I went to Walmart today. The day before we are to get (possibly) 16 inches of snow. It was a zoo. But, surprisingly, people were NICE. Yes, nice. I couldn't believe it. I mean, except for the few crazies that were trying to get through express checkout with 1,987 items, it wasn't bad at all. One had a screaming baby, so I totally didn't blame her.
I was picking up a grand total of 3 items. Don't ask me why I needed to be out. I laughed at my total of $9.14 (at Walmart!). How is that even POSSIBLE? I never leave there with less than half a cartload! I explained my chuckle to the cashier, saying something to the tune of, "Why did I feel the need to come out in the snow to spend $9.14?" And she said, "Because it's EXCITING." She was completely straight-faced. She meant it! EXCITING. Hmmmm...
But there is something to her comment. Being out in treacherous conditions seems to create a bit of a "Survivor's Club" in the participants. People (the ones who aren't grumpy about the snow) seem more friendly, somehow.
For example, I was standing in the baking goods aisle, trying to read the expiration date on yeast (my new bifocals were brilliantly left at home), when a very nice lady (a stranger) struck up a conversation with me about bread baking. The day is not yet done and we've already exchanged a recipe via email. I actually know her family, so it's not that weird. :) Gotta love small towns.
Then, as I was pushing my cart with 3 items (I don't know why, but that just seems so funny to me! At Walmart!), I passed a man who wanted to know where I got my coat. My coat is at least FOUR years old and (sadly) at any given time probably has a dozen collie hairs on it. But, I told him Cabella's and he seemed pleased to know. He said he liked it a lot and thought his wife would too. He was wearing a hunting cap so I have the idea that maybe an excuse to go to Cabella's made him happy. :)
So, aside from some crazy drivers in the parking lot, and a few in the store (not driving) :), I quite enjoyed my foray into the pre-snow shopping "Survivor's Club." :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
What is it about me that screams, "CLEARANCE RACK?"
I was shopping at some local outlet stores and I walked by a store that I have never been in. Hmmm... They had a FINAL DAYS CLEARANCE sign in the window. WELL! Not one to pass up FINAL DAYS, I walked inside. :)
It was a Columbia Sportswear store. Now, I just bought my son a winter coat for $15 at JC Penney that was regularly $80. I was in DEEP CLEARANCE MODE. So, I walk through the Columbia store, thinking of buying my daughter a new (warmer) coat, and it becomes QUICKLY obvious that my idea and Columbia's idea of FINAL DAYS CLEARANCE differ greatly.
I just want to mention here that I didn't (for once) look scruffy. I have on a rather nice Cabella's coat and my good (non-scuffed) purse. I am relatively dog hair free (with three large beasts at home, this is a feat in itself). I am even holding large bags (showing that I'm obviously willing to spend!).
So, I am browsing. Salespeople offer to help. I decline. I continue to browse. I work my way back to the front door b/c I am obviously out of my price range.
BUT WAIT! They have suddenly identified me as A CLEARANCE SHOPPER and direct my gaze to the newly marked down CLEARANCE RACK. It is SO SPECIAL that employees are not allowed to purchase from it. WOW! (riiight) But, I start looking. I note the 75% off sign. I spy ... BOOTS! :)
It was really funny because I gushed, evidently loudly, over the rack to such a degree that there was a stampede to it by every other person in the store. I was lucky to drag my loot over to the register before someone else grabbed it! I mean, I nabbed $80 boots for $12.50! COLUMBIA boots. AND a pair of ski pants for my daughter that she's been begging for that were $100... for $15!!! That's like a TARGET clearance price! (And boy, do I love Target clearance!) When I left, the other shoppers had nearly emptied the rack. It was rather amazing. I felt like I'd won or something! :) How much do I love finding things we really need at rock bottom prices? A LOT!
It was perfect timing, too, because now we are expecting something like a foot or more of snow tonight and I see SLED RIDING in our future! :)
It was a Columbia Sportswear store. Now, I just bought my son a winter coat for $15 at JC Penney that was regularly $80. I was in DEEP CLEARANCE MODE. So, I walk through the Columbia store, thinking of buying my daughter a new (warmer) coat, and it becomes QUICKLY obvious that my idea and Columbia's idea of FINAL DAYS CLEARANCE differ greatly.
I just want to mention here that I didn't (for once) look scruffy. I have on a rather nice Cabella's coat and my good (non-scuffed) purse. I am relatively dog hair free (with three large beasts at home, this is a feat in itself). I am even holding large bags (showing that I'm obviously willing to spend!).
So, I am browsing. Salespeople offer to help. I decline. I continue to browse. I work my way back to the front door b/c I am obviously out of my price range.
BUT WAIT! They have suddenly identified me as A CLEARANCE SHOPPER and direct my gaze to the newly marked down CLEARANCE RACK. It is SO SPECIAL that employees are not allowed to purchase from it. WOW! (riiight) But, I start looking. I note the 75% off sign. I spy ... BOOTS! :)
It was really funny because I gushed, evidently loudly, over the rack to such a degree that there was a stampede to it by every other person in the store. I was lucky to drag my loot over to the register before someone else grabbed it! I mean, I nabbed $80 boots for $12.50! COLUMBIA boots. AND a pair of ski pants for my daughter that she's been begging for that were $100... for $15!!! That's like a TARGET clearance price! (And boy, do I love Target clearance!) When I left, the other shoppers had nearly emptied the rack. It was rather amazing. I felt like I'd won or something! :) How much do I love finding things we really need at rock bottom prices? A LOT!
It was perfect timing, too, because now we are expecting something like a foot or more of snow tonight and I see SLED RIDING in our future! :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Well, What DID I Expect?
I just returned a pasta pot to Macy's. It was beautiful and $100, so I was looking forward to using what I thought was a quality kitchen product. After ONE use, I noticed rust spots in the bottom of the pot. RUST. $100 pot!!!
It is not as if I let the water sit in the pot for any length of time, either. I washed it out and dried it when the handles were still warm.
So, I found the receipt and the box (thank goodness I still had it) and marched it into Macy's.
As soon as I got to the counter, I heard an employee saying, "I can leave in 5 minutes." So, I thought, "Oh, she'll be right over."
(Waiting.)
(Waiting some more.)
Another employee walked by and eluded my stare, but then, several minutes later, realized that I had a BOX and I was waiting near a REGISTER. "A SALE!" he thought!
He called over the person who must have practically had her coat on by this time. She was grumpy. Now, if she had come right over when I got there, she would have already been done!
I told her what was wrong. The return was no problem. But then she turned it over and said to me (LIKE THIS WAS MY FAULT!), "Well, it's MADE IN CHINA, what did you expect?"
What did I EXPECT? Really?
I'd like to have a few words with the higher ups in the Martha Stewart kitchen products division. I really don't care where the item was made. If it can be purchased at Macy's (with a $100 price tag!) and Martha Stewart has her name on it, I EXPECT a quality product.
So, there is my rant for the day. I wish I had a good pasta pot. Does anyone have a suggestion of one they use and like?
It is not as if I let the water sit in the pot for any length of time, either. I washed it out and dried it when the handles were still warm.
So, I found the receipt and the box (thank goodness I still had it) and marched it into Macy's.
As soon as I got to the counter, I heard an employee saying, "I can leave in 5 minutes." So, I thought, "Oh, she'll be right over."
(Waiting.)
(Waiting some more.)
Another employee walked by and eluded my stare, but then, several minutes later, realized that I had a BOX and I was waiting near a REGISTER. "A SALE!" he thought!
He called over the person who must have practically had her coat on by this time. She was grumpy. Now, if she had come right over when I got there, she would have already been done!
I told her what was wrong. The return was no problem. But then she turned it over and said to me (LIKE THIS WAS MY FAULT!), "Well, it's MADE IN CHINA, what did you expect?"
What did I EXPECT? Really?
I'd like to have a few words with the higher ups in the Martha Stewart kitchen products division. I really don't care where the item was made. If it can be purchased at Macy's (with a $100 price tag!) and Martha Stewart has her name on it, I EXPECT a quality product.
So, there is my rant for the day. I wish I had a good pasta pot. Does anyone have a suggestion of one they use and like?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
One out of 6 ain't bad
Ain't? Ain't? Yes, I said ain't. It's the result of hearing "youns" instead of "you" for the past two hours. I really don't mind, but it has this gosh darn effect on me, daggone it.
(Taking off hillbilly hat and putting on my usual one...note I did not say "normal" one. :) I hesitate to read the commentary that word would dredge up when used in affiliation with me. :) hehe)
So, I'm back from my haircut and coloring appointment. There is probably some hip word for all that, but I don't know it. Hey, I finally stopped calling the place a beauty parlor and refer to it as a salon. One step at a time, right?
I now have hair that seems to be shaped like Dolly Parton's (on a pouffy day) and colored like Sarah Palin's. Only shorter.
Ahem.
No photos will be forthcoming.
Still, one iffy haircut out of six over the past year isn't bad at all! I still love the person who does my hair... next time I'm just going to ask her to step away from the hairspray...
(She really is talented... we just had some miscues this time.)
UPDATE: Just combed out the pouf and I actually really like it now! :) I'm so pessimistic with hair. It's really soft and I LOVE the new color. I got a whiny post out of it AND I like it after all. Win-win! :) lol
(Taking off hillbilly hat and putting on my usual one...note I did not say "normal" one. :) I hesitate to read the commentary that word would dredge up when used in affiliation with me. :) hehe)
So, I'm back from my haircut and coloring appointment. There is probably some hip word for all that, but I don't know it. Hey, I finally stopped calling the place a beauty parlor and refer to it as a salon. One step at a time, right?
I now have hair that seems to be shaped like Dolly Parton's (on a pouffy day) and colored like Sarah Palin's. Only shorter.
Ahem.
No photos will be forthcoming.
Still, one iffy haircut out of six over the past year isn't bad at all! I still love the person who does my hair... next time I'm just going to ask her to step away from the hairspray...
(She really is talented... we just had some miscues this time.)
UPDATE: Just combed out the pouf and I actually really like it now! :) I'm so pessimistic with hair. It's really soft and I LOVE the new color. I got a whiny post out of it AND I like it after all. Win-win! :) lol
Monday, January 11, 2010
And it ends...
The season of Cake Fest is finally at an end! It's been a no man's land for my diet, let me tell you.
We started with a Twilight / New Moon party for Sarah, who had a Thanksgiving birthday this year. Two tiers of strawberry and french vanilla yumminess. The first cake. Devoured rapidly. Ignore the vampires. I almost made a blood red cake to go with the theme, but resisted. I think the girls appreciated that. :)
Note that I was NOT serving wine to 13-year-old girls. We had cranberry Sierra Mist in wine glasses (because when you turn 13, beverages in fancy glasses seem cool). You can see the evidence of this by the 2-liter bottle in the background. Hey, we are classy, too! ;) lol
Then we had Matt's birthday on Pearl Harbor Day. Of course, he had THREE "parties" so he had THREE cakes/cupcake trees. These were devoured rapidly but we were losing impetus as we got to to the last cake.
Here's the first cupcake fest:
And here is his cake on his actual birthday:
Now, I enjoy baking birthday cakes, but even I was losing steam at this point.
Along comes Christmas. Cookies. LOTS of cookies. I did not bake a SINGLE Christmas cookie and we STILL had trays of cookies (gifts). The kids LOVE this time of year. Cakes, cookies, what's not to love? ;)
I said no cookies were baked, but the CANDY we made, well... that is another story. May I highly recommend Oreo Truffles to anyone who likes that sort of thing? Super easy to make! Homemade caramels, orange-cranberry mini bread loaves, and peanut butter balls (they are really BUCKEYES but people who like WVU refuse to eat BUCKEYES, so I've been told to call them peanut butter balls. Hey, when in Rome...)
So, my diet made it to about Dec. 15, intact. No real blows yet, since we gave most of the candy away. Then I just lost the fight. Sigh. New Year's Eve... OINK.
Then comes January... our LAST birthday. Thomas loves Reese's, so we had a Reese's cake. This thing is too rich even for ME.
But first, we started with the cupcake tree at grandma's. (Note the extra awesome new Steelers shirt.) ;)
Then we went sledding to shed the pounds gained. ;)
We went home to THIS.
My dear daughter stayed up with me until midnight the night before putting this together! SOMEONE wouldn't go to bed (too excited about turning 12!) and we wanted the cake to be a surprise.
In case you doubt the richness, here's a pic of the inside... it has pudding, whipping cream, melted chocolate, and cocoa ALL IN THE CAKE batter. The icing has peanut butter, whipping cream, butter, powdered sugar, etc. Really. Four layers of cake... 2 layers of chocolate icing... one layer of peanut butter icing... all slathered in MORE peanut butter frosting... then decorated with Reese's miniatures. Not. Rich. At. All.
Did I mention that when we stopped to pick up VANILLA ice cream to go with it, Tommy fell in love with CHOCOLATE Moose Tracks ice cream and would NOT be dissuaded? Yeah. Well, it was his birthday.
This is how I ate MY piece of cake. You may note that I don't care for peanut butter.
I don't think I've ever eaten a piece of cake quite like that before. :)
So, the Cake Fest is over. Thank goodness! My diet can continue unabated at last! :) I've ordered Jillian's 30-Day Shred from Amazon. haha It will probably kill me.
We started with a Twilight / New Moon party for Sarah, who had a Thanksgiving birthday this year. Two tiers of strawberry and french vanilla yumminess. The first cake. Devoured rapidly. Ignore the vampires. I almost made a blood red cake to go with the theme, but resisted. I think the girls appreciated that. :)
Note that I was NOT serving wine to 13-year-old girls. We had cranberry Sierra Mist in wine glasses (because when you turn 13, beverages in fancy glasses seem cool). You can see the evidence of this by the 2-liter bottle in the background. Hey, we are classy, too! ;) lol
Then we had Matt's birthday on Pearl Harbor Day. Of course, he had THREE "parties" so he had THREE cakes/cupcake trees. These were devoured rapidly but we were losing impetus as we got to to the last cake.
Here's the first cupcake fest:
And here is his cake on his actual birthday:
Now, I enjoy baking birthday cakes, but even I was losing steam at this point.
Along comes Christmas. Cookies. LOTS of cookies. I did not bake a SINGLE Christmas cookie and we STILL had trays of cookies (gifts). The kids LOVE this time of year. Cakes, cookies, what's not to love? ;)
I said no cookies were baked, but the CANDY we made, well... that is another story. May I highly recommend Oreo Truffles to anyone who likes that sort of thing? Super easy to make! Homemade caramels, orange-cranberry mini bread loaves, and peanut butter balls (they are really BUCKEYES but people who like WVU refuse to eat BUCKEYES, so I've been told to call them peanut butter balls. Hey, when in Rome...)
So, my diet made it to about Dec. 15, intact. No real blows yet, since we gave most of the candy away. Then I just lost the fight. Sigh. New Year's Eve... OINK.
Then comes January... our LAST birthday. Thomas loves Reese's, so we had a Reese's cake. This thing is too rich even for ME.
But first, we started with the cupcake tree at grandma's. (Note the extra awesome new Steelers shirt.) ;)
Then we went sledding to shed the pounds gained. ;)
We went home to THIS.
My dear daughter stayed up with me until midnight the night before putting this together! SOMEONE wouldn't go to bed (too excited about turning 12!) and we wanted the cake to be a surprise.
In case you doubt the richness, here's a pic of the inside... it has pudding, whipping cream, melted chocolate, and cocoa ALL IN THE CAKE batter. The icing has peanut butter, whipping cream, butter, powdered sugar, etc. Really. Four layers of cake... 2 layers of chocolate icing... one layer of peanut butter icing... all slathered in MORE peanut butter frosting... then decorated with Reese's miniatures. Not. Rich. At. All.
Did I mention that when we stopped to pick up VANILLA ice cream to go with it, Tommy fell in love with CHOCOLATE Moose Tracks ice cream and would NOT be dissuaded? Yeah. Well, it was his birthday.
This is how I ate MY piece of cake. You may note that I don't care for peanut butter.
I don't think I've ever eaten a piece of cake quite like that before. :)
So, the Cake Fest is over. Thank goodness! My diet can continue unabated at last! :) I've ordered Jillian's 30-Day Shred from Amazon. haha It will probably kill me.
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