Hi Michel:

About the give and take?

I've often thought that I would only read your comments when a "unique" commenter gets on your last nerves. I could always count on the "spare me" remark on such comments:-) But it would be nice if those times are not the only times we read from you, I'll say why not shoot for once a month.

About my bargain strategy?

My family and friends think I'm very picky when it comes to clothes. But during last Thanksgiving holiday, I showed them I can shop anywhere. A couple of relatives asked me to go a Goodwill with them. Other than donating clothes, I didn't really think you could find stuff at the Goodwill to buy.

But I ended up walking out with a vintage looking hat and a couple of scarves for about $12. Since I was in a cold climate for thanksgiving, I wore the hat and one of the scarves I bought from Goodwill with an INC trench coat and got a lot of compliments.

So do the high-low shopping, check out consignment stores and you could find great deals (though you may have to come in a few times before finding what I call "a steal.")

Sent by Moji | 1:34 PM ET | 07-08-2008

Hi Michelle,
I have a few great bargain tips but they only work in the big cities. I live in NYC and my roommate and I are furnishing our whole apartment for free via craigslist. You would think this wouldn't be the classiest way to get furniture, but you would be surprised what you can get for free. Most people in New York give great furniture away because they don't want to have to haul it out of the building. The only requirements are that you show up with the appropriate people and/or tools to get the item out of the apartment without the help of the owner. I found an amazing queen size mattress, box spring, frame, and bedside tables as well as a mission style entertainment center that was solid oak all for free.
Getting clothes and furniture the craigslist or thrift store way is also much more environmentally friendly.
Go Green!

Sent by Krissa | 3:04 PM ET | 07-08-2008

On bulying...
I enjoyed listening to the segment this afternoon from the Mocha Moms. My 9 year old has been bullied in 2 different locations this year. The 1 that would surprise people the most is his Christian school. People think, "It could never happen in a 'Christian' environment." I say, think again. I dealt with it and MADE his teacher and school deal with it. Our family also attend the church. He's also been bullied while in summer camp; when speaking to the mother of the child doing the bullying, she looked afraid of her child! She never spoke with him about it, even though he was right there. She just told me that his last day was the day of our conversation and he'd be attending a different camp for the duration of the summer.

Sent by Wylea | 3:06 PM ET | 07-08-2008

Michele, about the bullies...in your blog you asked a question I had on my mind. "What if you were the bully?" I hope you are able to find out. It will be very interesting to get that perspective. There is no telling what kind of situations or mindsets most bullies have that cause them to do what they do. Hmmm...I'll be listening. (smile)

Sent by Letitia | 4:33 PM ET | 07-08-2008

Personally, I relish the give & take that this forum offers. Your participation here would be appreciated by me.

I'm not much of a bargain shopper. I will seek out sales, but I generally don't peruse yard sales, Goodwill, consignment shops, and the like.

Sent by ernise | 2:03 PM ET | 07-09-2008