubling or even tripling coupons. I've learned that coupons and "rewards" are available to help me to conserve my funds for more of the needs and occasional splurges for those wants. I'm learning to organize my little envelope of coupons and to actually watch the cashiers ring to make sure I get my best and accurate price. Scanning errors happen frequently and seemingly always in the store's favor. It's crazy. While I don't expect to be one of the lady's with the big binder who's pushing two carts filled with pasta and toothpaste (because there is no way to do that elegantly), I do expect to a few more "services" and "experiences" to come my way. Meanwhile, my next goal is to have a receipt that shows that I saved more than I paid at a grocery, pharmacy or discount store.

So today, I proudly proclaim - channeling President John F. Kennedy's Boston Accent and passion during his Ich bin ein Berliner "I am a Berliner" speech from June 26, 1963 when JFK spoke in Germany but a little more quietly - I am a Couponer.

What I learned from WETV's Downsized

I am not a huge TV fan. However, on ocassion, when I'm not super busy doing something more worthwhile, I do enjoy a few shows that offer a bit in the way of financial education - ie, 'Til Debt Do Us Part, Princess, Biz Kids, ahem-clears throat, The Real Housewives (excluding New Jersey, of course), etc. Today I spend some time catching up on the Downsized series on WE. I had the first 5 episodes of the new season recorded and I needed to get through them - in order - because that's how I am.

Downsized premiered last year. The shows premise is basically The Brady Bunch hits hard times when the economy tanked. I would probably enjoy the show more if the family were more likable/admirable. I think the dad is pretty awesome. He is a strong, affectionate, articulate hardworker; and, he seems to have a vision for his family. The mom has a generous spirit and strong caregiving energy. She is a lower elementary school teacher and really seems to enjoy teaching. The kids are not my favorite part of the show. Actually, the show might actually be better without them being allowed to speak on the show. But, that's neither here nor there.

One of my take aways from the show (and I have several) is the concept of the a couple having a Financial Advisor. It's crazy that I never thought about it before. Sure, we think about having a Spiritual Advisor (clergyman), or Fitness Advisor (coach/personal trainers), or even a Family/Couples Therapist. How many families could have avoided being so hard hit by the recent collapse had they not had some clear objective advice on whether to or options on how to fund things like buy a house, rental properties, new car, boarding school, specialty camps, college, Staying Home to Raise One's Own Children, cosmetic surgery, etc.

That's brilliant!  I love it! A Financial Advisor!