Does Tulsa have spoiled rotten kids?

Parenting.com recently released a survey that babycenter.com conducted over the last three years tracking how much money was spent on food, clothing, electronic items and toys on kids to teens. They released this study labeling the cities that spent the most per a kid as having the most "spoiled" kids. Tulsa, Oklahoma placed in the top 10!




- This study left me scratching my head. Don't get me wrong I do believe that Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to "some" spoiled kids. However, we are just like other communities and towns across America. Some have more material items, some have less, and a lot fall in between.




The study listed Madison, Wi as the city that spent the least per a kid over the last 3 years. When I researched this city, unemployment sky rocketed in 2009. I know as a parent, you may want to buy your kid extra's and new clothes but, (a big but here) if you don't have your regular income coming in, you can't buy extra's that this study tracked.

I noticed that two cities in Texas placed in the top 10. In Oklahoma and Texas much of our economy is based on "Energy" revenue job not manufacturing jobs. I remember watching on the evening news over the last three years and hearing the stories of the common man, "the crisis on main street" is how NBC I believe labeled their coverage of the recession and the cities that were hardest hit. Maybe, just maybe this study does not accurately reflect the countries most spoiled kids, but reflects the towns and cities across America that have been impacted the most during the recession this last 3-4 years.

What do you think? Is your city or state on the list? How has your area weathered the changing economic climate? Have their been drastic changes in your state? I would love to know what you think!
Here is the link to the original article http://www.bundle.com/article/cities-spoil-their-kids-most/
Amy

THE LIPSTICK EFFECT

The "lipstick effect" I know you all are thinking what is that? Could it be where my lip print remains on my coffee cup after I take a sip, the added mint flavoring to my lip gloss to help freshen my breath? The come hear look I can send my husband once I have gussied up for the evening. (Well it is closer to the last one) I heard on the NBC nightly news broadcast with Brian Williams that there was a study done showing that the sale of lipstick was high even during these hard times.
Why did the sale of Lipstick of all things go up during a recession you ask? Well so did I, so I googled this new terminology "lipstick effect" and found a wonderful web site Phys.org that had an article written about a study that Professor Nancy Upton had done that stated: “During the Depression, we saw something referred to as the ‘Lipstick Effect,’ which showed an increase in the consumer purchase of cosmetics, especially lipstick,” she says. “What we saw was a consumer trying to make themselves feel better through small, indulgent, hedonic consumption.”
So that made me start thinking what was my "Lipstick effect"? What do I purchase to give myself a little lift or what do I still treat myself to even though I am watching our budget and cutting back???

I believe my "indulgence" is probably nice hand lotion, a cup of coffee from Starbucks (I have cut way back now only about 1 a month) and yes, I confess I have bought lipstick! (A real pretty pink color just right for Spring!) Because after all don't we all love lipstick - do you remember getting into your moms purse to put some on, or having caught your little princess playing with yours??
So if "lipstick" is not your "lipstick effect" during these tighter days what is yours??? What puts a little bit a pep in your step, or makes you want to give that man in your life that come here look. I would love to hear what your little indulgence is!