Should Made in the U.S.A. be the first – or last – thing to ask yourself?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: If you were to ask us how we show that we’re proud to be an American, Red would tell you about the large bear in her entry hall that displays an American flag for July 4th and cheering for American teams in world sports competitions; but Black tends to work on holidays (and her birthday) so it’s not surprising her answer would include a major business decision.
Before Black turned Red’s “crisis” into a book (what are big sisters for?!), Red never thought about buying American-made products, focusing solely on price and quality. But when Black insisted on printing in the U.S.A. (even though it doubled the cost), Red listened to logic and decided she’d try to buy American more often. However, it’s never happened,
I know I should, and I want to, but I just don’t seem to be able to turn my “good intentions” into actions. I wonder if it’s because I try to be very cost-conscious when buying things and, let’s face it, most products made overseas are usually cheaper.
Black is quick to point out that cheaper is a relative term. How it might be true in terms of the price tag. But often not when you consider quality. Something that may be cheaper at first may not last as long, so needs to be replaced more often and may become more expensive in the long run.
Black does understand Red’s focus on cost and that calculations such as “cost per wearing” aren’t how Red’s brain functions. So, she suggested Red think about “why” (probably Black’s favorite word, especially when it comes to guiding decision-making) she’d like to “Buy American”,
Are you doing it to be patriotic? Is it to show your support of American workers and local businesses? Is it for environmental or social reasons? Knowing the “why” can remind you it is more than looking at the price tag. At that point, you can decide (if there is a premium) how much extra you are willing (and able) to pay. It does not matter whether it is a big purchase (like a car or major appliance) or smaller items (like clothing or household items); the key is getting into the habit of thinking before spending.
And the single best and easiest way to start to buy American? Simple! Just get in the habit of checking labels.
When the news is challenging or life’s stressful, there’s something comforting about Girl Scout cookies. Always has been, which is why we’re rerunning this post from several years ago.
Girl Scouts, though, are about so much more than cookies, as year-round girls learn important life skills, gain confidence, and discover leadership skills. But buying cookies is such a sweet way (sorry, we couldn’t resist) to support the organization. Red’s favorite is the classic shortbread (now known as Trefoils), and Black buys a large assortment and gives them all away.
But hurry! Cookie season ends on March 23.
P.S. - If S’mores and Toast-Yay! are your favorites … make sure you stock up as this is the last year they’ll be available.
Let's play word association. If we say, "Girl Scouts," what's the first word that comes to mind? Ok, what's the second word?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: When Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout meeting – hoping to create an organization that redefined what was possible for girls everywhere – there was no way for her to know the difference it would make in the lives of millions of girls and their communities.
Many people's first (and sometimes only) image of Girl Scouts is as cookie salespeople – either selling door-to-door or at a make-shift table at a grocery or other store (or having their parents hand you an order form). But if you've been a Girl Scout (both of us have) or know someone who has, you know that Girl Scouts are about so much more.
So, as we celebrate the Girls Scouts being around for over 100 years, we should celebrate the years of fun and friendships, and for helping girls learn important qualities such as responsibility, courage, strength, and independence. Qualities that are as important in 2021 as they were in 1912.
And what better way to celebrate than to buy some Girl Scout cookies? Guilt-free as you're helping a good cause.
Today’s turbulent times for Jews may overshadow the celebration of the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest of the Jewish holidays. Yet, ironically, we feel it should strengthen its significance, as the holiday is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future.
If you think today’s politics are ugly … let’s talk about a man who named himself “dictator for life” of the Roman empire, and is then assassinated by a group of senators, including his best friend. (However, there’s a “pretty” part – Cleopatra was his mistress.) Food trivia and leadership lessons aside, the fact July is named after him is the perfect excuse to rerun one of Red’s favorite Banter Bites …
Quick! If someone says "Julius Caesar," what comes to mind?
BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Almost everyone has heard of Julius Caesar, but how many of us really know much about him, or at least that's what Red starts to wonder when she receives the usual flippant, but still accurate, reply from her sister, after feeling very proud that she knew that July was named after the famous Roman.
Which is what got Red to realize, much to her surprise (shock, if truth be told), that even as a straight-A student with a love of history, that when it came to Julius Caesar, a famous historical figure and possibly one of the greatest generals and statesmen of all time, she couldn't tell you dates or battles or anything "historical" associated with him.
Even as a theater major in college, she never read Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," although she knew just enough about the play to know that it was where the fortune teller warned Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March." Instead, her knowledge of Caesar came from her love of movies.
My first, and probably my most enduring, memory is of a brilliant general who not only commanded armies as he conquered lands far from home but was a great statesman who was also involved with one of the world's most beautiful women. And while he was Julius Caesar and the woman was Cleopatra, to me, they'll always be Rex Harrison and Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, a movie almost as controversial as the general himself.
And Black? Besides knowing that Caesar Salad was invented by a different Caesar, she appreciates Julius Caesar's leadership skills and way with words,
There is much we can learn about leadership from Julius Caesar, whether on the battlefield, in politics, or in business (start small, take risks, communicate well), including what ultimately led to his death (always consider worst-case scenarios, never get complacent or arrogant). Many of his quotes speak (pun intended) to his powerful way with words, and the ability to not only deliver a message but to inspire (and story tell), with my favorite being, "I came, I saw, I conquered."