Live a little and quit whining!

I am tired of always hearing about how we are in a recession and everyone is going out of business. I personally think this "recession" is a good life lesson on how to cut back on the things you really don't need. We have been living outside of our means for too long - and I'm taking full responsibility here, too!

I recently received an email from Marketing Profs. Their tid-bits of advice are always so handy and quick to read.

Here's what they are saying about the recession - not everyone is feeling the crunch:

• Wine drinkers are still imbibing—but they're "looking more closely at cheaper selections."


• Used car sales are on the rise, as are parts at auto stores.


• Sales at Goodwill Industries are booming—while those at luxury retailers like Saks have plummeted.


• Comfort food is king: Chocolate-maker Hershey's sales were up 20 percent in the first three months of 2009; sales of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese have gone through the roof.


• Do-it-yourself is tops. Consumers are "buying things that they can use themselves," Riechmann says, such as fishing equipment and seeds for at-home vegetable gardens.


• DIY fitness is booming. Sales of running shoes are robust, as are those of bicycle helmets.

I have to agree - comfort food and thrift store shopping are the best! :)

So get out there, stop whining and live a little smarter! I think you'll find that life is still grand!