November 2010

[Honeylioness]

SES_Books - 11/03/10 10:33 PM

Sharing, Sapphire, Dakota, Spruby--I am very leery of what is going to happen. The question is how long will the conflicts hold off. I understand the theory of more money in the system, diluting the value of the dollar sending it down and sending up the value of commodities and goods produced. In other words, the inflation they deny is happening. I hear the stories of worldwide food(like canned pumpkin, I hear) and water shortages as well as cotton and other material commodities. The terrorist issues out of Yemen are highlighting issues of peak oil, lack of water availability and food. The terrorists, of whatever name, can just walk in and take over and social order will crumble. If we don't have politicians who can communicate with one another and get something productive done we are heading down a slippery slope. I guess some of the "Tea Party-ers" are already telling Boehner what he will do, or at least trying to. Are these extremists going to be our "terrorists" demanding their way is the only way. I think I need to put the wine bottle down and watch something silly on television.

Sorry for the depressing post, this is the only outlet I have for thoughts like this.



Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/03/10 11:30 PM

SES[/b]_, Now don't you go worrying your little self about that, being too pessimistic. I share your pessimism in spades. I think we will be shocked to discover how quickly civilized life desintegrates when faced with real shortages. I always use the Watts riots and even the Kent State riots as a reminder of times when Washington and Main Street were badly out of sync. Any time unemployment (I think of this as a "shortage" of employment) become protracted and despair sets in, it is not long before the attitude becomes "I have nothing to lose." I hope our President gets it about employment. He is a highly compassionate, intelligent, and honorable individual, but I hope pragmatism will override his scruples about the place of business in American life. The spector of large numbers of unemployed youth is unnerving, but we face this by 2012. I think 2012 is a huge watershed year. This is a NAFTA
problem in that all three of us, Canada, USA and Mexico share this
worry. The last thing a society can afford are large numbers of
underemployed young people.


SES_Books - 11/03/10 11:52 PM

I can sometimes see the makings of a new civil war, but I can't decide if it will be generational or if it will be caused by the lack of
wealth distribution--one aspect of employment shortages. But if, in
the meantime, the safety nets make life comfortable enough for some, why work? I also wonder if the congress members have had a brush with poverty (or even middle class) recently enough to really understand where people are coming from. These ideas just keep swirling.


TakeAHikeInNC - 11/04/10 09:36 AM

SES – I totally agree with your comments about the loss of moderates and the lack of concern for the greater good today – and I thank you for stating those ideas much more eloquently than I could have. However, I guess I have a different take on “frivolous minority views” and the idea that things like health care the the destruction of our environment should be entirely set aside until we fix the budget/economy/unemployment problems. I can't help wondering, what good is a job for those who are dying of a curable disease but have no access to healthcare? What good is a bustling economy in city X if the local profits-at-the-expense-of-everything -else driven company has a little "accident" and poisons the soil/air/water thus making the city uninhabitable---184 million gallons of red sludge, anyone? How about a gallon of oil on that lobster you just treated yourself to with your nice fat dividend check from BP?

These aren't exactly radical concerns impacting just a handful of people once in a blue moon (do people still use that phrase, or is my age showing?). IMHO, ignoring these issues is in some ways equivalent to ignoring that leaky pipe until it bursts and floods the house. Could have run out and spent $5 on a new hose, but no, I was too busy polishing my (now-flooded) floors in order to impress my boyfriend's mother who is due to arrive in 10 minutes!

Our government is, um, LARGE: it ought to be able to handle more than one issue at a time. If and when it does not (and as it too often has not) then the issues become problems, the problems become crises, and our governing officials become nothing more than crisis managers who spend as much time finger-pointing and deflecting blame in an effort to save their re-election hopes as they do trying to fix any problem.

Just my 2 cents (well, maybe half cent!) and I'm now stepping down from soap box.

[Honeylioness]

Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/04/10 07:02 PM

SES_, TakeAHike[/b], I wonder if the time will come when the causes we feel so strongly about will allow us average citizens a national forum for discussion. When I think of the dedication so many of our posters-both of you are very civic minded and typical of the ladies here-give to so many causes, it makes me think that this drive and dedication to make our country(s) a better place should use this citizen power more fully.

Just off-hand, and not a complete list by any means, here's a sampling from our thread:

smartstart, reenee, elder abuse issues, Alzheimer's

mittenkitten, autism

dakota, kcgal, SES_, women's issues and welfare

Red_ wagon, lupus and auto-immune disease awareness and research.

teh mom, azmom, Muttley, 3cats, active in choir, church groups, young people, discussion groups, charity.

TakeAhike, Sheila, environmental watchdogs, stewardship, responsible tourism

SES_, Honey, Sharing, cdarrow, R2B2, pets, wildlife, animal rescue

moneysquirrel, nitza, Angel, IOUnomore, RED RUBY, dakota DH, Education, public and private including tutoring and guidance.

dakota, (and her family), moneysquirrel, outreach, charities, councils within the RC family of churches.

sapphire, fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle

Sheila, Gin, MrsB, SES_, sapphire, azmom, financial education

kcgal, little kids of all kinds

Honeylioness, exchange student and multicultural things in general.

Honey, SES_, Sharing, 3cats, kcgal, reenee, kath74, phitigirl, pointy the arts, and also arts and crafts including traditional

Red_wagon, smartstart, pointy (pt_in_ny) MrsLynch, GLDN, Honey and some of our new posters...writing, editing, reporting, interviewing, following, blogging, organizing, facilitating...

GLDN, feeding the hungry through her church's ministry...and

I know I've touched on the tiniest corner of this patchwork quilt! We'll keep this list alive as more comes to light (and my memory
improves, haha!)


SES_Books - 11/04/10 07:29 PM

Sharing-[/b]-the only one you missed, that I am aware of, is an addiction to books and learning. Maybe that is the thread that holds together our patchwork quilt. I see an old-fashioned crazy quilt with lots of elegant rich fabrics and brilliant colors.


Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/04/10 08:57 PM

SES_, [/b]It really is a patchwork quilt. Have you noticed that when an event of great importance happens, we all draw the wagon train closer together in the circle? Looks like the markets are very, very happy with the President's willingness to extend tax cuts as a conciliatory gesture to the GOP. Perhaps that means that health care reform will be refined, but not abandoned. Well, I like the idea very much of compromise. It's all so basic, isn't it? At the end of the day, what each human wants to know is, "Am I heard?" "Will my needs be acknowledged?" "Do I count?" Well, LOL, we do get quite philosophical at these times. Remember the election in 2008? Gosh. It was a marathon on our thread!


SES_Books - 11/04/10 09:42 PM

what each human wants to know is, "Am I heard?" "Will my needs be acknowledged?" "Do I count?"

I think you hit the center of everyone's frustration. I just hope a
spirit of respect is maintained when the issue of health care is
broached. However, after hearing Mitch McConnel's rant at the Heritage Foundation today, I think there will be some big roadblocks and detours along the way. I am a registered Republican but I am growing more and more disgusted by some of the narrow minded antics I see. If they are just going to kick sand in each other's faces I want to take the ball, bat and gloves home and let them learn another game.


Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/04/10 10:02 PM

SES_[/b] Yes. Now, that gentleman, Mr. McConnell, I do not care for. What's needed are real statesmen, on both sides of the floor. I mean, I realize I have little right to pass judgement, so it's IMHO. When I read the posts from our ladies like TakeAHike, and yourself and others, I wish our elected officials were as prescient. Some play for the camera, and while important, is removed from the core of the political agenda. Perhaps we need a Constitution or Charter of Rights 101, a refresher course in government. Do we expect too much, or have we been trained to demand too little?


SES_Books - 11/05/10 12:12 AM

Perhaps we need a Constitution or Charter of Rights 101, a refresher course in government.

This course will be taught by a retired math teacher/nun WITH ruler, a retired middle school principal/coach with the direct phone access to mothers(and maybe spouses) of members of congress and one other, ..... I'm not sure yet who(perhaps Tyler Perry would let us clone Medea).

Notice I am appointing individuals old enough to have some experience dealing with children, and people used to filling two jobs at the same time. They must also never have earned above the median national income. It would be nice if they are all of very diverse religions, races, and parts of the country. I'm sure they would have to have other experiences and qualifications. After completing the course these "congress police" would be responsible for monitoring the civility and respect of all members of congress, confronting and correcting all misbehavior and disrepect toward each other and the citizens of this country. They would also establish a truth blog so citizens could find unspun facts. At least one of these individuals must have adequate math skills to be able to balance a budget. If congress can't balance a budget, the overage must come from their pay, just like any cashier would have to do.

At the beginning of each session a specific and absolute amount would be set aside for "earmarks", formerly known as pork. This amount would be divided among all states in exact proportion as the total number of individuals representing that state in congress. The fed politicians would have NO input as to the use of this money. Issues would be presented by citizens of the state for the usage of these funds.

Any other requests/issues we need to include?



Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/05/10 12:49 AM

SES_[/b], While you're at it how about some "please" and "thank you's" as these two words seem to have gone the way of passenger pigeons. Smile I like what you wrote very much.

[Honeylioness]

SES_Books - 11/30/10 04:18 PM


Has anyone been following the deficit issues lately? I know Ireland and Portugal have been extended 7.5 years to get their houses in order, and that Shelia Bair had an op/ed piece in the NYT about all the federal bonds that will be maturing in five years in this country. I guess Portugal and Spain are very shaky now, too. I am so dispirited about the fussing and disagreement between the Repubs and Demos. I wonder if any agreement and suggestions will come out of the deficit commission that will make it to congress. I know no one wants actions that will affect them negatively, but unless we ALL do something as citizens, congress will not have to worry about anything because because we all will be speaking Chinese and have our decisions made for us. I am all for gradually losing the mortgage tax deductions, I think that was one of the things that contributed to inflating the prices of homes. If we ALL have to pay a temporary "deficit tax" until the crisis as over, so be it. The solution will have to be a combination of budget cuts AND tax increases. We all will have to learn to pull up the big kids pants and be responsible. We won't survive if the rest of the world in facing austerity budgets and we keep on dancing.

Sorry for being such a downer, i am scared and don't know how to prepare. All of the spending that is going on this time of the year makes me wonder if anyone has learned anything the past few years. What is truly ironic is the fact that my portfolio is doing really well lately.


teh mom - 11/30/10 04:58 PM

i am scared and don't know how to prepare.

SES- You are already started being prepared. Your home is paid for (if I remember correctly). And you are living on 60% of your take home retirement and banking the rest (from what I remember). You are canning items that you pick yourself. Now if I can just talk you into getting a couple of chickens..........teehee.
All of the spending that is going on this time of the year makes me wonder if anyone has learned anything the past few years.

I have been putting away every payday for Christmas spending. Although I have it, I'm leaning towards a very lean tree. All of us will get the new expansion upgrade for World of W.arcraft since we are all playing it now. I'll give cash to the nieces and nephews (7 in all). Buy a few previewed movies from Blockbu.ster. Stocking stuffers, and that is it. No clothes this year for the kids. They don't need any more for this year. All they want is the expansion pack to the game. And it starts December 7th, so early presents!

I did take out my Christmas dishes and ran them thru the dishwasher. Now I just need to get the kids to get my tree out of the attic.


spruby - 11/30/10 08:33 PM

SES - I follow the deficit with great concern - both here in the US and in Europe. The PIGS problem in Europe (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain) still has a long way to go before it is resolved - and those are just the 4 biggest problems. UK hopes to be getting ahead of the curve - we'll see if they made it - but I think not. The thing that drives me nuts with the Pres' pay freeze announcement is not the freeze itself - but that it is just symbolism! It doesn't even begin to address/solve the problem - just a cheap political ploy to feed the hungry political crazies. Why is it OK to make workers take a pay freeze but not OK for the wealthy to pay more taxes? (I know as a fed I've been fortunate - and am fortunate to afford it - all feds are not in the same boat as me and a few short years ago this would have had me wailing)

And maybe others won;t like this - but when did we all become so mean spirited - I am soooo tired of hearing what lazy no good people ALL feds are and how ALL private sector workers are paragons of virtue and how al feds should have their pay frozen because others lost their jobs/had pay freezes. I hate to break it to people -my pay freeze isn't going to put so much as a dime in your pocket - I've gotten no joy from others losing their jobs/pay freezes/etc - not sure why people are celebrating this.

There is an economic theory - two views of the world - one says the pie is fixed and for me to get more pie someone else gets less. The other says we can figure out how to make more pies - so I can get more if I learn to make more pies, you may not get more too, but you won't get less AND you can learn to make more too. No pie limit! I am a believer in being an economic pie maker - and the US used to be a crazy mad pie baker - not it seems like we are becoming a society that just fights over the single pie - so not good for our future. (If the preceding made you hungry for pie - so sorry!!!)

I will stop ranting now.


Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/30/10 10:03 PM

spruby, I so enjoy reading what you and SES_ have to say. I do very much like the image of "making more pies." I too, believe that we all win collectively when we win individually. Like you, I see the rise of a decided mean-spiritedness- perhaps people would do well to visit with azmom!- and like you, I feel that "more pies" that we make collectively is preferable to a parsimonious slicing of one pie.

Interestingly (or perhaps not, :PTongue out), spruby, SES_ I've seen socialism both flourish and fail. We've had a watered down European version here, and on the whole, I do believe that those least fortunate have had a better shot at having basic needs addressed, but on the whole (must be my phrase of the week) it is unsustainable. There is not a doctor to be had for specializations in remote and rural areas, and there is resentment that newcomers to the country receive more benefits by far than struggling families born 'n bred. A two-tier system is really happening. Those with $$$ opt for private education and health care purchased locally (not supposed to happen), in the States, or medical tourism.

Americans and Canadians alike are faced with an uncertain redistribution of wealth that will certainly diminish quality of life, while providing dubious benefits for those for whom the social services network provides fill-the-gap care.

I confess, I am without an answer, though I brood long and hard about it all.


Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/30/10 10:14 PM

SES_, spruby,[/b] As I mull this over, the phrase many of our posters have referred to, post Thanksgiving, is "sense of entitlement." This happened here, in the 1970's, with a very broad enlargement of social programs. Since that time, not one, but two generations have come through the system. But for an abundance of natural resources, this could not have been sustained. That's incidental to the real issue...that many have been "taught" that "the government owes them." Wow! When did that happen? (Rhetorical question, as it was 1971- 1973.) It was most certainly not like that for my parents and grandparents. What happens when we can't provide?


SES_Books - 11/30/10 11:12 PM

spruby-[/b]-I was a little surprised by the fed pay freeze. More in the timing than the plan, I think. In many ways it is a false gesture since so many of the federal positions are as much as 22% underpaid when you compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. Compare a federal lawyer to a civilian lawyer or a federal program manager to a civilian program manager, a federal doctor to a civilian doctor(let alone a specialist). Most of the positions they are shouting about are highly educated and trained people who are federal employees for many reasons other than the paycheck.

For years I have muttered (under my breath--since it is never anyone else's opinion) that this country really needed to examine our habit of consuming so much of the world's wealth and assets. I am of the opinion that anyone who works hard to improve their life, deserves whatever "pie" they have gained or created. And we don't get to keep more because we are Americans. I remember when everyone thought we should be teaching Japanese in kindergarten and now it is Chinese.

Darn, now i have to go forage in the fridge for some pumpkin pie.


mrslynch - 12/01/10 08:46 AM

spruby[/b]--amen to everything you said. i am a state worker, and we are viewed in a similar manner to fed employees. it is sickening to me that last fiscal year, when our pay was cut 2.5%, the public held a virtual celebration because "at least we still had jobs". the public is convinced that we are all lazy bums who do nothing all day long. i implore any one of them to spend a day with me to see how inaccurate that statement really is.

[Honeylioness]

A good list I saw on another thread for a woman who got laid off:


Lund - 11/30/10 12:06 PM


Sorry to hear that - it is always hard.

I repeat some of the "standard advice" in case it would be of use to you now.


Computer - if possible while still at work:

* Remove private mails, links, and similar from your work computer. Print out, copy, or forward to your private email address. Be careful as to not violate company policy. Change private mailing lists to your private address. (Everything that you put on your work computer is something that your employer has a right to. If you email information to your private computer, the employer could demand access to it. When moving information, use a flash drive or paper if possible. It leaves less log traces. And avoid leaving anything on the job computer that you don’t want to lose or share.) Don't forget to change the email address used for website log-ins if you are using a company address. You usually need to have access to the old one while changing.

* Copy and print out the address book from the computer.

* Email any people who are using your work email privately from your private mail address and tell them that they can not continue to use that mail address but to use your private email address instead in case they would want to contact you. Word it carefully - don't get into trouble with company policy. Do not send that email to people working for the same employer unless it is official that you are leaving.

* Be careful as to not be caught breaking the company computer policy (even if it has never been followed or reinforced previously).

Things:

* Pack your stuff in your desk, locker or similar.

* If you have something like a cell phone, a computer, an internet connection, or a car for private use through work, prepare to give them back (cell phone book and computer memories copied and emptied, cars cleaned), replace them, or buy them. (Do the proper research.) Agree on when to give them back.

Information:

* Dig out any information previously sent or given to you (contract, employee handbook, company policy) and make sure to keep any new information given to you concerning any money due to you (in writing - print out any on-line documents; they may be changed).

* How will any vacation/PTO/sick days due to you be handled?

* What about health insurance? (COBRA is one option, private insurance another.) The company provided health insurance may be paid for in full months, so verify when it will end.

* What about severance?

* Get and keep all information about your retirement assets. You need to know if you have to roll over any funds in a trustee-to-trustee roll-over to a roll-over IRA. This may have to be prepared with some urgency – you do not want a cash-out by mistake.

* Try to be able to show that you were let go because of no fault of your own. All written information about any downsizing or your being let go should be saved and brought home. (Email, letter, flyers,....)(Also newspaper clippings, showing the printed name of the newspaper and the printed date, can help.) It is better to be a bit OCD and paranoid than to get an unemployment insurance claim denied or delayed. It may also help show why you are unemployed when interviewing for a later job.

* Keep all and any papers or emails (consider printing them out) showing that you have been a valued employee (such as reviews). Again: It is better to be a bit OCD and paranoid than to get an unemployment insurance claim denied or delayed.

* Update your address book with names, nickname, addresses, both physical and email, of colleagues, co-workers, bosses, business contacts,.... At home, where they can not see it done, make a note on what he/she had for position and any personal opinions.

* Is there anything that would help you update your résumé/work portfolio, such as a list of your recent tasks and accomplishments? It is usually easier to do that while you are still employed or have access to the workplace, so considering the point may be urgent. You want to describe what you have done for kind of work, what you have learnt, what value you have added to the company, what successes you have had, what projects you have worked on, and so on.

* Think about whom to ask for letters of recommendations, if possible. If you can, ask immediately. (Else, make sure that you have name and addresses of this person!)

Insurance - mostly for later:

* Learn the COBRA rules.

* Get a plan to get health insurance a.s.a.p., at least catastrophic insurance. COBRA (learn the rules or a private plan are alternatives.

* If you would happen to be in bad physical shape, making getting health insurance or life insurance expensive, start changing that. A leaner diet does not need to be expensive, exercise can be free, and if you smoke, you could try to kick the habit.

* Get to know the unemployment insurance rules that apply for your location and income level! In some places, you can earn up to a certain amount without cuts (think "second" job), in other the cuts are severe. Do not forget that you need to pay tax on the UI.

Other - important:

* Make sure that you are sufficiently composed to drive before driving home.

* File for unemployment insurance as soon as possible.

* Don't sign off on anything while still upset. Bring the papers home, and read them through when you have calmed down. Consider asking a friend to read them too.

Later, such as tomorrow:

* Work on household budget, and make necessary cuts.

* Make your job loss known.

* Start looking for the next job.

* Get a daily routine which includes exercise and meeting other people without spending.

[Honeylioness]

MittenKitten - 11/03/10 01:00 PM

I have a challenge for any who wants it: Before you purchase anything visualize what that item is going to do for you or add to your life. Is it worth the money? Time? Effort?

I have been doing this for years. If I find that I keep thinking of the item then I must really want it. But if it another dust collector no thanks. I also think about how much the money I would spend on it would be worth in 10 years if I invested the money.

The same goes for those little things we like to do for ourselves. If you go to a coffee shop and get a coffee for $4.00 5 days a week, is that worth $1040 a YEAR! If you cut it down to once a week then it is $208. Always think of the bigger picture.

azmomx3 - 11/03/10 01:36 PM


MK: DH is good about breaking it down into hours worked. He will say to get the kids a new trampoline will cost X amount of hours worked and the decide if that is worth it. Problem is his idea of what is worth spending money on isn't always on want vs need!


kcgaloz - 11/03/10 02:31 PM

Thanksgiving will be at my house. So there will be a few added expenses. For the first time ever I will ask each child to bring a dish and their favorite dessert. We will be eating on cute paper plates so I don't spend all day in the kitchen cleaning. I'd rather spend time with the family than in the kitchen.

So here is my question: What time saving things to you do to make Thanksgiving day go smoother, like cooking some ahead of time? Does any one else out there use paper plates? My family thinks it is a horrible cop out that we don't use real china but when it comes to washing that china by hand no one can be found to help and I just don't want to do it. By the time I have cleaned the house, cook the meal and did as many dishes as I can ahead of time I just don't want to wash fine china after Thanksgiving is over.


SingleMom - Ky - 11/03/10 03:17 PM

KCGal -[/b] We have been using paper plates at my grandma's house for about 10 years now for the same reason; no one wanted to do the dishes. My grandmother still cooks all of Thanksgiving dinner - she will not let us help out. But she does most things ahead of time - she bakes rolls & pies the weekend before; she rolls out the dumplings & freezes those usually a week or 2 ahead; she has the dressing made the day before so she just has to bake it and she will peel & cut up the potatoes the day before. So thanksgiving morning is putting the turkey, rolls & dressing in the oven at the right time and cooking potatoes and green beans on the stove top.


SES_Books - 11/03/10 04:23 PM

The biggest Thanksgiving timesaver I have is to go to someone else's house. Even if I bring several dishes with me, I don't have all the prep for people in my house, even if they are family.

Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/03/10 04:43 PM

mittenkitten, kcgal,[/b] I know moneysquirrel is doing her family's Thanksgiving dinner again this year. She's become a real pro at it, so I'm sure she'll weigh in later tonight (after jammies, a nap, sinus meds). I'm no cook, but one idea that works is to plan at least one veg and one dessert that is straight out of the freezer. For me, frozen small, yummy peas, and a cherry cheesecake by our favorite family baker from NC, "Sara" herself, LOL.


azmomx3 - 11/03/10 06:18 PM

kcgal:[/b] I use paper plates! I really don't have the choice since I do not have enough every day dishes to serve on and I only have a 2 person set of china! We do host Thanksgiving at our house for both sides of our family. We normally do not draw a big crowd (by my standards) because families alternate one year with us the next with in-laws. One year we did have about 40 people come over and we ate outside. It was AWESOME! The secret is planning. DD and I plan our menu in advance and then just like grocery shopping we make a list of every ingredient we need and buy them when they go on sale throughout the month. All the pies get made in advanced and any chopping and prep work gets done the night before and so does the set up and table decorations! We keep the menu simple and nothing takes more than an hour to put together and make. We roast the turkey and that cuts down on cooking time and use of the oven!! The meal is our gift to our family but if they ask if they can bring anything we do not turn anyone down and normally ask for drinks, ice or a side item to share. I LOVE THANKSGIVING!!!!!!


moneysquirrel - 11/03/10 08:44 PM

Thanksgiving: I do the whole thing. It is about the only time that I have everyone over so I don't mind. I don't do a lot of heavy duty fancy things. I get as much done the day before as possible. I do use real plates (dishwasher safe) but the cleanup is girl time in the kitchen after the meal and before the dessert. Once the first load is started we rejoin the guys until the rest of the dishes are dirty with dessert. We have always done this and with many hands the time is minimal. Usually I set the good stainless (don't own silver) aside and hand wash it when everyone leaves as I sip a glass of wine. At least we no longer do the "day after shopping" trip. BTW we have a late lunch so some of my guests do dinner #2 with others.




Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 11/03/10 10:25 PM[/b]

SES: I had to wipe several layers of dust off the iron so you don't have to worry about over use of the iron

What! The best appliance since sliced bread...er..toasters... allowed to gather dust! Oh man. My iron is my constant companion. That's how sad it is. Open-mouthed Honeylioness, come to my rescue, here!


kcgaloz - 11/04/10 08:16 AM

Sharing [/b]in the states we have what is called wrinkle free clothing. (giggle giggle) I'm all about that! Very little ironing for me. I can see how there would be more ironing since you like to sew.