A Gal's Got to Do, What a Gals Got to Do

My husband just doesn't understand the inborn need for a woman to shop. Most women acquire this 'Shopping gene' over the years. It's no different than a man's thrill to hunt, win or think they are invincible.

Females need to shop in order to find the 'Deal'. It doesn't matter what the deal is, as long as the purchase is less than the original cost. The bigger the savings the more exciting the trip. When I saw this 70+ year old driving a Beetle car, I knew she loved to shop, even if it was for bigger things than just stuff. Yes, my choice would be the same, if I could afford it.

When 70% off the retail value or clearance is advertised, you bet I have to check out what's available. Retail (photo) was $160, actual purchase of Izod shirt, Carters PJ's, etc. was $34.50 (Approx $5.75 ea). Birthday, Christmas, Aunt Beth's anniversary or Helping the Homeless are reasons to find something for anyone I may or may not know.

$.88 Tuesday finds me at Honks. Even dollar stores have sales, I'm not above checking out.

After holiday sales are a grab bag of goods for the next year or other events. Why pay premium, when it can be bought at rock bottom prices. Don't let society drive our purchasing power with commercialism and deadline dates? I'm much happier with a dozen roses for $8 on February 22nd than ones costing $50 on Valentines Day.

Coupons: Use only when the goods are on sale, can be doubled or register rewards make them nearly free. These high priced items aren't really saving us money if we don't need it, use it or want it. Why waste time and money on something that isn't really healthy. Avoid the pricey junk foods being touted as 'must haves' by huge manufacturing companies.

The BIG Six - Servings that Satisfy

Oranges, bananas, apricots, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli contain the best all around goodness for our health. These are the big SIX fruits and vegetables that provide the most nutrients our bodies need. Over the years we have become overfed and undernourished with our super-sized diets. Left behind are the whole fruits and vegetables. Consumption of more bottled, boxed and bagged items full of added fats, flavorings and fru-fru have become the norm.

Many say produce is too expensive and perishable. The key is to buy it on sale or clearance. Watch the weekly produce ads. Most stores have a clearance section deeply discounting the day old and ageing foods. Choose the best looking and priced from the batch, leave the worst. Get into the habit of checking the discounted fruit/veggies with every store visit. Be sure to eat them within a few days to avoid waste. Learn the seasons of fruits and vegetables, taking advantage of price and freshness.

Soon you will be eating mango, strawberries, peppers, spinach, cauliflower and more at rock bottom prices, because of the deals you can find. The natural sugars from a five or more a day diet will end the craving crisis we have for a chips, sweets or such.

Set a plate of fruit out every meal and remember to have several of these powerhouse SIX everyday. Nothing can replace the complete nutrition and fiber from produce, our bodies need to stay optimally healthy. Your cells will be soooo grateful.

Very Valentines

Holidays are so much fun that I go all out, with decorations, plates, napkins, wear clothes to match and so on. I even start to see the color being celebrated in everything.

Pulling out fabric scraps, I tied together this bright red hanger wreath. It looked so good, I made one for my Mother, too. With small paper bags hung as a garland, stamped letters and contrasting paper, it was a snap to put together a LOVE sign.

A red velvet cake mix came in handy for the classy parfait desserts that included fresh strawberries, yogurt, a cream cheese mix, jello and chunks of the cake. Friends received the deep red cupcakes with cinnamon sugar hearts on top as well. One recipient said, "These look delicious!" They were, too.

We didn't stop there. Hitting the matinee, we saw a new release (rare by our standards) Gnomeo and Juliet. It was cute. Why not live it up? Go to town.

Finiky Feet

I tell shoe salesmen that "I'm not picky, but my feet ARE!" Yes, they don't like high heels, arches that don't fit, tight or floppy shoes. That's why I never have the hippest feet, because comfort is more important than 'show'.

Over the years I've discovered, it doesn't pay to buy cute or the latest craze in footwear. Invariably, if they're uncomfortable I won't wear them.

Years ago a fellow employee asked me how many pairs of shoes I had. After a quick mental inventory I told her about twenty. Later I counted them and sure enough had that many. I maintain about the same number all the time.

Be it jogging, hiking, working or dependable, each shoe does its job while supporting my high arches. When I see people limping, hobbling or such, I know it is best to take care of these 'finiky feet' ever single day.