Crock Pot Love

First of all, let me say how happy I am that Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer is back from her blogging hiatus, and therefore we have the return of Works for Me Wednesday! Hooray!

Now...on to my current life hack...

Right now life is hectic. Chip and I both work until almost (if not after) 5:00 every day. By the time we pick up Patrick from school, it is at least 5:45 when we get home, so that is a terrible time to start cooking a nice dinner most nights. Sure it works for some quickies like tacos and such, but for the most part, there are not a lot of meals to prepare, cook, and serve that we can finish before 8:00.

Suddenly I had an epiphany...we own a crock pot. Of course I was limited in the recipes that I had, and although I love my super duper easy pork chop recipe (chops in crock, cover with Italian dressing, add chopped onions, cook, add green peppers 45 minutes from end), we certainly can't have them every night.

What did I find? This super blog called A Year of CrockPotting. Stephanie has made a new year's resolution to use her crock pot everyday of 2008. It's awesome. There are a lot of things you can make in a crock pot that I was unaware of (like meatloaf!). So this last week we have tried the following recipes: Peppercorn Steak, our beloved pork chops that I mentioned above, Bacon and Cheese Chicken (which I messed up by my own error! GRRR) and tonight is Chicken Cordon Bleu. Yummm.

The site has details of the preparation, ingredients, pictures of prep and finished product, and a review of each recipe via her family. She is a health nut, so you can guarantee if the recipe isn't to her personal standard, she will give you an alternative to make it more healthy. She carries a lot of ethnic choices as well, such as Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, TexMex, Mexican, and others and even some vegetarian meals...so you can find something to spice up the evening and fit any taste!

Seriously...go check her out. I am loving this site!

So at our house, the prep work is done in the morning...none of which has taken more than 15 minutes yet, the last person out the door for us turns the crock pot on low, and we arrive home to a meal that just needs a side or so added. It's wonderful and with our current schedules, leaving a healthy meal followed by time to do stuff as a family before bedtime. So right now, it really works for me! Thanks, Stephanie!

Keeping the Kids Hydrated

Today's tip from me for Works for Me Wednesday is a tool that we use here around summer since it gets SO hot in southeast Georgia.
We bought some (generic) Pedialyte popsicles several months ago when Patrick had a stomach virus and we were concerned that he would get dehydrated. Of course we did not go through the entire box in the three days that he was sick, so we had some leftovers.
Enter brilliant idea: Patrick is a hot, sweaty boy. He plays hard and often I wonder if he is keeping cool. He's really good about drinking water when he's hot, but I still worry...that's what moms do, right? Well, we decided to give it a go with those "Pedialyte" popsicles and he LOVES them! They are cool, fruity and refreshing and best yet...full of electrolytes and no sugar, so we don't have to worry about sugaring him up. They work great!
Yes, regular popsicles are great for cooling off, but if you're concerned about dehydration, these are a great snack!
That's what Works for Me. Go check out what works for others over at Rocks in My Dryer!

Save Money by Spending?

Today's What Works for Me here at Mrs. Nespy's Frugal World is something that I have just started doing. It is something I am suggesting with some reservation because although it can easily work, it would be easy to get carried away with and lose sight of saving money. So with a bit of hesitancy, I'm going to make a recommendation that you can use at your own discretion.

Just recently I have been looking into purchasing coupons via eBay. It is something that I do cautiously because it is very easy for me to get carried away with shopping on eBay. However, I have a plan that I am beginning to implement and I want to offer the thoughts to you. I recently purchased some Bed, Bath, & Beyond coupons (20% one item) on eBay. Why, you ask. Well, BB&B coupons do not expire. I mean, they have expiration dates, but all stores take their own expired coupons, so for all practical purposes, they have no expiration date. You can use one per item in your purchase (with some limited exclusions listed on the coupons). We are in the midst of buying a lot of stuff for the house

Now you can argue with me that these coupons come in the mail free of charge. You're right. And the first 10 that I used were mailed to me and sat collecting on our counter for a few months. However, I've used all of those now, and I'm out. So, I started perusing eBay. I had a set amount in my head that I was willing to pay (which included shipping)--for me it was $3.50 for 10. That would translate into $7.00 for 20. Does that sound like a lot to pay for a free coupon? Maybe--but they do not expire, so as I use them, I will save much more than the money I'm investing in them. Since I have no other means to get my hands on 10 of these, it seemed reasonable. In fact, with the first 10 I had, we saved over $100! Sounds like a winner to me!

Remember that I noted that my top bid including shipping. So for the 10 I received, I paid $2.65 for the coupons and $0.85 shipping.

Now, let me take this one step further and tell you what I just did as an experiment as an expansion of this idea.

There are various places on the web where you can see the upcoming deals for CVS (I use iheartcvs and slickdeals). I looked into the future on these sites and found one upcoming CVS deal that would be great for me. It's the purchase of $20.00 worth of a specified variety of OTC medications with the return of 10 ECBs. Now, since there are -$2.00 coupons out there for one of those which we actually use a good deal of, I bought them. For around $1.50 I bought 20 coupons that will work for this deal. Although I don't need quite this many, I could not find coupons for less than that of what I needed. And I think I'm going to do a giveaway for the remainder of them. Anyway, by my estimates, those products are about $4.00 each. If I purchase 5 of them to reach the $20 requirement, use (5) -$2.00 coupons and save $10.00 and then get a return of 5 ECBs, I have essentially gotten free headache medication for my family (I frequently get headaches...it runs in my gene pool). My only cost was the $1.50 I spent on coupons; not bad for 5 bottles of make-me-feel-better medicine.

I will give you an update of how this works next week when I try it. I didn't want to get too carried away on my first attempt.

So, take to heart that I am not advocating spending lots of money on coupons so that you can buy stuff you normally would not buy or spending more on coupons that you are going to save. Neither of those are frugal! Please use this tip at your own risk. However, when you are wise about coupon purchasing, I think you can really find something that works for you.

Please visit Rocks In My Dryer to see what works for everyone else!

*Please note, that selling coupons themselves is against most manufacturer coupons policies. However, if you look on eBay, they are actually selling their time to clip, collect, and ship the coupons. Know that I am using the term "selling coupons" loosely.

*There are also places online to swap them or you can start a local coupon swap. However, since neither of these is currently working for me, I am using what I can to save money.

Teaching Children About Money - Part 4 - Spending

So children spending money, right? Sounds like an easy thing to teach. The easy part is the spending, as everyone seems to be born with an natural ability to do this (or quickly pick it up from mom or dad). The hard part is purchasing responsibly with their money.

This can start even before they have a concept of money. Teach them to make choices. For instance, when we are reading to Patrick at night, he makes choices quite frequently. We tell him that he can only take one toy to bed or that we can only read three books (if he is going to be late) or that we can only sing 2 songs. This forces him to make a decision based on what he likes best. He can't have it all, but he can choose his favorites. The same applies to shopping. If we decide that he's going to get something when we go shopping and he picks out two things that he wants, he has to decide which one he will actually go home with. It's not complicated. It teaches him that he cannot have everything and eventually it will help him make wise shopping decisions.

Use this same principle when taking them to spend their own money. It's funny how children are much more particular about how they spend their money than when they spend yours. We are not much different from them in this aspect, as we can see with this country's debt problem!

As they get older and are making more money, whether through allowance, chores, a job, or all of the above, set up an agreement with them on what you will provide vs. what they will use their own money for. For instance, you will buy them one pair of sneakers and boots or sandals for a school year. If they want any other shoes, they can purchase them with their money. That includes the ones you buy them getting worn from poor maintenance/rough play or just because they want the latest and greatest fad. They can purchase gifts from their own money for Christmas or Mom's/Dad's day. You can set up the "Special Jar" for this if you want. Encourage them to make gifts instead of buy and you will get much more heart-felt gifts and they will learn the value of their money. If they do insist on using your money, apply the credit lesson principle learned in Part 1 of this series and charge them interest. If they want a new video game, they can spend their spending money on that...not savings...it is going in the bank each month, remember?

So, although we don't have to worry about teaching our children how to spend money, we do need to teach them how to spend it wisely.

To read Part 1 - Credit, click here
To read Part 2 - Giving, click here
To read Part 3 - Saving, click here

Photo credit: {© gisela}

Happy Independence Day

Please take today to celebrate with your friends and family.

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

—John Hancock

New Hampshire:Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Source cited: The Declaration of Independence
Photo credit: johngiovanni1

Teaching Children About Money - Part 3 - Saving

Welcome visitors via the Festival of Frugality: Bare Necessities Edition over at Squawkfox or Money Hacks Carnival #19 — Personal Finance Destinations at the Money Hacers Network. I hope you enjoy your stay while you are here. Feel free to look around and if you like what you see, you are welcome to sign up for my feed via reader or email in the right margin. If you don't, that's fine too. I hope you enjoy your stay!

So, it has been a while since I wrote on how to teach children good financial habits, but I thought I should pick up where I last left off and (hopefully) wrap up the series soon.



Today we will discuss saving. This is an easy one in my book and one that many of you across Blogland are already doing, as I have already read.

Start by setting up separate containers for the areas you want to focus on. They can be anything...a mason jar, a cleaned peanut butter jar, an old icing/frosting container...whatever you want. Let the kid decorate it with some guidance. Give each one a theme. For older children, have them decorate with the theme of what the money will be used for--for instance a present for "giving," a safe or lock for "saving," and dollar signs for "spending." With older children as well you can mark the percentage on the container to help with some math education. For smaller children, color code the jars--like green for saving, red for spending, and purple for giving...something that they can relate to if they cannot read. Use different "red" objects and glue on the outside of the spending jar just to make it interesting to create and to look at. Make the system work for you, but make it fun for them. Give them something to really be excited about.

When you child earns/receives money, do what you can to divide it up for them into equal amounts in order that they can "budget" their money based on percentages that your family has determined--for instance 10% giving/30% spending/60% savings or however you want to divvy it up. I will use this 10/30/60 model for my examples because I think that is a pretty good way to do it, however, feel free to use whatever percentages with which you are comfortable. Say they have "earned" $1 for doing a chore that you asked them to do. Pay them in dimes. I know, this is a hassle for you, but it will pay off in the end. Teach them that one of those dimes goes into the 10% Giving jar, three go into the spending jar, and 6 go into the savings jar.

Now make sure that either once a week or once a month, depending on how often you tithe/give, you take out everything in the "giving" jar and contribute as you have set it aside. Make this important to the child. Make them see you do it...or even help you with it if at all possible. I covered giving more in a previous post in this series and you can read more about it here.

Also once a month, move all of the money from the "savings" jar into an actual savings account for the child. That way, it can accrue interest. Each month when you are ready to deposit the money, go online to the account and show the child how the previous month's deposit has grown due to interest. If you have already taught you child about credit using my method, they will already understand interest...except this time, it is working in their favor! Let them see the account again once you have made the deposit so they can watch their money grow. Even print up the chart or graphs that some banks offer from their sites so they can have a visual (if they are geared that way) --or make your own charts in Excel.

Lastly, once a month, also cash out the spending jar. Turn those coins into cash just to save room in the jar and reduce its weight. You can decide once a month to go on a "shopping" trip to let them spend their money or let them access it whenever they go shopping with you...whatever you prefer.

One more note--if need be, create a new jar if you have a special event coming up...like a vacation. Have them take some of their "spending" money and put it into the special event jar to spend on that occasion. Make sure that they understand that they will have less spending money immediately, but will have some especially set aside for those special occasions that are upcoming. Do not compromise and let them take some of their giving or savings money for this. You can set the best example by teaching them to buy less now and be frivolous with that money later than to dip into money that is set aside for giving or spending, neither of which should be compromised.

Whew...did you know that there was so much to cover? Just put it in the piggy bank, right? That might work, but it will not teach them realistic, applicable money management.

Photo credit: -murilo-

No More Funky Towels!

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAYS really works for me! However, that is not my entry for this week. I just want you all to know that I'm doing my happy dance because I tried out a tip I found on here last week and it worked! Since this solved a real problem that our family encountered, I definitely think it is worth mentioning again.
Last week, I learned a tip from The Diaper Diaries on how to take the funky smell out of towels. We had this problem for a long time and nothing was working. The towels just had a musty smell that became much more obvious when wet and it never seemed to go away. I tried bleach, air drying, different detergents and everything I could think of (except fabric softener--don't ever use fabric softener on your towels). However, I learned at The Diaper Diaries to put vinegar in our laundry. So over the weekend, I got a reminder of just how many towels we own (really, I had no idea) and washed ALL of them--even the ones that I was not certain would smell once they got wet. It increased my laundry this weekend by 4 loads--and that's using a high capacity washer! Why do 2 adults and a toddler need that many towels?! Anyway, so I bleached and vinegared (that's a new word...I'm submitting it to the dictionary people) my white towels and used vinegar and detergent with my colored towels. Guess what? They all came out fresh! They don't even smell like vinegar!

And to put it to a true test, I put out two towels for hubby and me to use that I knew once carried that dreaded funk. They have been used several times this week and no smell has returned! Hooray!

The Diaper Diaries suggested using a cup of vinegar. Frankly, I have no idea how much I added because I didn't measure it. I don't think it was nearly a cup though, but it still worked. I am so excited.

And to boot, I straightened up my linen storage areas in the two baths as a result!

Thanks What Works for Me and The Diaper Diaries! Go visit Rocks in My Dryer and find a few things that work for you too!

Savannah Family Fun - Part 2 - Some Spending

See the intro for this series here.

Since we started with the big ticket items, we will continue now will the moderately priced fare. Although none of these are big expenses, they certainly can add up to be if you aren’t careful.

Activities:
Ghost Tours:
As America’s Most Haunted City (according to the American Institute of Parapsychology), there is no shortage of ghost tours to be had at night. There are walking tours, trolley tours, a tour that you take while riding in a hearse (I’m not kidding) and pub crawls that are only for those over 21. These are the cheaper of the tours (although mostly likely, not drastically less in quality):

*Ghost Talk Ghost Walk: Priding themselves as the original ghost tour, this one is highly recommended by travel sites. Adults-$10; Children (12 & under)-$5
*Candlelight Walking Tour: Adults-$10; Seniors (55+) -$8; Children (6-12)-$5; Under 6-Free; prices with coupon at website
*Pub Crawl: Adults-$10; Seniors (55+)-$8; under 21-$500.00 and a visit from Children’s Services (I swear that is what their website says); prices with coupon at website
*Hauntings Tour: Adults-$13.00; Seniors & Student-$11.00; children under 5-Free

Other Tours:
*Oglethorpe Tours: A trolley tour for half the price of the others. I finally tried this one out and this will be the one I recommend from now on. More history and less fluff/romanticism, no stops, so entire 90 minutes is actual tour and not stopping. On/off all day included in price of ticket--and they personally come get you with a trolley with enough room for pickups, so no waiting on a trolley with available space (super important when it is raining). Tickets-$10.00
* Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace: Tour the birthplace and childhood home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. Adult-$8; Child-$7; Child (5 & under)-Free; I would think there would also be a discount for Girl Scouts, but I can’t find that info anywhere.
* Andrew Low House: House of the founder of the Girl Scouts after she married William Mackay "Willy" Low and an architectural treasure, as I have been told. Adult-$8; Child (6-12)-$4.50; Child (5 & under)-Free; Girl Scouts-$4.50; students-$4.50
*Mighty 8th Air Force Museum: We still really want to check this out, as I see it daily on my way to and from work! Adult-$10.00; Seniors-$9.00; Child (6-12)-$6.00; Child (5 & under)-Free
*Davenport House Museum: Adult-$8.00; Child (6-18)-$5.00; Child (5 & under)-Free
*Ships of the Sea Museum: Adult-$7.00; Child (8-12)-$5.00; Child (7 & under)-Free
* Telfair Museum/Jepson Center/ Owens-Thomas house: For each attraction: Adult-$10.00; Child (5-12)-$4.00; Child (4 & under)-Free; College Students-$5.00; Seniors-$8.00; AAA-$8.00; Combo Ticket--$10 individual or $30 family


Eats:
Yes, everyone wants to know where to eat. Frankly, it is hard to pick just one, as there are so many wonderful places to choose from—many of which I have yet to sample. I will give you the lowdown on places that are known for being wonderful as well of personal recommendations I have been given. I will comment on the fare that I have personally have been.

*The Lady & Sons: Gasp! Here it is…the holy grail of those coming to Savannah and have ever seen the Food Network. Paula Deen’s very own. I have not eaten there (did I hear an even bigger gasp at that comment?). Please visit the site and get the rules for how to get in, as you don’t just walk up and go in to eat—unless it is February and 30 degrees outside (yeah…it doesn’t get much colder than that here). I have been to the adjoining store and bought a cookbook from my mom. I did see Jamie (one of the sons) in there. Yes…they are there from time to time, but they are NOT in the kitchen cooking.
*Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: From what I’ve heard, every bit as good as The Lady & Sons and not nearly as hard to get into, although there is a line. Round table eating with strangers at its finest. The menu is different daily. They DO NOT take credit cards.
*Garibaldi’s: I have never been there, but a good friend loves it.
*Toucan Café: Highly recommend by a friend who eats out a lot. Caribbean food and atmosphere.
*Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House: Brother of Paula Deen. My aunt loved it in case you have the same tastes as my aunt.
*Huey’s: A taste of New Orleans on the east coast.
*Il Pasticcio: It receives rave reviews and was called one of the country’s top ten Italian restaurants by USA Today.
*Johnny Harris: I’ve seen it, I’ve heard it is good, but we’ve just never gotten around to eating there!
*Tubby’s Tank House: On River Street and super yummy seafood. They have a balcony overlooking the street and live music most all of the time. We ate there for lunch while it was shady and not swelteringly hot to the tunes of a middle age acoustic guy. It was very relaxing, the prices are decent, the portions are huge and the food is wonderful and fresh. Their menu states that What you eat today was caught yesterday. (not a direct quote).
*Boar’s Head: A big hang out that supposedly has a lot of good food.
*Churchill’s: Doesn’t every pub have good food?
*Cobblestone Conch House: Really…there are just too many good eats on River Street!
*Kevin Barry’s Pub: Not so much a family environment, but supposed to be really good.
*Wild Wing Café: One of my hubby’s favorites. When we used to visit Charleston (where he’s from), he always insisted we eat at Wild Wings because we had the chance. Now we have one locally and he loves it! You can choose from any temperature of wings as well as other standard fare. Chip’s favorites are Habenero Hots and Chernobyl (if that’s any indication as to the heat). Live music is always fun and right in the middle of City Market.
*Firefly Café: I’ve heard good things…
*Moon River Brewing Company: I’ve heard good things about the food, but a friend of mine was not impressed. If nothing else, visit because it is haunted and was featured on Sci-Fi’s Ghost Hunters for a Halloween Special (they caught some interesting video footage there). They are, in fact, a brewery, so the suds are fresh. *Bonus: UPromise earnings of 4%
*Soho South Café: It’s supposed to be good. I cannot comment personally.
*Vic’s on the River: We went there after being told it was good for the family. We second-guessed that when we went in with friends (total of three kids) and saw a live piano bar, beautiful hardwood floors, linen tablecloths, and tuxed waiters. However, we were pleasantly surprised when they were incredibly great with the kids, had a very reasonably priced menu, and great food. Now Chip did go back later to order what he had the first time and was not impressed the second, but I was impressed enough on the first trip, I would definitely recommend with the thought that his second visit was only a fluke.
*Lulu’s Chocolate Bar: I have not been, but it’s my own fault. I have heard that this place is heavenly as an after-dinner stop. I have GOT to go sometime.


Other Activities to Do:
*Savannah Sandgnats Baseball: A single-A division of the NY Mets, this is some cheap family fun. All of the fun of minor league baseball in a historic stadium that is slowly being renovated. Strange mascot, you say? I thought so too until I encountered sand gnats while at the beach. They aren’t those swarming little black ones that hop around in the sand at the beaches I used to know. They are swarming and BITING creatures that I believe now to be the spawn of satan. Great mascot. Tickets are $10 for box seats, $8 for reserved, $7 general admission, $5 for ages 4-12, 3 and under are free, $5 seniors and $5 military discount.
*Golf—There is a lot here. Check various courses and fees.
*Skidaway Camping—Campground surrounded by trails and nature. Prices vary depending on type of accommodations reserved.
*Candy—On River Street there are two candy companies. They are both delicious. They will both lure you in with the offer of samples of pralines and treats. Although it would be easy to get carried away in there (both financially and calorically), the prices per item are great and the treats are delicious and super fresh. Fudge is to die for!


I hope you enjoyed and can take a few of these and put them into your schedule of things to do while you are next visiting Savannah.

Come back tomorrow to fill you itinerary up with inexpensive fun for you and the whole family. I’ll sum it all up on Tuesday (the 24th).

Photo credit: Bob Jagendorf, Lynn (Gracie's mom)

Savannah Family Fun - Part 1 - Fat Wallet

See the intro for this series here.

Savannah offers so many wonderful things, it is hard to leave and feel that you have done everything that you wanted to while here. I know that practically everyone I talk to who visits notes that they just did not have the time to do it all.

I have to agree that after living here an entire year now, I hardly feel like we have scratched the surface of those things that we want to do. With all of the variety, it makes the decision of what to do a difficult one. My intent in writing this series is to offer a range of family friendly activities for a range of budgets. Feel free to mix and match as you feel the need, as the lists are compiled based on (my opinion of) the cost of each activity. Hopefully this series of posts will help you out for your next trip here to the Hostess City of the South.

We begin with the big ticket items. These are suggestions for those of you who are rolling in money and just looking for somewhere to spend it or for those special occasions—you know, that one nice dinner out without the kids or that one big-spender item that you do on vacation.

Activities:
Ghost Tours:
As America’s Most Haunted City (according to the American Institute of Parapsychology), there is no shortage of ghost tours to be had at night. There are walking tours, trolley tours, a tour that you take while riding in a hearse (I’m not kidding) and pub crawls that are only for those over 21. These are the more costly of those tours:

*Ghosts and Gravestones Tour: Adult-$22.50; Child (4-12)-$9.00; Child (3 and under) Free (prices good from this link only)
*Tara Haunted Walking Tour: Adult-$20.00; Child (3-10)-$10.00; Child (2 and under) Free; Active Military (with ID)-Free
*Tara Haunted Pub Crawl: Adult-$20.00; Under 21 not allowed; Active Military (with ID)-Free

Other Tours:
*Old Town Trolley Historical Tour: Prices range from $9.00 (child) to $25.00 depending on your tour. See site for pricing. I’ve been on this one twice and enjoyed it both times. You learn something new every trip! On par with Old Savannah Tours in my opinion.
*Old Town’s Paula Deen Tour: begins June 21, 2008 includes buffet at Uncle Bubba’s (her brother’s) Oyster House; and a voucher for preferred seating, when available, at The Lady and Sons; $49.00
*Old Savannah Historical Tour: Adult-$20.00; Child-$9.00 (12 and under); Voted Savannah’s Best tour for multiple years running; I’ve been on this tour twice and loved it both times. On equal footing with Old Town in my opinion.
*Pirate's House Dinner Ghost Tour: Includes a ghost tour and dinner at the Pirate’s House. Adult-$44.00; Child (12 and under)-$29.00 Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance due to limited availability.
*Savannah Experience Tour: A much more in-depth look at the historical district; Adult-$25.00; Child (12 and under)-$14.00
*Original Paula Deen Tour: Must visit this site or call to grab tickets fast. Includes lunch at Uncle Bubba’s (her brother) Oyster House and a bag of goodies. Adult $56.00; Child (12 and under)-$34.00
*Legends and Lunch Cruise: Cruise the Savannah River for 2 hours while learning history and biology. Lunch aboard ship is catered by The Lady and Sons. Adults-$36.00; Child (12 and under)-$28.00
*Savannah River Boat Tours: A variety of selections to choose from. Prices vary dependent on cruise. Dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, and entertainment cruises available.
*Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book Tour: Adult: $39.95 (through link); Child (birth-11)-$29.95 (must provide your own car seat, as this is in a van). Includes pick up and drop off from any Savannah hotel. 3 hour tour (sorry, but I have to note that I now have the Gilligan’s Island theme in my head. Ha ha—so do you now).
*Foody Tour: Visit 7 location of fine cuisine in the city (yes…it includes The Lady and Sons) to sample the goods. Features Southern Goodness, Lowcountry Cuisine, and plenty of seafood. Goody bag included. Adult-$51.95 (through link); Child (6-12)-$39.95; Child under 6 (in lap)-Free
*African American History Tour: Adults-$20.95; Child (9 and under)-Free with paid adult. Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I have a dream…” speech from the pulpit in a Savannah church before going to Washington?
*Personalized Walking Tours: Range from 2 hours to all day. Prices vary from $35.95 each up to around $90.00
*Architectural Tours: $20.00 per person; reservations required.
*Savannah Movie Tour: Do you have any idea how many movies have been made in Savannah? Me neither…but it is a LOT. It’s stunning beauty and distinct architecture as well as it’s historical feel make it a favorite for movie producers. Find out all of the details on this tour. Adult-$24.95 (internet rate); Child (6-12)-$14.95; Child under 6 is free in a lap.


Eats:
Yes, everyone wants to know where to eat. Frankly, it is hard to pick just one, as there are so many wonderful places to choose from—many of which I have yet to sample. I will give you the lowdown on places that are known for being wonderful as well as personal recommendations I have been given. I will comment on the fare that I have personally tasted.

*700 Drayton: Part of the Mansion on Forsythe inn.
*Elizabeth on 37th: A friend of mine highly recommends as he gets to eat there free for drug rep dinners!
*The Pirates’ House: I still have yet to eat at this fascinatingly historical locale. In the fall they have a murder mystery dinner theater, so I’m waiting for that to roll back around!
*17Hundred90: This was my Mother’s Day dinner this year and the food was great. The atmosphere is awesome in the lowest-most level of a haunted inn (everything in Savannah is haunted—you know that, right?). You can’t help but feel a bit creepy in this eerily romantic atmosphere. The desserts were so-so, but everything else was wonderful. Also a bar for the nightlife.
*The Chart House: Father’s Day dinner was here. Wonderful view of the river. Steak was fabulous. The offer a huge range of seafood. Hubby didn’t love his sea bass, but it was something new and he noted that it had nothing to do with the preparation. Fabulous dessert that takes 30 minutes preparation—well worth the effort! Located in old cotton warehouse, it has an ambiance that is cozy, formal, and romantic amidst the stone walls and exposed beam ceilings.
*The Olde Pink House: I’ve heard rave reviews on this one that features low-country cuisine (that food that is popular here in coastal Georgia and Carolinas). Also haunted. Also with a bar for nightlife.
*Sapphire Grill: Another one with rave reviews and a hopping atmosphere.
*Belford’s: I heard this place was great too; haven’t tasted for myself.
*Jazz’d: We’ve talked about going to this awesome restaurant and jazz club, but have no found the occasion to spend the money yet (check the name of my site). And I’m weary of taking hubby there. As a jazz trumpeter, he would either love it or sulk all night because he’s just as good as the musicians featured. Is it worth the gamble?
*Avida: I have heard nothing about this one, but it is featured is various restaurant guides.
*Alligator Soul: Once again, I know nothing about this, but it is popular with the critics.
*Casbah: I haven’t been due to lack of interest in the fare, but talk about atmosphere!


Other Activities to Do:
*Parasailing, Jet Skis, Kayaking, Air Chairs and Dolphin Tours: All on Tybee Island. See site for pricing of various activities.
*Savannah Theatre: There’s always something going on!


So there is the skinny for the fat wallet (okay, that was bad—I admit it). Although these items are pricey, some of them are so very worth the cost for a special occasion. And I’ll admit quickly that there is no better way to tour the city and learn a huge collection of historical information than one of the historical trolley tours.

Saturday will be my usual Round Up, but come back Sunday for the mid-range priced activities and food. Monday will be for us Fru-GALS. I’ll sum it all up on Tuesday (the 24th).


Photo credit: CasaDeQueso and us

Money Hacks Carnival #17 - Music of the '80s

Ahhh...the '80s. It was a time of the death of disco and the emergence of hair bands and bubblegum pop music. It was marked by wild long hair as well as the birth of the yuppie. It was a time of (eventual) financial abundance. Many people began truly indulging--in material wealth, themselves, substances, and even make up (yes...men and women).

It is a time that will live in entertainment as very distinct. One identifying mark of the '80s is the music. That's where we will spend today's Money Hacks Carnival...in the music of the '80s, which, interestingly enough, talked an awful lot about money.

I wanted to note that there are some people that have more than one entry this week. Last week's carnival was posted a few days early and these people had some great posts that did not get included due to this error.


Before we really dive in, I just to make sure that we're all still focusing on the carnival here, I want to post my Editor's Picks:

*Retirehappy presents Naming Beneficiaries on Retirement Plans posted at My Retirement Blog. Okay, so we don't want to have to think about it, but this is information we all need to be on top of!

*Mike Leonard presents Passive income? Look at your passive expenses first posted at Until Debt Do Us Part. Great recommendation--look at your spending rather before trying to find out how to make more.

*J. Savings presents I'm back, and ready to spill the beans baby! posted at Budgets are Sexy. Great post. I love seeing testimonials on how resorts and vacation packages work. They can be very smart money-wise, but it helps to see the traps that others encountered! Congratulations, by the way!

*Silicon Valley Blogger presents Save and Invest Enough For Your Retirement: Are You On Track? posted at The Digerati Life. Although it seems like a long way off for me, I know that I have to stay focused on my retirement in order to survive when it comes!

*Brian Chin presents Why Gas Price Increases Aren't Really Affecting Your Finances posted at beechin financial consultant. Great perspective!

*Lisa Spinelli presents New Website Outs Companies With Poor Corporate Responsibility Records Greener Pastures: Personal Finance posted at Greener Pastures. I loved this post! It is wonderful that all of this information is gathered in one place, and I was so excited that Lisa pointed me to it! Thanks!


Now...on with the fun:

CAREER: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton (1980)

It was a movie and a song. It was a great example of '80s media--silly and without real purpose.

Workin' 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
Its all takin'
And no givin'
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
Its enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it


*Dorian Wales presents The Personal Financier: Actively Manage Your Career to Stay On Top of Your Game posted at The Personal Financier.

*FFB presents By What Cover Is Your Book Judged? posted at Free From Broke.

*Ellesse presents Free Career, Business & Trade Magazines for Your Career & Economic Goals posted at Goal Setting College.


DEBT/CREDIT: Material Girl by Madonna (1985)

Seriously, this song pretty much described the attitude that many people had at the time... and some people are still suffering from the fallout.

Living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl


*Shana presents Are You Ready to Budget? A Quiz posted at Smart Easy Money.

*Olen presents Pay Off Your Mortgage - Fast! posted at Get Out Of Debt.

*FMF presents The Ins and Outs of Reward Credit Cards posted at Free Money Finance.

*Mr Credit Card presents Cash Back Credit Card Video Guide posted at Ask Mr Credit Card.

*Ray presents The Best Credit Cards For College Students posted at Money Blue Book: Personal Finance Blog.

*Ryan Taylor presents Stop Bill Collector Harassment posted at Millionaire Money Habits.

*Mike presents Is it worth it to sign up for a Student Advantage card? posted at Living the Cheap Life.

*Joe Manausa presents Loan Limits - Contact Your Senator Today! posted at Tallahassee Real Estate Blog.

*Jose De Jesus MD presents Check Your Credit Score posted at Physician Entrepreneur.

*Erica Douglass presents When Should You Buy Real Estate — And When Is It Better to Rent? posted at erica.biz - Erica Douglass challenges you to change your life!.


ECONOMY: Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi (1986)

You can't talk about '80s music without reviewing a hair band...and Bon Jovi was one of the most talented and most successful of the bunch. They have proven their success by altering their music enough to stay popular even until today.


She says we've got to hold on to what we've got
cause it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love - well give it a shot
Whooah, were half way there
Whooah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Whooah, livin' on a prayer

*hank presents Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge Aren't Saving You Any Money On Their New $2.99 Incentive My Investing Blog posted at My Investing Blog.


INCOME: Money for Nothing by Dire Straits (1985)

Gotta' love a song about a working man begrudgingly observing the celebrity lifestyle. And this was a mind-altering video at the time.

We gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators
We gotta move these colour TVs

*Webmaster_1 presents Avoiding Make Money From Home Scams posted at The Entrepreneurs Online Magazine.

*Dave presents Can You Make Money Using the Internet? posted at Cheapo Groovo.

*The Shark Investor presents The Five Essential Elements Of Automated Income Generators posted at The Shark Investor.

*Patrick Schwerdtfeger presents 7 Steps to High-Conversion Sales Copy posted at Tactical Execution.


TAX: She Works Hard for Her Money by Donna Summer (1983)

She works hard for the money
So hard for it honey
She works hard for the money
So you better treat her right
She works hard for the money
So hard for it honey
She works hard for the money
So you better treat her right

*RC presents How to Put Next Year’s Tax Refund to Work for You Right Now Think Your Way to Wealth posted at Think Your Way to Wealth.


SAVING: Working for the Weekend by Loverboy (1981)

So this song was not about saving money, so I am stretching here. Still a cool song that screams "80s!"

Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance,
oh...You want a piece of my heart
You better start from start
You wanna be in the show
Come on baby let's go

*Joe Caterisano presents how to save money using grocery coupons posted at Penny Pinching.

*Garret presents 7 Ways To Save Money On Your Fuel Bill posted at Personal Finance Basics.

*Body For Life Results presents 5 Money Saving Tips To Help You Survive The Credit Crunch posted at Tame Your Debt.

*Katie Gregg presents Powering Down posted at Frugal Fabulous.

*Rhiana Jones presents Book Review: Make-A-Mix posted at A Frugal Life - Just the two of us.

*Northern Cheapskate presents Northern Cheapskate: Tips for a Tight Traveling Budget posted at Northern Cheapskate.

*Card Blogger presents The Best Gas Rebate Credit Cards posted at Credit Card Blog.

*Aryn presents Save Money with Travel Rewards posted at Sound Money Matters.

*dmh presents Unwritten Rules of Bringing Your Own Wine posted at Daily Money Hack.

*Bryce presents Haircuts posted at Save and Conquer.

*Jamy presents The art of creative home budgeting. posted at Wealth=Wise(Investments+Strategies).

*Faron Benoit presents 15 Cheap Romantic Date Ideas posted at Financial Learn.

*Broke Grad Student presents 6 Ways A Boyfriend/Girlfriend Saves You Money posted at Broke Grad Student.

*Madison presents Free Blockbuster Movies posted at My Dollar Plan.

*Christopher Johnson presents Legacy Fund - Perpetuity posted at christopheraaronjohnson.net.

*TooSmart presents Dress for Less: The sub $5 shirt. posted at Too Smart to Live Like This.

*Brian Chin presents 4 Ways to Find Cheap Airfare on Flights posted at beechin financial consultant.

*Amy @ The Q Family presents Catch a Reading Bug this Summer posted at The Q Family Adventure.


INVESTING: I Wanna' Be Rich by Calloway (1989)

This one just gets stuck in your head.

I want money lots and lots of money
I want the pie in the sky
I want money lots and lots of money
So don't be asking me why
I wanna be rich oh ;
I wanna be rich
I wanna be rich oh;
I wanna be rich
For a little love peace and happiness

*KCLau presents Picking the right Structured Fund posted at KCLau's Money Tips.

*Aussie presents Australian Stock Market Investing posted at Australian Stock Market Investing.

*jim presents TradeKing Review posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

*MoneyKing presents Real Estate Profits And Losses: Your Tenant’s Kids. Scenario 38. posted at The Money Kings - RULE your money at home, at work, and at play!.

*KCLau presents Ride on the Oil Palm Industry Boom posted at KCLau's Money Tips.

*Raag Vamdatt presents Want to retire early? Here's what you need :: RaagVamdatt.com :: Financial Planning demystified posted at RaagVamdatt.com.

*thewild1 presents To Buy or Sell? posted at The Wild Investor.


OTHER: For the Love of Money by The O'Jays

Okay, I cheated. This song is not from the 1980s, but how can you talk about money songs and not cover the song that is now most popular as the theme song for The Apprentice? Donald Trump has practically adopted it as his own.

Money money money money, money (x6)
Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y'all, do things, do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things, do things, good things with it
Talk about cash money, money
Talk about cash money- dollar bills, y'all

*Ted presents Best Place to Sell Textbooks posted at CampusGrotto College Advice.

*John Crickett presents Is Now The Time To Buy A House? posted at Find Financial Freedom.

*The Financial Blogger presents Financial Super Powers Series: Telepathy and Mind Control posted at The Financial Blogger.

*Heather Allen presents Giving Can Breed Dependency. posted at The DebtFree Playbook Blog.

*Financial Goal presents 12 New Essentials We Think We Need posted at Goal of Financial Freedom.

*Chief Family Officer presents Review: MyPoints.com posted at Chief Family Officer.

*Ryan Suenaga presents The Readers Ask: Where’s Best for Chicken Money? posted at Uncommon Cents.

*Heather Johnson presents Four Fabulous Ways to Be Happier posted at Miguel Trujillo.

*chica with issues presents Looking for a discount pays off, but so does waiting posted at One Snarky Chica with Issues.

*GBlogger presents Success Stories: From Newly Divorced With A Negative Net Worth to $150,000 — In Two Years posted at CAN I GET RICH ON A SALARY.



Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoyed reminiscing as much as I did. Submit your posts for next week's carnival, which will be held at My Investing Blog. Have a great week!

Flag Etiquette

Photo credit: edgar0587

With summer fast approaching already beating down upon us, many people fly the American flag outside of their homes more regularly. It begins with Memorial Day and flies for Flag Day and Independence Day as well as throughout the rest of the summer (yes, many people fly more frequently, but they seem to be more abundant during the summer).

One of my pet peeves is to see someone "trying" to be patriotic by flying their flag, but not concerned enough with their patriotism to fly it properly. It pains me to see a tattered flag flying outside of a home or business (exception being, of course, immediately after a major storm or catastrophe). Therefore, I am posting the US Flag Code (compliments of USFlag.org) so everyone can properly fly their flags out of respect for those who fought for the right for them to fly. Yes, it is lengthy, but definitely worth the read!


STANDARDS of RESPECT

*The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
*The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
*The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
*The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
*The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
*The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
*When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
*The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
*When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.


DISPLAYING THE FLAG OUTDOORS

*When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
*When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
*When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
*When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger...No other flag ever should be placed above it...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
*When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.


RAISING AND LOWERING THE FLAG

The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.


DISPLAYING THE FLAG INDOORS

*When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
*The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
*When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
*When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.


PARADING AND SALUTING THE FLAG

*When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

THE SALUTE
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND NATIONAL ANTHEM
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.


THE FLAG IN MOURNING

*To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
*The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
*When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.